October, 2014 | Ellwood Thompson's

Mindful Eating: Promoting Balance, Choice & Wisdom

Posted on October 30, 2014 | by Taylor Richardson | Leave a Comment

When

Thursday, October 30th / 6:30 to 7:30PM

Led by

Denise Dolan, Ellwood’s In-House Relationship & Mindful Living Coach, & Lindsay Kluge M.Sc, CNS, LDN, Ellwood’s Health Coach

Description

Our In-House Relationship and Mindful Living Coach and Health Coach have collaborated to offer a unique food and sensory experience around eating mindfully. Our relationship to food is a central one that reflects our attitudes toward our environment and ourselves. As a practice, mindful eating can bring us awareness of our own actions, thoughts, feelings, motivations, and insights into the roots of health and contentment.

This program, tasting and community dialogue will challenge you to reconsider how you approach food and eating. With the hectic lifestyles many of us lead, balancing the act of enjoying a meal and while making healthy and thoughtful food choices can be a rarity.

Allow yourself to take a moment with us to look at the act of nourishment from a “mindful” or “awareness” perspective. Lindsay and Denise will facilitate a presentation and guided sampling, followed by a community dialogue that will help you to look beyond the food itself and to the hands that grow or prepare it, the nourishment our bodies glean from it, and more.

Cost

FREE! (For food preparation purposes, please RSVP in advance)

Register for the Program

Questions?

Call the customer service desk at 804-359-7525.

Optimal pH & the Role of Enzymes

Posted on October 29, 2014 | by Taylor Richardson | Leave a Comment

When

Wednesday, October 29th / 6:30 to 7:30PM

Description

In this session, Natalie will explain how it is vital to maintain an optimal pH within the body to promote healing and homeostasis and therefore provide an environment for physical wellness. She will explain the important and key role enzymes play in not only helping the body achieve health but maintain a positive progress to lasting health and well being.

This is Part 2 of the “Reclaim Your Health” Series. Find details on Parts 3 and 4 below. Attend one or all, depending on your interests & needs!
___________________________________________________________________________

Part 3: 11/5 | Water, Dehydration & the Second Nervous System

Learn little known facts about water and the massive impacts of just being slightly and often unknowingly dehydrated can do to the body. Think you’re hydrated? At least 95% of the population is or has experienced episodes in the department of chronic dehydration. Learn what you can do to avoid the possible repercussions of such a situation and the diseases and physiological imbalances within the body that are associated with chronic dehydration and ways to right the wrong of the water ways of the “second nervous system”.

Part 4: 11/12 | Vitamins, Minerals & ‘Cartoon’ Supplements

The next body building and rebuilding steps in not only establishing health, but sustaining it, is knowing what types of minerals and vitamins one is deficient in, where to look for the right sources of these profound vitalizing substances, what to avoid in “cartoon supplements” and why. Become supplement savvy with knowledge of the hows and whys our bodies now require extra natural nutrient supplementation.

Instructor

Natalie Weaver BCND., M.H., C.N.C., Ir.

Natalie is a Certified Health Specialist CHS, Master Herbalist (MH), Certified Nutritional Counselor, and has completed her Doctorate of Traditional Naturopathy from Trinity School of Natural Health. She has also complete programs in Nutritional Microscopy and Oxidative Stress Testing, Certification in Iridology, as well as Certification of Natural Health Professional (CNHP).

Cost

$10 per class OR $25 for the 3 remaining classes in the series

Register for Class or Series

Please register in advance for this class or the full series by calling (804)359-7525, emailing Taylor here, or through the links below.

Questions?

Call the customer service desk at (804)359-7525 or email trichardson@ellwoodthompsons.com.

Inspired Singles Series

Posted on October 28, 2014 | by Taylor Richardson | Leave a Comment

Updated Register Relationship Program

WHEN

Tuesday Evenings in October // 6:30-8:35 PM

Join Denise Dolan’s Fall 2014 session of Inspired Dating, to reset your internal compass.

