
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
OFFICIAL STATEMENT - SWINE FLU

Saturday, April 25, 2009
A Profound Moment...
LET'S FACE it. Sometimes life can feel fairly mundane. As we move from one moment to the next, much of our focus is on dealing with the seemingly insignificant minutiae. Then, we get a wake-up call of sorts. Something happens that forces an epiphany: Those few, precious moments in life when we gain a genuine insight into the reality or essential meaning of something important. It requires us to take stock of what's truly important and, really, what we're doing here in the first place.
These moments of clarity might be precipitated by an acute event like the birth of a child or the death of a friend. I have experienced several of these moments. One of them occurred today.
For my Ironman training, Sundays are allocated to the "long run." This is up to 3 hours in duration. It is analogous to an "insurance policy." These sessions ensure that you can finish the Ironman if/when things go wrong. The idea is that if I can run 3 hours in my sleep, then even if things get terribly bad on event day, I can get through a 3-hour marathon.
Today was like any other Sunday. I was preparing for my run, and my 5-year-old daughter, Vivienne, asked if she could join me. I am all about empowering her and jumping on every opportunity to do that. So, I cuddled her and said: "Sure, honey! Let's do it." She said: "Papa, no I want to run the full 3 hours with you." She was serious.
We agreed that she would run "until she was tired and ready to get into the car with mom" (who was following us). She put on her full running regalia, Adidas running shoes and all, and we set out. I thought we would make it to the end of our street and she would stop. Instead, she said: "Keep going." We ran all the way to a park near our home (1-mile away) and I was floored. I was certain she would be done. I kept asking her when we might stop.
"Papa, stop asking me. I will stop when I am tired."
We made it into downtown Fairfax. Then out of town into the neighboring town of San Anselmo. The girl was running so strong, so powerfully. I went from befuddlement to profound pride to concern about her health! Eventually, I had to physically stop her and put her in the car with a cookie and some cool water.
My wife and I continued on to the health club (where I meet them). I was so inspired by Vivienne's present-moment-running and her irrepressible spirit, that I had the best run I've had all year. I averaged 5:53/mile for two and a half hours.
I'm so accustomed to Vivienne being a little thing. She is becoming a young lady, and she is more powerful than I ever dreamed she would be at this age. She is inspiring me profoundly.
I always thought that having kids would take away from my ability to train and compete. But, quite the opposite has happened. I have never been stronger or faster. Watching Vivienne grow and thrive and blossom is so much better than I ever dreamed it would be.
And, I am a better, stronger -- and faster! -- man for it.
ORGANIC FOOD BAR is a company that believes deeply in creating healthy bodies and healthy families. Get out there and exercise with your children. It will reward you in ways you never imagined possible.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
The World's First 100% Certified Organic Bar Under One Dollar (with a taste to die for!)
Move over muffins! Imagine a healthy, sumptuous alternative to unhealthy muffins, a perfect companion to your morning cup of coffee or tea. Now, anyone can enjoy a tasty, convenient breakfast treat without the extra helpings of unhealthy fat -– and unwanted guilt!Our new Organic Food Bar – ONE Makes Organic Food Convenient, Delicious and Affordable for All!
This is the world's first 100% certified organic bar under one dollar.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Important note regarding the salmonella outbreak
Recently, there has been an outbreak of salmonella that has lead to the deaths of seven Americans. This letter is to assure you, in no uncertain terms, that no product in the ORGANIC FOOD BAR line is, or will be – in any way – affected by this outbreak.
Here is what has occurred: Several products containing peanut butter have been recalled as the U.S. government investigates the outbreak of salmonella food poisoning.
As of Wednesday evening, 491 people had been reported infected by a salmonella outbreak by public health authorities in 43 of the 50 U.S. states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on its website.
Salmonella can cause abdominal cramping, diarrhea and fever and it can kill the very young and very old.
This outbreak impresses upon us, yet again, that commercial, conventional food production too often puts our health, and the health of our children, at grave risk.
