Category: Nourish

  • It’s Non-GMO Month: Part 2

    It’s Non-GMO Month: Part 2

    With the Keto diet and Non-GMO Month being noticed around the same time, why not feature them together!

    So what exactly is the Keto diet?

    The Keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that offers numerous health benefits. With the drastic reduction is carbs, you put your body into a metabolic state called ketosis. When your body is in ketosis, your body becomes extremely efficient at using fat for energy. Some health benefits from the keto diet are lower blood sugar and insulin levels, as well as switching the body’s metabolism from carbs to fat. Another health benefit that strikes a lot of consumers’ attention is losing body weight and lowering the risk factors for diseases.

    What foods should I avoid on the Keto diet?

    Foods that are high in carbs should be very limited or even eliminated. The list of foods that should be avoided are: sugary foods, grains or starches, fruit, beans or legumes, root vegetables and tubers, low-fat or diet products, certain condiments or sauces, unhealthy fats, alcohol, & sugar-free diet foods.

    What foods should I eat on the Keto diet?

    Your plate should be based with the majority of these foods: meat, fatty fish, eggs, butter and cream, cheese, nuts and seeds, healthy oils, avocados, low-carb veggies, & condiments and spices.

    Are there any side effects from being on the Keto diet?

    Even though the keto diet is safe, there are some initial side effects that your body goes through as you adapt to your new diet. Each individual body is different and unique- so you should be more aware of how you feel and balance accordingly.

    At Basil Bandwagon, we carry numerous Keto diet friendly products that are also Non-GMO Project verified! Some of our products are featured below!

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • RECAP: NEW PRODUCT WEDNESDAY 10/17/18

    RECAP: NEW PRODUCT WEDNESDAY 10/17/18

    Check out our NEW products this week!

    EcoVessel: The Metro, The Boulder, The Perk, & The Port

    EPIC Uncured Bacon Bits: Hickory Smoked

    Laird Superfoods Hydrate: Turmeric, Matcha, Original, and Beet & Creamer: Unsweetened

    Alaffia: Curl Maker, Pumpkin Spice Hand & Body Cream, Finishing Oil Mist, and Texturizing Spray

    Andes Gifts: Leg warmers, Scarves, Hats, & Gloves

    Blue Moose of Boulder Hummus: Lemon Turmeric

    Urban Cheesecraft Dairy Free Mix: Mozzarella & Chevre

    Poofy Organics: Shaving Gel, Bath Bombs, & Creamy Sugar Scrubs

    Pure Indian Foods: Organic Tamarind Paste & Curry in a Hurry

    Siggi’s Triple Cream Yogurt: Chocolate

     

  • It’s Non-GMO Month: Part 1

    It’s Non-GMO Month: Part 1

    October is Non-GMO Month! This event is North America’s largest non-GMO celebration. Every October, Basil Bandwagon collects donations in order to raise customer awareness and support Non-GMO Project Verified products.

    What is the Non-GMO Project you may ask?

    Well, the Non-GMO Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building and protecting a non-GMO food supply. They reach this mission through consumer education and outreach programs; marketing support provided to Non-GMO Project Verified brands; and training resources and merchandising materials that they provide to retailers. Around our Basil Bandwagon locations, you will find posters and butterflies that were supplied from the Non-GMO Project in order to spread more awareness.

    What is a GMO and why are people so cautious about not consuming them?

    Great question! A GMO is a genetically modified living organism whose DNA has been manipulated in a laboratory to create a crossbreed that does not occur naturally. Most GMOs are engineered to resist herbicides and/or produce an insecticide. Today, some technologies have been used to create new organisms and traits, for example, apples not browning.

    Research shows that there is a growing amount of evidence that links consumption of GMOs to health problems, environmental damage, and violation of farmers’ and consumers’ rights. Due to the substantial amount of research, more than 60 countries around the world require GMOs to be labeled. With the ample amount of research against GMOs, companies and consumers are choosing to opt out of swallowing GMOs in a fight to live a longer life.

    For more information about the Non-GMO Project and its efforts to decrease the amount of GMOs in the market, click here.

     

  • Stock Up on Your Favorite July Sale Items!

    Stock Up on Your Favorite July Sale Items!

    Looking to switch up your supplements? Now is the time! These awesome products are priced at a whopping 25% until July 31st, 2018.

