Natural Awakenings Twin Cities March 2020 by natwincities6

EE R F

HEALTHY

LIVING

HEALTHY

PLANET

CBDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Frontier Help for Mental Health Meatless Makeover

A Plant-Based Spin on Classic Dishes

Plants on the Rise

How to Join the Plant Foods Movement

March 2020 | Twin Cities Edition | NAtwincities.com

Seven years without a cold?

had colds going round and round, but not me.” Some users say it also helps with sinuses. Attorney Donna Blight had a 2-day sinus headache. When her CopperZap arrived, she tried it. “I am shocked!” she said. “My head cleared, no more headache, no more congestion.” Some users say copper stops nighttime stuffiness if used just before cientists recently discovered bed. One man said, “Best sleep I’ve had time. He hasn’t had a single cold for 7 a way to kill viruses and in years.” years since. bacteria. Copper can also stop flu if used early He asked relatives and friends to try Now thousands of people are using it it. They said it worked for them, too, so and for several days. Lab technicians to stop colds and flu. placed 25 million live flu viruses on a he patented CopperZap™ and put it on Colds start CopperZap. No viruses were found alive the market. when cold viruses soon after. Soon hundreds get in your nose. Dr. Bill Keevil led one of the teams of people had Viruses multiply confirming the discovery. He placed tried it and given fast. If you don’t millions of disease germs on copper. feedback. Nearly stop them early, “They started to die literally as soon as 100% said the they spread and copper stops colds if they touched the surface,” he said. cause misery. People have even used copper on used within 3 hours In hundreds cold sores and say it can completely after the first sign. of studies, EPA prevent outbreaks. Even up to 2 New research: Copper stops colds if used early. and university The handle is days, if they still researchers have confirmed that viruses curved and finely get the cold it is milder than usual and and bacteria die almost instantly when textured to improve they feel better. touched by copper. contact. It kills germs Users wrote things like, “It stopped That’s why ancient Greeks and picked up on fingers my cold right away,” and “Is it Egyptians used copper to purify water and hands to protect supposed to work that fast?” and heal wounds. They didn’t know you and your family. “What a wonderful thing,” wrote about microbes, but now we do. Copper even kills Physician’s Assistant Julie. “No more Dr. Bill Keevil: Copper quickly kills deadly germs that Scientists say the high conductance colds for me!” cold viruses. of copper disrupts the electrical balance have become resistant Pat McAllister, 70, received one in a microbe cell and destroys the cell in for Christmas and called it “one of the to antibiotics. If you are near sick seconds. best presents ever. This little jewel really people, a moment of handling it may Tests by the EPA (Environmental keep serious infection away. It may even works.” Protection Agency) show germs die save a life. Now thousands of users have simply fast on copper. So some hospitals tried The EPA says copper still works stopped getting colds. copper for touch surfaces like faucets even when tarnished. It kills hundreds of People often use CopperZap and doorknobs. This cut the spread of preventively. Frequent flier Karen Gauci different disease germs so it can prevent MRSA and other illnesses by over half, serious or even fatal illness. used to get colds after crowded flights. and saved lives. CopperZap is made in America of Though skeptical, she tried it several The strong scientific evidence gave pure copper. It has a 90-day full money times a day on travel days for 2 months. inventor Doug Cornell an idea. When back guarantee. It is $69.95. “Sixteen flights and not a sniffle!” she he felt a cold about to start he fashioned Get $10 off each CopperZap with exclaimed. a smooth copper probe and rubbed it Businesswoman Rosaleen says when code NATA18. Go to www.CopperZap.com or call gently in his nose for 60 seconds. people are sick around her she uses “It worked!” he exclaimed. “The cold CopperZap morning and night. “It saved toll-free 1-888-411-6114. Buy once, use forever. never got going.” It worked again every me last holidays,” she said. “The kids ADVERTORIAL

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March 2020

Caring for your loved one like family

Contents 15 LIVING IN

SYNCHRONICITY The Power of Meaningful Coincidence

Providing assistance with: personal cares meal prep and feeding assistance medication administration transfers and mobility transportation advocacy at medical appointments. and more!

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16 THE ROOTS OF GOOD HEALTH

Thriving on a Plant-Based Diet

19 PLENTY OF SUNSHINE HEADED OUR WAY

Minnesotans Go Solar

20 MEATLESS MAKEOVER

A Plant-Based Spin on Classic Dishes

23 NON-HEMP DERIVED CBD OPTIONS

24 CBDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEW FRONTIER Help for Mental Health

DEPARTMENTS 7 news briefs 10 health briefs 12 global briefs 14 eco tip 15 inspiration 4

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20 conscious

eating 24 healing ways 26 calendar 27 classifieds 27 resource guide

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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

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am so excited to share this month’s issue with you as we are focused in two areas that are getting more attention every day. Plant-based diets, made up of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, beans and nuts, while reducing the amount of meat we consume, can have a significant impact not only on the health of our families, but also on our environment. Imagine the impact that could be made if all of us reduced our meat consumption by just 25 percent. As someone who grew up on a farm with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, I enjoy creating recipes that include an Candi Broeffle abundance of these ingredients. However, I’m not a vegetarian and also enjoy having meat in most meals. I do notice as I age that red meat causes more physical discomfort than it once did and I have been making a more concerted effort to make meals that don’t rely on meat as the main ingredient. With spring just around the corner, I think now is a great time for me to make a commitment to reduce my meat intake. If you are thinking of doing the same, you will enjoy “Meatless Makeover: A Plant-Based Spin on Classic Dishes,” which provides recipes for Vegan Popcorn “Chicken,” Walnut Meat Tacos and a mouth-watering Mushroom, Sage and Onion Wellington. Cannabidiol, or CBD, is another hot topic in natural health these days, and it can be confusing to find the option that will work for you. In “CBDs New Frontier: Help for Mental Health”, author Julie Marshall provides insight that can help you make better decisions. If you are a healthcare provider like me, or if you just want to avoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), Alina Hornfeldt shares “Non-Hemp Derived CBD Options” that will introduce you to CBD supplements derived from other plants such as orange peel or hops. There are so many options out there; I encourage you to reach out to the professionals who can help you find the perfect solution for your ailment. I also want to draw your attention to the inspiring words from Meg Lundstrom about “synchronicity” and how we can encourage the sometimes life-changing “coincidences” that can have a profound influence on our lives. Synchronicity happens to all of us, and the ability to recognize and act on it is a skill we are all able to develop, if we just take the time to do so. The pages that follow provide excellent information for your health and well-being. But there is even more available to you on our website, so be sure to visit us at NAtwincities.com. Wishing you wellness!

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Twin Cities Edition

Candi Broeffle, Publisher

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news briefs

Get into Harmony with the Divine Feminine

Ease and Convenience of At-Home Health Tests

he public can check many health aspects at home in an easy and highly convenient way without going to a doctor’s office. LetsGetChecked, based in Dublin, Ireland, and New York City, provides comprehensive, at-home health testing along with complementary clinical services and connections with a global network of regulated laboratories, enabling users to take more active roles in their health and decision making. After obtaining a testing kit online or from a selected pharmacy, customers selfcollect a blood, saliva or urine sample with a kit-provided lancet and send it to an affiliated lab—all Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments-approved and College of American Pathologists-accredited—using a pre-paid label. Most will receive a call from the company’s nursing team with results a few days later, which are also posted in their LetsGetChecked account. Thirty separate kits—grouped in men’s, women’s and sexual health plus wellness—can check for sexually transmitted diseases; some cancers; thyroid function; vitamin, cholesterol and hormonal levels; and more. Since its founding in 2014, the company has performed more than 250,000 tests. CB Insights, a leading private company research and analysis firm, named LetsGetChecked to its inaugural Digital Health 150 list in October. For more information or to register, visit LetsGetChecked.com. Natural Awakenings readers can receive 20 percent off everything by using discount code NATC20. See ad on page 3.

any are seeking greater alignment with the Divine Feminine in a way that feels authentic, personal and true. Nea Clare and Jill Goux are co-creating a powerful event to bring people together to share in this attunement. Divine Harmony: Attune to the Sacred Feminine will take place from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., on April 26, at Hopkins Center for the Arts, in Hopkins. As they describe it, the Divine Feminine is truly a new Nea Clare energetic consciousness, never before having been experienced on this planet. Being new, much of the language falls short in describing the impacts and adjustments many are already feeling in their physical, emotional and mental bodies. Clare and Goux have both experienced significant impact to their work as a result of these energetic shifts. Clare is a natural channel and activation coach who has been offering personal connection with the Archangels and Ascended Masters for over eight years. “About 18 months ago, things began to change,” Clare states. “I began channeling a new collective consciousness—the HAO (pronounced “how”) which stands for Harmonic Alignment in Oneness.” The HAO’s mission Jill Goux is to help us acclimate to the new harmonic frequencies (or Divine Feminine energies) by introducing new language, technology and frequency alignments. Goux is a transformational energy coach, healer and teacher. At about the same timeframe, she began channeling light language which began to open her to new ways of working with sound in her healing work. “The light languages I channel— over 10 dialects now—all carry specific sound vibrations that work as an energetic and healing activation for those who hear it. The healing experience is much more immediate rather than being a process that must occur over time.” During this event, there will be channeled messages from the HAO, guided meditation, crystal bowl sound bath and channeled light language transmissions. Participants will be brought into sacred space where they will experience attuning to these Divine Feminine frequencies. Cost: $77/person. Location: 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins. Natural Awakenings readers, use code: NAT2020 to receive 10 percent off. Space is limited. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit NeaClare.com/calendar or JillGoux.com. See ad, page 22.

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For more info, visit: NaturalAwakenings.com March 2020

news brief

Natural Smiles Dentistry Welcomes Dr. Holly Thompson

Silver Fillings:

Just ugly? Or harmful too? This is a picture of a “Silver” or “Amalgam” filling. It is 50 52% MERCURY! If the mercury in this filling were spilled in a school, it would be evacuated.... This is a picture of a “light cured” composite filling. They can last as long or longer than mercury fillings with no danger of releasing harmful heavy metals.

