Review of Healthy Blends, in Little Falls, MN

Read about it here

Photo by Shirley Hirst, courtesy of http://www.photoxpress.com/

The first step in eating for health and happiness, is stressing LESS

Read about stressing less here

New defense against frightening "superbugs" offers hope

If you are concerned about the new "superbugs" like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), you are not alone.


A research team led by Monina Klevens at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that MRSA causes 19,000 deaths every year in the U.S. - that's more than HIV/AIDS.

Super bugs are hard to treat in part because they can spread quickly once gaining access to the bloodstream; and because superbugs are resistant to a major class of antibiotics (beta-lactams,) limiting your physician to use just a small set of antibiotics, each of which has serious side effects.

Because MRSA is a bacteria, it can be contracted easily. The bacteria is usually spread by someone that is carrying the disease, and when they get any of their bodily fluids (sweat, spit or blood) on any surface other people can come into contact with. The bacteria must have a place to enter into the body and go into the blood stream, so it can enter through cuts, scrapes, wounds or even areas of the skin that are weak or broken. The elderly are especially susceptible to MRSA due to their thinner skin, and people with psoriasis and eczema are also at a higher risk of contracting the bacteria.

They are fairly easy to catch as they are carried by bodily fluids (sweat, spit or blood) on any surface other people can come into contact with. The bacteria enters through cuts, scrapes, wounds or even areas of the skin that are weak or broken. "The elderly are especially susceptible to MRSA due to their thinner skin, and people with psoriasis and eczema are also at a higher risk of contracting the bacteria."

Common sites of infection: school gyms, fitness centers, health care centers, basically anywhere people are likely to leave behind their blood or sweat.

Since some strains of MRSA have already become resistant to the most effective of these, treatment takes longer and is more costly. "Even for those who survive, the price of MRSA is high: a patient who contracts it while hospitalized stays an average 10 days longer and costs an additional $30,000." says Walsh and Fischbach of Scientific American.

Without an effective pharmaceutical treatment, many people are turning more to preventative measures to protect themselves against superbugs. Doctors, professional athletes, and scientists, alike are touting the benefits of the patented immune-boosting supplement MonaVie (M)m?n.

MonaVie (M)m?n (pronounced "em-mune") is a beneficial blend of 19 fruits and the proprietary, patent-protected ingredient Wellmune®, and is scientifically formulated to optimize the body's natural defenses with powerful antioxidants (help protect against free radicals) and support the immune system on a daily basis.

What exactly does Wellmune® do? Basically it preps your immune system to identify and neutralize potentially harmful microbes. The ingredient is a natural beta-glucan polysaccharide (a complex carbohydrate) isolated from the cell walls of a proprietary strain of baker's yeast.

Jeff Graham, VP of Product Management says "MonaVie brings innovation in the healthy lifestyle product category with the introduction of (M)m?n. We have exclusive rights to market Wellmune® in our industry, delivering a daily immune defense solution to the health-conscious consumer who is on the go."

The best part is that it only takes 2 ounces of MonaVie (M)m?n, twice a day, to deliver a whopping 250 mg of Wellmune®, which has been shown in clinical research to help strengthen your body's natural immune defenses and promote overall well being.

In fact, in a four week study published in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine (2009) 8, 509-515, marathon athletes who took Wellmune® reported "During the course of the 4-week study, subjects in the treatment groups (250 mg and 500 mg BETA-GLUCAN per day) reported significantly fewer upper respiratory tract infection symptoms, better overall health and decreased confusion, fatigue, tension, and anger, and increased vigor based on the POMS survey compared to placebo."

Minnesota Local source of MonaVie (M)mun
Outside of Minnesota you can also find MonaVie.

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Photo by Sergii Shalimov, courtesy of http://www.photoxpress.com/

Abdallah Candies' Caramel Apples

It's that time of year again. The leaves are turning golden red, and pumpkins line country drives dotted with plucky, hand-lettered signs glued to craft sticks. Watermelon and sweet corn make way for butternut squash and dried mixed nuts, and caramel apples balance happily on produce shelves, all dressed up in pretty, white, paper wrappers.


But, really, what can you expect from a store-bought caramel apple? More often than not, the apple is bruised, if not downright mushy, not to mention partially cooked from it's long ago drowning in overheated caramel.

Speaking of that brown, stiff glob of sugary rubber, it rarely meanders past the mid-point of said apple. Not particularly appetizing.

However, and you knew this was coming, hope springs eternal.

This very day in Coborn's Grocery in Little Falls, Minnesota a sale was to be had on caramel apples. Little eyes turned to saucers and tiny lips pursed into pink hearts full of desire for the golden orbs cased in clear plastic, complete with a happy, green label which said, "homemade." The kids were pretty excited, too.

Into the cart went three Abdallah Homemade Caramel Apples and into the car went three giddy children. About thirty seconds later, four of us were smacking sticky lips with silly, sugar-laden grins.

Abdallah Candies Who knew?
If you're in Minneapolis, Minnesota - pretty much everyone.


Since 1909, the fourth-generation business remains family owned, still using the old recipes, and even some of the original equipment. Only the good stuff, like copper kettles.

Abdallah creates traditional chocolates, caramels, and toffees as well as trendy flavors like licorice and chocolate mint, and a customer favorite "Cashew Grizzlies, in a 60,000 sq. ft. facility complete with viewing area. You can buy piece by piece in the store, or order online, even wholesale.

If Abdallah's can be judged by their caramel apples, dig in, you won't be sorry.

Read original article here.

Photo by Alexey Stiop, courtesy of http://www.photoxpress.cpm/

Want to lose weight or lose fat? Second of the top ten fat-burning foods to start eating now

Coconuts and coconut oil.