    Here’s what we have to offer:

    Amazing Grass  

    Having a hard time getting your greens?  Amazing Grass has made it EASY, and tasty with their Effervescent Greens tablets! Each fizzy tablet delivers a full serving of greens!

    Nutrient-rich greens mix with potent adaptogenic herbs in three different Elixir’s from Amazing Grass! Nourish your body to improve function with these three formulas: Belly Elixir, Beauty Elixir and Brain Elixir.

    Himalaya Herbal Healthcare

    Feed your adrenals and find balance with Himalaya’s Stress Care blend.

     

    It’s one of our MOST asked about symptoms: Hot Flashes.

    This Formula is a blend of Ayurvedic Herbs including Shatavari, Gotu Kola, Asoka Tree and more.

     

     

  • Clean Up Your Self Care Routine With These 12 New Product Lines

    Clean Up Your Self Care Routine With These 12 New Product Lines

    By Jenna Kohler, MA, Certified Health Coach

    What you put IN your body can make a big difference in your overall wellness. Most of us are well acquainted with that notion by now; however, many folks aren’t aware that what you put ON your body can make a big difference too.  The tissues that make up our bodies are absorbent and internalize what we come in contact with.  Those of us who have had negative reactions to products we’ve used on our bodies know very well the effects of internalizing something our body doesn’t like. Others who haven’t experienced this may be taking for granted their body’s ability to process many of the harsh chemicals and toxins that are frequent additives in conventional or ‘drug store’ skin and beauty care products.

    At Basil Bandwagon Natural Market, we take great care in curating product lines that are both safe AND effective. We hand-select products from companies that care about your wellbeing, the wellbeing of our community environment, and the wellbeing of our planet. Recently, you may have noticed many new products landing on our shelves in our health and beauty aid aisles. We want to take a moment to introduce some of these wonderful new product lines with you. These are just a few of the reasons why these products have made it through our rigorous vetting process and we’re certain there will be a few you’ll be eager to try!

    Opas Soap

    Now carrying shampoo, conditioner, lotion, & bar soap at Basil Bandwagon Natural Market!

    About Opas: “Our products have antique and vintage-inspired qualities as recipes from the Naturalism and Renaissance era. We practice sustainability and composting and our products are completely eco-friendly from our ingredients to our packaging.”

    Carina Organics

    Now carrying shampoo, conditioner, lotion, hand soap, body wash, & hair spray/gel at Basil Bandwagon Natural Market!

    About Carina: “We are present in every step of the product-making process. Our ingredients, including alfalfa, chamomile, echinacea, nettle, red clover and a variety of Botanical Tree Essences, are hand-selected and harvested throughout the Pacific Northwest. This helps to ensure the use of only the healthiest and highest quality extracts and essences.”

    Schmidt’s Naturals

    Now carrying deodorant & bar soap at Basil Bandwagon Natural Market!

    About Schmidt’s Naturals: “Everything we produce is manufactured without harming any animals, and we never purchase ingredients from suppliers that test their products on animals — Schmidt’s is committed to staying certified vegan and cruelty-free. Schmidt’s Naturals products are always free of aluminum, propylene glycol, SLS, PEG, parabens, phthalates, artificial fragrance, artificial flavor, artificial colorants, and artificial sweeteners.”

    Dirt Bag

    Now carrying face masks at Basil Bandwagon Natural Market!

    About Dirt Bag: “The women-owned, women-founded company was named ‘Dirt Bag’ because it suited the product, which uses a dry blend of ingredients analogous to dirt, and also because it serves as a reminder that good things can come out of some very bad circumstances for women. Sustainable, all-natural ingredients.  No animal testing.  100% Eco-Friendly.“

    Botanical Therapeutic

    Now carrying shampoo, conditioner, body wash, & hand cream at Basil Bandwagon Natural Market!

    About Botanical Therapeutic: “We have chosen a healthier approach to manufacturing self-care products. Since Carina’s inception in 1972, replacing chemical and synthetic ingredients with natural and organic plant extracts, essences, and oils has been central to our focus and philosophy.”

    Dr. Gingers

    Now carrying the dental care oil pulling line at Basil Bandwagon Natural Market!