As noted on Dr. Mercola, Dr. Oz, and 60 Minutes...

r. Madelyn Pearson, owner of Natural Smiles Dentistry, in Shoreview, is pleased to announce the addition of Holly Thompson, DDS, to her practice. Thompson will join the holistic dental team on March 20, bringing her 15 years of experience to the growing practice. Thompson returns to Minnesota after practicing holistic dentistry in Portland, Oregon. “I think that there is a tremendous need to practice dentistry more holistically,” shares Thompson. She Holly Thompson explains that practicing in Portland was eye-opening, causing her to look beyond the traditional dental procedures that haven’t proven to be as effective long term as we are all led to believe. “Three-D scans of the mouth are revealing reinfection of root canal-treated teeth that would otherwise have gone undetected.” Thompson also relates how her patients in Portland were seeking options for a more bio-natural, holistic treatment for better overall health. “Dr. Pearson’s office is finally an avenue for me to practice dentistry I firmly believe is better for the patient and that’s invested in seeking the highest education and quality of care to provide such treatment.” “We are so excited for Dr. Thompson to join our Natural Smiles Dental Care team. As more and more people become educated on the importance of holistic dentistry, our practice has really grown,” states Pearson. “Dr. Thompson’s passion for biological dental surgery will help us serve our patients more fully, and we are looking forward to offering these amazing surgical elements to our patients at Natural Smiles.” Thompson will be focusing her work on placing zirconia implants, extraction of teeth, tooth socket preservation and Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) therapy. PRF is a procedure that accelerates the healing of hard and soft tissue to better prepare a site for implant placement. Blood is drawn from the patient then centrifuged to create protein and growth factors which is a natural way to stimulate growth of bone and soft tissue. “I can’t wait to realize my vision of technologically cutting-edge performance… placing biocompatible implants with amazing scientific holistic support,” shares Thompson. “With the newest techniques and technologies, we have the ability to be as precise as neurosurgeons in our implant procedures, and that is something that really energizes me.” Location: 4700 Lexington Ave. N., Ste. D, Shoreview. For more information and to make an appointment, call 651-483-9800 or visit NaturalSmilesDental.com. See ad, page 8.

Mercury fillings may have a significant negative impact on your overall health.

Make 2020 2017 YOUR year for healthy choices! Dr. Madelyn Pearson is the current president of the Holistic Dental Association and has advanced training in safe mercury removal.

Call or visit our website for more info: (651) 483-9800

www.NaturalSmilesDental.com 8

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Let's Talk Natural Wellness In-depth interviews with natural health professionals who share the latest information for you to lead a healthier, happier life. Sundays from 10-11 am Podcasts available at AM950Radio.com

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Practice Yoga to Help the Brain It’s long been known that vigorous, sweaty aerobics strengthen the brain and help grow new neurons, but the latest research from the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign shows that practicing gentle hatha yoga enhances many of those same brain structures and functions. The analysis, published in Brain Plasticity, examined 11 studies that used brain-imaging techniques to evaluate outcomes of hatha yoga, which involves body movements, meditation and breathing exercises. The researchers concluded that the hippocampus, which is involved in memory processing and typically shrinks with age, increased in volume with yoga. The amygdala, which helps regulate emotions, tends to be larger in yoga practitioners. Other brain regions that are larger or more efficient in enthusiasts are the prefrontal cortex, essential to planning and decision-making; the default mode network, involved in planning and memory; and the cingulate cortex, which plays a key role in emotional regulation, learning and memory. 10

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Researchers from Beijing Geriatric Hospital, in a meta-analysis of 12 studies involving 47,523 patients with cardiovascular disease, found that those that supplemented with folic acid (vitamin B9) reduced their risk of stroke by 15 percent. Folic acid, which the study authors called a “safe and inexpensive therapy,” lowers levels of homocysteine, an amino acid linked to heart disease; research indicates that 0.5 to 5 milligrams daily can reduce homocysteine levels by approximately 25 percent.

Drinking either not enough or too much water can decrease cognitive performance in older women, Penn State University researchers reported in the European Journal of Nutrition. In a nationwide study, 1,271 women and 1,235 men over age 60 gave blood samples, answered questionnaires about the previous day’s food and drinks, and performed cognitive tests to measure working memory, brain processing speed and sustained attention. Women, but not men, performed more poorly if they were not in the “sweet spot” of just enough hydration, typically around two liters a day. “As we age, our water reserves decline due to reductions in muscle mass, our kidneys become less effective at retaining water and hormonal signals that trigger thirst and motivate water intake become blunted,” explains lead author Hilary Bethancourt, in urging greater attention to hydration levels.

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Take Folic Acid to Reduce Stroke Risk

Balance Water Consumption for Cognitive Health

Catch Some Rays to Boost Gut Health Fresh evidence is emerging of a skin-gut axis that links type B ultraviolet (UVB) exposure to the microbiome, a finding that has implications for those suffering from autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. University of British Columbia researchers divided 21 healthy young women into two groups: Nine took vitamin D supplements during Vancouver’s long, dark winter, and 12 didn’t. After three months, only the non-supplement-takers tested as being deficient in vitamin D. Both groups were exposed to three, one-minute, fullbody UVB light sessions; within a week, vitamin D levels increased 10 percent on average and the gut microbiota diversity of the low-D group rose to match that of the sufficient-D group. Along with other probiotic bacteria, Lachnospiraceae species, typically low in the guts of people with inflammatory diseases, increased with the UVB exposure.

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Cut Back on Sugar and Carbs to Improve Sleep Women that toss and turn at night might sleep better if they pass up sugary treats for fruit, suggests a new study from Columbia University. Examining records of nearly 50,000 postmenopausal women in the Women’s Health Initiative, researchers found those that consumed a diet high in refined carbohydrates—particularly added sugars and processed grains—were more likely to develop insomnia. Women with a diet that included higher amounts of vegetables, fiber and whole fruit (not juice) were less likely to have trouble sleeping. “When blood sugar is raised quickly, your body reacts by releasing insulin, and the resulting drop in blood sugar can lead to the release of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which can interfere with sleep,” explains senior author James Gangwisch, Ph.D.

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Try Vitamins and Garlic to Lower Gastric Cancer Risk In a rural region of China where gastric cancer is common, researchers found in a two-decade study that two approaches—antibiotics and vitamin/mineral supplements— protected against it. Both methods, as well as a garlic supplement, significantly reduced death rates from the cancer. Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute researchers enrolled 3,365 residents ages 35 to 64 from 13 villages with symptoms of H. pylori, a gut bacteria linked to increased risk of ulcers and cancer. Two weeks of conventional antibiotics treatment reduced the risk of gastric cancer over a 22-year period, and twice-daily supplements of 250 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C, 100 international units of vitamin E and 37.5 micrograms of selenium taken for seven years also reduced gastric cancer incidence. Garlic in the form of 400 mg aged garlic extract and one mg of steam-distilled garlic oil was given to a third group for seven years. All three treatments significantly slashed the gastric cancer fatality rate.

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global briefs

Electric propulsion has long been a goal of aviation manufacturers to lessen the carbon footprint of air travel. On December 11, Vancouver, Canada-based Harbour Air launched the first successful test flight of an all-electric aircraft. Founder and CEO Greg McDougall piloted a 1956 de Havilland Beaver seaplane, rechristened the ePlane. Retrofitted with a 750-horsepower magni500 motor by MagniX, it took off from a dock on the Fraser River in Richmond, British Columbia, and flew for four minutes. The certification process will take one to two years. After that, the retrofits of the company’s existing fleet of small planes can begin. The challenge for airlines seeking to go green with large aircraft is that current technology leaves electric engines relatively weak for their weight and they have a short battery life, but these factors do not deter Harbour Air, which went carbon-neutral in 2007 and flies mostly short hops in the Northwest.

Tequila Waste Turned into Bio-Straws

Jose Cuervo, the bestselling tequila maker globally, has initiated an ecofriendly process of salvaging the leftover agave fibers from its distilling process and upcycling them into a more sustainable alternative to regular plastic straws. The biodegradable drinking straw will decompose up to 200 times faster than regular plastic. Made with an agave biobased and U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved composite, the new straws replace about a third of the polymers used in traditional straw production, and at the end of its lifecycle a straw can be consumed by microorganisms to fully biodegrade within one to five years in landfill conditions. The company plans to distribute millions of the straws this year at bars, restaurants and Jose Cuervo events across the U.S. and Mexico. 12

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Sustainable Power With a Recreational Bonus

Copenhagen has dramatically refashioned the look and function of a power station with a new state-of-the-art, waste-to-power plant that powers 200,000 homes and doubles—actually, sextuples—as a ski slope, a climbing wall, a viewing tower, a hiking and running trail network, and a bar and restaurant. Named Copenhill, “It is the cleanest waste-to-energy power plant in the world,” says architect Bjarke Ingels. “It is a crystal clear example of ‘Hedonistic Sustainability’ because a sustainable city is not only better for the environment, it is also more enjoyable for the lives of its citizens.” The building, 278 feet tall at its apex, has a glass elevator for viewing the inner workings of how the city’s trash is transformed into both Palau Bans Chemicals electricity and heating, as well to Save Reefs as the best view in town of the Palau is the first country in the harbor. It has three ski lifts that world to ban ecologically harmful serve a one-third-mile course sunscreens containing oxybencoated with a special “plastic zone and octinoxate. Studies have grass” that provides the perfound the ingredients cause coral fect friction for both skiing and DNA to mutate in the larval stage, snowboarding. It even features which prevents coral from growthe tallest climbing wall in the ing properly and makes it more world, designed with overhangs susceptible to bleaching. Palau, and ledges of white, like an icy with a population of about 20,000 mountain. Ingels says 97 perpeople spread across 340 islands cent of Copenhagen residents between Australia and Japan, is a get their heating as a byproduct diving hotspot for tourists, and one of energy production from an of its lagoons has been named an integrated system in which the official UNESCO World Heritage electricity, heating and waste Site. President Tommy Remengesau disposal are combined into a says, “We have to live and respect single process. Copenhagen the environment, because the has a goal of becoming the environment is the nest of life.” world’s first carbon-neutral city by 2025.

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3D-Printed Buildings on the Rise

ICON, an Austin-based startup, built the first permitted 3D-printed house in the U.S. in its hometown in 2018. Since then, the company has built a small neighborhood in Mexico and launched its Vulcan II printer, which can produce houses measuring up to 2,000 square feet. San Francisco-based Apis Cor is another company in the 3D-printing space: It has just completed a two-story, 6,900-square-foot building in Dubai and it plans to build a demonstration house in Santa Barbara, California, this year. Another tech startup, Haus.me, has opened an assembly plant in Reno, where it plans to ship its first off-the-grid models to buyers in Nevada, California and Arizona. In the Netherlands, a consortium of companies has set up a factory with 3D-printing machines that use concrete; it plans to supply materials for five homes to be built in the city of Eindhoven. The upside of using 3Dprinting techniques for building houses include lower cost, less waste and reduced construction time—six weeks versus six months. Current barriers include a lack of regulation and building codes, and a limit on the types of materials that can be used. The process is limited largely to plastics and concrete, and homes requiring wood or steel still need to use traditional methods.