DISCOVER HOW TO

Effectively express yourself in ways that bring out the best in you, and in those around you
Learn how to express difficult thoughts and feelings
Create safe ways to experience mutual understanding
Build trust even when you don’t agree
Stop second guessing yourself and boost your confidence easily and confidently
Communicate what you want
Reduce anxiety about how to communicate effectively even when you disagree
Improve the dynamics of all your relationships
Deepen trust in your relationships at home, school and/or work
View conflict as an opportunity to deepen mutual understanding and trust
Have more fun in your relationships
Reignite chemistry in romantic relationships
Replace Tension with Harmony
Improve All of Your Relationship Dynamics

Denise’s Mindful Living and Relationship Coaching has helped countless people transform their relationships and their lives. Regardless of your age or life experience, Inspired Dating will give you the courage and skill to pursue a life of love and happiness.

REGISTER HERE TO BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY!

WINDING DOWN OCTOBER’S “NON-GMO MONTH” AT ELLWOOD THOMPSON’S

Posted on October 28, 2014 | by Colin Beirne | Leave a Comment

ellwood thompson's, food advocate, kirk schroder, richmond virginia October has been “Non-GMO Month” at Ellwoods and the store has had various activities to increase customers’ awareness about Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) and their impact on our food supply. A highlight of the month was a panel discussion on “The Pros & Cons of GMO Labellng” in our popular community room. It was a passionate and intense evening as representatives from both viewpoints argued their case FOR labeling food products with GMOs and AGAINST such labeling.

Our Panel Discussion On October 1st on "The Pros & Cons of GMO Labeling was a huge success. From left to right, Theodora Evadne, Community Activist and John Lewis of Renew Richmond argued for GMO labeling. From right to left, Katie Hellebush of The Alliance Group and Lindsay Reames of the Virginia Farm Bureau pointed out the problems with GMO labeling. — Our Panel Discussion On October 1st on “The Pros & Cons of GMO Labeling” was a huge success. From left to right, Theodora Evadne, Community Activist and John Lewis of Renew Richmond argued for GMO labeling. From right to left, Katie Hellebush of The Alliance Group and Lindsay Reames of the Virginia Farm Bureau pointed out the problems with GMO labeling.

As its Food Advocate, I worked closely with the management of Ellwood Thompon’s to create a policy to eliminate products and produce containing GMO from our shelves, as part of Ellwood Thompson’s standards for its customers. Take a moment to review our standards. We always welcome customer input.

In my opinion, the best concise summary of both sides of the GMO issue was done by Bill Nye “The Science Guy” in November of last year. If you have less than 30 minutes, Bill does a great job in explaining the major arguments on both sides, as well as his conclusions on the subject. You can see his video piece on the GMO controversy on YouTube.

Finally, are you uncertain if you are buying products containing GMO or supporting GMO manufacturers with your product purchases? There is a smartphone app for the iPhone and Android phones call Buycott. Among its many social causes, Buycott has an app that will let you scan products to determine if it contains GMO or is owned by a GMO manufacturer.

If you have not done so yet, please sign up here to receive email notices of new ET’s Food Advocate blogs when they are posted.

Your comments and suggestions are always welcomed. KS

Kirk Schroder / Food Advocate / foodadvocate@ellwoodthompsons.com

Prenatal Yoga

Posted on October 26, 2014 | by Taylor Richardson

When

Sundays from 9:00 – 10:00 AM

Location

Ellwood’s Community Classroom

Instructor

Rachael Taylor

Description

In this class, mothers join together for a 60 minute practice to prepare them for labor and birth. The practice is based on strengthening and stretching key muscles, relaxation techniques for labor, and poses that promote optimal fetal positioning. We will also focus on the relief of common ailments during pregnancy for healthier, happier mamas and babies.

Cost

$10 at the door

Capacity

Register for class

There is limited space for this yoga class so register ahead of time to reserve your space.

Email rachaelgtaylor@gmail.com to reserve your spot.

Questions?

Call the customer service desk at 804-359-7525.

Ingredients for Entrepreneurship: Creating & Growing a Shelf-Stable Brand

Posted on October 23, 2014 | by Taylor Richardson | Leave a Comment

When

Thursday, October 23rd / 4:30 to 6:30PM

Location

Ellwood’s Community Room

Presented By

The Apple Cart Company | Stephanie Ganz & Barb Upchurch

In 2010, Barb Upchurch and Stephanie Ganz met at a Richmond-based non-profit dedicated to helping people start small businesses. There, Barb was the Director of the Women’s Business Center, and Stephanie managed the Breadwinners program – a grant-funded initiative designed to help women create food-based businesses. The two were an instant match, sharing a love of food, travel, and enterprise development; and they’ve been working together ever since.

