As 2006 kicks off and many students make their annual New Year's resolutions, some will decide to kick bad habits while others decide to begin good ones, including weight loss and healthier eating. For six years, Lori Eshelman and Peggy Kenna, nutrient consultants at Winding Way Farms, have provided Delaware County with organically grown food and health products.
According to the American Dietetic Association, organically grown or produced food means there is little or no pesticide used during growth and additives have not been used. Whether this makes organic food more healthy than conventional food is an ongoing argument between health consultants. "Our store focuses on speciality foods that do not contain much or any additives or preservatives," Kenna said. The grains offered at Winding Way Farms differ from the average wheat flours found in the local supermarket. According to Eshelman and Kenna, quinoa and amaranth are plant-derived grains that have been around for more than 5,000 years and are considered much more nutrient condensed than wheat flours.
Quinoa has more protein then most grains by 16 percent, which makes it easy to digest and high in energy. Also, quinoa has more calcium than milk; it is high in lysine, phosphorus and B and E vitamins, according to Kenna. Quinoa differs from the average wheat grain taste.
"It has a learned taste. It is very distinctive and is much different than your wheat grains," Kenna said.
Amaranth is another alternative grain, which comes from a plant that is related to pigweed, spinach and beets. According to the American Diabetic Association, it is a good source of calcium, magnesium and contains more iron than most other grains.
"Amaranth is the grain that is talked about in the Bible and dates back to ancient Mexico," Eshelman said.
Even though these grains can be more expensive then wheat grains and flour, according to Kenna they are very beneficial.
"When people eat better they get more energy, it boost their immune system and inables them to think better," Kenna said. "Research shows that high sugar foods can contribute to depression, inflammatory responses in diabetics, weight gain and heart disease."
The store offers more than 900 gluten-free products. According to Kenna, gluten-free products are essential for people who have allergies or who are fighting certain diseases. Dagoba chocolate is one of Winding Way Farms most popular products because it is gluten-free and organically grown. Their individually sold nuts are another product that is highly appreciated by their customers.
"Most people come here for our nuts," Eshelman said. "The nuts people find at the typical grocery store are roasted and salted, but we sell raw nuts that are usually better for the heart."
Students who are planning to refresh their year, by watching their diet need to make a strong commitment to their pledge. Kenna said that eating healthy is affordable for any college student but it is very time consuming, which makes it hard to undertake.
"It may be time consuming, but eating well is the bedrock to everything else," Kenna said.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