We will say, with categorical confidence, that ORGANIC FOOD BAR products, and ORGANIC FOOD BAR KID’S products, are completely safe. ORGANIC FOOD BAR products will not be affected by this outbreak, because they are 100% peanut-free and contain no dairy, wheat or soy.
Moreover, ORGANIC FOOD BAR, Inc. goes to extraordinary lengths and expense to ensure our 100% certified organic ingredients are sourced from the finest, highest-quality, cleanest and most trustworthy sources in the U.S., Canada and Europe. Our products are handcrafted on site in a certified organic and kosher facility that adheres to superlative standards of quality, unsurpassed in the industry.
That is why you don’t see our paid ads on television or in fancy magazines: we put our product, and our people, over our promotion. We channel every spare resource into our product. We do this because you are part of the ORGANIC FOOD BAR Family, and we genuinely care about each and every customer like no other bar company does.
You not find ORGANIC FOOD BAR products embroiled in any “food scandal,” be it tainted milk powder from China or a salmonella outbreak from a U.S. plant, because we eat these bars ourselves – and we feed them to our children. And, we go to the necessary lengths to ensure that ORGANIC FOOD BAR products will remain safe and above the “fray.”
When you eat an ORGANIC FOOD BAR, you are placing great trust in us; and we work tirelessly to honor that trust. It is that simple.
If you have any questions or concerns about this, or any other issue, please feel free to contact us at any time: 1.800.246.4685.
From our family to yours, we wish you the very best of health,
The ORGANIC FOOD BAR Family
Monday, February 2, 2009
Graze Your Way to Better Health and Weight Loss
Most of the information about nutrition and weight loss information we are presented with comes from commercial sources -- rather than unbiased, scientific studies, which are far more inaccessible to the mass market. In our confusion and frustration, many of us have understandably thrown our hands in the air and given up.
However, the "grazing" method of eating—consuming small, frequent meals or snacks throughout the day—is a very simple and proven way to improve your eating habits. Best of all, it’s free.
“Grazing is one of the most healthful ways to eat,’ says Cheryl Platzman Weinstock, a freelance writer specializing in health and science, based in Chappaqua, New York and a regular contributor to the New York Times. “It has been shown to decrease bodyfat, lower cholesterol and boost energy levels. It also simplifies your life, saves you time and it doesn’t cost a dime,” she says.
The notion of “grazing” on five to six smaller meals a day may seem counterintuitive, since most of us have been raised on the three-squares-a-day approach. But there are four reasons to look into this new way of eating:
DROP A COUPLE POUNDS
By spacing your daily intake of food more evenly throughout the day, you may lose bodyfat. "There is some evidence that people who snack in a wise sort of way may find weight control easier. This is because if you wait too long in between meals, you're more likely to be really hungry and over eat or eat too fast, both of which can increase bodyfat storage," says David J.A. Jenkins, professor of medicine and nutritional science at the University of Toronto.
LOWER YOUR CHOLESTEROL
On November 30, 2001, The British Medical Journal found that eating more frequently throughout the day may help lower cholesterol levels. The results showed low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels – the so-called “bad cholesterol” that clogs arteries -- were about five-percent lower in both men and women who ate six or more times a day, compared to folks who ate only twice or three times a day. The finding held true, researchers said, despite the fact that frequent-eaters had higher intakes of calories, including fat.
BOOST YOUR ENERGY
When you eat a large meal, your blood sugar rises dramatically. To remove the excess blood sugar, your pancreas releases a hormone called insulin. Oftentimes, however, too much insulin is released and too much blood sugar is removed. This leaves you feeling tired and sluggish after big meals. By eating smaller portions, your body releases less insulin, and that translates into steadier energy levels.
SAVE TIME
"Since most of us are rushing around in a hurry these days, there's often less time to prepare big, elaborate meals. So grazing on mini-meals becomes important, because it can save you the time associated with preparing larger meals," says Marilyn Stephenson, a registered dietitian and assistant to the director, office of nutrition and food science, Food and Drug Administration. Healthy “on-the-go” food is difficult to find. Organic Food Bar provides a delicious, whole food, nutrient-dense, 100% certified organic snack that is delicious and will sustain you for hours.
