Whole Story

There’s something about the change of seasons and the cooler-but-not-yet-cold days of Fall that makes me feel energized and ready for something new. I’m back into a consistent exercise routine (you know, the one that went on vacation during the summer), I start doing more home cooking, baking and trying new recipes, and I start refocusing on my overall health and well-being, perhaps in anticipation of a little splurging during the holidays. That’s why I’m excited about some of the newest products on our shelves. They look like they’ll fit right in with my Fall feel-good goals. Read on for a chance to win some new goodies. You’ll only find the awesome new Emergen-C Planet Dragon Fruit flavor in Whole Foods Market stores. But what’s even more awesome is that for every box sold, $0.10 is donated to the Whole Planet Foundation to help fund microlending projects in impoverished communities in developing countries! If you’re not familiar with Emergen-C, you should be. It’s a refreshing, non-carbonated, naturally energizing fizzy drink that contains 1,000 MG Vitamin C, 7 B Vitamins & Key Electrolytes. We drink it daily in our household. Another new product, currently exclusive to Whole Foods Market, is Lifeway BioKefir shots. They’re specifically designed to support immunity, heart health and digestion. Each 3.5-oz shot has more than 20 billion units of live and active probiotic activity – twice the amount in other regular Kefir and similar yogurt varieties! They’re sold in four-packs, available in five flavors and are just 60 calories each. These would be so convenient to take along on my morning commute! Then there’s the new Simply Organic Gluten Free Baking Mixes, out just in time for the start of the Fall and upcoming holiday baking seasons. These mixes are a perfect addition to a gluten free, organic diet that doesn’t compromise taste or quality. Plus, they are also vegetarian and certified kosher, and are free of hydrolyzed vegetable protein, modified food starch, hydrogenated oils, and genetically engineered ingredients. And check out the stellar line-up: Pancake & Waffle, Banana Bread, Carrot Cake, Chai Spice Scone, Cocoa Biscotti, Cocoa Brownie, and Cocoa Cayenne Cupcake. In fact, I think I see an organic, gluten-free scone in my future this weekend! Yep, I admit I have quite a sweet tooth. I’m pretty conscious about what I eat and definitely aim for moderation, but even that little sprinkling of sweetness in my morning cup of coffee can really add up when I’m doing it every day! That’s why I’m super excited about SweetLeaf Stevia sweeteners. It’s the only chemical-free, zero-calorie, zero-carb, zero-glycemic index, 100% natural sweetener available and is the ideal sweet solution for people with diabetes, weight watchers and everyone else too. It’s made by taking the highest quality leaves of the stevia plant and extracting their naturally sweet taste with only cool, purified water. Use it to add sweetness to all of your favorite foods and beverages. What new products have you tried lately? Tell us about them in the comments below by Oct. 22nd. One lucky reader will be selected at random to win a Lifeway cooler filled with a four-pack of each of the five BioKefir flavors and a case of assorted SweetLeaf Stevia products.