WHY I LOVE DEAN'S NATURAL FOOD MARKET!

A while back, I vividly remember wishing that there was a Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s or some type of natural organic food store near my house.  In 2012, the Universe granted me my wish.   Dean’s Natural Food Market moved into an upscale strip mall in Basking Ridge, NJ -  just a five minute drive! 

Dean’s is by far, the best natural foods store that I’ve ever shopped in.  It is slightly smaller than Trader Joe’s but  as far as I’m concerned, the size is just perfect.  Clean hardwood floors, high open ceilings, warm lighting, and vibrant multi-colored painted walls gives Dean’s a hip designer look and a welcoming vibe.

What makes Dean’s stand out above their competition is there award winning Juice Bar.  All freshly prepared juices, smoothies and shakes are made with organic fruits and vegetables. I have to admit that the drinks are pricey but, on the other hand, you are paying for the superior ingredients and excellent service, so it’s worth it.  The  Liver Flush - made with beets, green apples and dandelion and Sweet Greens - made with spinach, kale and apples, are my absolute faves!  You can also order all kinds of additions, like Chia Powder or Peruvian Maca Root, to add to your juices and smoothies.

The produce section is 100% organic, bursting with color, and  a beautiful sight to behold! Their regular prices are comparable to organic produce in a supermarket or Whole Foods, but their sale prices cannot be beat. Dean’s just had a .99 Cents Thanksgiving Sale on a nice variety of fruit and veggies. 99 CENTS A LB.  FOR ORGANIC PRODUCE!  You’ll never find that at Whole Foods!

Dean’s also has weekly and weekend sales throughout the store. Just last weekend, they were selling organic bananas for 59 cents a lb. This is cheaper than conventional produce!

Dean’s is committed to providing the safest and healthiest food choices for their customers. “We are proud and ardent supporters of the Non-GMO Project and their mission to educate the public on the issue of genetically-modified organisms, or GMO’s, in our food supply. As of March 18, 2013, we will not accept any new grocery items containing the top 5 most high-risk GMO crops (corn, soy, canola, sugar beets, alfalfa) into our stores unless they are organic  and/or verified by the Non-Gmo Project.”

Dean's also offers gluten-free and allergy-friendly foods, organic and natural groceries,  organic salad bar, store made soups, vegan selections, grab-n-go organic salads and sandwiches, freshly made organic almond butter and peanut butter, and freshly ground organic coffee.  Dean’s also has a nice selection of vitamins, supplements, nutritional and beauty products, as well as Nutrition experts to help and offer advice to their customers. Free cooking classes and new product demonstrations events are frequently scheduled.

Another incentive for shopping at Dean’s is their  Customer Advantage Club.  The card is free and members ( like me) receive a 10% discount on regularly prices vitamins and supplements. Members also receive Cash Back Rewards for every $400.00 that is spent. Dean’s mails you a $10.00 Rewards certificate that you could use on a future purchase. There is another option called the Dean’s List. For every $400.00 spent, “Dean’s mails you a $9.00 Rewards certificate and your $1.00 is donated and matched by Dean’s. So $2.00 is donated to a local non-profit organization in the community.”

And last but not least, is Dean’s exceptional staff. Dean’s knowledgeable, friendly and helpful staff makes every visit there an enjoyable experience. Each staff member will eagerly go out of their way to help you find what you are looking for. And it is obvious to me that  they all seem to love what they do!  I’ve even caught some happy workers singing while they were stocking shelves. Nutrition Manager, Robyn Santos, even knows me by my first name. As a matter of fact, she knows many of the regulars by their first names. That is why people like Robyn and the rest of the staff, give Dean’s a personal touch that is not found in the big box chain stores.

Nutrition Manager, Robyn Santos, always happy to help!

So next time you are around central Jersey, do yourself a favor and stop into a Dean’s Natural Food Market and check it out. In today’s world, I believe that  it’s important to make healthier and responsible choices for ourselves and our families. By patronizing a local business, like Dean’s, we are contributing to our local economy, helping the environment, enjoying a higher standard of customer service and connecting with the community.

I love shopping at Dean's. And if you are looking for great personal service, the highest- quality organic, local and health foods and are passionate about your health - you will too!   

Other locations are in Ocean Township, NJ and Shrewsbury, NJ

*I have no financial interest in Dean's.

KEVITA - A SUPER DRINK!!!

