Natural Choices — Health Food, Organic Produce, Gluten Free, Vitamins, Supplements — Columbus, Bartholomew County, Indiana

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I am well into my month of no soda pop, drinking only tea and water. I have to admit, I do feel better.

But all this talk about tea has made me realize, even though I have been a tea-drinker for many years, I don’t really know what “tea” is. I mean, coffee comes from the coffee bean. There are so many varieties of tea, so where does it come from?

According to Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary, tea is:

1 a: a shrub (Camellia sinensis of the family Theaceae, the tea family) cultivated esp. in China, Japan and the East Indies, 1 b: the leaves, leaf buds, and internodes of the tea plant prepared and cured for the market, classed according to method of manufacture (as green tea, black tea or oolong) and graded according to leaf size (as congou, orange pekoe, pekoe or souchong)

But then, you might ask, what about all the flavored and herbal teas? Well, Webster refers to them, too:

3: any of various plants somewhat resembling tea in properties; also: an infusion of their leaves used medicinally or as a beverage

Alvita is just one of the brands of teas you'll find at Natural Choices.

The idea I take hold of from that is the “medicinal” comment about teas since that has always been the bent when offered a cup of black tea, green tea or an herbal tea. The powerful anti-oxidants in green and white teas can do so many things like lowering the rate of heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s. Not to mention the calming effect and stress reduction that comes from holding a hot cup of tea in your hands and just smelling the aroma – no matter what the type, flavor or brand is, it’s like a little cozy hug.

An added important note about teas: many teas have caffeine. Many herbal teas are caffeine-free and others may be decaffeinated. But you have to read the labels closely. If you monitor or eliminate caffeine in your diet, pay attention to the teas you purchase. The shelves are lined with a tremendous selection of decaffeinated and tasty teas at Natural Choices in Columbus, Indiana. You might have trouble just picking one, or two, or even three!

Healthy for you, tasty, and calming. Sounds like time for a cup for me!

–Ellie of the Natural Choices Blog Team

Summer produce is so yummy.

This is a great time of year to get fresh, local produce. I truly enjoy buying a boat-load of green beans and strawberries and adding them to every meal. They just taste so much better. I like to buy locally grown produce because I know it hasn’t been picked green and ripened during a multi-day trip to my area. That’s the first step to healthier living. The next is to find local organically-grown produce, which is a bit more difficult.

What makes it easier in Columbus, Indiana is that Natural Choices stocks locally grown, organic produce every day of the week. Fresh from the fields, delivered right away and replenished as the supply runs low. Great for the farmers, for Natural Choices and especially for us, the consumer.

Let Natural Choices know if you have a special request.

Carolyn Behrman, the owner, has a sign up at the store that asks for requests. She means if you want a particular vegetable or fruit, ask her and she will do her best to find it and stock it. All her produce is fresh and organically grown. At Natural Choices it’s an ever-changing, colorful display that you will feel good about putting on the table for your family.

Olive oil is healthy for you and tasty, too!

Now is the time to stock up on the fresh vegetables and fruits. As you purchase too many to eat in the course of regular meals, do a little planning for the rest of the year. Prepare the excess produce for the freezer or can them so you can have a tasty supply through fall and over the winter. There’s nothing better than a little taste of summer when the winter winds and snow begins to fly. Just the thought makes me take the time to fill my freezer. Don’t delay and miss the window of opportunity.

While you’re at it, check out the selection of organic olive oils at Natural Choices to go with the fresh produce. Healthy for you and good to eat, too.

Isn’t summer just grand?

–Ellie of the Natural Choices Blog Team

I like the drive from Indianapolis to Columbus and when I get there, I am rewarded with a visit to Natural Choices, the healthy living store. Without even trying, I always learn something new or find something to make my life healthier when I walk through the door of Natural Choices.

Essential oils come in small, potent quantities.

The last trip I learned about essential oils. I knew people who purchased essential oils, but I had no idea what they did with them. The first thing I learned is that, for the most part, essential oils are not for ingestion. That’s a big one for me because I thought they were used in cooking which is not usually true.

Essential oils are the “essence” of a plant, the scent and vitality of a plant distilled into a very potent, useful bit of oil. The oils are used in aromatherapy for one thing. But for novices like me, I have to learn a little bit at a time.

Pure and natural oils are the best. Consumers have to be aware that there are synthetic products out there. Pay attention to ingredients (you don’t want to see the word ‘fragrance’ as an ingredient) and buy oils from “people who know” rather than from the big box store manned by workers trained in emptying boxes onto shelves despite the contents.