    About Dr. Gingers: “Dr. Ginger’s research, as well as testimonials from people she knew and treated, confirmed the notion that oil pulling does indeed offer substantial benefits to oral and overall health. No harmful chemicals.  Dr. Ginger’s uses detoxifying Sodium Lauryl Sarcosinate (an amino acid from coconut oil) in lieu of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (an irritating surfactant).”

    Oral Essentials

    Now carrying the dental care teeth whitening line at Basil Bandwagon Natural Market!

    About Oral Essentials: “You shouldn’t have to choose between a product that is good for you, and a product that actually works. For us, that meant formulating products that we can feel good about putting in our bodies. No ‘DO NOT SWALLOW’ labels, no irritating bleaches, no compromises. We are the first ever dentist-formulated, naturally-derived, clinically-tested, certified non-toxic oral care company in the world, and you know what? We think it’s about time!”

    Ancient Olive Soap

    Now carrying bar soaps at Basil Bandwagon Natural Market!

    About Ancient Olive: “Ancient Olive soap is perhaps the oldest and purest soap in the world, made of 100% olive oil and a high concentration of laurel oil. It is renowned for its skin-nourishing, wrinkle-fighting vitamins A and E from olive oil and its natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties from laurel.”

    Green Goo

    Now carrying first aid salves/balms, foaming hand soap, & bar soap at Basil Bandwagon Natural Market!

    About Green Goo: “We are leaders in the commercialization of no-compromises natural body care products. Our mission to provide safe, natural and effective products extends into our philanthropy, as we continue to donate products to military, maternity and child care, and animal care organizations both here and around the world.”

    Earth Mama Organics

    Now carrying baby body care product line, mommy body care product line, body wash, & deodorant at Basil Bandwagon Natural Market!

    About Earth Mama Organics: “We formulate easy-to-use herbal products to support mamas and babies through the entire miraculous birth process, from pregnancy through postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, baby care, and even the loss of a baby. We honor plant wisdom that has been passed down from great-grandmother to grandmother to mother to daughter; we combine that wisdom with the safety and assurances of contemporary evidence-based research.”

    Purple Prairie Botanicals

    Now carrying bar soap, & lotion at Basil Bandwagon Natural Market!

    About Purple Prairie Botanicals: “Purple Prairie Botanicals has always believed in the protection and sustainability of our natural world and the delicate systems which balance all life as we know it. This planet produces all of the products we share with you. When purchasing our raw materials, we only work with American companies that lead the industry in environmental stewardship and adhere to strict principles and protocols that ensure fair treatment and compensation for the people involved.”

    Attitude

    Now carrying body wash, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, & hand soap at Basil Bandwagon Natural Market!

    About Attitude: “All of our products are worry-free – 100% safe for your family and the planet, and free of cancer-causing chemicals, mutagens and endocrine disruptors. That’s why we question everything. And we invite you to do the same.” We have an insatiable need to innovate, inspire and improve. We are as much scientists as explorers, roaming the Earth and our homes looking for new ways to not only Live Consciously, but live better.

  • Last Chance for May’s Sale!

    Last Chance for May’s Sale!

    It the last week of our May Sale! Here’s our top picks from each brand:

     

    Earth Mama Organics– Belly Butter. Perfect for expectant moms or beyond- this simple, clean body butter comes in a convenient pump making this a regular for your nightstand!


    Mineral Fusion– Nail Laquer. Pick your favorite colors for this formaldehyde-free, DBP-free, cruelty-free and 100% vegan polish.

    Gaia– Adrenal Health Nightly Restore: Restore your whole system and recover for your stressful days by nourishing your adrenals. Gaia’s liquid phyto-caps are easy to digest.

    Oregon’s Wild Harvest– Muscle Relax: Organic herbs help tense muscles unwind.

    25% off until May 31st!

  • Celebrating 25 Years of Nourishing Hunterdon County

    Celebrating 25 Years of Nourishing Hunterdon County

    We’ve been talking about our Anniversary as a business for about 6 weeks now and we’re still so darn excited about it that we just can’t stop!

     Though our EarthFest celebration has come and gone, along with our social media road tour among some of our favorite vendors, we’re taking one last opportunity to share the goodness that we enjoyed. Check out this quick video that highlights some of our favorite moments.