Barb Upchurch is a marketing maven and small-business guru. She has worked in marketing and small-business development for more than 20 years, and has 10 years of experience with artists, designers, and food entrepreneurs. Barb has helped hundreds of people launch and grow their businesses. Her secret is to give practical, everyday advice that she has learned from years of experience through her own company, Blueberry Marketing. Barb finds a way to see the humor in every situation, no matter how challenging. She uses her energy and enthusiasm to keep her audiences and clients motivated, while serving as a sounding board, resource, and cheerleader. Find out more about Barb at BarbUpchurch.com.

Stephanie Ganz is a classically-trained chef who spent seven years in fine dining before hanging up her chef whites for a job in the non-profit sector. She soon discovered that empowering people to develop their own food-based businesses was her true calling, and since then, she’s helped dozens of entrepreneurs make their way into the marketplace. As the first hire for mobile wood-fired catering company Pizza Tonight, Stephanie gained invaluable experience about what it takes to operate a mobile food business. For Stephanie, it’s all about the food. She’s witnessed how a quality product and a good story can be the beginning of a successful brand. Stephanie writes a regular food piece for RVANews.com and is a Slow Foods RVA board member. Read more about Stephanie at StephanieGanz.com.

Description

In this workshop, Barb and Stephanie will address how to develop a brand based on developing a shelf-stable product for retail sale. They will also closely examine pricing strategies as they relate to competition and menu spread and make sure your packaging is reflective of your brand and your products to maximize sales. They show you the basics of creating a wholesale vs. retail pricing structure to make sure that you are profitable!

If you would like to strengthen your existing mobile food business, create or grow a wholesale line, or license your products; this workshop is for you. Learn how to increase your existing revenue streams so you can sell in multiple ways year round, regardless of the weather.

Cost

$40

Register for class

There is limited seating for this event so you must register ahead of time.

Questions?

Call the customer service desk at 804-359-7525.

Healing Can Begin at Any Age

Posted on October 22, 2014 | by Taylor Richardson | Leave a Comment

When

Thursday, October 22nd / 6:30 to 7:30PM

Description

Healing can begin at any age by applying the correct, real-life holistic concepts behind natural healthcare. These concepts are exactly what Natalie Weaver BCND., M.H., C.N.C., Ir. will introduce in a straight-forward, user friendly way. Her goal is to acquaint you with simple, life-saving practices that can effortlessly be incorporated into the busy every-day and not break the bank or taste buds doing so.

This is Part 1 of the “Reclaim Your Health” Series. Find details on Parts 2, 3 and 4 below:
___________________________________________________________________________

Part 2: 10/29 | Achieving Optimal pH & the Role of Enzymes

In this session, I will explain how it is vital to maintain an optimal pH within the body, to promote healing and homeostasis in order to provide an environment for physical wellness. I will explain the important and key role enzymes play in not only helping the body achieve health but maintain a positive progress to lasting health and well being.

Part 3: 11/5 | Water, Dehydration & the Second Nervous System

Learn little known facts about water and the massive impacts of just being slightly and often unknowingly dehydrated can do to the body. So you think you are hydrated? At least 95% of the population is or has experienced episodes in the department of chronic dehydration. Learn what you can do to avoid the possible repercussions of such a situation and the dis-eases and physiological imbalances within the body that are associated with chronic dehydration and ways to right the wrong of the water ways of the “second nervous system”.

Part 4: 11/12 | Vitamins, Minerals & ‘Cartoon’ Supplements

Instructor

Natalie Weaver BCND., M.H., C.N.C., Ir.

Cost

$10 per class OR $30 for all 4 in the “Reclaim Your Health” Series

Register for Class or Series

Please register in advance for this class or the full series by calling (804)359-7525, emailing Taylor here, or through the links below .

Questions?

Call the customer service desk at (804)359-7525 or email trichardson@ellwoodthompsons.com.

Mindful Eating: Feeling Full with Less

Posted on October 20, 2014 | by Colin Beirne | Leave a Comment

In the next 3 months, we will be exposed to probably more delicious baked goods and community/family gatherings that we do all year long. The holidays pose a time of tremendous joy, and also an inordinate amount of food. Many people struggle with this time of year, especially with the pressures (and sometimes addictions) of eating all of the goodness that this season has to offer. Like I always say – striking a balance of joyful eating with decent nourishment and moderation is what we all strive for. And I’d like to throw in another goal into the equation: Mindful Eating.