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Eating Greener

Tips for Plant-Based Living

Eating more fruits and vegetables as part of a plant-based diet is catching on. In 2019, more than one third

of Americans said they plan to incorporate more plant-based foods into their diets to achieve their wellness resolutions, according to data company YouGov. For those new to “green eating”—and even for veggie-minded veterans—lots of helpful information is available now on what to consider in buying, preparing, re-using and discarding food. The Environmental Working Group’s website at ewg.org/foodnews makes it easy to research pesticide levels in produce. Check out the Clean Fifteen and Dirty Dozen—the most toxin-free and toxin-heavy fruits and vegetables—along with related news and developments. Home deliveries of local and organic produce can save time and

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gas consumption from shopping. Some of the leading regional services include Fresh Direct (FreshDirect. com), Sun Basket (SunBasket.com), Green Bean Delivery (GreenBeanDelivery.com), Irv & Shelly’s Fresh Picks (FreshPicks.com) and Territory Foods (TerritoryFoods.com). Composting combines food scraps with lawn and garden trimmings and more into a nutrient-rich, natural garden fertilizer. A useful guide to composting basics by the Environmental Protection Agency can be found at epa.gov/recycle/composting-home. The phenomenon of food scrapping—using the parts of produce in recipes that are often thrown out—saves money in shopping, is easier on the environment and pleasingly leads to creative and innovative meals. A number of cookbooks are dedicated to the subject, including Cooking With Scraps: Turn Your Peels, Cores, Rinds, and Stems into Delicious Meals, by Lindsay-Jean Hard and Scraps, Peels, and Stems: Recipes and Tips for Rethinking Food Waste at Home, by Jill Lightner. Plant-based foods can be swapped for traditional ingredients in countless recipes. MotherEarthLiving. com explains how aquafaba—the water from a can of beans—can replace egg whites, even in meringues. Bananas, applesauce and ground flaxseeds or chia seeds can substitute for eggs to bind baked goods. Coconut oil can replace butter and nutritional yeast can do the job of parmesan when sprinkled on pasta.

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HEALTHY LIVING

2020 EDITORIAL CALENDAR

LIVING IN SYNCHRONICITY

The Power of Meaningful Coincidence

by Meg Lundstrom

hen we have an inner need that converges with an outside event, it is a meaningful coincidence known as synchronicity, and it happens to us all. It can be simple, like a playful sprite: recurring numbers or dates, all the lights turning green as we race to meet an appointment or a call from a faraway friend just when we want to talk to them. Or it can be profound: a chance meeting with an employer looking for exactly our skills, unexpected money appearing when we’re in a pinch, a timely rescue or our grandmother’s favorite, obscure song coming on the radio or app just as we’re feeling teary-eyed on the anniversary of her death. Whether they are lighthearted or life-changing, synchronicities link us to an underlying order in the universe that is profoundly reassuring. They open us to mystery and delight. They give us a sense of being taken care of. They nudge us to grow in scary, but life-affirming directions. They awaken a sense of awe, which studies have shown to be the emotion most likely to make us reach out generously to others—and that evokes even more synchronicity. And they can make daily life a lark. By its very nature, we can’t create synchronicity, but we can live life in a way that encourages it to show up. The more

engaged we are spiritually—whether that means prayer, meditation, walking in nature or loving others deeply—the more likely synchronicity is. Being open, selfhonest, courageous, engaged, grateful and fully present summons it, which is where therapy, yoga and bodywork can be useful. But we don’t have to be saintly or enlightened; synchronicity is there for us all. It is simply the way the Universe works. The first step is to notice synchronicity when it occurs, and honor it. As with humans, when we give it our attention and say thank you, it makes it more likely to show up in our life again. At some point as our trust builds, synchronicity becomes simply the way our life works. Things show up as we need them and we are in the right place at the right time. Even when occurrences seemingly go awry, we glimpse an underlying order that gives us strength and purpose. Life becomes a steady stream of meaningfulness and inner and outer exploration. We find ourselves living in flow, attuned to life’s deepest currents and awash in deep gratitude. Meg Lundstrom is the co-author with Charlene Belitz of The Power of Flow: Practical Ways to Transform Your Life with Meaningful Coincidence. Connect at FlowPower.com.

HEALTHY LIFESTYLES ISSUE

JAN

Age-Defying Habits Plus: Healthy Immune System

FEB

Cardiovascular Health Plus: Regenerative Medicine

PLANT-BASED NUTRITION ISSUE

MAR

Thriving on a Plant-Based Diet Plus: CBD

APR

Grassroots Climate Crisis Strategies Plus: Healthy Home

WOMEN’S WELLNESS ISSUE

MAY

Autoimmune Breakthroughs Plus: Protein & Collagen Connection

JUN

Inspired Lifestyle Travel Plus: Brain Health

THE FOOD CONNECTION ISSUE

JUL

Beyond Factory Farming Plus: Gut Health

AUG

Biological Dentistry Plus: Environmental Education

SELF-EMPOWERMENT ISSUE

SEP

Emotional Well-Being Plus: Adaptive Yoga

OCT

Stress Management Plus: Joint Health

THE DIABETES CHALLENGE ISSUE

NOV

Personalized Diabetes Strategies Plus: Skin Care

DEC

Creating Community & Connection Plus: Spending Locally

March 2020

It’s not a diet or a fad; it’s a way of life.

THE ROOTS OF GOOD HEALTH Thriving on a Plant-Based Diet W

by April Thompson

hether identifying as vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, flexitarian or other veggie-friendly variant, a growing number of Americans are moving away from meat products and toward plant-rich foods. Most come to a plant-based diet for personal, planetary or animal welfare reasons; however, they stay for the flavorful foods they discover along their dietary journey and the health benefits they reap. Marly McMillen-Beelman was prescribed medications to alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. “I knew I didn’t want to be on prescriptions, so I decided to change my diet, beginning by giving up meat, dairy and eggs. I immediately felt much better and my symptoms went away naturally,” says the Kansas 16

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City, Missouri, author of The Everything Vegan Meal Prep Cookbook and founder of Chopped Academy, an online resource for food bloggers. “Now I eat an even greater variety of food than I did before I went vegan.” While only 3 percent of Americans identified as vegan and 5 percent as vegetarian in a recent Gallup Poll, a 2018 report by restaurant consultants Baum + Whiteman indicates that about 83 percent are eating more plant-based foods. Embarking on a plant-based diet is a lifelong adventure, but it can take time to adjust. Experts recommend a healthy dose of self-love with the newfound fondness for fruits and veggies. “Give yourself some slack and realize that dietary changes do not happen overnight,” says

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April Murray, a registered dietician in Costa Mesa, California. “Start with familiar plant-based foods you already enjoy, and ease into trying new foods, whether tempeh or lentils.” A plant-oriented diet also can be flexible; health advocates encourage individuals to find a diet that works for them and their families. Leah Webb, the Asheville, North Carolina, author of Simple and Delicious Recipes for Cooking with Whole Foods on a Restrictive Diet, has adapted her diet over time to accommodate her family’s health needs. Although Webb has always maintained a plant-rich diet, she began incorporating some animal products when her son was born. “He had severe food allergies and asthma, and needed a more diverse

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~Ocean Robbins

diet,” explains Webb, whose daughter also has cystic fibrosis. Cutting out grains was a game-changer in “calming down his gut, where most of immune response lies,” says Webb. “He is now off asthma medication and the number of allergens he suffers from has dropped from seven to two.” Webb’s family eats bountifully from their backyard garden, complemented by meat and produce from local farmers’ markets, where she can be certain the foods were produced sustainably and humanely. “I use meat to flavor soups or accent vegetables, rather than as the star of the show. I like to focus on real flavors, using lots of garlic, herbs and spices,” says Webb. Murray, author of The Everything Pegan Diet Cookbook: 300 Recipes for Starting—and Maintaining—the Pegan Diet, follows that diet, a mash-up of paleo and vegan regimens that focuses on whole, fresh and sustainable food high in healthy fats and vitamins. The Pegan diet eschews refined sugar and highly processed foods, while allowing meat, poultry, fish and eggs, as well as gluten-free grains, legumes and dairy products in small amounts. “This diet can be helpful to different people in so many ways,” says Murray. “For people with diabetes and blood sugar dysregulation, this high-fiber diet can

Start with familiar plant-based foods you already enjoy, and ease into trying new foods, whether tempeh or lentils. ~April Murray help lower blood sugar and insulin levels. Heart health will improve, as you’ll be eating less animal products, which can be high in cholesterol and saturated fat. Many individuals also find themselves losing unwanted weight as they get filled up so quickly with these whole foods.”

Plant-Based Nutrition Made Easy

While some worry about getting sufficient nutrients on a largely plant-based diet, nutrition experts say these fears are unfounded. “People think they need to calculate every nutrient, but if you eat a plant-centered, whole-foods diet, you will get every vitamin and mineral you need to thrive,” says Ocean Robbins, co-founder of the Food Revolution Network and author of The 31-Day Food Revolution: Heal Your Body, Feel Great, and Transform Your World. Legumes, nuts and seeds are all healthy, abundant sources of protein and iron.

Reed Mangels, author of Your Complete Vegan Pregnancy: Your All-in-One Guide to a Healthy, Holistic, Plant-Based Pregnancy, busts the myth that cow’s milk is a must for growing bones. “Calcium, vitamin D and protein are the nutrients we usually associate with bone health. One easy way to get all three is a soy-based or pea protein-based plant milk that is fortified with calcium and vitamin D,” says Mangels, adding that green vegetables like kale, bok choy, collards and broccoli are great sources of calcium. “‘Eating the rainbow’ is great way to make sure you’re consuming a variety of nutrients,” offers London-based Ben Pook, who co-authored the cookbook So Vegan in 5 with his partner Roxy Pope. “Many vitamins, minerals and antioxidants bring their own distinctive colors to fruits and vegetables, so preparing colorful meals is a simple way of getting as many nutrients into your diet as possible.”

Getting Social

Dietary changes can be challenging to navigate initially, particularly when faced with social situations ranging from family gatherings to cohabitation. Having a good plan going into such situations can help ease the transition, say experts. “Never show up to an event hungry. You will be more likely to make a good decision if you

Plant-Based Primer

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avigating the lexicon of plant-based diets can be tricky, and choosing a diet even trickier. Here’s a brief guide to some of the commonly used terms. Flexitarians eat a mainly vegetarian diet, but will consume meat on occasion. Pegans (a term coined by Dr. Mark Hyman, who follows the diet) focus on eating vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, meat, fish and eggs, while avoiding dairy, grains, legumes, sugar and processed foods. Pescatarians like radio host Howard Stern eat fish, seafood and other forms of animal products such as dairy, but don’t eat other forms of meat such as chicken, beef or pork.

Plant-based diets, followed by celebrities like Ben Stiller, consist mostly or entirely of foods derived from plants, including vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, legumes and fruits, with few or no animal products. Vegans don’t consume any animal products, including eggs, dairy, honey or gelatin. Famous vegans include Ellen DeGeneres, Betty White, Beyonce, Bill Clinton, Madonna and Venus Williams. Vegetarians refrain from meat and seafood, but will consume dairy or other animal byproducts such as honey. Well-known vegetarians include Albert Einstein, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Doris Day, Jane Goodall, Kristen Wiig and Prince. March 2020

are nourished. On the way there, remind yourself why you are making the transition to plant-based eating,” suggests Murray. “I call myself a secular vegan because I don’t have a dogmatic approach to the way I eat. If I go to a family dinner and someone has made something special for me, but they used a non-vegan cheese, I will respect my family member’s effort and eat some of it. These situations will pop up from time to time, and the more you can be compassionate with yourself, the better,” says McMillen-Beelman. “If you are living with people who are not joining you in making a dietary shift, agree to respect each other’s choices. Make it a shared learning journey rather than a power struggle,” says Robbins. For example, he suggests making a vegetarian base and allowing those that want animal products to add them as toppings. A burrito bar can accommodate all diets by allowing people to add their own fixings to a base of beans and tortillas, whether those be dairy options like cheese and sour cream or veganfriendly guacamole and salsa. For families with kids, being flexible and inclusive can help make changes feel more positive and sustainable. “We never eat processed foods at home, but parties are that time I tell my kids they can eat

I call myself a secular vegan because I don’t have a dogmatic approach to the way I eat. ~Marly McMillen-Beelman whatever they want,” says Webb. “Get your children involved, so that they are more engaged in the eating experience. Let your children pick out recipes or snacks for the week. Make the food look pretty and it will taste more satisfying,” adds Murray.

