Going organic?? 04/07/2010
 
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After a fantastic Easter Weekend that was filled with chocolate, fun and sunshine, my Beginner's Walk to Run Program started on Easter Monday.  We had 10 of our 12 ladies in the group out for the first night, and it went really well!

We were so lucky to have the perfect evening for a run -- sunny, yet not too hot, with a nice breeze.  The trail behind the gas station in Atwood (not sure what it's called, but if you keep going you'll end up in Henfryn) was in perfect condition.  I love that trail, and can't wait til the leaves start coming out on the trees, then it will be gorgeous!  My friend Deanne has seen deer on that trail, and so our running group will be keeping an eye out for them.

We're heading out again this evening for our Wednesday run, and although it's a little cooler and a bit rainy, we're not going to let a little bit of rain stop us!

Above are the pics of my Hellebores, and my daffodils!  Notice how they're close ups?  That's so you can't see the remnants of last year's dead plants that I haven't cleared out yet.  Guess I'd better get on that...

Yesterday, I headed into Waterloo for a pilates private session with my favourite pilates teacher, Mary Pat.  She owns Pilates Performance, which is right across from the St. Jacob's Farmers Market.  I hadn't seen Mary Pat in a couple of months - she's recovering from an illness.  She put it me through a great private session, then I had a 10 minute break before I did her Core Challenge Group Class.  Let's just say that today, I'm feeling muscles I forgot I had!  I'm so glad she's feeling better, and am looking forward to my session with her again next week.  I've been working with Mary Pat for well over a year now and she has taught me so much!  Visit Mary Pat's Website at www.pilatesperformance.ca

I've been making a really big effort to eat as organically as possible for a while now.  However, ever since I read this article http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35315651/ns/health-diet_and_nutrition/, I've taken it even more seriously.  This article talks about how certain chemicals that are in plastics, pesticides, and added to some processed foods and a number of other things impact your body by making it produce more fat cells.  Scientists are referring to this group of chemicals as "obesogens".  One of these chemicals, Bisphenol-A (BPA), is the one that forced a huge recall of certain kinds of water bottles a year or so ago after it was proven to mimic estrogen in living creatures (including humans).  Here's a shocking article printed in the Globe & Mail just a few days ago  http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/bpa-widespread-in-ocean-water-and-sand/article1520625/

I eat greens everyday - most people don't, I know - but I really love them!  I figure since I'm eating so much of it, it should be chemical-free.

So, I was really glad when I came across an organic food store in St. Agatha - just outside Waterloo.  Pfenning's.  http://www.pfenningsorganic.com/ They had a ton of organic produce - things like all different kinds of kale, and living sprouted peas, fresh fruits - really too much to list!  I've been eating kale every day for a while now, and just love it!  I love it sauteed in a little olive oil with a tiny bit of salt, topped with a little goat's milk cheese.  You have to try it!!  The great thing about kale, is that I'm pretty sure it takes like a month to go bad.  Seriously, if you have it in a nice plastic bag in your fridge, it stays fresh-looking (and tasting) for a really long time.  Way longer than lettuce, or spinach. 

At Pfenning's, I had to do a little happy dance when I got to their dairy section - they had the Liberte Greek Yogurt I've been looking for, oh like, FOREVER.  I've been saving it for my snack this afternoon.  I hope it tastes as good as I've heard it does!  I also hope they let me back in the store after witnessing my happy dance...!  :)

Another terrific organic store which has a lot of farm fresh organic produce (mostly that they grow in their own greenhouse) is Organic Oasis.  It's in Amulree, which is just outside of Stratford.  They also usually have the most delicious organic homemade muffins for sale (perfect for eating on the way home!)  http://www.organicoasis.on.ca/

I have also heard really great things about Mapleton's Organic, and am hoping to go and check them out next week!  http://www.mapletonsorganic.ca/

I do purchase some everyday things from the President's Choice Organics line from Zehr's as well.  My kids love their organic Granny Smith apples, and I love their pre-packaged containers of baby spinach and mesclun mix which make it so easy to throw a salad together.  Although, I feel environmental guilt about those plastic containers! 

Cowan's Country Store in Listowel also has a great selection of organic food and dairy, along with fantastic customer service!  www.cowanscountrystore.com

So, tell me - do you worry about pesticides?  Are you trying to buy organic food for yourself and your family?  Is there a store in Listowel that I've been missing out on that carries an assortment of fresh organic produce??
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