Mommy's Time Out Magazine February 2018 | Page 11

If you’ve driven by The Green at Lakewood Ranch recently, you might have noticed its newest addition: natural supermarket Earth Fare.

Terms like “healthy” and “natural” are authentic at Earth Fare. In fact, they’ve been leading the mission to bring healthy food to everyone for over 40 years.

It starts with their Food Philosophy, a guide to what is and isn’t allowed on their shelves, and the roots of that philosophy started more than 40 years ago in Asheville, NC. It was the city’s first natural food store, and it had a mission to let people take control of their health with real food.

In 1993, when artificial ingredients were on the rise, Earth Fare wanted to better define “real food” and started its Food Philosophy by banning hydrogenated oils from its shelves. The philosophy has continued to evolve, and banned ingredients now include high fructose corn syrup, artificial fats and trans-fats, synthetic growth hormones, artificial sweeteners, bleached and bromated flour, antibiotics, artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. Now, they read the labels so you don’t have to.

With so many unhealthy ingredients banned, there’s room for nothing but goodness. About 70 percent of their produce department is Certified Organic—more than any other supermarket in the industry. And their commitment to organic and non-GMO can be seen throughout the store. In fact, all Earth Fare private brand products are made with only non-GMO ingredients. The meat and seafood department carries everything from grass-fed beef to sustainably sourced seafood, while the bakery uses Old World techniques for the freshest, Cleanest breads and pastries.

The store also includes an Heirloom Juice Bar, complete with all organic juices, smoothies, and coffee. For meals on the go, their extensive prepared food department boasts a salad bar, a fresh hot bar, and ready-to-go packaged meals.

And to bring healthy food to everyone at an affordable price, more savings are available through their Healthy Rewards loyalty program and weekly email flyers.

The store is located at the intersection of Lakewood Ranch Blvd and State Road 70 E. For more information, visit earthfare.com and don’t forget to download their Healthy Rewards app before you shop!

McKinley is doing really great. She's loving school, LOVING dance & enjoying being off chemo meds. It really is amazing how much she's grown, how much she's developed & how much more personality she has since she's stopped chemo. All things are looking great which is wonderful news. We've been very busy with advocating & promoting childhood cancer awareness month & attending a lot of events. We did have one scare at this months appointment but all was confirmed negative with an ultrasound. Myself, a few other "cancer moms" & McKinleys oncologist were all concerned about a vein by where her port was placed especially since she had a clot in the past. But all was confirmed ok with a quick ultrasound (Thank God). I'm not sure I'll ever be able to take a deep breath but I do try too. We are praying for a Halloween at home this year (last year we spent 8 days in the hospital fighting a nasty virus over Halloween). And although the nurses & staff came by her hospital room to trick or treat, I'm actually looking forward to sweating & fighting bugs on Halloween night this year. It's the little things 😉 Thank You as always for keeping McKinley in your thoughts & prayers.

xoxox,

Karen

Earth Fare Brings Healthy Food to Lakewood Ranch