Plant Prep Made Easy

Plant-based chefs have plenty of kitchen hacks for making food prep and planning fun and easy. Robbins suggests finding go-to recipes to put on repeat. “Your prep time goes down a lot as you make the same dish, and the familiarity will help you develop lasting habits around new food patterns,” he says. Webb incorporates a healthy protein, fat and vegetable into every meal, even breakfast, but cooks in batches and freezes portions or repurposes leftovers to simplify mealtimes. “You’ll get burned out if you try to cook something from scratch every meal,” says Webb. “We eat a lot of eggs

because we raise chickens, so I’ll do baked frittatas I can reheat during the week.” Advance meal prep can take the pressure off busy times like the weekday breakfast rush, adds Robbins. One of his favorite breakfasts involves soaking oats and chia seeds overnight, which he tops in the morning with some unsweetened soy or coconut milk, chopped banana, frozen blueberries, and a dash of maple syrup, vanilla and nutmeg. “It’s full of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, antioxidants and phytonutrients,” he says. Webb encourages people to get out of their food comfort zones by experimenting with approximate ingredients, like swapping kabocha or honeynut squash for butternut squash. Robbins also suggests making social connections with others on the same path by cooking them a meal, organizing a meal swap or sharing extras. “It’s not a diet or a fad; it’s a way of life. Start where you are and remember it’s not about perfection, it’s about progress. Have love, dignity and compassion toward yourself and others along the journey,” he says. April Thompson is a freelance writer based in Washington, D.C. Connect at AprilWrites.com.

Tips to Stay on the Plant Track

any new regimens begin with gusto, only to be abandoned because old diets die hard. Here are some expert tips for eating well over the long haul. “Find plant-based options at your favorite restaurants, and be open to new flavors. I promise you, your taste buds will change,” says April Murray, dietician and author of The Everything Pegan Diet Cookbook. To keep the momentum and inspiration going, follow plant-based chefs on social media, she adds. When switching to a plant-based diet, some miss the rich, fatty flavors found in meat, says Ben Pook, co-author of So Vegan in 5. “The trick we found is using ingredients rich in umami, which is a flavor commonly found in meat. One

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of our favorites is miso paste (fermented soybeans), which has an intense savory taste. We often add it to stews, pies and even pastas to deliver more depth of flavor. Soy sauce and porcini mushrooms are also a great substitute.” “Sustainable change doesn’t happen overnight. If not sure what to cook, start with one big salad a week. When you get the hang of that, add in something else, like prepping snacks from scratch. Small things add up over time,” says Leah Webb, author of The Grain-Free, Sugar-Free, Dairy-Free Family Cookbook. “Seek out loved ones who share your food values and nurture those relationships. You might be surprised how many people around you are also quietly trying

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to achieve similar goals,” says Ocean Robbins, founder of the Food Revolution Network. “We put a lot of pressure on ourselves when we first switched to a plantbased diet. Shopping for vegan food and eating out at restaurants felt very overwhelming, and we found ourselves spending hours checking food labels. We’ve come to realize that veganism isn’t black or white and encourage others not to worry about making mistakes along the way,” shares Pook. If we can’t resist temptation on occasion, that’s okay too, Murray says. “That one unhealthy meal won’t undo all the hard work you’ve put in. Get right back on track the next morning. Positivity is key.”

the month, the utility compares the home’s consumption of energy to the amount it contributed to the grid. This could mean a substantially lower power bill, no bill at all or even cutting a check to the household for the “work” its solar panels did for the utility. At the Davis home, their electricity bills went from $1,200 per year to zero. “I also watch my energy usage on the smartphone app provided by my installer, and we make smarter choices in our house. We can see how much energy we’ve generated and how much we’ve used,” Davis explains. There’s no need to be intimidated by the process which may seem complex. Solar installation companies with experience are capable of handling every step in-house. A good installer will offer a free site visit to evaluate a home’s potential. If solar makes sense, the company will custom design a system. If the customer needs financing for the project, there are installers that provide it. Most highly regarded companies use their own electricians rather than subcontracting out the work. After a system is installed, the right solar provider will take care of the daunting paperwork involved in identifying and claiming the relevant tax credits. How much of a real-world impact will a system deliver? After the first year in operation, the average sized system in the U.S. will yield 7.94 megawatts of power, preventing the release of six metric tons of carbon dioxide— more than the amount emitted by the average passenger vehicle. Over the 40- to 50-year lifetime of a system, the environmental impact is substantial. Even homeowners who need to move after installation aren’t likely to regret their decision. Homes with solar have been found to spend up to half as much time on the market compared to non-solar homes, according to a Zillow analysis. According to a study by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Berkeley Lab, solar panels increase a home’s resale value. Best of all, taking action has a positive influence on others. Choosing renewable energy seems to set off a sustainability domino effect. A study in Marketing Science found that a major predictor of whether people will install solar panels is whether their close-by neighbors have done so. In Apple Valley, the solar panels at the Davis house garner a lot of attention in the neighborhood. Davis says he’s asked about them at least 10 times a month. “I have people drive up in Teslas and want to know how they can be more self-sufficient. I love telling people about it.” It turns out positive change can be contagious.

Plenty of Sunshine Headed Our Way Minnesotans Go Solar by Michael Allen

limate change is a global problem, but it’s also a Minnesota problem. It’s a trend that will lead to disruptive extreme weather events, devastating health impacts and the transformation of our state’s most distinctive biomes. In fact, in the Twin Cities, annual average temperatures are increasing faster than the global average. Some climate models predict that our local summer high temperatures in 2050 “could be 5.3 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than they were in 2000,” according to a July 2019 analysis by reporters at Vox. Reducing our personal contributions to the greenhouse effect is important for so many reasons. The big fix to dangerous levels of carbon dioxide emissions won’t come from a single person; but a healthy sense of personal agency is necessary to fulfill our full potential as human beings, and asserting greater control over our individual dependency on fossil fuels nurtures our agency. One of the most empowering acts a person determined to fight against climate change can take is to explore renewable energy options for their home’s power system, and for a growing percentage of Minnesotans, that journey leads them to home solar power. Minnesota may have a reputation for frigid temperatures, but we have plenty of sunshine to fuel solar panels which collect light even on cloudy days. Panels can be installed on a home’s roof, but if tree shade is an issue, they can also collect light from a ground-based solar array. It’s an affordable choice. The cost of solar has fallen more than 20 percent over the past five years, according to Energy Sage, a green energy marketplace. Some local governments and utilities offer rebates and incentives for homeowners installing a new system, and everyone can claim the 2020 federal solar tax credit, known as the ITC, to reduce their system’s cost by 26 percent. Luke Davis came to the conclusion that solar energy could be right for his family’s home in Apple Valley. “I wanted to do something to lower our carbon footprint, and it’s really cool technology,” shares Davis. A home solar system is still part of the conventional power grid—but it makes a carbon-free contribution to it. Energy from the panels is measured and transmitted to the local utility. At the end of

Michael Allen is the CEO and co-founder of All Energy Solar, headquartered in St. Paul and serving customers in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, New Hampshire, New York and Massachusetts. All Energy Solar provides a full-service solar energy integration experience for residential, commercial, agricultural and government customers looking to make the transition to solar energy. The company provides accurate return-on-investment forecasting, direct financing and hands-on help navigating the incentive and rebate process. With industry-leading certifications and full electrical and building licenses, All Energy Solar installs quality solar power systems at competitive prices and monitors and maintains the systems after installation. To learn more, visit AllEnergySolar.com. See ad, page 3. March 2020

Vegan food doesn’t need to be expensive, boring or complicated.

conscious eating

Meatless Makeover A Plant-Based Spin on Classic Dishes

by April Thompson

hen contemplating a shift toward a plant-based diet, some may prematurely mourn the loss of their favorite meaty classics. Luckily, enterprising vegan chefs have experimented with flavors and textures that will lure almost any palate into loving a plant-based version of their favorite dishes without resorting to processed foods. “Plant-based versions of classic dishes offer all the nutritional benefits of plants without the cholesterol and saturated fats from animal products,” says chef and author Marly McMillen-Beelman. “You don’t have to abandon all your favorite foods to become vegan—just veganize them.” The Kansas City chef makes carrot “dogs”, for example, by roasting carrots in a savory mix of tamari, agave, miso, paprika and garlic for a cookout-worthy treat. McMillen-Beelman’s cookbook The Everything Vegan Meal Prep Cookbook also offers many bean- and legume-based versions of classic sandwiches, like a vegan “Big Mac” with quinoa and pinto beans; a burger made from oats, black beans and pecans; meatballs from tofu and lentils; and a chicken salad based on tempeh, a

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fermented, soy-based, high-protein product with a nutty flavor. “A lot of people like using tempeh, tofu or jackfruit for a meaty texture. It needs to be well seasoned, but so does meat,” suggests Ocean Robbins, author of The 31-Day Food Revolution: Heal Your Body, Feel Great, & Transform Your World. “To mimic cheese, some combination of nuts and nutritional yeast, cultured nut cheeses or plant-based milks works nicely.” McMillen-Beelman likes using jackfruit for a “pulled pork” sandwich or taco, the tropical fruit being packed with vitamin C, protein, calcium, potassium and iron. Her slow-cooked version leans on whole-food ingredients, including pear and cranberries, to add natural sweetness and phytonutrients. “I use canned jackfruit because it’s much easier to find and cook with than the expensive jumbo whole fruit,” she says. Ben Pook, the London co-author with Roxy Pope of So Vegan in 5, says mushrooms lend substance and umami flavor to vegan dishes such as a mushroom, sage and onion Wellington as a

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substitute for the classic beef Wellington. “We use portobello mushrooms for their meaty texture, which we surround with a sage and onion stuffing—all wrapped in vegan puff pastry to create a centerpiece worthy of any dinner party,” says Pook, whose cookbook features dozens of plant-based recipes that contain only five ingredients each, such as a broccoli alfredo with cashews, broccolini, tagliatelle pasta, nutritional yeast and garlic. Nuts can also work wonders in a vegetarian dish, such as Pook and Pope’s walnut meat tacos, which blend toasted walnuts together with spices like cumin, paprika, garlic and chili powder to create a mince-like texture built into a taco with toppings galore. Many classic dishes can also be adapted by simply leaving out the meat and letting the spices, herbs and vegetables shine through; for example, in a vegan shepherd’s pie, go with penne pasta with red sauce or a garlicky pesto with extra nuts, greens and olive oil in lieu of cheese. Sweet tooth cravings can be satisfied with healthy, plant-based versions of classic desserts, substituting aquafaba (the starchy liquid left over from canned beans) instead of frothy egg whites, or olive oil or avocado for butter. Nut butters can also add a touch of richness to a dish, whether sweet or savory. “I love making a peanut coconut milk curry soup with onions, mushrooms and bok choy, with peanut butter, lime juice and soy sauce blended into the coconut milk for a luxurious flavor and texture. It’s great over potatoes, quinoa or rice,” says Robbins. “Vegan food doesn’t need to be expensive, boring or complicated,” Pook says. “There really are endless possibilities when it comes to cooking with plants, so don’t be afraid to experiment and create your own twist.” Connect with Washington, D.C.-based freelance writer April Thompson at AprilWrites.com.