Have you ever heard of KeVita? It’s a probiotic carbonated  drink that’s sold in health food stores, natural food stores and the health food section of many supermarket chains. I consider it to be a Super Food. Why? Because it makes me feel super!!! But most important, it contains live probiotic cultures that are beneficial for your guts and your immune system.

Like kombucha, KeVita is also a fermented drink. Unlike kombucha, "KeVita is made with a proprietary blend of probiotics and certified organic KeVita Probiotic Culture, using a different methodology than kombucha. Traditionally, kombucha is fermented with black tea, while Kevita is fermented with coconut water or reverse osmosis water.” - KEVITA

My favorite flavor is Strawberry Acai Coconut. But honestly - all the flavors that I’ve tried so far are refreshing,  invigorating and delicious. Strawberry Acai Coconut has a delightful strawberry flavor that is slightly sweet and mild. Each 8 oz. serving has only 10 calories, 1g of sugar, 2g of carbs, 45 mg of sodium, 20% Vitamin C and 10% Magnesium.

Here is the list of ingredients  on the Strawberry Acai Coconut label:

Purified Water

• Organic KeVita Probiotic Culture  (Bacillus coagulans GBI-30 6086, L.rhamnosus, L. paracasei, L. plantarum )
• Organic Strawberry Puree
• Organic Coconut Water
• Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
• Organic Acai Puree
• Magnesium Citrate
• Organic Natural Coconut Flavor
• Fruit & Vegetable Color
• Organic Natural Strawberry Flavor
• Organic Stevia

Each bottle of KeVita is certified Organic, non-GMO, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegan and made  in a certified organic facility.

Other flavors include:

Pomegranate: This healthy 'soda' received two thumbs up from my health conscious friend and mother, Dolores and her daughter, who is one of  my piano students. “It’s delicious! I’m going to ask my local Stop N Shop to carry it!” (Thank you Dolores for sharing a good thing!)

Coconut - a hint of coconut and sweetness, slightly tart

Mango Coconut - subtle burst of mango and coconut - very refreshing

Lemon Cayenne Cleanse - hint of spicy zing and lemony tartness

Mojita Lime Mint Coconut - light and refreshing - only 1 g of sugar and 5 calories per 8 oz! Perfect for a hot summer day.

Hibiscus Berry Cleanse - 0 sugar,  2g of carbs and 5 calories per 8 oz. - Ingredients include Organic Hibiscus Flowers, Organic Raspberry, Organic Goji Berry, Organic Rose Hips, Organic Stevia, Organic Schizandra Berry. A light botanical berry taste without the sugar.

Research has proven that 80% of your immune system is in your digestive tract.  A healthy adult carries  about 4.4 lbs. of  bacteria in the gut.

“There are more cells in that microbial mass than there are cells in the human body. It is highly organized micro-world, where certain species of bacteria have to predominate to keep us healthy physically and mentally. Their role in our health is so monumental that we simply can’t afford to ignore them.” - Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride, author of the book, Gut and Psychology Syndrome and creator of THE GAPS DIET.

But in our modern world, many of us are exposed to influences that ultimately damage the gut and cause an imbalance in our gut flora. Stress, is one of those influences that undermines our healthy digestive flora. 

“A combination of poor diet, medications, stress, environmental toxins and chemicals wreak havoc on our digestive tracts.” - KEVITA

Research has also proven that an imbalance of gut flora can lead to a compromised immune system.

And this is why EVERYONE needs probiotics!

So next time you are at the supermarket or health food store, pick up a bottle of KeVita. And if you can’t find it, ask the store manager to order it and keep it stocked.  More and more people are becoming educated and making healthier and smarter choices.

Choose “the healthy alternative to traditional soda.” 

Drink KEVITA!!

And feel SUPER!!!


* I have no financial interest in KeVita.

GT'S KOMBUCHA: DRINK... TO YOUR HEALTH!!

Did you know that all non-organic conventional commercial meat, poultry, dairy and farm-raised fish are loaded with antibiotics and other drugs? I’ve also read that antibiotics have also been found in some popular varieties of “organic” apples and “organic" pears.  Read here for more info on that story.  So,with this in mind, supplementing your diet with probiotics, probiotic foods and probiotic drinks (like kombucha), is absolutely a must!  (See The Gaps Diet & Gut Flora  on how your gut flora affects your immune system.)

