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I don’t like bananas anymore. I used to eat them every single morning chopped up on cold cereal, or as a snack in the afternoon. For some reason over the last few years they have started to become disgusting to me. The flavor is too strong and the mushy texture is a big turn-off but I also don’t enjoy them under-ripe.
I still eat them, though. I rarely eat cold cereal anymore but bananas go well with warm oatmeal, nuts and dried fruit. I’ve been craving and eating sprouted wheat toast with almond butter since I started going to Jazzercise recently. It’s filling and two pieces is all I need. This morning I added some simple flourishes for variety and it was really tasty, even with bananas.
(One of the reasons I still eat bananas is because they are indicated for healthy digestion and elimination. Heard of B.R.A.T.? If you need to bulk things up, four foods are commonly indicated: bananas, rice, apples or toast.)
This morning I created a toast masterpiece for my mouth. Perhaps I was giddy from the goodies I brought home from Trader Joe’s: dried cherries, prunes, cashews, macadamia nuts, and lots of fruit to name a few. Right now my local TJ’s has organic oranges, apples and grapefruits so I loaded up.
As for my toast:
Sprouted wheat berry bread (5g of protein per slice, and although it contains dates and raisins, it does not contain them in whole form. They must grind them up and add them in pulverized or something. Terrific sweeteners.)
slathered with almond butter, topped with chopped banana, and loaded with roasted-but-not-salted macadamia nuts, and then sprinkled with cinnamon.
It was so filling that I could only eat one piece of toast with all of that. My other piece was just Earth Balance and cinnamon. You don’t need cinnamon sugar, which is something I grew up with. Just recently I started sprinkling straight cinnamon on toast and it’s perfect.
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On a different note, I was thrilled to bring home sugar-free “dried bing cherries” from TJ’s….until this morning when I opened the package and took another look at the ingredients just to make sure I wasn’t hallucinating last night when I bought them, because it is SO hard to find dried fruit without sugar. Indeed they are sugar free, but contain sulfur dioxide. What the heck is this stuff, I asked myself. I referred to two different books about additives to see what came up. Not good. Very bad.
From Food Additives, it says, “See sodium bisulfite.” Okay. “Sodium bisulfite: destroys vitamin B1; small amounts may cause asthma, anaphylactic shock; dangerous for asthma, allergy sufferers; has causes deaths; banned on fresh fruits and vegetables, except potatoes.” Next to the definition were the letters “A” which means, “The additive may cause allergic reactions,” and “X” which means, “The additive is unsafe or very poorly tested.”
Wikipedia says, “Inhaling sulfur dioxide is associated with increased respiratory symptoms and disease, difficulty in breathing, and premature death.” Is that why I coughed when I swallowed a few cherries?
My What’s In Your Food book says “Produced by burning sulfur,” and the “Potential Effects” are as follows: “Asthma; bronchospasm; bronchoconstriction; hyptension; anaphylaxis, bronchitis; cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, liver and neurotoxicity; destroys vitamins A and B1 in food; animal mutagen.” It has a frowny face next to it.
I love TJ’s. I feel like I represent many of their health-conscious customers when I say that an ingredient like that is not acceptable.
Sometimes, though, I wonder how I can keep up being pro-active in the food world. I feel like I’m always writing letters to companies, grocery stores, restaurants, etc. However, once I believe there is a problem I feel it’s my responsibility to do something about it. You should see the havoc I wreak in my local big box grocery store where they continue to try and sell “Conventional” produce under “Organic” labels….. It’s not a pretty sight.
If you are inspired to give TJ’s your feedback, here is their contact form. I’m going to personally return the package of cherries with a letter to the manager attached.
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Johnson Products Company, Inc. has launched The Great Model Search (TGMS) beginning Jan. 15 nationwide to find four beautiful faces to grace the new product boxes and let the world know it is back.
TGMS was the center of its 1980s ad campaigns, which created nationwide interest in this pioneer of ethnic hair care companies.
The 2010 version of The Great Model Search is based on Internet uploads from potential models across the United States. The four highest voted models will win contracts to appear as models on the packaging of the popular Gentle Treatment and Ultra Sheen relaxers, which are distributed globally.
They also win $5,000 each, an all expenses paid trip to Los Angeles, and more prizes.
“We want to win by going back to our roots,” said Eric Brown, chief executive officer of Johnson Products. “Our model searches have launched modeling careers, and given exposure to young hopefuls while championing the quality brand. It was a win-win contest.”