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~Ben Pook

Magical Meatless Meals

with the remaining dry ingredients and a pinch of salt and pepper. Use a spoon to mix everything together, then set aside.

photos by Andrew Hayes-Watkins

Combine the plant-based milk and apple cider vinegar in a separate bowl. Let sit for a minute or two until the milk curdles and turns into a “buttermilk”. Then add the hot sauce and mix everything together until the ingredients are well combined. Set aside. Meanwhile, add the flour to a small plate and set aside. Press the tofu if required. (Extra-firm tofu contains very little moisture, so this step isn’t always necessary.) Then slice the block in half and break the tofu into bite-sized pieces with hands.

Vegan Popcorn ‘Chicken’ Yields: 4 to 6 servings 10.5 oz extra-firm tofu Sea salt and pepper ½ cup flour Vegetable oil Dry ingredients: 3.5 oz paprika-flavored chips 4 Tbsp flour 2 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp smoked paprika ½ tsp onion powder ½ tsp garlic powder Wet ingredients: ½ cup plant-based milk ½ Tbsp apple cider vinegar 2 Tbsp hot sauce To serve: Tomato ketchup Vegan mayonnaise Crush the paprika crisps between a clean tea towel using a rolling pin until no big pieces remain. Transfer to a bowl along

Season the tofu on both sides with salt and pepper; dip tofu into the flour, followed by the milk mixture, then the crisp mixture. Repeat until all the tofu pieces have been coated. Add the vegetable oil to a pan until it’s ¼-inch deep. Tip: Use a wok to reduce the amount of oil needed. Heat the oil on medium-high. Drop a tiny amount of the dry mixture; if it starts sizzling as soon as it hits the oil, it’s ready. Carefully add half a dozen or so tofu pieces to the hot oil and fry for about 2 minutes on each side or until the tofu begins to brown and is extra crispy. It’s important to not overcrowd the pan, as it can lower the temperature of the oil. When the tofu is ready, carefully remove it from the pan and transfer it to a plate lined with parchment paper; immediately season it with some extra salt, which will help make it even crispier. Repeat until all the tofu pieces are cooked. Serve with a favorite dip, such as one made by combining equal amounts of tomato ketchup and vegan mayo. Adapted from So Vegan in 5 by Roxy Pope and Ben Pook.

Natural Awakenings recommends using organic, non-GMO (genetically modified) and non-bromated ingredients whenever possible.

Walnut Meat Tacos Yields: 4 servings Walnut meat: 14 oz walnuts 1 Tbsp smoked paprika 2 tsp chili powder 1½ Tbsp ground cumin 3 garlic cloves 2 tsp balsamic vinegar 2 tsp maple syrup 2.5 oz sun-dried tomatoes in oil Sea salt Black bean mixture: 9 oz canned sweet corn 14 oz canned black beans Sea salt and pepper ½ lime Handful of fresh cilantro Salsa: 9 oz cherry tomatoes 1 green chili 1 red onion 1 lime Handful of fresh cilantro Sea salt and pepper To serve: 2 avocados ½ lime 8-10 small corn tortillas Vegan yogurt March 2020

Meanwhile, drain and rinse the black beans and sweet corn. Transfer them to a separate pan and stir in a generous pinch of salt and pepper, as well as the juice from the lime. Heat through for 5 minutes on a medium heat. Remove the pan from the heat, roughly chop the cilantro and stir it into the beans and sweet corn. Add the cooked walnuts, garlic and spices to a food processor along with the balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, sun-dried tomatoes (drain as much oil as possible) and a pinch of salt. Process for a minute or two until the walnut mixture turns into a mince-like texture. Next, prepare the salsa by slicing the cherry tomatoes into quarters and transfer them to a mixing bowl. Peel and dice the red onion, slice the chili (leave the seeds in if spicy is preferred) and roughly chop the cilantro leaves, adding all to the mixing bowl. Squeeze the juice from the lime into the bowl, along with a generous pinch of salt and pepper, then stir to combine. Meanwhile, heat through the tortillas in a pan over a low-medium heat. Slice the avocado in half and remove the pit. Scoop out the flesh and mash it in a bowl along with juice from half a lime.

When you’re ready to assemble your tacos, spoon a few tablespoons of the walnut mixture on top of a tortilla, followed by the bean mixture, salsa and a dollop of mashed avocado. Top with a drizzle of vegan yogurt. Repeat for the remaining tacos. Adapted from So Vegan in 5 by Roxy Pope and Ben Pook.

photo by Andrew Hayes-Watkins

Toast the walnuts in a pan over a medium heat for 6-8 minutes or until they begin to smoke. Keep an eye on them and stir occasionally to prevent them burning. Then peel and dice the garlic and add it to the walnuts along with the smoked paprika, chili powder and ground cumin. Stir to coat the walnuts in the spices, then cook for 2 minutes.

Mushroom, Sage and Onion Wellington An absolute showstopper and the perfect dish to make for friends on a Sunday afternoon alongside some tasty, roasted vegetables. Yields: 4 servings 8 Portobello mushrooms 3 onions 10 sage leaves 4.2 oz walnuts 2 (11 oz) sheets of dairy-free puff pastry Preheat oven to 425° F and line a large baking tray with baking paper. Wipe any excess dirt off the mushrooms and place five of them in an ovenproof dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season with sea salt and pepper, then bake for 15 minutes. Remove the mushrooms from the oven and set aside, leaving the oven switched on for later. Meanwhile, quarter the remaining mushrooms; peel and roughly chop the onions and add to a food processor along with sage leaves, walnuts, ½ teaspoon of salt

and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Process to form a smooth paste, then fry in a pan over a medium-high heat for 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Set aside to cool for 10 minutes. Roll out one sheet of pastry onto the lined baking tray. Spread a third of the paste down the middle of the pastry lengthways, spreading it 2 inches wide and leaving the same length clear at each end. Turn the baked mushrooms upside-down to drain excess juices, then place three of the mushrooms, gills facing up, on top of the paste along the middle of the pastry. Add the remaining two mushrooms, gills facing down, between the three mushrooms. Spoon the remaining paste around the mushrooms to cover them on all sides. Place the second sheet of pastry on top and use your fingers to seal the edges together. Trim around the Wellington roughly one inch away from the filling, discarding the excess pastry as you go. Lightly score the Wellington with diagonal lines at 1-inch intervals and brush with olive oil. Bake in the oven for 50 minutes, until the pastry turns a lovely golden brown. Remove from the oven and serve in slices. Adapted from So Vegan in 5 by Roxy Pope and Ben Pook.

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A major benefit to all the study and research focused on deriving nonhemp CBD is that the labs are able to isolate the different endocannabinoids themselves as well as the different terpenes.

NON-HEMP Derived CBD Options by Alina Hornfeldt

annabidiol (CBD) has been getting a lot of attention in the health and wellness sphere these days. From anxiety and sleeplessness to pain and seizures, CBD has been used to treat a wide variety of conditions. Most of the CBD you find in specialty shops and health food stores comes from either marijuana or hemp plants. But many customers are looking to avoid any possibility of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), even a minute amount, in their supplements. This may be due to a job that drug tests or personal preference. New on the market are CBD supplements derived from other plants such as orange peel or hops. Isolating the CBD molecule has been a long process, but a few dedicated companies have made it their mission. They are taking orange peel, hops or what is being called “an invasive evergreen” and breaking it down in the lab to separate a molecularly identical CBD to the one found in the hemp and marijuana plants. When inquiring as to how exactly these companies are accomplishing this, the reply tends to be that it is a proprietary method. This means that the companies at this point are unwilling to share their exact methods so as to keep their products as unique from the competition as possible. Time will tell whether the process of extracting non-hemp CBD will become commonplace enough so that companies will be more transparent with consumers about their methodology. A major benefit to all of the study and research focused on deriving non-hemp CBD is that the labs are able to isolate the different endocannabinoids themselves as well as the different terpenes. Terpenes are what plants produce to attract pollinators and repel predators. The smell of terpenes is what you will notice the most. Some terpenes may be able to assist specifically in the human body with things like relaxation or nerve damage, but more research is needed to figure out the how and why. When the terpenes and strains of CBD are isolated from other compounds, researchers and scientists can then test these individually to find which are most successful in treating different specific ailments in humans and animals. This would be considered the opposite of “full-spectrum” hemp CBD which includes all the naturally occurring endocannabinoids and terpenes as well as the .03 percent THC. Many companies claim that the .03 percent THC found in full spectrum CBD options will not show up in a drug test, but anecdotal evidence suggests that this is not true. That is why many people are searching for a non-hemp-derived CBD. While many can benefit from

the therapeutic qualities of CBD, including but not limited to pain relief, anxiety relief and sleep quality, their occupation requires regular drug testing. Another reason is that some feel morally opposed to products that may be considered “drugs”, still illegal in many states, including Minnesota. THC and marijuana have been villainized and campaigned against for the majority of most people’s lives, and many people are still incarcerated as a result of involvement with these substances. Being able to supplement with CBD derived from other plant sources while avoiding these negative associations is a great new advancement in the field. Many still consider the burgeoning CBD industry the “Wild West” in terms of regulations, certifications, varieties and forms. One way to be sure you are putting only the CBD molecule that you are looking for in a supplement into your body without any THC, period, is to choose a non-hempderived option. When trying out CBD, it is always a good idea to keep a personal journal of your journey as each one of us has our own constitution, and finding what works for you individually may take some trial and error. If non-hemp-derived CBD is something you would like to try, ask at your local health and wellness shop. They will be able to explain in even more depth the different brands and options they have available, whether they are the orange peel, hops or evergreen varieties. Alina Hornfeldt is the marketing manager at Mastel’s Health Foods. The staff at Mastel’s is experienced, very knowledgeable and available to help you find those supplements which best suit your needs. Mastel’s is located at 1526 St. Clair Ave., St. Paul. For more information, call 651-690-1692 or visit Mastels.com. See ad, page 5. March 2020

CBD’s New Frontier Help for Mental Health

by Julie Marshall

hen Kaye HerIt’s really important CBD to be miraculous, bert’s husband for people to know but I was surprised that brought home a my kids’ frustrations were their options and greatly reduced,” says the free sample of cannabidiol to keep looking for Austin, Texas, mom. “We (CBD) oil, she didn’t hesitate to give it a try. Having what works for them. weren’t seeing the severity heard about its calming of meltdowns.” ~Peter Bongiorno effects, she gave CBD to her The use of CBD in tincthree sons, whose attentures, capsules and lotions tion deficit hyperactivity disorder made has grown exponentially, along with the home-schooling difficult due to frequent science to prove its efficacy in remediattantrums and lack of focus. “I didn’t expect ing physical pain. Newer, but equally as

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robust, is the viability of CBD as a remedy for mental health-related issues, experts say, pointing to anxiety, depression and stress as the top three applications. However, as an unregulated supplement, CBD presents a challenge for consumers in its ubiquity from CBD-infused pillows to gummies, soaps and even pet food. Discerning purity, dosage and safety are real concerns for those that may grab any bottle off the shelf. Consumers must become well informed, especially when replacing medications for serious disorders, experts say. But for anxiety and emotional well-being, CBD is largely heralded as a safe and natural choice by providers well-versed in CBD, such as Peter Bongiorno, past president of the New York Association of Naturopathic Physicians. “It’s really important for people to know their options and to keep looking for what works for them,” he says.