Have you ever heard of kombucha?  Kombucha (pronounced kom-boo-cha) is a fizzy fermented tea that  doesn’t taste anything like tea! I would describe the taste as more like a slightly sour, slightly sweet champagne with a hint of earthy essence. And that's why I love to drink my kombucha in a wine glass! But best of all, it's sooo good for you. Loaded with beneficial bacteria, enzymes and antioxidants, kombucha is excellent for your gut health and overall well-being.

I love GT’s Enlightened  Organic Raw Kombucha. It is a popular brand and is available at Whole Foods, local health food stores and natural food stores.  GT’S Kombucha is 100% organic, gluten-free, vegan, non-gmo, kosher and made with “100% love”!!! Each bottle provides an impressive list of additional nutrients, probiotics and antioxidants. There is also a trace of alcohol in each bottle. Not enough for a buzz - but just enough to take the edge off. Drinking kombucha makes me feel relaxed, energized and recharged!

My favorite flavor is Gingerade.  Fresh pressed ginger juice and 100% kombucha gives this health tonic a zesty, spicy bite. Each 8 oz. serving has 7g of carbs, 2g of sugar and 30 calories. I call this the perfect healthy guilt-free pick me up!

Here is the list of additional nutritional  info on the Gingerade label:

Additional Nutrients  (per bottle):

Folate  25%

Vitamin B2  20%

Vitamin B6 20%

Vitamin B1 20%

Vitamin B3 20%

Vitamin B12 20%

Probiotic  Content:

Bacillus coagulans: 1 billion organisms.

S. Boulardii: 1 billion organisms.

Antioxidants & Organic Acids

EGCG 100mg - Glucoronic Acid 10mg.

L (+) Lactic Acid 25 mg - Acetic Acid 30 mg.

GT’S offers a wide variety to suit everyone’s palate. I have yet to try them all. Here is a little review of some of their popular flavors:

Original - 100% pure kombucha. It is not as effervescent as the Gingerade and tastes like dry, smooth champagne. A perfect late afternoon indulgence!

Multi-Green : Ingredients include organic Klamath Mountain blue-green algae, organic spirulina and organic chlorella.  If you like green drinks and juices, you will love this flavor. Let’s put it this way, it tastes healthy! Great for detox!

Lavender No. 3 : GT married lovely lavender with elegant elderberry to produce a fragrant aromatic botanical elixir of love.  Very intoxicating!

Bilberry No. 9 - Ingredients include bilberry, honeysuckle and red clover and bursting with a fruity, herbal zing  -  a dynamic choice for a healthy dose of vitality!

The Enlightened Synergy line is made from the same raw organic kombucha with the addition of organic juices and raw chia seeds. Here are the five flavors that I’ve tried so far:

Black Chia is the first beverage that I’ve ever tasted with chia seeds and it is surprisingly fun to drink! The chia seeds give the kombucha a slight gel-like crunch that swirl  around your tongue. The organic black currant juice is slightly sweet and absolutely deliciously satisfying. Each 8 oz. serving has 8g of carbs, 4g of sugar and 75 calories. The chia seeds add 4g of fiber, 3 g of fat and 2 g of protein and tons of nutrients!

Cherry Chia is made with organic cherry juice and is slightly tart and tangy. Think cherry wine, pureed tart cherry pie filling (without the sugar!) and tapioca pearls blended together  for  a sparkling frothy sensation. Cherry Chia also has the same nutritional contents as Black Chia.

Strawberry Serenity is made with organic strawberry puree. The strawberry flavor is very mild and slightly musky. Think strawberry incense for your body, mind and soul! 

Trilogy -   Highly effervescent raw organic kombucha flavored with organic raspberry juice, organic lemon juice and fresh-pressed organic ginger. Very refreshing and slightly fruity. A heavenly treat!

So pick up a bottle of GT’s  Enlightened Kombucha next time you are at the market. It  is the smart and healthy choice for  today’s world. And drink...to your health! Your body will thank you for it!

*I have no financial interest in GT's Enlightened Kombucha.

THE LECHER INSTRUMENT: A TOOL FOR TESTING & HEALING

Have you ever heard of a Lecher Instrument? It is a fascinating tool that accurately measures the wavelengths and frequency of electromagnetic waves surrounding the human body.

The Lecher Instrument is named for Ernst Lecher (1856-1926), an Austrian physicist who “ is known as the pioneer of high frequency measurement and the mind behind lecher lines, a method for measuring the length and frequency of electric waves”. https://innovativemedicine.com/lecher-instrument/

The tool, that is used today, was developed by a group of German physicists in 1975.