Lavender oil smells wonderful and is healthful, too.

For summer, one of the big finds is that specific essential oils like citronella, peppermint and lavender can be used as a natural bug repellent. Simply sprinkle a few drops onto a cotton ball and place it near doorways and windows! Keep the bugs out and freshen the air at the same time! What a great idea.

Another important bit of information gleaned was that because the oils are so potent, care must be exercised in using them around pets and children. You know how they like to put things in their mouths – and ingested full-strength essential oil would not be a good thing.

What started this whole new adventure in essential oils was a huge display of them at Natural Choices. You can trust that they will be pure and healthful if they are on the shelves there and the staff can help you explore the scents and choose those that will benefit you.

Go on in, explore, learn and take home an essential oil to freshen your home and boost your health at the same time!

–Ellie of the Natural Choices Blog Team

Natural Choices is nearby no matter where you live. Call, place an order and it will be shipped directly to you.

Baby strollers are everywhere!

Have you seen the strollers made today? They rival my first car in comfort, roominess and safety features! But that isn’t what I want to talk about. It’s just that strollers were what lead me to today’s topic.

There are so many moms and dads out and about with them and for long stretches of time. The babies and toddlers get hungry and, sometimes whiny. So what is whipped out? The ever-so-friendly finger foods! Which IS the topic I want to talk about.

I see all sorts of things going into the mouths of children. When I ask about fruit, I get replies like, “Oh, fruit is just so messy!” Hmm. Fresh fruit vs. preservative-laden, mechanically produced, pre-formed biscuits? Let me think about this. I could easily carry a washcloth and wipe away a mess. AND it would probably be a nice cooling swipe for baby in the heat, too. But, not wanting to create a stir or go to battle, I relent.

Organic, convenient and not messy finger food at Natural Choices.

Curious, I stopped in Natural Choices when I was in Columbus, Indiana the other day and guess what I found? Organic Puffs made with half the sugar and whole grains from HappyBaby. Obviously since they carry the USDA Certified Organic label, we know there are no GMOs, either. Little flower-shaped O’s that melt in baby’s mouth. When I checked out their website later, I discovered even the packaging is made with recycled products, is BPA free and can be recycled again.

I like the “No Junk” promise they make:

HAPPYBABY has made a “No Junk” promise to ourselves and you. We work hard every day to ensure that our foods are safe, of the highest quality, so you do not need to think about it! You can count on us to offer items without added sugar, trans fats, anything artificial, and always in the safest packaging.

So I say, “Ha!” to the processed biscuits and finger foods found riding around in so many of those strollers! Stop by Natural Choices and pick up a couple of the packages to add to the diaper bag and the storage locker on the stroller.

–Ellie of the Natural Choices Blog Team

If Columbus is not in your area, call Natural Choices at (812) 375-1677 with your shopping list. The products will be packaged up and mailed directly to you.

Gluten-free EnviroKidz cereals make Mom say, "Okay."

I saw a mother in the local ‘mega-store’ engrossed in one of those teachable moments with her son of about age eight or nine. She was calmly explaining that just because she says, “No” to some request doesn’t mean he should treat her badly. He agreed and said, “Sorry” and not in an angry tone at all. Obviously she puts great effort into her parenting.

After that, I was in Natural Choices in Columbus, Indiana perusing the latest healthy eating options and I saw a display of EnviroKidz cold cereals. This is a gluten-free product that’s brightly packaged and looks yummy. All I could think was “Thank goodness.”

So many more people, and kids, have allergies and health issues now than ever before. Wheat and gluten allergies are especially troublesome. I can’t imagine trying to explain to a youngster why he can’t have all the foods he sees everyone else’s children eat. The packaging of so many products in the cereal aisle of the local grocery makes every kid grab them and run to Mom or Dad squealing, “I want this!” Now, with this cereal, they can grab it, run squealing and actually have Mom say, “Okay!”

The gluten-free selection at Natural Choices is one of the best in the state of Indiana. It is worth a trip to check it out. You will find packaged foods, ingredients to cook from scratch yourself, snacks, even frozen foods. Or, make a list of the kinds of products you would like to have, call the store and have it all shipped right to you. Wouldn’t it be a treat for your child to open a box and find snacks and foods they can open and eat without you worrying about it?

–Ellie of the Natural Choices Blog Team

My own baby has long grown up and I have few babies in my life (I have a grandpuppy instead) but the great diaper debate continues. My baby grew up with mostly cloth diapers – primarily because that was what was available. The disposable diaper market was just beginning. That is definitely no longer the case.