The Feel-Good Molecule

CBD, a compound extracted from the hemp plant, is appealing because it can raise the level of cannabinoids—feel-good molecules naturally created within the human body. “When we can’t sleep or are stressed out, cannabinoid levels go way down,” Bongiorno says. While prescription drugs overwhelm the body with adverse side effects, CBD can healthfully bring back balance. But CBD won’t trigger an altered state because there is little to no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive chemical in marijuana that produces a high, he says, adding that he starts patients at a low daily dose of 25 milligrams.

IRA_EVVA/Shutterstock.com

healing ways

We imagine the people suffering who need support and think about how we are growing the plants to help them. ~Lara Miller It’s important to talk with a physician about drug interactions, Bongiorno says. For instance, CBD can increase levels of blood-thinning medications, according to a 2017 study published in Epilepsy & Behavior Case Reports. CBD can possibly treat a wide range of conditions, from fear of public speaking to bipolar and post-traumatic stress disorders, but more research is needed, experts say. A 2018 clinical trial published in JAMA Psychiatry suggests CBD offers potential in treating psychosis. More recently, researchers in a 2019 case study of 27 patients published by the Permanente Journal concluded, “Cannabidiol may hold benefit for anxiety-related disorders.”

Seeds of Hope

The most important step consumers can take to find a safe, quality product is to know where their CBD comes from, experts say. Lara Miller is an organic farmer in Lafayette, Colorado, who in 2017 dedicated a parcel of her two-acre farm to growing hemp for her business, North Field Farmacy. “I added in hemp because it is a dynamic plant that produces fiber, seed and medicine for us humans, all at the same time,” she says.

Miller’s small, women-owned business grows the leafy plants outdoors in organic soil and harvests by hand. “We test in the field, post-harvest, during extraction and in the final product,” she says. “We know our product is clean and pure and potent.” This isn’t always the case. A 2017 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that in 84 CBD products sold online by 31 companies, 26 percent contained less CBD than the amount listed on the label. Miller receives weekly calls from those wanting to purchase her plants and start a CBD business. “What bothers me the most is that not one person has asked how my hemp is grown,” she says. “It all feels like a big grab; the integrity isn’t there.” Miller continues to decline these requests and spends her days on the farm, where—come harvest time—she, alongside her crew, engages in some visualizations. “We imagine the people suffering who need support and think about how we are growing the plants to help them.” Julie Marshall is a Colorado-based writer and author of Making Burros Fly: Cleveland Amory, Animal Rescue Pioneer. Connect with her at FlyingBurros@gmail.com.

Tooth by the Lake HOLISTIC GENERAL DENTISTRY

Kari Seaverson DDS John Seaverson DDS

1401 Mainstreet Hopkins, MN 55343 952-475-1101 ToothByTheLake.net

mission

statement To empower individuals to live a healthier lifestyle on a healthier planet. To educate communities on the latest in natural health and sustainability. To connect readers with local wellness resources and events, inspiring them to lead more balanced lives.

Experience healthier dentistry March 2020

calendar of events

turn your dream home into a reality. Everything from inside/out to basement/roof! 6$, free with Food Shelf donation. Mounds View Community Center, 5394 Edgewood Dr, Ste 10, Mounds View. MediaMaxEvents.com.

MONDAY, MARCH 2 Soul Whisperer Online Program: Releasing Lost Souls – 7-8:30pm. Meets March 2, 9, 16, 23. Not all souls leave this dimension when they die. The souls that remain are referred to as ghosts or spirits and have been largely misunderstood. Learn where spirits come from and how you can help them in this online class. $128; includes Space Clearing E-Book and guided meditations. AnnetteRugolo.com/calendar. Preschool Drop-Off: Chicka-dee-dee at Eastman Nature Center – 10am-12pm or 1-3pm. Drop off your kids to explore nature through stories, art, songs, games, play activities and hikes. Snack included. $12.50. Reservations required. Eastman Nature Center, 13351 Elm Creek Road, Dayton. ThreeRiversParks.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 7 My Preschooler and Me: Maple Syruping at Eastman Nature Center – 10am-12pm. Explore nature with your preschooler. Hike to the maple sugar bush, tap a tree and taste real sap and syrup. $5. Reservations required. Eastman Nature Center, 13351 Elm Creek Road, Dayton. ThreeRiversParks.org.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11 Total Health Workshop – 6:30-8pm. On the second Wednesday of each month you will have a relaxed experience. Designed as an opportunity to expand our understanding of the most current natural health solutions available, you will be able to ask questions, receive answers and experience incredible demonstrations of life-changing techniques. Free. Hope Clinic, 9220 Bass Lake Rd #245, New Hope. DrEthanSkog.com.

THURSDAY, MARCH 12 Green & Recycling Art Show – 6:30-9pm. Attend this free art exhibition on opening night to meet local artists and view their amazing work on display. Art will be available to purchase and wine/ snacks will also be available. Free. Maple Grove

Alternative Healing for Mind Body and Soul – 10am-4pm. Join us for a day of enlightenment, learning and fun. You’ll find intuitive consultants, tarot card readers, energy healers, essential oils, natural skin care products, crystals and stones, jewelry and more. $5. Monticello Community Center, 505 Walnut St, Monticello. HeartAndSoul.pb.gallery.

SUNDAY, MARCH 22 Arts Center, 11666 Fountains Drive, Maple Grove. MapleGroveArtsCenter.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 14 Woodbury Home Improvement & Design Expo – 10am-4pm. Don’t miss your opportunity to explore up to 150 exhibitors featuring the latest products, services and information to help turn your dream home into a reality. Everything from inside/out to basement/roof! 6$, free with Food Shelf donation. HealthEast (Bielenberg) Sports Center (BSC), 4125 Radio Dr, Woodbury. MediaMaxEvents.com.

FRIDAY, MARCH 20 Divine Messages with Nea Clare – 6:30-9pm. Nea Clare is a channel for Spirit and works predominately with The HAO-a collective, multi-dimensional force that shares verbal and energetic messages through her. These events are designed for you to be able to have a personal audience with Spirit, to receive teachings that will awaken your consciousness to the Truth of You. Everyone who attends will receive an audio recording from the event. $30 in advance/$35 at the door. UnityMinneapolis.org/Divine-MessagesLive-Channeling-Event-With-Nea-Clare.

SATURDAY, MARCH 21 Mounds View - Home Improvement & Design Expo – 10am-4pm. Don’t miss your opportunity to explore up to 150 exhibitors featuring the latest products, services and information to help

Wisdom Gatherings – 9-11:30am. Providing a thought-provoking place to gain inspiration and explore life’s possibilities through intuition and self-discovery. Each event puts you up close with intuition in a community where you can carry on deep discussions and sort through what it means for you. $30. Art Works Eagan, 3795 Pilot Knob Rd., Eagan. AmyVasterling.com/Wisdom-Gathering.

SATURDAY, APR 4 Longevity Health EXPO – 10am- 4pm This show is all about products, services and information that will help you stay healthy and well at any age. See the latest in anti-aging, nutrition, fitness, men’s & women’s health, medical information, weight loss, health services, living-in-place, and much more. $6, or free with Food Shelf donation. Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Road, Maple Grove. MediaMaxEvents.com.

looking ahead MAY 29-31 Midwest Women’s Herbal Conference Weekend: Living on Purpose – Includes workshops, plant walks and a kids’ camp, as well as teen herbal camps, red tent space, fire circles, singing circles, delicious locally sourced farm-to-table meals and more. Camp Helen Brachman, Almond, WI. MidwestWomensHerbal.com.

Coming Next Month APRIL

Grassroots Climate Crisis Strategies plus: Healthy Home

To advertise or participate in our next issue, call 763-270-8604 26

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ongoing events Please call or check the websites to ensure the classes or events are still scheduled for that week.

sunday Sunday Salsa Dancing – 10:30-11:30am. Join Rene Dennis Thompson for Sunday Salsa Dancing. Free. Midtown Global Market, 920 East Lake St., Minneapolis. MidtownGlobalMarket.org/events.

ongoing Free Online Classes – The University of Minnesota is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Class-Central.com/ University/Minnesota. GROOVE Movement Class – Various days, times and locations. A fun, simple and exciting way to experience dance that nurtures body, mind, heart, and soul. No dance experience required. All fitness levels welcome. Classes use all genres of music and include a warmup, dance, stretching, and a brief meditation. AeroDanceFitness.com/Schedule. Midtown Global Market – Mon-Sat 10am-8pm. & Sun 10am-6pm. If you’re looking for a more unique shopping experience, head to the Midtown Global Market, where more than 50 vendors sell food and trinkets ranging from local produce to Somalian pastries, Middle Eastern olives and Asian spices. There are also cultural events – from musical performances to Irish step-dancing lessons. Free. 920 East Lake St, Minneapolis. MidtownGlobalMarket.org/visit.

monday

Loving Kindness Meditation Practice – 6-7pm. Through ancient, gentle and gradual practices, we learn to let go of fear and ill will and to open our hearts to ourselves and to others, known and unknown. Our time together will include instruction, guided meditation and discussion. Donation based. River Garden, 455 7th St W, St Paul. RiverGardenYoga.com.

tuesday Weekly Guided & Silent Meditation – 11-11:30am. Led by a Prayer Chaplain in the Meditation Room, this meditation is the same one going on concurrently at Unity Village. It alternates affirmative prayer and silence. Donation based. Unity of the Valley Spiritual Center, 4011 W Hwy 13, Savage. UnityOfTheValleyMN.org.

thursday Hatha for Everyone – 6-7pm. Everyone is welcome to this weekly drop-in class. All levels. Relieve stress, achy joints, improve balance at all levels and increase your sense of well-being.

community resource guide

MYOFASCIAL RELEASE & CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY

Barb Ryan, LMT • 612-922-2389 Bhakti Wellness Center 7550 France Avenue S, #220, Edina Specializing in persistent, chronic pain relief and mysteries of the body. Serving clients covered by auto insurance and worker’s compensation with a doctor’s referral. Also serving clients seeking the experience of deep relaxation and more selfconnection. Skilled and compassionate care. See ad, page 9.