Dr. Gurevich believes in the Eastern philosophy that we each have energy centers, known as chakras, and a life energy that flows within us (qi). When your flow of life energy (qi) is blocked, you can become vulnerable to disease. When the qi is unblocked, your body is in a healing state.

My naturopath and acupuncturist, Dr. Trivisonno who works with Dr. Gurevich, also shares his beliefs for helping and healing her patients. Like Dr. Gurevich, Dr. T also believes in testing her patients with the Lecher Instrument.

Why?

Because it is amazingly accurate.

“The Lecher Instrument detects and reacts directly to frequencies through a well-known physics phenomenon called ‘resonance’.* Furthermore the Lecher Instrument is precisely calibrated, giving its user the distinct advantage to seek and obtain a reaction to the presence of highly specific frequencies.

This ability to detect specific frequencies opens a world of medical applications and possibilities, some of which include:

• Scientifically accurate testing for the compatibility of any product, substance, medication and…
• The ability to calibrate, measure and quantify the quality of any substance that emits radiation (all matter).
• Therapeutic frequency transmission IN ADDITION to detection.” (from https://innovativemedicine.com/lecher-instrument/ )

By testing with the Lecher Instrument, both Dr. Gurevich and Dr. T are able to identify beneficial supplements and homeopathic remedies, supportive therapies, compatible and non-compatible foods and even viruses and bacteria, including Lyme Disease!

A few years ago, when I was still taking the Allergie-Immun drops, I was going through a healing crisis. I felt tired, achy, foggy, depressed, etc. I was terrified that I was experiencing a Lyme relapse. Dr. Terra tested me with the Lecher Instrument and the Lyme  bacteria frequency did not resonate. But what tested positive was the Epstein-Barr virus. With the help of Allergie-Immun,  the Epstein-Barr virus was in the process of being eliminated from my body. So Dr. T tested homeopathic supplements to help me to detox and eliminate the virus faster.

Through muscle testing and energetic testing,  both Dr. Gurevich and Dr. T were able to identify foods that were not compatible for me. Non-compatible foods can block your qi and interfere with the healing process. Before I went on the GAPS diet, I tested negatively for potatoes (including yams), corn, soy, rice, wheat, oats, peanuts, tomatoes, sugar, cow’s milk and dairy products, chocolate, oranges, and coffee.

This is how I knew I was the perfect candidate for the GAPS DIET. The GAPS DIET consists of eliminating all starchy foods, sugar and lactose, that stay in the gut, damage the gut wall and feed on pathogenic bacteria, viruses, candida and fungi.

I’ve been on the FULL GAPS DIET now for over 18 months and at my last drs. visit, Dr. T re-tested some of these foods to see if there has been a change. Sure enough, I can now eat peanuts, tomatoes, organic butter, organic brown rice, and organic dark chocolate. My body is still not compatible with most starches, so I’m staying away from them. I’m feeling

great on the GAPS diet and  introducing some non-GAP foods, like brown rice and some dark chocolate, a little at a time.

There is no question that the Lecher Instrument has been an important part of my recovery from chronic illness. By leaving out the guess work, my doctors have the capability to  treat all their patients confidently and wisely. As a result, I could see and believe that there is indeed a light at the end of the tunnel. I knew I was going to recover and get my health back.

We all have the ability to be healthy. Dr. Gurevich and Dr. T know this. This is why tools like the Lecher Instrument are a vital part of their practice. They are part of a new breed of practitioners who believe in the individual approach, finding the root cause of dysfunction, treating the body, mind and spirit, and restoring health on all levels.  They are part of a new breed of physicians that bring healing and hope.

(*Resonance is the tendency of a system to oscillate. Resonance phenomena  occurs with all types of vibrations or waves:  there is mechanical resonance, acoustic resonance, electromagnetic resonance, and also biological resonance of living systems (bioresonance). Resonant systems can be used to pick out specific frequencies from a complex vibration containing many frequencies...

Utilizing a Lecher Instrument as a scientific tool capable of registering wavelengths and oscillations from the human body, and a systematic set of medical parameters, physicians may now identify all dysfunctions in the body as well as the correct medications and treatments needed to correct these dysfunctions with accuracy.”)  from

https://innovativemedicine.com/bioresonance-analysis-of-health/science/resonance-phenomena/


Watch this video for more information about the Lecher Instrument!