The 54 year-old company was purchased in April of 2009 by an African American investment company led by Brown and his wife, Renee, who serves as Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing. The dynamic pair bring decades of experience managing the former Proline Corporation, founded by Renee’s father, Comer Cottrell. They are determined to restore Johnson Products to its former greatness within the community.
Here’s how it works:
Beginning today, January 15, a contestant will go to thegreatmodelsearch.com to upload a headshot. Once approved, a link to her contestant’s profile page will be sent, which the model-hopeful will then send to all of her friends and family to garner as many votes as possible.
The public can still join the fun in the “Vote to Win” part of the contest. By registering at www.thegreatmodelsearch.com they can vote for their favorite model. Each voter who opts in can enter the sweepstakes to win one of two iPhone 3 GS smart phones with a two-year contract, or one of eight iPod nanos (now with video camera and FM radio capabilities) or the Grand Prize trip for two to Los Angeles to be a judge at the contest finale in early June.
“This is a considerably large spend to bring awareness to the consumer that
Johnson Products is back in a big way,” said Renee Brown. “It is strategic for us because after we acquired the Ultra Sheen and Gentle Treatment brand from Proctor & Gamble they definitely needed some updating since hair care is a fashion forward kind of business. We need to stay on top of what
To help spread the message to those with no Internet access, JPC is sending out street teams to beauty supply stores in local markets and participating retailers Sally Beauty Supply, Walgreens, Rite Aid and CVS. Hopefuls have the opportunity to have their photos taken onsite, register and upload with The Great Model Search team at select locations.
Over the years, Johnson Products has enjoyed celebrity endorsements including the appearance of Michael Jordan in a Gentle Treatment commercial (available on the corporate website www.johnsonproducts.com) and a long running partnership with Soul Train. Historically, the model search was the largest promotion in the ethnic hair care industry and Johnson Products was the first.
The advertising campaign for TGMS expects 25 million media impressions, flooding 13 major urban markets (New York, Los Angeles, DC, Chicago, etc.) with billboards, magazine ads (Ebony, Jet and Essence), 200 national radio affiliates and internet sites such as Black Planet, Bossip and EURweb. Also, industry trade publications Hype Hair and Sophisticates Black Hair Styles will participate.
“This is not just a model search, but also an opportunity for the consumer to get involved and be rewarded for their participation,” said Renee Brown, referring to the promotional gifts that will come with certain purchases and the opportunity to win prizes through voting.
The finale of the event will be held in early June in Los Angeles and will be streamed live. Celebrity stylists and fashion savvy media personalities will serve as judges. Model registration and photo uploading begin January 15-March 30, 2010. Voting begins February 1 and lasts through April 15. Voters should check the website as prizewinners will be announced weekly.
For more information on the new Johnson Products Company visit www.johnsonproducts.com.
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L’Oreal Paris is thrilled to add hair expert and Internet sensation Johnny Lavoy to the company’s roster of beauty experts in the United States. Lavoy’s recent rise to fame in the beauty industry was fueled by his “How to Get the Look” videos that appear online via Ford Models. His videos have received more than 20 million hits from all over the globe and his fan base continues to grow.
Lavoy is a sought-after hair stylist, based in Connecticut and New York City, and has worked on many national advertising and editorial campaigns. His work has appeared in Vanity Fair, InStyle, Glamour and Elle and he has worked on fashion shows including Michael Kors, Oscar De La Renta, Diane Von Furstenberg, Christian Dior, Cynthia Steffe and Gucci.
“Johnny is the perfect fit for L’Oreal Paris,” said Karen T. Fondu, president, L’Oreal Paris division, L’Oreal USA, Inc. “He has an amazing ability to interpret high fashion or red carpet hair looks and his step-by-step approach easily teaches women how to achieve a similar look at home. We are very excited to partner with Johnny and bring his style advice and L’Oreal Paris expertise to women across the country.”
Lavoy will begin representing the brand during 2010 award season activities and media appearances in Los Angeles surrounding the 67th Golden Globes on January 17, 2010. Lavoy will also appear on www.lorealparisusa.com in the coming months.
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In 2010, PCA SKIN marks their 20th year of improving people’s lives. Over these two decades, the company has evolved from a small Arizona business into a global organization serving physicians and clinicians in 60 countries.