Free Meditation – 7-8:30pm. Join us for a free weekly meditation. Sahaja Yoga Meditation, Eden Prairie City Hall, 8080 Mitchell Rd, Eden Prairie. Contact: JPatpatia@gmail or 651-730-2078. FreeMeditation.com.

friday Gentle Yoga for Every Body – 10:30-noon. A welcoming environment for students of all shapes and sizes. $15 drop-in. River Garden Yoga, 455 W 7th St, St. Paul. RiverGardenYoga.com.

classifieds Fee for classifieds is $1 per word per month. To place listing, email content to Publisher@NAtwincities.com. Deadline is the 10th of the month. COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR LEASE TWO PROFESSIONAL OFFICE SUITES – Available at 3434 Lexington Ave in Shoreview. 807 sq ft for $1,434/mo and 938 sq ft for $1,667/ mo. Conveniently located with easy access to I-694 and Snelling Ave. New HVAC, monument signage on Lexington. Call Marty Fisher or Mike Fisher at 763-862.2005 for more information.

CHIROPRACTIC

Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email Publisher@NAtwincities.com. to request our media kit.

BODY WORK

$10. Meditation Center, 631 University Ave NE, Minneapolis. TheMeditationCenter.org.

BREAST HEALTH AROMATHERAPY NATURE’S WAY Healthy Girls’ Breast Oil Joyce Sobotta • 715-878-4474 AromaTherapyNaturesWay.com

Healthy Girls’ Breast Oil when applied with a self-breast massage helps to balance, detoxify, soften breast tissue, improve lymphatic circulation and stimulate the immune system. Improved circulation helps your entire body! See ad, page 13.

GOLDEN SUN CHIROPRACTIC

Una Forde, DC • 952-922-1478 International Village Arcade Building 220 West 98th St, Suite 7, Bloomington Quality chiropractic care. Experience holistic healing and gentle chiropractic adjustments that allow the nervous system to relieve such symptoms as headache, back, neck pain and numbness which allow your body to return to a state of balance and well-being. 25 years’ experience.

COACHING CHANNEL OF DIVINE WISDOM Nea Clare NeaClare.com Nea@NeaClare.com • 612-227-3854

You can have a personal audience with your guides and the Archangels and Ascended Masters. Get clarity. Take action. Feel connected. Book your session today and save 25%, using code: IAMWISE17. Or call Nea for a free consult. See ad, page 22.

March 2020

COACHING

COMPUTER REPAIR

COMPOSURE COACHING

Candi Broeffle, MBA, CPC Candi@ComposureCoaching.com 763-270-8604 ComposureCoaching.com

PSINERGY TECH

André Thomas - A+ Certified 93 Little Canada Rd West - Ste. 100 Little Canada/Roseville 612-234-7237 • PsinergyTech.com “Do you have a sick Computer?” We Keep Computer Repair Simple. Onsite/In-Home or Office, Bring-to-Us Computer Repair Services. 2011-17 Angie’s List Super Service Award Winner. Local • Greener • Highly Rated.

Master your business so you can practice your passion. Business coaching for purpose-driven entrepreneurs to clarify your vision, build your confidence and create a soul-centered strategy. Call today for a free Discovery Session and get on your path to business success.

As Health Coach and holistic practitioner, Dori works with clients to reach their health goals. With the use of bioresonance and other complementary therapies, she guides clients in supporting their bodies through individualized plans that help on their healing journey. See ad, page 11.

SOUL PURPOSE COACH & HOLISTIC HEALER

Barbara Brodsho, MA 612-444-9751 • BarbaraBrodsho.com Providing spiritual guidance to help live your purpose and thrive utilizing your soul’s Akashic Record. Discover your soul’s innate gifts, create a vocation that aligns with your soul’s passion, and gain new perspective, clarity and insight about your life’s challenges by understanding the lessons your soul chose to experience. Schedule a free discovery session to learn how to create a purpose-filled life. See ad, page 13.

COLORPUNCTURE PSINERGY NATURAL HEALTH & HOLISTIC WELLNESS SchaOn Blodgett, CCP, BTAT 93 Little Canada Rd West - Ste. 100 Little Canada/Roseville 612-217-4325 • PsinergyHealth.com

Offering empirical & sciencebased natural health therapies including Esogetics/Colorpuncture, basic Ayurvedic Medicine, as well as spiritual/energy-based therapies like Access Consciousness Bars, I-Ching, reiki and more. See ad, page 4.

Twin Cities Edition

CRYSTAL ROCK HEALING

4399 Lake Ave, White Bear Lake 651-426-4218 • CrystalRockProducts.com Crystal Rock, LLC, is a full-line metaphysical store that manufactures its own products. Product lines include rocks/crystals, organic essential oil products, natural stone jewelry, sages/incense, teas, tapestries, and much more. Featuring readers, healers and classes as well as spaces for rent by the hour.

DENTIST CONSCIOUS PARENTING

MIND, BODY, SOUL LLC

Dori Tossen 763-639-9133 • BalancedDori.com

CYRSTALS & ROCKS

PARENTING THE HIGHLY SENSITIVE CHILD

Amy Vasterling: Parenting-Intuitive Readings-Wisdom Gatherings AmyVasterling.com • 612-791-3001 Amymvasterling@gmail.com Intuitive Readings: Receive clarity around career, decisions, and relationships, and reconnect to your own inner knowing. Wisdom Gatherings: Join with other deep thinkers and spiritual seekers. Parenting: Highly Sensitive Children are misunderstood, and today’s parenting methods do not address their needs. Sign up for Amy’s free webinar at AmyVasterling.com/webinar. See ad, page 11.

COUNSELING & COACHING VALERIE MARSH, M.S., L.M.F.T. Positive Power Psychology.com 600 Twelve Oaks Center, Suite 206, Wayzata • 612-772-2808 PositivePowerPsychology.com

Valerie integrates a compassionate, holistic and empathic counseling and coaching, specializing in helping people heal from the negative consequences of difficult life transitions, troubled relationships, anxiety, depression, trauma and/or loss. Utilizing complimentary modalities, such as energy psychology, CBT and solution focused approaches, she shares her knowledge and skills that create more rapid results for a more joyful and happy life! Appointments held online or in the office. Call today for a complimentary phone consultation. See ad, page 11.

NAtwincities.com

HEALTH CENTERED DENTISTRY N7915-902 St River Falls, WI • 715-426-7777 HealthCenteredDentistry.com

Whole Person Dentistry observes and deals with the mind, body and spirit, not just your teeth. This approach to dentistry encompasses both modern science and knowledge drawn from the world’s great traditions in natural healing.

NATURAL SMILES DENTAL CARE 4700 Lexington Ave N, Suite D Shoreview 651-483-9800 NaturalSmilesDental.com

We ’ r e a n i n t e g r a t i v e practice committed to promoting dental wellness and overall assistance to the whole person. We desire to participate in the creation of healthier lives, while being sensitive to physical, philosophical, emotional and financial concerns. See ad, page 8.

PURE DENTAL

Dr. Amy Ha Truong 6230 10th St. N., Ste 520, Oakdale 651-731-3064 • PureDentalMN.com Pure Dental offers integrative, holistic, alternative and biological dentistry for your dental health. We take pride in providing quality, holistic dental care and service for our patients. See ad, page 24.

SEDATION AND IMPLANT DENTISTRY 1815 Suburban Ave, St. Paul ToothBuilder.com 651-735-4661

We are a holistic dental practice devoted to restoring and enhancing the natural beauty of your smile using conservative, state-of-the-art dental procedures that result in beautiful, long lasting smiles! We specialize in safe removal of infected teeth as well as placing ceramic implants and restorations. See ad, page 14.

DENTIST TOOTH BY THE LAKE

1401 Main St, Hopkins 952-475-1101 • ToothByTheLake.net We build a foundation of trust by treating our patients as individuals. Understanding how uneasy some patients may feel about their dental visits, we make a difference by providing a relaxing and positive experience. See ad, page 25.

ENERGY HEALING DESIREE PUNLA, CECP

desireepunla@gmail.com 201-895-3140 • DesireePunla.com Desiree helps release energy blockages by accessing current/ past life and inherited information from the subconscious (Emotion Code), in addition to using an Ayurvedic form of healing touch (Marma Chikitsä Therapy), and channels messages to promote healing, balance and flow.

EMOTION CODE HEALING

Master Hong Certified Emotion Code Practitioner 9672 63rd Ave N, Maple Grove 763-208-4246 or 914-708-9463 Chronic pain? Suffering from emotions? Relationship problems? Life not going as planned? The Emotion Code is a tool I use to help you break through any emotional and spiritual blocks so you can live your best life. Trial session only $35.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALING SOUL WHISPERER: RELEASING LOST SOULS Annette Rugolo ReleasingLostSouls.com

Children and some adults have the ability to see the spirits that are living among us. Others will hear or see unexplained noises or movement. Read the first two chapters in my book for free at ReleasingLostSouls.com. I share many experiences that explain what’s happening and what can be done. See ad, page 13.

ESSENTIAL OILS AROMATHERAPY NATURE’S WAY Essential Oils Joyce Sobotta • 715-878-4474 AromaTherapyNaturesWay.com

100% pure, quality, essential oils, and ultrasonic diffusers available on my website. I offer essential oil classes online and in person. Sign up for an essential oil consultation and let me help you create a blend of essential oils that works synergistically for a wide range of health concerns. See ad, page 13.

ESTHETICS MICROCURRENT FACIALS

Jessie Odishaw, Microcurrent Esthetics Technician • 612-859-7709 Bhakti Wellness Center, 7550 France Ave S., #220, Edina • BhaktiClinic.com Voted Best Esthetics Clinic in Edina, 2016 & 2017. Look great and feel great with Microcurrent Facial, your skin will feel so soft you won’t believe it’s yours. Often called a “non-surgical facelift” it reduces wrinkles, puffy eyes, lifts, tones, restores your youthful glow. See ad, page 9.

HEALTH FOOD STORES MASTEL’S HEALTH FOODS 1526 St Clair Ave, St Paul Mastels.com • 651-690-1692

Mastel’s Health Foods is Minnesota’s oldest health and wellness store. We carry a full line of vitamins, minerals, supplements, herbs and more. We emphasize organic, biodynamic, biodegradable, holistic and hypoallergenic products and pride ourselves on stocking hardto-find items. See ad, page 5.