According to Bruce Fife, ND, over the past 30 years fat consumption has decreased by 11%, and total calorie consumption has decreased by 4%, yet two-thirds of the people who lose weight on low-fat diets gain it all back within one year.

The fact is that eating enough of the right fats is essential for long term weight loss. Fat slows down the emptying of the stomach so that you feel full longer. As a result, you consume fewer calories.

While all fats suppress the appetite, those with Medium Chain Triglycerides are better for weight loss.

A recent study in The Journal of Nutrition shows that replacing your usual fats with MCT fats, like coconut oil, will help you burn more energy, eat less, and that "both animal and human trials suggest a greater satiating effect of medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) compared with long-chain triglycerides (LCT)." In essence, you are satisfied with less food, and burn fat more quickly and easily.

Dr. Andrew Weil notes "that coconut oil is high in lauric acid and contains trace amounts of caprylic acid, both of which appear to have antiviral and antifungal properties, and support immune function," although he reminds us that coconut oil is still a saturated fat, and should be used in moderation. Other studies support the antiviral effect, in that coconut oil has been found to delay, and reduce the spread of viruses, including HIV.

Back to the first of the top ten fat-burning foods.

Photo by Suat Eman, courtesy of http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

Snap Fitness ‘Stretches Out’ Free Trial Pass to Facebook Fans

Snap Fitness ‘Stretches Out’ Free Trial Pass to Facebook Fans -

Chanhassen, MN – As cooler temperatures approach and many people are looking to bring their fitness routines indoors, they are not looking to scale back on their budgets. Snap Fitness, the world’s fastest growing fitness franchise, has a quick, simple and cost effective solution to get you into shape at one of their many fitness centers by simply becoming a “Fan” of their Snap Fitness page on Facebook.

Snap Fitness has extended its one week free trial coupon to a 14-day free trial pass for their loyal Facebook fans which can be found on their Snap Fitness page on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/SnapFitness247).

IMPORTANT Those interested in receiving the free trial offer must “Like” the Snap Fitness page on Facebook, and print the pass to use at any of the nationwide locations. All of the Snap Fitness locations provide 24/7 access, top-quality equipment and a clean, safe environment.

“We are making it easier than ever for people seeking convenient and affordable ways to look and feel better by giving them the opportunity to try out our fitness centers at no cost by simply ‘liking’ our page on Facebook,” said Peter Taunton, Founder and CEO of Snap Fitness. “With this offer, we hope to expose more consumers to Snap Fitness and show them all of the benefits of being a Snap Fitness member, without having to pay a penny for the first two weeks.”

Snap Fitness, founded in 2003, has redefined the fitness club industry by providing high-end equipment with convenient 24/7 access. While Snap Fitness offers the same quality equipment as traditional health clubs, the booming brand is setting industry standards by focusing on complete member wellness and providing a host of products and services designed to give members better results and more value for their money.

About Snap Fitness, Inc.:

Named the 16th fastest-growing private company in Inc. Magazine's prestigious 2009 Inc. 500 ranking, Snap Fitness is experiencing phenomenal growth with more than 2,000 locations sold worldwide and some 30-40 new stores added monthly. Founded in 2003 by CEO Peter Taunton, the Minnesota-based franchisor offers compact, state-of-the-art, 24/7 express fitness clubs that emphasize fast, convenient and affordable workouts in neighborhoods across America and worldwide. For more information or to learn how to open a Snap Fitness Franchise, please visit http://www.snapfitness.com/.

After your workout, don't forget to increase your effectiveness by drinking MonaVie Active premium health juice!

Review of The Asian House Lao-Thai Restaurant in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota

The Asian House is tucked away in a mini strip mall in downtown Sauk Rapids, Minnesota. The only staff you are likely to see once you arrive is your bubbly, young server who cheerfully takes orders, fills water, and cleans tables, chatting as she goes with the regulars. It kind of feels like a Lao-Thai version of your home town diner, well, if your diner serves Beef Pho and Pad Se Ew.


There is no buffet, no deep fried sweet and sour chicken, and your meal won't be out in a jiffy because it is made to order by real chefs, expertly trained in Thailand and Laos. The meal is worth the wait, delicious and mild enough for any palate, unless you request it spicy.

The menu has a good selection of soups, noodles, and rice entrees as well as beef, pork, chicken, seafood, and curries. The beef and seafood Pho, pronounced "fuh" (soup made with rice noodles and meat in broth, accompanied by fresh bean sprouts and if you ask, fried garlic) were aromatic, tasty, and filling.

The house specialties include Lob (ground chicken or beef seasoned and served with sticky rice), Lot Na (meat and Chinese broccoli in a creamy egg-drop broth), Mieng Lao (a healthy platter of fresh lettuce, cilantro, scallions, beef, noodles and egg rolls), Kowh Poonh (vermicelli noodles with cabbage, bean sprouts, cilantro and mint), and Pad Se Ew - you've got to know what this is, right? It's a yummy noodle dish stirred with eggs, Chinese broccoli, meat, and vegetables.

Appetizers like fresh spring rolls (fresh rice noodle wrapper around crunchy raw vegetables, warm chicken, and loads of cilantro) with chili garlic oil dip - amazing, try it - or egg rolls, cream cheese won tons, or fried tofu with black bean sauce will run you from $2.95 - $5.95. Entrees average $8 or $9 and portions are generous.

Original article on Examiner.comhttp://www.examiner.com/healthy-foods-in-minneapolis/review-of-the-asian-house-lao-thai-restaurant-sauk-rapids-minnesota

Photo by David Smith,  courtesy of http://www.photoxpress.com/