They were the first to provide products to the medical aesthetics market for treating such skin conditions as acne, aging skin, sensitive skin and hyperpigmentation. Making these products available to physicians and clinical aestheticians has greatly increased their ability to create dramatic, visible changes in patients’ skin. The company’s commitment to developing products formulated with the most scientifically advanced ingredients available to deliver outstanding results continues.
PCA SKIN peels are viewed as the gold standard in the industry, and PCA SKIN is acknowledged in prominent medical textbooks as the originator of modified and enhanced Jessner’s chemical peel formulations. These and the whole line of innovative PCA SKIN blended solutions have made the process of chemical peeling an effective yet non-traumatic option for improving patients’ skin health.
“As we reach this important milestone,” states Richard Linder, PCA SKIN CEO, “we are celebrating the physicians, nurses and licensed skin care professionals dedicated to improving the health and appearance of their patients’ skin. We remain committed to bringing medical professionals the best science and products for helping their patients overcome their skin challenges. We invite these professionals to join us as we embark on the next 20 years of improving people’s lives, especially theirs and their patients’.”
Another hallmark of PCA SKIN is their commitment to education. They recognize that clinicians’ success depends on building a strong knowledge base and honing skills. The company works closely with clinicians to help them achieve the designation of ‘PCA SKIN Certified Professional.’ The company regards these PCA SKIN Certified Professionals as an important extension of their internal team. PCA SKIN continues to develop new curricula to satisfy the PCA SKIN Certified Professionals’ intellectual curiosity so they can continue to improve the health and appearance of their patients’ skin.
On the doorstep of their 20-year anniversary, PCA SKIN remains deeply committed to improving skin health. They continue to share new science and technology with physicians and clinicians to help them achieve dramatic results with patients and excellence in their practices.
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The Organic Consumers Association (OCA), along with certified organic personal care brands Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps, Intelligent Nutrients, and Organic Essence, today filed a complaint with the USDA National Organic Program (NOP), requesting an investigation into the widespread and blatantly deceptive labeling practices of leading “Organic” personal care brands, in violation of USDA NOP regulations. To view the complaint, go to: http://www.organicconsumers.org/bodycare.
The complaint, filed collectively on behalf of 50 million consumers of organic products, argues that products such as liquid soaps, body washes, facial cleansers, shampoos, conditioners, moisturizing lotions, lip balms, make-up and other cosmetic products produced by twelve different corporations have been advertised, labeled and marketed as “Organic” or “Organics” when, in fact, the products are not “Organic” as understood by reasonable consumers.
“Unfortunately, the hands-off regulatory approach by the USDA’s National Organic Program during the Bush years failed to protect consumers from deceptive labeling in the personal care marketplace,” said Ronnie Cummins, Executive Director of the Organic Consumers Association. While the USDA enforces strict standards for the labeling of organic food, the NOP has not enforced the organic regulations in regards to personal care. “Given the increased resources and staffing at the National Organic Program under Obama, we’re optimistic that the situation will be rectified before too much more damage is done,” added Cummins.
“Consumers who pay a premium for high-end organic products expect the main cleansing and moisturizing ingredients of a product labeled ‘Organic’ to be made from certified organic agricultural material produced on organic farms, and not from petrochemicals or pesticide and herbicide-intensive conventional farming,” explains Horst Rechelbacher, founder of Intelligent Nutrients (and founder and previous owner of Aveda Corp).
The corporations named in the complaint are The Hain Celestial Group, Inc.; Kiss My Face Corporation; YSL Beaute, Inc. (”YSL”); Giovanni Cosmetics, Inc. (”Giovanni”); Cosway Company, Inc. (”Cosway”); Country Life, LLC (”Country Life”); Szep Elet LLC (makers of Ilike Organic Skin Care); Eminence Organic Skin Care, Inc.; Physicians’ Formula Holdings, Inc. (makers of Organic Wear); Surya Nature, Inc.; Organic Bath Company, Freeman Beauty Division of pH Beauty Labs, Inc. (makers of Freeman Goodstuff Organics).
David Bronner, President of Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps, stated, “Yesterday we re-filed our lawsuit in federal court against culprit companies under the Lanham Act for false advertising. One way or another, the era of ripping off organic consumers in personal care will soon come to an end.”
Ellery West, founder and owner of Organic Essence adds, “The predatory marketing practices of companies that take advantage of consumer trust in the organic label are cheating not only organic consumers but also small certified companies like ourselves.”