     

  • Whole 30: The Reset You Might Need

    Whole 30: The Reset You Might Need

    This blog post chronicles the experience of one of our brave produce team members, Cheryl, who recently experimented with the Whole30 diet.

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    Make sure your food is truly nourishing you.

    Being constantly inside during the winter can encourage poor habits, such as sedentary behavior and unhealthy food choices. Sometimes even when we think we are making good choices, our bodies still don’t feel well due to food sensitivities.  Foods that are labeled as nutritious, such as “whole grain,” “calcium-rich” or “vegan” may be causes for bloating, headaches, brain fog, low mood, aches, pains and a plethora of other symptoms.

    This is where eliminating these culprits is a great way to start off the spring. With this in mind, a guide to help you do this is essential. One method available that I recently used is the Whole30 plan, named for its thirty day span and menu of unprocessed whole foods. 

    This plan really needs preparation, but in spite of that, I did it spur of the moment. I woke up one morning, tired of feeling bad after years of feeling tired, foggy, bloated, having periodic headaches and trouble sleeping. I stopped eating questionable foods that day and had the good fortune to work in place that sells healthy food and the Whole30 book. The plan’s goal is to create a healthy relationship with food, boost sluggish metabolism, improve the digestive system, boost immunity and eliminate chronic inflammation, thereby eliminating numerous conditions. 

    My diet generally consists of organic foods, not a lot of refined sugar and all of the food groups–It’s no accident that I work in a health food store. The Whole30 requires that for thirty days you eliminate sugar, alcohol, grains, dairy and legumes. This includes peanuts. Which means peanut butter. Which would have been the deal breaker, if I wasn’t feeling so bad.

    The book has all of the information necessary and also gives you a day-by-day idea of symptoms may occur as you go through the month. I suffered many of these things and the knowledge made it a little more bearable. Even after three days I was fatigued and headachy from withdrawal–but not bloated. After that, there was no turning back.

    I don’t miss many of the things and the simple fact that I don’t want to feel that way again has made me resist the foods that make me unwell. I’ve been off the Whole30 for a few weeks now and feel much better overall. I was sure the moment I was done I would jump into a vat of peanut butter, but nope–I wanted rice. Just rice. With pepper. It was marvelous.

    So, give it a go. Start off Spring by eliminating food sensitivities and allowing the food you eat to do its job and nourish you! If you have any questions about the Whole30 or my experience, you can find me in the Flemington store produce aisle 🙂

    Cheryl shared this amazing chicken recipe to help you find success like she did!

    Cheryl & John’s  Whole30 Approved Chicken

    9 chicken thighs

    1 lb Niman All Natural Italian sausage links

    2 red peppers

    2 green peppers

    4 potatoes, quartered

    8 oz. mushrooms (baby ‘bella or button)

    1 large onion

    1/2 head Garlic

    1 large can Muir Glen fire roasted tomatoes

    2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

    Parsley

    Oregano

    Basil

    Black pepper

    Frontier Poultry Seasoning

    1/2 cup white wine (optional)

    Preheat the oven to 350.

    Chop the peppers, onions, mushrooms and Garlic and add to a large roasting pan. Add the quartered potatoes, tomatoes, vinegar and wine (if using). Season to taste with the herbs and stir to combine. Nestle the sausage in the mixture. Season the chicken with poultry seasoning and arrange on top of the pan. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes to an hour. Serve.

  • the LUCKY SHAKE is BACK and still Better Than Ever

    the LUCKY SHAKE is BACK and still Better Than Ever

    You told us and we listened: our Lucky Shake was our most popular monthly special smoothie of 2017, and so we’re bring it back again for the month of March 2018.
    Last year, we caught on to the hype surrounding a popular fast food chain’s seasonal ‘milkshake’. Everyone was talking about this tasty beverage, so we wanted to see what it was all about. What we discovered was unsettling to say the least…
    With ingredients like “whipping propellant”, “sodium benzoate”, “yellow 5”, and “blue 1”, we wondered how this drink was able to be sold as actual “food”. In fact, other than milk, sugar, cream, and water, the laundry list of ingredients includes nothing recognizable as edible. Furthermore, a medium one of these shockingly electric green liquids in a cup would cost you half of your day’s healthy allowance of saturated fat, zero grams of fiber, and a whopping 84 grams of sugar – which is more than a healthy adult should consume in two days‘ time. If you don’t believe us, check out the stats on this below, which we’ve pulled directly from this fast food chain’s website:
    We’re all about celebration and treating yourself, but at Basil Bandwagon Natural Market, we believe this should involve doing so with kindness and nourishment to your body and mind. That’s why we created the Lucky Shake to give you this option. Our shake includes whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and plenty of fiber and protein. With ingredients like bananas, almond milk, cacao nibs, mint, plant-based protein powder, and spirulina (a nourishing seaweed extract), this is a treat you can enjoy comfortably while treating your body with care.
    Stop by and grab one today before March is over!

