A message from Patricia
Subject: Costco Connection article
Message: Hello Josh - I just read the article in Costco Connection talking about products they stock. (Life-changer with your picture) It referred me to your site here, but I don't see anything talking about specific products at Costco. I'm very interested in what these products are. Is it possible for you to send me a list of them or??? My granddaughter is a vegan and has shared some of her diet information with me - I'm ready to begin eliminating all white flour, sugar etc. from my diet and whatever other information you have to give me a jump start, I would so appreciate. Congratulations on your amazing accomplishment - thank you for sharing it.
Hi Patricia,
I will be posting more information on specific products in the future, so look out for that information. As far as getting a "jump start"…you said you are ready to begin eliminating all white flour, sugar etc. That's a great place to begin! There are so many wonderful and healthful alternatives out there today, particularly in the bread, pasta and rice areas. I would suggest avoiding anything that is "enriched" (i.e something was added to it) and look for whole grain based ingredients. I'm a big fan of Sprouted Wheat, and one of my favorites when I choose breads are from the Food for Life line. On the sugar front…I would definitely avoid the white varieties…look for raw organic sugars (many are brown), as well as alternatives for sweetening that are natural. Although I rarely use sweeteners (I generally get my fix from fruits), when I choose to make something that requires it. I use things like Raw Agave Nectar, Organic Maple Syrup and Coconut Palm Sugar (although that one is hard to find). Thank you for writing in and keep me posted on how your doing.
A message from Ursula
Subject: Vegan Recipes
Just read your article in Costco and it was truly amazing. I would like to know what are a few of your favorite vegan meals and if you have any recipes?
Thanks so much for sharing your story.
Hi Ursula,
I am going to be developing an entire area devoted my favorite recipes (and some videos too)…but here is an easy one…and one of my favorites. Note: I would look for all of these ingredients in "organic" and adjust amounts to your own taste. I love wraps. Here is one I make a lot.
1 Sprouted Wheat Tortilla (click here to see which one)
Big Spoonful of Hummus (flavor of your choice or homemade)
A few Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Some Red Onion
2 large pieces of Romaine (easily can substitute Spinach)
Some Alfalfa Sprouts
Sliced Cucumber
Some nice slices of vine ripe red tomatoes
Start by spreading the Hummus on the tortilla, then chop everything else to desired sizes…roll it up and enjoy…you may need a bib, or at least a few napkins:)
If you want more protein in your wrap, you can easily add a veggie or vegan burger sliced in half so it rolls up well...you could also add beans.
A message from Monika
Subject: Costco
Message: I read your article in Costco Connection. I was wondering if you have a grocery list that I can use at Costco, something like product recommendations. I feel whenever I shop at Costco I tend to pickup unhealthy items.
Hi Monika,
I have had an overwhelming amount of requests for a "list", and will be working on coming up some example lists that I will post. I did want to address the last line of your message. "I feel whenever I shop at Costco I tend to pickup unhealthy items." YOU have control over that…so stop picking them up! The first question I used to ask my clients, was do you brush your teeth everyday? Their response (actually was often just a stare for a few seconds) was "of course". I asked them why? Their response was almost always, because "your supposed to, it's good for you". It's all about choosing. You must make the choice. I'm not trying to be harsh…but like that big shoe company says…"Just Do It".
A message from Joy
Subject: Food at Costco
Message: Hi Josh, Saw the story about you in the Costco magazine. I live in a suburb of Phoenix AZ. Don't think it is likely you could "go to the store with me". I would like to find out about your shopping there, the right foods, what is healthy, and recipes etc. Is there a place in your blogs where I can find this information?
Hi Joy,
I was in Phoenix once…really liked it. If I was there, I would be glad to meet up with you and go shopping! As I mentioned in another response, I will be posting more and more on product choices and recipes in upcoming weeks, so stay tuned for those. Costco is certainly one of the stores I would highly recommend. What other options do you have where you live? Are there any Natural/Organic groceries or Trader Joe's? When I lived up North, I could find about 90% of what I was looking for at Costco and Trader Joes. Let me know by commenting on this post or send me a message through the contact form and I'll try to help further.
A message from Marie
Subject: Your illness...
Message: What you have sounds similar to what Joe Cross suffered from in "Fat Sick & Nearly Dead" Joe turned to juicing as a means of getting healthy, and, low and behold, all his symptoms disappeared as well. If you've not seen this movie (documentary) I highly recommend it. I'm just starting my second 30 day juice fast. In between my last fast and this I've eaten primarily vegetarian and still juiced approx 1 time/day. I wish you nothing but the very best of luck and health in the 2012 year!
Hi Marie,
Oh how many times I have heard that my life sounded like the Joe Cross documentary "Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead". In fact, at one point, I actually wrote Joe's "people" to share my story, but never heard back. Since I don't know Joe, or all of the specifics of his illness, clearly the lifestyles we lived were similar, as were the ailments. All of us our idiosyncratic, so it would be difficult to identify whether or not he and I shared in more than the hives…although we clearly shared in our previous behavior. I was so elated when I first watched the film, that finally someone more "main stream" (i.e not backed by a company or food product) could demonstrate the power of juicing whole fruits and vegetables. At times I do a juice cleanse, and then regularly integrate juicing into my regimen. I used to use a high speed juicer, similar to the Breville Joe used, but not long ago picked up the new Omega VRT lower RPM. It produces juice with far less oxidation (and a bit more pulp as a result). Even though there is no way around the "clean up" from juicing…I love it!