ANY DOWNSIDE?
There are two important caveats to grazing. Alice Lichtenstein, professor of nutrition at Tufts University in Boston and vice-chairwoman of the American Heart Associations’ nutrition committee, offers this cautionary advice: “It is important to keep in mind that the calories from small, frequent snacks and meals can quickly add up, and grazing can easily get out of hand. Fifty extra calories a day can add up to five pounds per year if those extra calories are not countered with extra exercise,” she says.
Given the fact a growing number of Americans are currently overweight or obese, those extra calories, Lichtenstein says, are "not insignificant." In other words, you still have to be vigilant in watching the total number of calories you eat each day.
WHAT TO GRAZE ON?
For many of us, the word “graze” conjures up images of gnawing dejectedly on celery sticks and other flavorless plant-life. Not the case. You can and should still eat foods you enjoy – just eat them in smaller portions throughout the day.
You should also try to focus more on high-quality proteins and fats, such as fish, chicken and, yes, even peanut butter. For example, rather than eating two bagels, have half a bagel with salmon or peanut butter. Why? Because the latter option satisfies you for longer periods of time, which means you’ll end up eating less overall calories throughout the day.
As for specific suggestions, we have created an ideal day of grazing for you. Below is a sample well-balanced eating plan for an active person on a 2000 calorie-per-day diet -- based on the principles of grazing. Please keep in mind that this is only a sample diet for this caloric intake and that there are many different possibilities and changes that can and should be made to meet your individual needs and food preferences. In other words, use this as a guide, but trust yourself and your body above all else.
The idea here, is that by eating smaller, higher-quality portions throughout the day, you may experience an increase an energy, lower stored bodyfat, lower cholesterol and a more consistent feeling of satiety. We suggest that you experiment with this method of eating for a week, and see how it makes you feel.
For more information on your individual needs, contact a local Registered Dietician.
(Following the plan below may make you feel like you're eating more food, but this meal-plan is roughly 2000 calories -- which is the equivalent of three medium to large-sized meals. It's just more evenly-spaced throughout the day.)
YOUR DAILY GRAZE
Breakfast:
- 3/4 cup of oatmeal with pat of putter
- 4 ounces nonfat milk
- 1 slice whole wheat toast
- 1 teaspoon jam or jelly
- 8 ounces coffee
Nutritional breakdown: 274 calories, 3 grams fat, 1 gram saturated fat, 2 mg cholesterol, 478 mg sodium, 59 grams carbohydrate, 10 grams fiber and 11 grams protein.
Mid-Morning:
- 1 Organic Food Bar, Active Greens (the healthiest of the healthy!)
- 1 slice whole wheat bread with 1 tsp of peanut butter
- 6 ounces orange juice
Nutritional breakdown: 365 calories, 6 grams fat, 1 gram saturated fat, 3 mg cholesterol, 283 mg sodium, 76 grams carbohydrate, 5 grams fiber and 15 grams protein.
Lunch:
- 2 slices whole wheat bread
- 2 ounces lean luncheon meat (roast beef, turkey breast, etc.)
- 1 ounce reduced fat cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup alfalfa sprouts or 1 leaf romaine lettuce
- 1 slice tomato
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1/2 cup raw broccoli florets*
- 4 carrot sticks*
*Don't like plain raw veggies? Try squeezing lemon or lime juice on them with a few shakes of chili powder!
Nutritional breakdown: 381 calories, 13 grams fat, 5 grams saturated fat, 41 mg cholesterol, 606 mg sodium, 42 grams carbohydrate, 9 grams fiber and 27 grams protein.
