by Kripa Watts

Here we are again, at the end of another revolution of the annual clock.  The thought of a New Year fills us with excited anticipation for all of the good things that we hope will come to pass.  It is natural that we look forward to saying goodbye to aspects of our life that have not proven to be ideal, while welcoming the possibility of new and positive experiences.   Only one thing is certain, and that is the fact that there will be change.  Setting intention for the New Year is about committing to changing those things over which we do have some control.  As Mary Engelbriet says, “If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it.”  I love this quote because it reminds us that, even though a situation may seem insurmountable, we always have the power to change our relationship to that situation by simply changing our attitude toward it.

We are the only ones who can take an honest inventory of our life to date and decide where we will resolve to change.  Rather than focus on a list of suggestions that you might make your own, I offer the following tips that I have found valuable in seeing intentions really take root.  The first is simply to use the power of your imagination.  If you make a broad resolution to become healthier in the New Year, take a few moments to reflect on what your life will look like when you realize that goal.  Imagine the new, healthier you as though it is a reality.   See yourself as radiant and energized, engaged in activities that support your aim.  Perhaps imagine yourself taking long hikes in an area that nourishes your spirit, or participating in a dance class surrounded by enthusiastic and loving friends.  Whatever your pleasure, imagine it as though it was already here, right now.  Start to trust that you will be guided toward decisions and connections that will support your efforts.

Secondly, it is tremendously helpful to support others in achieving their dreams and goals, just as you would wish to be supported in your own.  Eliminate all thoughts of limitation that you may have unconsciously imposed upon others.  The aphorism, ‘a rising tide lifts all boats’ is a simply stated truth, and all will benefit when goodness prevails.   Each of us cultivates a unique ‘energy signature’ which is empowered by our thoughts, words and actions.  By thinking, speaking and acting abundantly, kindly or helpfully toward others, we naturally attract those same qualities in our own life.  This is not a new type of thinking, but rather time tested and proven. In the 4^th Century, St Basil stated the same idea thus, "A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love."

With that said, we at MegaFood wish all good things for you, your family and community at large.  We hope that your New Year will be rich with potential and filled with the realization of all of the goals of goodness you set out to achieve.  Wishing you a very Happy and Healthy New Year!

Whether you are driven by a love of animals, concern for the planet or simply on a quest to optimize your health, you might consider what a vegan lifestyle can do for you.  For some, the idea of permanently cutting out all animal products including meat, fish, eggs, butter and milk, might be a little bit daunting, however, it is something that virtually all of us could do for one week out of every month.  Since November is “The World Goes Vegan Month”, what better time to give it a try?

A word of caution, just because we adopt a vegan diet, does not automatically mean that the diet suddenly becomes healthy – we must make a conscious effort to adopt a healthy vegan diet.  The first step, which always points you in the right direction, is to take a trip to the farmers market and stock your basket with a range of colorful fruits and vegetables.  Each additional serving of fruits and vegetables you consume daily has a proven benefit in terms of reducing your risk for a tremendous range of degenerative diseases, from diabetes to cardiovascular problems such as heart attack and stroke.  The value of the colorful antioxidants in these foods can not be underestimated not to mention the tangible benefits that result from consuming increased amounts of fiber.

Now that your larder is stocked with lots of fresh goodies, make sure that you have a supply of a variety of whole grains such as organic brown rice, quinoa, millet and teff for example.  Add to this a selection of beans such as black and pinto varieties, some lentils of choice and a range of healthy nuts and seeds, including hemp, chia, sesame, walnuts and almonds.  Keep a supply of healthy oils in your refrigerator, these may include flax, hemp and borage, and you are set to start creating some healthy and wholesome vegan dishes.

Just to be sure you don’t miss out on essential nutrients, there are a few key MegaFood whole food supplements that you can keep on hand and take daily.  These include Blood Builder, our exceptional non-binding iron formulation, which is extremely gentle on the stomach and a cinch for the body to assimilate.  Iron, which is often supplied in the diet by red meat, is essential to keep your red blood cells efficiently delivering oxygen around your body.  This supplement can help ensure that your energy levels don’t fall during a vegan transition.

Balanced B12 or Balanced B Complex, which also includes B12, is invaluable for ensuring that, as a vegan, you don’t fall short of this nutrient which is otherwise primarily delivered through animal sources.  Essential to maintain healthy homosysteine levels and therefore healthy cardiovascular function, it is important to supplement since deficiency can often take years to make itself known.

Often, when considering vegan challenges, the first thing that comes to mind is a potential shortage of calcium.  Surprisingly, leafy green vegetables and seeds such as sesame are a wonderful source of bioavailable calcium.  To supplement these whole food super stars you can consider taking MegaFood Calcium or Calcium Magnesium Potassium on a daily basis, just as added insurance that your body is getting everything it needs in order to maintain and build ideal health.

As we know, it’s good for the animals, it’s good for the planet and it’s good for our health – I wonder what would happen if we all decided to go vegan one week out of each month for the next year?