On November 5, 2009, the USDA National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) formally recommended that the National Organic Program regulate personal care to ensure that any use of the word “organic” on a personal care product is backed up by third-party certification to USDA organic standards. Immediately following the recommendation, the OCA launched a consumer boycott of the major “Organic” cheater brands, and has produced a list of USDA certified organic brands that are true to their claims and are safe for Organic consumers.
For more information on the Organic Consumers Association’s Coming Clean campaign, go to: www.organicconsumers.org/bodycare.
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Facercise founder and acclaimed anti-aging expert Carole Maggio is thrilled to announce the release of her new DVD: “Ultimate Facercise.” This enhanced system of synergistic facial exercises will fight aging and improve looks at an even faster, more effective rate than her original Facercise DVD series, which is a best-seller across the globe.
The new DVD includes instruction on new facial exercises and enhanced versions of the original Facercise moves. In addition, it includes an “8-Minute Superset,” that enables those with minimal time to speed through the exercises with the same incredible results.
“My techniques have changed the lives of women across the globe, so I decided that it was time to create an even greater potential for facial transformation and rejuvenation,” says Carole. “I have been refining and adding to the original system, and my goal is to continue spreading this movement so that women stay healthy, yet regain the confidence that a youthful appearance evokes.”
With the multitude of news reports revealing horrible side effects and injuries due to Botox, Restylane and various plastic surgery techniques, now is the time to promote alternative anti-aging methods that are natural and have no risk involved. In addition to her book and DVDs, Carole Maggio offers a full slate of products and services that can ensure a youthful look deep into the golden years.
“The time is now for a resurgence in natural, holistic methods to prevent aging,” says Carole. “I have created a wide variety of ways to stay looking and feeling young, without risking the potential side effects and artificial appearance caused by injectibles, negligent physicians, and dangerous surgeries.” In addition to her world famous Facercise system, Carole’s proprietary methods include her No Lipo Lipo treatment, as well as an anti-aging skincare line with products for every skin type. The most important aspect is that all of her methods are non-invasive, require no anesthesia, and are 100% natural.
Carole’s proprietary methods have been successfully used by women all over the world for nearly three decades. Created in the early 80s, Facercise is a series of synergistic facial exercises that targets all 57 muscles of the face and neck, resulting in a lifted, toned, younger looking appearance. Positive results are seen in just days.
Specific changes include lifted eyebrows, diminished undereye puffiness, enlarged eye sockets (which make the eyes appear more open and vibrant), fuller lips with turned up, younger looking corners of the mouth, as well as a more toned and defined chin, neck and jaw line. Our noses grow larger as we age — Facercise helps make the nose shorter and narrower. In addition, complexions change color and become more vibrant.
Most importantly, Facercise has helped many people with serious health conditions. Carole receives thousands of testimonials each year, many of which cite how her techniques cure everything from broken noses to Bell’s Palsy. People state that they think more clearly and some have said that it helped improve their eyesight. A man who was hit broadside by a truck, an accident that left his face numb and partially paralyzed, was cured after only three weeks of Facercise. Carole also helped a woman with a brain tumor that caused paralysis in her face recover feeling and movement after working with Facercise (visit the Acoustic Neuroma website at www.anausa.org for more details).
Developed in 1981, No Lipo Lipo is a knuckle type treatment that breaks down fatty tissue, as well as cellulite in the connective tissue. This technique employs strong, upward sweeping motions to reverse gravity, tighten skin and reduce inches. It is non-invasive and completely safe, and the results are unrivalled by any other sculpting treatment, including Endermologie.
Hundreds of thousands of clients have achieved amazing results with No Lipo Lipo. On the average, clients lose 15 inches. Some lose weight as well, but all experience a more sculpted body, with noticeably less cellulite and more overall definition. Clients notice that clothes fit more loosely and that problem areas are significantly reduced in size. In addition, this technique strengthens the immune system.
Her desire to reach and empower as many women as possible has prompted Carole to create a comprehensive licensing program so that other practitioners may perform these safe, revolutionary methods. Potential licensees may receive instruction in either or both of her treatment methods. Licensing information may be obtained by calling 310.791.8707.
Carole Maggio’s Day Spa is located at 1713 S. Catalina Avenue, Redondo Beach, CA 90277. No Lipo Lipo treatments may be procured there or at one of her licensed locations. The “Ultimate Facercise” DVD and Carole’s vast array of anti-aging products may be purchased at www.Facercise.com.
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