Hawaiian landfill, paradise preserving used diapers for at least 450 years.

Now, that industry has mega-bucks in sales and doesn’t appear to be going anywhere but up. But what about the environment? The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is still reporting that in the United States alone, we dispose of 16 billion disposable diapers a year. Yes that is BILLION. Yikes!

The EPA also reports in a marine setting (like the Gulf of Mexico) it takes 450 years for a disposable diaper to decompose. Some say that the plastic liner never degrades.

There is also the water issue. The amount of water to wash cloth diapers isn’t anything compared to the amount of water used to produce the 16 billion diapers thrown away each year in America.

New products are being developed and now, flushable, biodegradable diapers are available. gdiapers makes these eco-friendly diapers that are plastic-free and use a cover with liners.

Flushable gdiapers on the shelf at Natural Choices.

They actually suggest you flush them – their website gives two reasons:

First, you’re putting poop where it belongs, down the toilet. Second, you’re sending the biodegradable gRefill to a place where it can still do some good. Once the contents of your diapers arrive at the wastewater treatment plant, valuable nutrients can be recovered and turned into biosolids, which are then used for fertilizer. So, then the gRefill is making a complete loop back to nature.

What was a surprise to me was that the gdiaper refills could also be composted! They say,

Believe it or not, there are beneficial nutrients in those wet flushable diaper refills. And the soil in your garden will love you for sharing the contents of your eco-friendly diapers. A wet refill breaks down in 50 -1 50 days. Poopy ones should never go in compost. The poop should always be flushed.

Once I heard about these, I checked to see if they were available locally and sure enough, the flushable gdiapers are on the shelves in the Columbus, Indiana store, Natural Choices.

I think if I had to care for a baby now, I would opt for a product like gdiapers. It makes sense, for a busy caretaker and for the environment!

–Ellie of the Natural Choices Blog Team

Natural Choices owner Carolyn Behrman stocks products for an environmentally safe home in addition to natural and organic foods, herbal supplements and the area’s best selection of gluten-free foods. Call today to order by phone. It will be shipped directly to your front door.

Argh!!!! … or … Ahhh???

Badger anti-bug balm convenient tins fit easily in your purse or tote.

Along with the all the little pleasures of summer time come all the little annoyances – like mosquitoes and gnats. I don’t know which I dislike more. We all understand the bites and itches of mosquitoes, but gnats, well, one in my nose or ear can just about drive me insane, especially so in the midst of an otherwise peaceful night’s sleep.

But, once again, as with so many things, the way to repel the little nippers is to confront them with chemical repellents. But putting those chemicals on my skin – or the skin of those I love – just makes me cringe. So I am declaring this a DEET-free summer! I have found the perfect product at Natural Choices to get me through the summer DEET-free.

Badger anti-bug balm contains no chemicals and is – wait for it – USDA certified organic!! The active ingredients listed are citronella oil, cedar oil, lemongrass oil, rosemary oil and geranium oil. Just rub it on and you’ll smell much better than the exhaust from a city bus (which is what bug repellents smell like to me) AND you won’t be scratching and itching all night either.

With all the rain, and now hot temperatures here in the Midwest, I know the insects are just days away. I know we’ll be ready with a natural insect repellent. The handy little tins can go in my purse or pool bag and I am set to spend time outdoors – bug and DEET-free!

–Ellie of the Natural Choices Blog Team

Natural Choices in Columbus, Indiana is the place for organic products – produce, packaged food, cleaning supplies and personal care items. Stop in or call us today!

Natural Choices has cards for all occasions.

I got an excited phone call from my niece this week. In this age of email and instant everything, I took a little different tack for her birthday. I used the good, old-fashioned U.S. Postal Service to send her a birthday greeting card with a little something “extra” in it. No, not money.

I sent her a Growing Expressions seed card that I picked up at Natural Choices in Columbus, Indiana. She followed the directions, soaking and planting the card in a sunny spot in her yard, and with all the spring warmth and rain lately, the wildflowers seeds embedded in the handmade paper were coming up.

You know, it’s a small gift that keeps on giving – and could for years to come! I mean, if she collects the seeds from the flowers this summer and plants them next year, well, she will be reminded that I took the time to think of her as time passes. Some of the seeds in the cards are perennials so she won’t even have to collect those seeds for them to come back next year. In any event, every time she sees them, she’s going to think of someone who cares about her.

It’s a beautiful sentiment and the cards are equally as beautiful.

