Chocolate products have been delicacies for centuries. Evidence proves that the Mayans consumed a cacao beverage as early as 600 B.C. When the Aztecs took over, the cocoa bean was used not only for drinks but also as currency. Recent studies have concluded that dark chocolate is high in antioxidants like flavonoids and procyanidins. This research indicates that dark chocolate may help lower cholesterol, reduce free radical damage, and may prevent some forms of cancer. Dark chocolate also contains low amounts of anandamide and other derivatives which may be responsible for the feeling of pleasure people describe when they eat it. Now the not so good news... People with recurrant migraine headaches, pregnant women, and those sensitive to caffiene should talk with a physician before making dark chocolate an addition to your diet. Concern for saturated fat content may be unfounded since stearic triglycerides found in dark chocolate are excreted from the body. Overweight or obese people should limit their intake of dark chocolate because of the fat and calorie content. Otherwise, moderate consumption (2-3 bars not pounds a week) of high quality preferably organic dark chocolate containing at least 70% cocoa liquor can be enjoyed without risk to your health. Milk chocolate does not have the benefits of dark chocolate and contains processed ingredients such as added sugar, corn syrup, milk fats, and hydrogenated oils. Raw cacao beans are most healthful and are a great addition to smoothies. Talk to a Nutritional Counselor at The Center to find out where to get them. By Jared Saunders

Total Fat 13 g Saturated Fat 5 g Trans fat 2g Starting January 1st 2006, all packaged foods that enter interstate commerce in the United States must list Trans Fat content on their Nutrition Facts labels. But watch out! there are two major problems (loopholes) with the new label, as noted below. 1. Under FDA regulations, "if the serving contains less than 0.5 gram of trans fat content when declared shall be expressed as zero." So what does this mean? If you eat one serving of Product A (say chips), one serving of Product B (a cookie), and one serving of Product C (crackers) Lets assume each product contains 0.4 g of trans fat per serving. You have just consumed 1.2g of trans fat, despite the fact that each of the labels claims the product contain zero grams of trans fat per serving. Be sure to read the ingredients list. If the words "partially hydrogenated" appear in the ingredients, the product contains trans fat. Also note that if the word "shortening" in the ingredient, the product probably contains trans fat. 2.Note that there is no percentage for trans fat in the % "Daily Value" column. There is just a blank space. The FDA was going to put a note there that stated "intake of trans fats should be as low as possible." but in response to food industry pressure, the warning has been dropped. The FDA requires labels that enter interstate commerce on or after January 1st to be labeled, therefore products that were put on the shelf prior to that date can bear the old labels. I'm sure they will also allow companies to use up old labels and what not, so it will be a while before we see a complete changeover. I am still thrilled with this change because its a step in the right direction. Trans fats are one of the most dangerous and common ingredients in the foods we eat. They contribute to causing obesity, heart disease, Type 2 Diabetes, some types of cancer and other ailments. Trans fats are found in many foods such as chips, cookies, crackers, health foods, margarine, and most fast foods. Proper labeling allows us a choice. Fast food restaurants are not required to label anything as far as trans fat content goes. Big companies such as Kraft foods are taking steps to eliminate trans fats from their products. It wont be long now before there is a healthier OREO. However this doesn't mean that they are all going to make the jump to healthy oils because healthy oils cost money. There is a cheap soy alternative called Vistive that may replace hydrogenated oils in some products. Vistive is made by Monsanto, the makers of Agent Orange, and Round up. Also famous for their genetically modified crops. So stick to the healthier oils. Canola, extra virgin olive and coconut oils, unfractionated palm oil, and a few others. If you would like more info on Trans Fats and healthier alternatives contact a nutritional counselor today. If you would like the FDA website so you can tell them that you want more labels warning about the dangers of trans fats, here it is, www.fda.gov By: Jared Saunders some info taken from bantransfats.com

Quinoa is a delicious whole grain that has been used as a staple food for thousands of years by the Incas of South America. Quinoa is also known with respect as "the mother grain". Quinoa contains more protein than any other grain(16.2 percent) and its protein is of very high quality, it is a complete protein and has a perfect balance of amino acids Quinoa also provides beneficial oils, fiber, vitamins and minerals. It is not sticky or heavy like most grains it is easy to digest and has a delicious nutty flavor all its own. Quinoa can be used in place of any grain. It only takes about 15 minutes to prepare and kids tend to love the taste. If you want to learn how to use this super grain come to our cooking class on February 7th. Check the link below and click on workshops for more info. By Jared Saunders

What in the world is Maca? Maca is a root that grows high in the mountains of Peru. Rich in its nutritional content Maca provides many health benefits for men and women. Maca is not only gaining popularity as a sexual libido enhancer and menopause symptom savior, but it also affects energy, stamina, depression, memory and more. Maca is used for fertility problems, sterility, and other sexual disorders and also as a potent aphrodisiac! Research has proven that Maca works on areas of the body that produce hormones and energizing substances which lift libido and virility. It is a safe natural product that will not alter your circulation like Viagra. It greatly reduces stress, increases testosterone production in men, corrects menstrual irregularity, balances hormones, increases sperm count, and produces a sense of well being. Maca can be taken in supplement or in whole food form. Do you want to know where to get it? Contact a Nutritional Counselor at The Center today!

Cranio-Sacral Therapy is a non-invasive technique used by accredited therapists to assess and treat restrictions and altered patterns of cerebrospinal fluid flow. Restrictions are caused by physical or emotional traumas. For instance, neck injuries from a car accident are locked into the body. So are sports injuries, accidental falls or birth complications. Emotional traumas are also stored. These events are essentially "frozen" into our bodies until they are released. If you would like to feel the benefits of Cranio-Sacral Therapy call the Center and make an appointment with Isabelle Lovell, our Certified Cranio- Sacral Therapist therapist.

Nicotine is a powerful addiction. It is estimated that most smokers will attempt to quit two or three times, and sometimes more before finally kicking the habit. The reasons to quit smoking are endless. Cigarettes have 4000 known poisons, any of which can kill in high enough doses. One drop of pure nicotonic acid can kill a man. According to the CDC, tobacco kills more than 440,000 people each year, in the U.S. alone. Not to mention the chronic illnesses and diseases associated with smoking. Enphysema, lung cancer, high blood pressure, shortness of breath, chronic cough, an increased frequency of colds and flu--these are just a few of the widely known risks associated with smoking. If you are highly motivated and ready to quit, acupuncture treatment can reduce the withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting such as cravings, irritability, restlessness and insomnia. Acupuncture is not a panacea or a magic cure in the treatment of any addiction, but it can be of great assistance when used as part of a comprehensive program to quit smoking. You will have the highest probability of success if you can commit to other healthy lifestyle, dietary and behavioral changes, Including:

• Exercise to help rid the body of toxins and improve physical and mental well being.
• A healthy, well balanced diet which includes fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Plenty of water. Research shows that dryness causes cravings.
• Deep breathing exercises, relaxation and stress management strategies.
• A support person-- someone who can act as a sounding board and provide encouragement when needed.
• Setting boundaries--set up contracts with other smokers to refrain from smoking in your presence.
• A plan to manage your cravings. For example, deep breathing,exercising or calling your support person.

Patrice is a practitioner of Herbal medicine and an integral part of the Nutritional Counseling team here at the Center. Patrice started practicing at the Center in July of 2005. She is a Board certified Holistic Health Practitioner, Herbologist, and has a BA in Psychology as well. Patrice is currently enrolled in a doctoral program at Clayton College of Natural Health. Her studies include Herbology, Iridology, Naturopathy, Natural Therapeutics, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayeurvedic Medicine, Homeopathy and more. Patrice creates her own herbal tinctures which are available for sale at the Center. Tinctures can be made to deal with specific ailments such as digestive issues, lack of energy, sleeping disorders and much more. Whole body tonics can also be crafted for optimal health and wellness. If you would like to make an appointment with Patrice, please call the center today.

When you find your passion, life brings you more joy, more color, more depth, and more meaning than you could ever imagine. I am one of those lucky few that have found their purpose and their passion. In the years I have spent mentally building this vision I knew it was a calling of some kind, but I didn’t understand the true bliss I would feel in my life every day, every hour and every minute. My heart sings. My passion, . . . to love, to educate and to support all those desiring a healthier life. My desire is to help others understand how they can mentally control their own destiny, create their own opportunities and take the driver seat with their own health care. It’s teaching how to heal the core issues in your life not just treating the symptoms. It’s taking the natural approach using whole foods, herbs, essential oils, slow intentional movement exercise, antidioxidants, vitamins and supplements. It is each person taking responsibility for themselves. The Holistic Self Care Center supplies all of the professionals under one roof to educate and support individual’s needs. My dream and my passion is alive. It’s working. We are seeing people’s lives changing everyday when using the “Holistic” approach. If you are ready to live the highest quality of life then this is the place to be. This is optimal approach to natural health and wellness. by Barb Tremlett, Barb is the Owner and Executive Director of The Holistic Self Care Center