Mid-Afternoon:
- 1 slice whole wheat bread
- 1 RAW Organic Food Bar
- 1 cup grapes (try freezing them for a cold treat on a hot day)
- 1 reduced fat oatmeal cookie
- 8 ounces nonfat milk
Nutritional breakdown: 329 calories, 7 grams fat, 2 grams saturated fat, 27 mg cholesterol, 455 mg sodium, 46 grams carbohydrate, 3 grams fiber and 24 grams protein.
Dinner:
- 3 ounce chicken breast
- 1 cup cooked rice (add herbs to the cooking water for flavor without calories)
- 3/4 cup cooked carrots
- 1 cup tossed salad greens
- 1 tablespoon reduced fat salad dressing
Nutritional breakdown: 399 calories, 3 grams fat,1 grams saturated fat, 50 mg cholesterol, 215 mg sodium, 64 grams carbohydrate, 5 grams fiber and 27 grams protein.
Evening:
- 3 cups air-popped popcorn with pat of butter
- 1 medium apple
Nutritional breakdown: 222 calories, 3 grams fat, 1 gram saturated fat,6 mg cholesterol, 211 mg sodium, 40 grams carbohydrate, 7 grams fiber and 10 grams protein.
Total Daily Nutritional Breakdown:
Calories: 1970
Fat: 36 grams (16% of calories)
Saturated fat: 11 grams
Cholesterol: 129 grams
Sodium: 2248 mg
Carbohydrate: 327 grams (62% of calories)
Fiber: 39 grams
Protein: 114 grams (22% of calories)
By simplifying your diet and nutrition, and grazing throughout the day, you may be able to drop a few pounds, lower your cholesterol, boost your energy levels and perhaps most importantly, liberate yourself from all the confusing information around nutrition – so that you can finally enjoy eating again!
For more healthy living and eating tips, visit: www.organicfoodbar.com/lifestyle.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Boomers: Here are 4 Ways to Stay Spry
LAST OCTOBER, WITH A FEW UNREMARKABLE KEYSTROKES, Kathleen Casey-Kirschling took one small step for a woman and one giant leap for a generation. Ms. Casey-Kirschling, who is widely considered to be the nation’s first Baby Boomer, became the first Boomer to file for Social Security retirement benefits.
What does this have to do with fitness, you ask? A lot, actually. It means that the Boomers are getting older. And, that means that in order to make the next phase of their lives as healthy and fulfilling as possible, they must do things a little differently when it comes to physical activity.
Does this mean that I’m going to recommend that you pick up a copy of Richard Simmons’s - Sit Tight: A “Sittin' Down” Workout?” “Now as you sit there, lift your can of lima beans up to the sky. Good. Good for yooou!”
No. I’m not going to do that, because the Boomers are marching into older age in far better physical shape than their parents.
First, let’s get clear on what “older” is and what it is not.
“Older” is a fact of life. Time passes, we age, and our bodies change. However, “older” is also an arbitrary designation based on an arbitrary number. Granted, sixty years ago, “older” meant “old,” because old people looked and acted…well…old. In 2007, that word has been rendered all but meaningless. Eighty-year olds are surfing and playing tennis and bungee jumping and completing the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon in 16 hours.
Here’s what “older” is not: It’s not a valid reason to avoid getting into stellar shape. It’s not an excuse to slow down, make concessions, do less -- and go gently into that good night.
Baby Boomers comprise the largest segment of the American population at roughly 80 million strong. But a recent study indicates that while Boomers may be strong in numbers, they’re not so strong in body. Injuries among Boomers -- torn ligaments, stress fractures and knee problems – are at an all time high. “Boomeritis,” as health professionals call it, cost an estimated $22.8 billion in 2003. That’s the bad news. Here’s the good: It’s easier than you think to get into great shape, and the scientifically-verified benefits of physical activity include: a better heart, a better mind, a better body and a better life.
We often forget how good it feels to have a fit and radiant body. We learn to accept less. If that sounds like you, stop that. Start demanding more, and you will experience the joy and passion of what it feels like to be fully alive. It all starts with moving your body.