Mindful eating is the concept and practice of eating slowly and being aware of every single bite, flavor, mouthfeel, body sensation and process of digestion while we eat. Mindful eating discourages the “eat on the go” habit or the mindless eating out of a bag while in front of the TV. Instead, this small but profound practice encourages you to take extra time to prepare your food with good intention, sit with your meal for plenty of time to enjoy it slowly, and relax fully while digesting. This will allow time for you to fully chew your food (a process that your stomach really appreciates) and often eat less than you would otherwise, as the stomach will feel full more quickly with this slower eating pattern.

Often when we eat unconsciously (like in front of the TV or computer, eating out of the potato chip bag), we are mindlessly putting food into our mouths without tasting and chewing. And before you know it, that entire bag is gone. Unconscious eating is just a straight up bad habit most people to without even thinking, and it takes a while to shift out of this phase of eating. It is also one of the biggest causes of weight gain, and also of judgmental thoughts and “guilt” for people when they eat. I am, of course, of the mindset that food is a joyful thing and should be practiced with good intention, ritual, shared experience and mindfulness. So how can you make small shifts to begin eating more mindfully?

First, you can identify which foods you crave often. If it’s chocolate, then find your favorite piece of chocolate, and take one small bite. Let this bite dissolve completely in your mouth – don’t chew and swallow right away, You want to get the entire essence of that food, the flavor, the mouthfeel and the joy that the chocolate instills in you. If you’d like to repeat – go ahead!

Second, find a food that represents one of the 6 flavors (sweet, salty, sour, pungent, astringent, bitter). Salty, for example, could be a saltine cracker with sea salt. Do this same practice with every flavor to get a deep sense of every flavor, even if initially it may be repelling to you (like bitter!). Finally, Take time to make a meal for yourself, infusing the process with loving and joyful intention. Take time to sit down and eat this meal (and share it, too) and spend 30+ minutes enjoying and savoring the meal. Notice all of those individual flavors and how it feels in your body. Is it warming and nourishing like a big bowl of chili? Or is it savory and hearty like a pan of lasagna? Or maybe sweet and fresh like an crispy mandarine orange salad.

If you’d like to learn more about conscious eating and how to practice this, join in the upcoming class taught by Denise Dolan and myself on Thursday, October 30 from 6:30-8:00 in the Community Room. We will go through this process with you and start a community dialogue about the experience!

Lindsay Kluge M.Sc, CNS, LDN HealthCoach@EllwoodThompsons.com

Exploring the World as a Responsible Traveler

Posted on October 16, 2014 | by Taylor Richardson | Leave a Comment

When

Thursday, October 16th / 6:30 to 8:00PM

Location

Ellwood’s Community Room

Instructor

Stacy Luks of SoulShift Journeys

Description

What’s YOUR travel persona?

Whether you seek out adventure, R&R with family, food & wine, culture & history, nature & wildlife or a changing blend, it’s likely that facets of sustainability, responsibility and even philanthropy can feature in your next travel experience.

One of several key forces shaping the worldwide tourism’s future, responsible travel refers to travel that minimizes negative impacts, brings economic benefits to destination communities, and preserves their natural and cultural resources.

Encompassing the eco-, culinary, community-based, volunteer and agri-tourism sectors, the growth of responsibility-based travel is expanding consumer choices and options in exciting ways.

Bring your own bucket list of aspirational destinations to share, as well as your stories of past life-changing travel experiences. Learn or review the fundamental do’s and don’ts of travel philanthropy.

Join travel advisor Stacy Luks of SoulShift Journeys for this interactive introduction to the world of responsible travel and tourism. Learn about some of the best tour operators in this arena, and what they offer travelers.

Stacy will be joined by a program staffer from the Center for Responsible Travel (CREST), a Washington, DC-based non-profit research institute whose mission is to promote responsible tourism policies and practices globally.

Stacy will also spotlight some exemplary tour operators, destinations, and non-profit organizations that are leading the way. Refreshments served!

Cost

FREE!

Register for class

For food and headcount purposes, please RSVP if interested here.

Questions?

Call the customer service desk at 804-359-7525.

Alkaline Water in the Bulk Department

Posted on October 16, 2014 | by Colin Beirne | Leave a Comment

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Come and try the delicious and smooth tasting alkaline water in our Bulk Department! We created a distinctive alkaline that ranges from a 9.5 to a 10.5 that will keep you hydrated!