Thursday, Sept. 13, 7 pm Diabetes: prevention and management Thursday, Oct. 11, 7 pm Food-Combining: Mix your food for max nutrition! Thursday, Nov. 8, 7 pm The Sweet Life: Alternatives to sugar Jeanie Redick is a Certifed Nutritionist and health columnist. She is a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University, The American Health Science University and the National Institute of Nutritional Education.

Food for Life Classes

“Food for Life” is a series of eight free nutrition and cooking classes that introduce you to a delicious, healthy lifestyle designed to keep cancer at bay. Launched in 2001 by The Cancer Project, a program of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, the classes were designed by physicians, nutritionists and dieticians to help cancer survivors take advantage of the healing power of foods. Each class includes information about how certain foods and nutrients work to discourage the growth of cancer, along with demonstrations of simple, healthy recipes that you can make easily at home.

The classes, held each Tuesday evening (9/18 – 11/6) from 6 – 7:30 p.m. in the Community Room, will address: Fueling Up on Low-Fat Foods, Favoring Fiber, Discovering Dairy Alternatives, Replacing Meat, Planning Healthy Meals, Antioxidants & Phytochemicals, Immune-Boosting Foods, and Maintaining a Healthy Weight. For more information, see The Cancer Project and “cooking classes” at www.cancerproject.org.

Whether you are a cancer survivor or just want to boost your health, these classes will offer great “food for thought.” Space is limited, so sign up now: info@roanokenaturalfoods.coop or call RNFC at 343-5652.

Fall Waterways Cleanup & Celebration, October 6

Our waterways need you! Join hundreds of folks from around the Roanoke Valley on Saturday, October 6, for the annual cleanup of the Roanoke River and its tributaries. RNFC is proud to be one of the sponsors of this fun and important event. In the past two years alone, more than 1,100 people have collected more than 34 tons of trash. We need you! You can choose your waterway or have one assigned to you. Cleanup is from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m., and all supplies are provided. Afterward, don’t miss the free lunch and celebration in Wasena Park from noon – 2 p.m. Register with Clean Valley Council at 345-5523 or www.cleanvalley.org.

The Significant Difference Between White & Brown Rice

Refined white rice – or milled or polished rice – has had the bran and germ removed, stripping it of vitamins, fiber and essential fatty acids. Brown rice, on the other hand, retains its nutritional value and is an excellent source of whole gain carbohydrates, necessary for good digestion and energy. Brown rice and other whole grains can help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. All rice is gluten-free and easy to digest, making it a favorite ingredient for those with food allergies.

Try these rice varieties: • Arborio – its creamy cooked texture is ideal for making risotto. • Basmati – an aromatic long grain rice from India. • Black – medium grain sticky rice from China with a sweet flavor. • Sushi – short grain rice especially cultivated by the Japanese for making sushi. • Wehani – aromatic long grain red rice with a smoky, nutty flavor. • Wild – seeds from water grasses. True wild rice harvested by Native Americans • in North American lakes is far superior to cultivated wild rice.

Source: August 2007 Co-op Advantage sales flyer (find yours in the store today!)