Motivation Follows Movement
This may sound like more self-help ballyhooing, but it’s true: the motivation to exercise does not spontaneously occur. In fact, the less you exercise, the less you’ll want to exercise. You simply must start moving to get motivated to move. If you are out of shape, as little as three 20-minute workouts a week can have huge, positive effects on your physical and mental health.
Sometimes the notion of getting into shape after a long layoff can be so daunting that it discourages people from even starting out. Those people operate under the false assumption that it takes a series of one-hour leg-pumpin’, heart-thumpin’ spin classes to get back into shape. Here’s the trick: First, consult your physician and make sure your body is ready for a new exercise program. Then, when you start back to exercising, don’t focus on any numbers: no “workout time,” no “calories burned,” no “repetitions,” no “heart rate zones.” Just be smart, listen to your body and have fun with it. If, on your first day out there, you complete a five-minute walk, that is a terrific start. Once you generate a little momentum, it’s a difficult force to stop.
Bear the Burden
As Boomers age, it is estimated that half of women over age 50 will suffer a bone fracture caused by weakened bones, while one in eight men will suffer the same fate. While it’s important to take care of your joints and never overdo it, avoiding weight-bearing exercise, such as brisk walking, climbing stairs, resistance training, etc., can actually increase the risk of osteoporosis. Light jogging, if your knees can handle it, is a terrific activity for Boomers. Strength training is a must as well, since you can lose up to a half-pound of muscle tissue every year after age 35. Strive to incorporate some form of strength training and weight-bearing activity into your routine at least twice a week.
Your Body is Keeping Score
“You are more likely to be killed by your couch than by a stroke or an accident,” says Jim Taylor, Ph.D, author of The Prime Sport book series and a performance consultant in Greenbrae.
“There are 35 diseases, collectively known as Sedentary Death Syndrome (SeDS), associated with a sedentary lifestyle,” says Dr. Taylor. “Each year, about 250,000 Americans die from them. Since only 28 percent of Americans exercise regularly, an estimated 60 percent of the population is thought to be at risk for SeDS.”
It’s important to understand that your body is keeping score, right this moment, and every moment. Ignoring exercise is akin to accruing credit card debt; somewhere down the road your body will demand payment…with interest.
Most of us require some form of tragedy to make a positive change. We’re comfortable with the status quo. We wait until something goes wrong until we decide fix it. The
Mix it Up
Who says you have to run on a treadmill to get into shape? Not me, that’s for sure. Set me loose on
Boomers, some say you have the best years ahead of you. If you commit to staying in shape, and taking care of your body, I believe the years ahead of you can be your best ones.
Go rock it, Boomers.
For more healthly living tips and a podcast, visit: http://www.organicfoodbar.com.
Monday, August 18, 2008
How ORGANIC FOOD BAR Became the Best-Selling Organic Bar in the World
In 2001, Dr. Jack J. Singh, N.D., H.M.D. a board certified naturopathic physician and expert nutritionist with over thirty years of experience, set out to “raise the bar” in an energy and food bar industry beset with nutritionally poor products and disingenuous marketing tactics. The mission: create a non-allergenic, 100% certified organic, whole food bar of such uncompromising quality and unparalleled taste that one bite would change the way people feel, eat and live. He founded ORGANIC FOOD BAR. It was the first organic bar in the world.
Now, it is the best-selling organic bar in the world.
ORGANIC FOOD BARS contain the freshest, 100% certified organic ingredients (USDA & EEC 2091/2092) from “the cleanest and most trustworthy food sources" in the
We make organic, whole food products that we would (and do!) feed to our own families. That is why ORGANIC FOOD BAR is uncompromising in its ingredients. One bite, and one review of our ingredient list, will tell you all that you need to know.
To learn more about our full product line, to sign up for our new ORGANIC LIVING magazine -- or if you have any questions, comments (or kudos!), please call us toll-free at: 1.800.246.4685 or visit us online at: www.organicfoodbar.com. (You could win an all-expense paid trip for two to Pure Kauai simply by visiting!)
Best wishes of health from our family to yours!
~The ORGANIC FOOD BAR Family