Win 3 Free Starter Cultures

Cultures For Health, one of my sponsors, is hosting a fantastic giveaway this week! One of you lucky people will win your choice of three free starter cultures from the Cultures For Health store. Want to make sourdough? Kombucha? Yogurt? Kefir? Buttermilk?

Julie, the talented and sweet mastermind behind Cultures For Health, provides starter cultures for just about every kind of traditional food out there. And, she offers a HUGE variety, too. In addition to starters, Cultures For Health also provides all the supplies you could ever need to begin: dehydrators, sprouting trays, glass jars, books, you name it.

So, are you interested in winning your three starters?

Lessons On Real Food From 100 Years Ago

I’m looking at a book. It’s the kind of book you’d pick up in an antique store, take home, and treasure — not just because of it’s yellowed pages and delicate binding, but because of it’s utterly fascinating content. It’s called Graded Lessons in Physiology and Hygiene, and it’s a textbook used in the Texas schools in 1908.

I’ve been thumbing through the book for weeks, marveling at just how much common sense knowledge we’ve lost when it comes to food and health. Before people began putting their trust in the government, diet dictocrats, and food manufacturers to tell them what to eat, they actually experienced an acute connection with their food that enabled them to make wise judgments about what is and is not healthful based merely on accumulated personal observations.

Real Food News Roundup

Since I hadn’t posted a round up of real food news recently, I’ve got quite a few links saved up. I spent a while this morning weeding through them all, trying to find the five most interesting ones (at least to me).

I hope you find them as informative enjoyable to read as I did!

4 Winners And A Great Coupon

Four lucky people won a case of Zukay’s new line of salad dressings — one from each of the participating blogs!

You remember these dressings, don’t you? They’re probiotic, sugar-free, and oh-so-tasty. Translation: they’re chock full of living enzymes, beneficial bacteria, and vitamins and minerals without having any of the nasty stuff common to most store bought salad dressings (like soybean oil, canola oil, sugar, or high fructose corn syrup).

Michael Pollan on Cooking As Soulcraft

I like listening to Michael Pollan speak. He has a very honest-sounding voice, and is as engaging when talking as he is when writing.

Last week he wrote a lengthy piece in The New York Times Magazine called “Out of the Kitchen, Onto the Couch,” in which he observed that the average American spends more time watching people cook on television than they do actually cooking.

Burger Central Opens in Leander

Leander, TX has officially arrived. This Saturday, Burger Central celebrated its grand opening. What makes Burger Central so special? Quality.

All their burgers come from grass-fed cows that have been certified Animal Welfare Approved. The patties are hand-shaped and seasoned in the Burger Central kitchen, where they’re grilled to order. What’s not to love?

Two Lucky Winners And A Special Offer

I’m so excited! Is it normal to be this excited when announcing winners? I mean, it’s not like I won anything. But two of you did!

Before I announce the winners, I’d like to thank you all for joining in the giveaway and doing your best to promote it. I’d also like to encourage the rest of you non-winners by telling you about a special offer I’m making.

A Week of Real Food News

This week’s roundup is a bit on the lighter side. Sure, I’ve got two interesting news stories, but the real gems are some kid pleasing snack ideas and recipes to use up your summer abundance.

Hope you enjoy!

The Price of Real Food

The farmers I buy my pastured chickens from charges $3.25/lb for a whole chicken. The rancher I buy my pastured beef from charges around $3.80/lb for a butchered, processed, and packaged side of cattle.

To some, this seems expensive. Afterall, supermarket sales regularly sell chicken or beef for as little as a dollar per pound.

Yet, these are the same people who are willing to pay almost $10/lb for a box of breakfast cereal.

Win A Free Hour of Nutrition And Wellness Coaching

In one week, two of you will be winners. I like the sound of that word — win. Particularly when it’s something I’m enthusiastic about getting.

In this case, it’s something I’m enthusiastic about giving. It’s a free hour of nutrition and wellness coaching. With me. And it’s not just any old hour of chit chat (although it’s always lovely to get to know you guys better)! It’s perhaps the most important hour my clients ever spend with me — the initial Nutritional Profile Evaluation and Assessment.