Having these cards available at Natural Choices makes it an easy shop when I’m already there getting the fresh, organic produce, gluten-free snacks or herbal supplements. That just makes me realize that Natural Choices isn’t just an organic or natural food store, it is my home store! Food, cleaning supplies, pet supplies, make-up, garden supplies, first aid supplies – I can even find resource books and cookbooks there. Stop in and just peruse the offerings, you’ll be inspired, I’m sure!

–Ellie of the Natural Choices Blog Team

Natural choices shouldn’t be called a health food store, it’s a healthy living store!!

May is Celiac Disease Awareness Month. I find it difficult to be aware of something when I don’t know what it is. Celiac disease is sometimes also called celiac sprue, nontropical sprue, gluten-sensitive enteropathy and gluten intolerance.

The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC) is a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and this is what they say about Celiac disease:

Celiac disease is a digestive disease that damages the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food. People who have celiac disease cannot tolerate gluten, a protein in wheat, rye and barley. Gluten is found mainly in foods but may also be found in everyday products such as medicines, vitamins and lip balms.

For those of you who want to know what actually happens in the body with a disease, the NDDIC explains that, too:

When people with celiac disease eat foods or use products containing gluten, their immune system responds by damaging or destroying villi – the tiny, fingerlike protrusions lining the small instestine. Villi normally allow nutrients from food to be absorbed through the walls of the small intestine into the bloodstream. Without healthy villi, a person becomes malnourished, no matter how much food one eats.

There are a whole host of symptoms, some of which are symptoms of many maladies. Only a physician can diagnose the disease with appropriate tests.

A portion of the gluten-free selection at Natural Choices.

Restricting or eliminating foods and products containing gluten is the key to healthy living for those who have celiac disease.

Natural Choices has one of the largest selections of gluten-free products in Indiana. Not only will you find flour and grain substitutes, but you will find prepared foods that are gluten-free. Check out the refrigerated section and the frozen foods. People who need to stay on a strict gluten-free diet can still have the convenience of those who don’t!

The staff at Natural Choices is always happy to point you in the right direction, or answer any questions you might have.

Now that you are aware of what Celiac disease is and what gluten in your diet can do if you have a sensitivity to it, spread the word. Living gluten-free may just change the life of someone you know!

–Ellie of the Natural Choices Blog Team

Natural Choices in Columbus, Indiana is your local, organic and gluten-free market. Stop in or call (812) 375-1677 to place an order to have vitamins, herbal supplements or foods shipped directly to your door.

You know one of the things I like best about the neighborhood I live in is the fact that there are so many families. I especially like seeing all the babies – all shapes, sizes, boys and girls alike. The joy the parents have when you talk to them is infectious!!

One of the mothers was telling me that she was making all her own baby food. She said it took time and was not easy, but she wanted the best for her little one. I remembered doing that when my (now adult) son was a baby. I understand what she is talking about.

Maybe it is my age – I like to think, wisdom (!) – that makes me think, well, I would just go to Natural Choices and get baby food. It’s already prepared AND it is made from organic foods AND, should I say it again, it’s already prepared! Knowing the care that Earth’s Best puts into their product, makes me feel like it would be better than the food I make from the produce at the local store!

Earth’s Best even has pediatricians who vouch for the product:

Dr. (David) Helft believes that children who eat healthier, all-natural foods have better health in the future. He is always happy to recommend Earth’s Best organic baby food to his patients. “Organic foods are great for infants and toddlers because they help minimize the amount of hormones and pesticides children are exposed to. We really don’t know the long term effects of those chemicals on children.”

People are thinking more and more about the food they consume and the effect it has on their bodies. Can you imagine the effect on a baby if he ate the same sorts of prepared foods with the high levels of chemicals in them that we avoid?

Earth's Best organic baby food is a "natural choice" for parents at Natural Choices!

I suspect I know why Carolyn Behrman at Natural Choices in Columbus stocks Earth’s Best products – all I have to do is read statements like these from the Earth’s Best website:

Earth’s Best organic infant formula contains no toxic chemicals or heavy metals.

Earth’s Best organic infant cereals provide an excellent source of iron to aid early physical and neurological development and restore the iron depletion that results after birth.

Earth’s Best organic jarred fruits provide an excellent source of vitamin C to aid the absorption of iron and fight infections.

I think next time I talk to that mother, I will tell her about Earth’s Best at Natural Choices. If it saves her some time and she can still feel good about her baby’s food, she might want to take a ride with me the next time I go!

–Ellie of the Natural Choice Blog Team

Natural Choices in Columbus, Indiana is your local, natural community market!