HOUSING - SUPPORTIVE BROEFFLE LATIMORE ADULT FOSTER CARE

License #1102359 • 763-600-6967 8600 Northwood Parkway, New Hope Providing a caring and supportive home for adults, no matter their abilities. With 28-plus years of experience, we offer a nurturing and family-like environment for up to four residents who are elderly and/or have developmental disabilities. Residents receive assistance with personal cares, meal prep and feeding assistance, medication administration, transfers and mobility, transportation and advocacy. We treat your loved one like family. See ad, page 4.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE ERIN THOLE, CNHP

ErinThole.com • Thole.Erin@gmail.com Get to the root cause of your health conditions. Erin has been working in the health and nutrition field for over 11 years specializing and working extensively with those suffering from autoimmune, digestive, hormonal and inflammatory disorders. She works with each client’s unique biochemistry to determine what dietary, supplementation, and lifestyle changes will work best for them as an individual. There is NO one-size-fits-all program. All appointments are conducted via phone. This makes it very easy and convenient to receive care from any location. If you want to reach your true health potential, email Erin today to schedule your FREE 45-minute initial phone consultation. Hours until 5pm Fridays. See ad, page 5.

The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do. ~Kobe Bryant

GRAPHIC DESIGN CAMPFIRE STUDIO

Sara Shrode, Graphic Designer Minneapolis, MN 612-554-6304 • CampfireStudio.net Sara@CampfireStudio.net Ignite the possibilities of your next project by having Campfire Studio design it! Innovative, fullservice graphic design studio that takes the essence of a campfire—warmth, stories, community—and infuses it into every design project we do.

March 2020

INTEGRATED HEALTH

MASSAGE/STRETCHING

BHAKTI WELLNESS CENTER

HEALING TAJ

7550 France Ave. S., #220, Edina 612-859-7709 • BhaktiClinic.com

Bhakti provides a holistic environment where independent practitioners come together to offer an integrative path to wellness; mind, body and spirit. Our providers offer chiropractic, energy therapy, massage, microcurrent therapy, acupuncture, psychotherapy and much more so that you can feel your best, remain healthy & thrive. See ad, page 9.

Theodore Rick Active Isolated Stretching (AIS) International Village Arcade Building 220 West 98th St, Ste. 7, Bloomington HealingTaj.com • 763-913-6722 “I love massage, but too often it feels good temporarily and then the pain and tightness comes back again. I have found with AIS that by stretching and lengthening the fibers, almost like a yoga/massage that the pain doesn’t come back again,” Warren King.

OPTIMAL WELLNESS SOLUTIONS

2565 N Hamline Ave., Suite A, Roseville 651-340-1233 • RosevilleOptimalWellness.com Optimal Wellness Solutions offers a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to wellness designed to relieve stress & pain, transform trauma, detoxify the body & promote life-long health & vitality. Services include Massage & CranioSacral Therapy, Network Spinal Analysis, Ionic Detox Footbaths, Nutritional Therapy, InfraRed Therapies, yoga, and a variety of topical wellness classes. See ad, page 13.

MACULAR REGENERATION CASSANDRA ROSE, L.AC.

612-564-8714 • RoseLAc.com Bhakti Wellness Center 7550 France Ave. S., #220, Edina Cassandra specializes in Macular Regeneration, a program using Acunova and Micro-Acupuncture, microcurrent therapy, herbs and supplements to benefit degenerative eye diseases such as macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, Stargardt’s, conjuntivitis, post-herpetic eye pain, dry eye and more. See ad, page 9.

ORTHOPEDIC ACUPUNCTURE & BODYWORK JOHN MONTES, L.AC.

612-568-8889 • monteslac.com Bhakti Wellness Center, 7550 France Ave S., #220, Edina John is a licensed Acupuncturist, Medical Massage Therapist and Herbalist. With orthopedic acupuncture and body work he provides a whole-person approach to pain management taking into consideration mental and emotional health. His work is a carefully crafted balance between science and intuition. John is fluent in English and Spanish. See ad, page 9.

PETS CAT CARE CLINIC

Susan Swanson, D.V.M. 651-429-4153 • HolisticCatClinic.com 1524 Mahtomedi Ave, Mahtomedi Offering a blend of Western and Eastern medicines including; nutritional counseling, behavior counseling, Chinese herbs, acupuncture, Western herbs, essential oils, homeopathy, flower essences, nutritional supplements, chiropractic, reiki and more. See ad, page 5.

PSYCHOTHERAPY FRAN BIEGANEK, MS, LP

Bhakti Wellness Center • 7550 France Ave. S. Suite 220, Edina 612-564-9947 • FranBieganekTherapy.com As a Licensed Psychologist and holistic practitioner, Fran works with clients to identify areas of potential growth, obstacles to growth, and processes that facilitate healing and transcendence of those obstacles. She provides traumainformed therapy that supports your goals of resiliency, healing and feeling better. See ad, page 9.

RADIO/PODCASTS AM950 THE PROGRESSIVE VOICE OF MINNESOTA AM950Radio.com

The only Progressive Talk Radio station in Minnesota. We strive to provide the best progressive programming available and feature national talkers Bill Press, Thom Hartmann, Stephanie Miller, Norman Goldman, and more. We are also dedicated to local programming that creates a community forum for important Minnesota Progressive issues. See ad, page 32.

SOLAR ALL ENERGY SOLAR

1264 Energy Lane, St Paul 800-620-3370 • AllEnergySolar.com All Energy Solar is a trusted leader in the solar energy industry. We provide clean, green, solar energy solutions for residential, commercial, agricultural, and government clients. Our team of industry professionals have been focused on providing long-term, trusted relationships since 2009. Our industry experience allows us to confidently handle every aspect of the solar process. See ad, page 3.

SPIRITUAL TEACHINGS ECKANKAR TEMPLE OF ECK 7450 Powers Blvd., Chanhassen 952-380-2200 • Eckankar.org

Every man dies. Not every man really lives. ~William Wallace

Twin Cities Edition

NAtwincities.com

Are you looking for the personal experience of God? Eckankar can help you fulfill your dream. We offer ways to explore your own unique and natural relationship with the Divine through personalized study to apply in your everyday life. See ad, page 11.

AM950 is the only Progressive Talk Radio station in Minnesota. We strive to provide the best progressive programming available. We feature national talkers Thom Hartmann, Stephanie Miller, Norman Goldman, Amy Goodman, and Brad Friedman. We are also dedicated to local programming that creates a community forum for important Minnesota Progressive issues. As one of the few independently owned radio stations in the country, we are proud to cover news, issues, and stories that are not carried by the corporate media. The talk radio format allows us to air diverse voices and challenge conventional and establishment thinking, all with the goal of creating progressive change in our community.

Weekend Lifestyle Shows

SATURDAYS 8AM - 9AM

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SATURDAYS 1PM-3PM

SUNDAYS 10AM - 11AM

AM950Radio.com

SUNDAYS 11AM-12PM

It’s the fastest growing ag industry that we’ve ever seen.

green living

HEMP GETS HOT Meet the Hardest Working Plant on the Planet by Julie Peterson

crop that was illegal in Right now, it’s Kutztown, Pennsylvania. Since U.S. soil for more than the Wild West hemp’s inclusion in the 2018 Farm Bill, Rodale’s hemp web half a century is now of agriculture. page hits have grown 10-fold. reaching for the sun. Indus~Dustin Enge trial hemp, the low- or no-THC Better Products cousin to marijuana, has created high hopes among farmers, agricultural reAll parts of the hemp plant are useful in searchers, manufacturers and consumers. By multiple ways, and hemp has applications 2019, America had become the world’s third- in textiles, construction, bioremediation, largest producer, behind Canada and China, technology, nutrition and health, including cannabidiol (CBD). The seeds are rich where it’s been cultivated for 8,500 years. “It’s the fastest-growing ag industry in protein, essential fatty acids and vitathat we’ve ever seen,” says Tara Valentine, mins. They can be eaten, ground into flour hemp specialist at the Rodale Institute, in or pressed for oil that is used for cooking

Twin Cities Edition

NAtwincities.com

or in body care products. The stems undergo decortication to separate the long outer fibers (bast) from the short inner fibers (hurd). Hemp hurd makes extremely durable hempcrete for construction, absorbent and dust-free animal bedding or pellets for heating stoves. An exponential rise in the use of hemp is expected because it can replace products made from paper, wood, plastic, cotton and fossil fuels. “Hemp fiber is going to dominate the market once we get to the full manufacturing potential,” says Erica Stark, executive director of the National Hemp Association, in Washington, D.C. The first introductions consumers can expect include hemp paper products, such as plates and toilet paper, and biodegradable hemp bioplastics like cutlery and cups. Construction materials and other products are expected to quickly follow.

Environmentally Friendly The Institute of Papermaking and Printing, at the Technical University of Lodz, Poland, did a 2015 study comparing making paper from wood to making it from hemp. Among the findings: hemp takes four months to grow, while trees need 20 to 80 years. An acre of hemp can produce four or more times as much paper as an acre of trees. Hemp paper doesn’t need toxic bleaching and can be

Rick Lohre/Shutterstock.com

~Tara Valentine

recycled twice as many times. Other studies concur. Paper without deforestation would be a major benefit, but it’s a minor job on hemp’s profound résumé. “Hemp needs to be a part of every climate change conversation, not only because it sequesters huge amounts of carbon during cultivation, but also because construction products made out of hemp will continue to sequester carbon for up to 100 years,” says Stark. Hemp could also help save the depleted soil on U.S. farmland that has been destroyed by tilling and synthetic fertilizers. “We have to rebuild the soil by putting carbon back in and increasing organic matter,” says Valentine. Hemp does this with a massive root biomass that breaks up compacted soils, improves water infiltration and reduces runoff and erosion. Fast-growing hemp naturally suppresses weeds, needs no pesticides and isn’t picky about soil, water or latitude. By comparison, cotton is water-intensive and uses 25 percent of the world’s pesticides.

Income for Farmers

Used in crop rotation, hemp’s soil-enhancing qualities can increase profits on subsequent crops. While cover crops don’t usually have return value, hemp provides additional revenue streams. But the revenue isn’t quite there yet, because the supply chain isn’t complete. Seed supply, farm equipment, education, processing facilities and manufacturers are all links that are developing simultaneously. “Fiber processing facilities will be available soon. Manufacturers are anxious to start incorporating hemp,” says Stark. The lack of buyers isn’t deterring farmers. Neither are warnings that current harvesting equipment can spark disaster when hemp fiber wraps around rotating parts, heats up and combusts. Dustin Enge, a third-generation farmer in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin, started Honey Creek Hemp in 2017. He planted six acres of hemp. “I think it’s a long-term viable commodity for farmers. Right now, it’s the Wild West of agriculture. Everyone is trying different things,” says Enge, who modified a harvester for hemp. “I spent about two hours harvesting and 20 hours torching the fiber off my equipment.” Even so, he will plant more acres when he knows it will sell. Behold the sprouting of the hemp industry as an ancient plant takes root in the modern world. Julie Peterson writes from rural Wisconsin and can be reached at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.

Tooth by the Lake HOLISTIC GENERAL DENTISTRY

Kari Seaverson DDS John Seaverson DDS

1401 Mainstreet Hopkins, MN 55343 952-475-1101 ToothByTheLake.net

mission

Experience healthier dentistry March 2020

Natural Awakenings Twin Cities March 2020

Articles inside

CBD’S NEW FRONTIER

MEATLESS MAKEOVER

PLENTY OF SUNSHINE

THE ROOTS OF