  • Game Day Showdown!

    What better way to celebrate the big game than to honor the hometowns of the teams? In this weeks blog we give you two recipes- and a video that shows you some of our favorites for switching these up for food allergies and special diets!

     

    Philly Cheesesteak Sliders

    (Makes 4 Servings)
    Ingredients
    • 12 oz steak, trimmed of fat, sliced across grain into thin strips
    • 1/4 tsp salt
    • 1/4 tsp black pepper
    • 1 c sliced mushrooms
    • 1 medium onion, sliced thin
    • 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced thin
    • 2 tsp olive oil
    • 2 tsp minced garlic
    • 1/2 tsp worcestershire sauce
    • 1/2 tsp low-sodium soy sauce, coconut aminos
    • 2 tsp flour
    • 1/2 c milk
    • 1 oz provolone cheese
    • 2 tbsp grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
    • 1/4 tsp dry mustard
    • 4 rolls, toasted
    Instructions
    1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat
    2. Add 1 tsp oil, swirl to coat
    3. Add beef and sauté 2 minutes or until it looses its pink color
    4. Remove beef from pan, add remaining oil and onion, sauté 3 minutes
    5. Then add mushrooms, bell pepper and garlic and sauté 6 minutes
    6. Return beef to pan, stirring for 1 minute, then remove from heat
    7. Stir in worcestershire and soy sauces
    8. Place flour in a small saucepan, gradually adding milk, stirring with a whisk until blended
    9. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook 1 minute or until slightly thickened
    10. Remove from heat, add in cheese and mustard, stirring until smooth
    11. Keep warm, it will thicken as it cools
    12. Hollow out top and bottom halves of rolls and divide beef mixture evenly
    13. Drizzle sauce over beef and replace top halves

    Here’s our favorite products for making this:

    Here’s what we suggest to make this Vegan:

    For an extra punch of nutrition, add in a serving of Nutritional Yeast:

    New England Clam Chowder

    (Serves 4)

     

    Ingredients

    1.5 c water

    12 large cherrystone or chowder clams (substitute with firm tofu for vegan dish)

    2 slices of bacon (substitute with tempeh strips for vegan dish)

    1 medium onion

    1 medium carrot

    1 stalk of celery

    2 tbsp all-purpose flour

    1 large potato

    2 c milk (substitute with cashew milk for vegan dish)

    1 tbsp snipped fresh chives

    ground pepper

     

    Instructions

    1. In a 4-quart saucepan, heat water to boiling on high

    2. Add clams, heat to boiling

    3. Heat water to boiling on high, add clams, resume boiling

    4. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer 10 minutes or until clams open

    5. Transferring clams to bowl as they open, discard any unopened clams

    6. Into 4 c liquid measuring cup, strain clam broth through sieve lined with paper towel

    7. Add water to broth to equal 2.5 c total

    8. Rinse saucepan to remove any grit

    9. In same saucepan, cook bacon on medium until browned

    10. With slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towels to drain

    11. To bacon fat in pan, add onion, carrot, and celery and cook 9 to 10 minutes, or until tender, stirring occasionally

    12. Meanwhile, remove clams from shells and coarsely chop

    13. Stir in flour vegetable mixture and cook 1 minute, stirring

    14. Gradually stir in clam broth and add potato, then heat until boiling

    15. Cover and simmer on low about 10-12 minutes, or until potato is tender, stirring occasionally

    16. Stir in milk, clams, 1/8 tsp pepper and bacon, heating through (but do not boil)

    17. Sprinkle with chives to serve

     Here’s our favorite products to make this nutrient-dense:

    Here’s our suggestions for making this Vegan:

    For an extra nutritional boost add a serving of Vital Nutrients Marine Collagen: