Whole Foods

Whole foods are unprocessed and unrefined foods that typically do not contain added sugar, salt, fat, or chemicals.  Whole foods are not necessarily organic foods.  Because of the lack of basic processing, many whole foods have a very short shelf life as opposed to refined or processed foods that have very long shelf lives.

Whole foods:

• Whole grains
• Fruits and vegetables
• Unprocessed meat
• Poultry
• Fish
• Nuts
• Soy
• Juices
• Seeds
• Beans & Legumes
• Spices & Herbs
• Low-fat Dairy
• Sprouts

Whole foods deliver:

• Maximum nutritional benefit
• Are easily assimilated and absorbed by our body
• Usually rich in Fiber
• Usually rich in Antioxidants

Whole foods are nutrient rich and are thought to promote health because they are a natural source of vitamins and minerals.  The term “Whole Food” has been known to describe any food that offers a complete balance in nutritional value while in its natural state.

Whole Foods Markets and Health Food Stores

We love Whole Foods and independent health food stores because they are not only entertaining and informative, but you can learn a great deal about healthy living and finding unique products that suit you best.

Whole Foods Market is a healthy-food retailer featuring organic products including produce, seafood, grocery, meat and poultry, bakery, vitamins, minerals, herbs, and supplements, prepared foods and catering, clothing, pet food, beer, wine, cheese, whole body, floral, pet products, and household products.  Whole Foods also sells egg-free, gluten-free, fruit-juice sweetened, sugar-free, raw, vegetarian and vegan foods.  Whole Foods is consistently ranked among the most socially responsible businesses.

In Southern California, one of our favorite health food stores is Follow Your Heart, which has been like a member of our family for over 20 years.  They have a wonderful vegetarian restaurant that sells everything from excellent, hardy soups to burgers, pizza, Mexican, Italian, and Thai foods.  The menu is clearly marked for non-dairy and vegan items, and they always have a daily special.  You might have seen some of their products like Veganaise at Whole Foods and other health food stores across the country.

Another health food store we like in Los Angeles is Erwhon Natural Foods Market, located on Beverly Boulevard near CBS,  Erwhon offers organically-grown produce, groceries and macrobiotic staples as well as an excellent salad, soup, sandwich, and prepared food bar.  They also have a huge variety of natural remedies including vitamins, herbs and homeopathic medicines.  Erwhon is a great place to people watch, especially around lunch-time.

In New York, one of our favorite health food stores is Lifethyme. They have an excellent organic buffet daily, a wonderful vegan bakery, and a very special juice bar, where they make smoothies and personalized fresh-squeezed juice mixtures.