Not your Average Grocery Store....

Lately I've been doing some tweeting..."Ingles we're not your average grocery store..."
Here are a few of the reasons why I say that:
1. Long before "buying local" was hip and trendy and the "right thing to do", Ingles was buying from local farmers and ranchers because it was the only option when Mr. Ingle opened his first store in 1963 and we've been doing it ever since.
2. 100% of our Laura Lynn milk comes from dairy farms within 150 miles of Asheville.
3. Ingles is one of the top employers in Buncombe County and in Western NC.
4. We have a staggering amount of certified organic products including our own private label - Harvest Farms - we estimate over 2000 SKU's!
5. We have the largest selection of gluten free products - over 1700 - more than any other regional supermarket chain.
6. We work with local and regional gluten free support groups and host our own Gluten Free Fair in Asheville annually.
7. We contribute millions of tons of food to Manna Food Bank.
8. We contribute millions of dollars to the Tools for Schools program helping public, private and homeschool associations.

"What do you do to keep your Heart Healthy?"

Every day on our Ingles Markets Facebook page
(https://www.facebook.com/inglesmarkets ) We ask a question....
Question of the day: February is "Heart Health Month". What do you do to keep your heart healthy? Looks like some good messages are getting across!

Mary Hensley Johnson Walk on my lunch hour. Eat avocados, shrimp, cook with olive oil, avoid trans fats. Love people. ;-)

David Parker Buy healhy foods from Ingles and workout.

Ron Isbell I take off my shirt and flex in front of the window.

Linda S. Ledford Walk 2+ miles about 5 days a week and eat healthy.....also work at Ingles and that is some more workout.

Melody Leigh West Lots of red wine

Traci Pollitt We try to eat healthier foods, and we try to get some exercise. More than anything, we show each other lots of love every day!

Beth Craig Champion Avoid trans fats and eat lots of whole grains and raw fruits and vegetables

Ronnie Beck exercise, eat healthy, reduce stress, medications.....I died 10 years ago next month...... ambulance ride, white light,ICU - the full tour....I'm the poster boy for cardiac rehab.......

Ricardo Torres Vegan lifestyle and exercise

Cherye Elliott I am with Ricardo....vegetarian lifestyle and exercise, and have a job that I love.


Debbie Vargas The biggest key is understanding that the food pyramid is completely wrong and carbs are NOT your friends. Limit your carb intake to about 30 or less per day, if you do that, weight literally falls off of you and your energy climbs. Pasta is BAD, very BAD! Avoid pork & red meat.


Chris Houser Doran take cholesterol med and blood pressure med and one that slows heart rate! That's the doctors answer: more medicine

Ingles Supermarket ‎Debbie Vargas the USDA did away with the Food Pyramid last year and moved to the MYPlate - I think that is more understandable. Also there are all sorts of pastas including whole wheat and qunioa (high in protein)...it's hard to make generalizations for everyone. Endurance athletes like runners & cyclists and even really active kids definitely need those carbs!


Barbara Bell Love my family! ;)

Diabetes - Less Finger Pointing & More Finger Sticking

Whether or not you like her; you must admit that Paula Deen's admission last week that she has diabetes may have been the biggest boon imaginable for diabetes prevention and treatment. For days, more so than ANY time that I can recall, diabetes was mentioned in millions of tweets, articles, TV shows and blog posts. During that time a lot of finger pointing went on:
1. It's her fault because of her diet.
2. It's the pharmaceutical company's fault - they're just trying to sell drugs.
3. It's butter/sugar's fault
4. It's Food Network's fault for glorifying Paula Deen as a celebrity chef
5. It's the South's fault for loving that type of food.
...and on and on...
Now it's time to stop the pointing and start the sticking. It's time to get real and understand who's at risk for pre-diabetes and Type 2 diabetes...and there are a lot of us. I have at least one risk factor for pre-diabetes and Type 2 diabetes and if you're reading this and you're over 45 years old - so do you.
Are you black or Hispanic? Get tested
Do you have a family history of type 2 diabetes? Get tested.
Are you overweight or obese? Get tested.
Take the American Diabetes Association Risk Test. www.diabetes.org
If your doctor finds through simple blood tests that can be part of your annual exam that you have pre-diabetes this may be a good opportunity to make some changes in your lifestyle, exercise and eating habit to avoid Type 2 diabetes. If you are diagnosed with diabetes the same is true but you may need medication to help control your blood sugar.
Don't get stuck with the complications of diabetes...ask your doctor about being tested for diabetes.

Paula Deen & Diabetes

This morning on the Today Show, Paula Deen announced that she has diabetes and is in partnership with a pharmaceutical company to spread the word about diabetes treatment. She also said some important things like "Diabetes isn't a death sentence." and "I want to help people...make sure they get tested".
The twitter and blog comments and traffic leading up to this have been amazing...much of it negative in the vein of ...'She got what she deserved' or that she has "sold out to big Pharma" or even more puzzling "Why did she keep this a secret for 3 years?"
I grew up with a father who had type 2 diabetes and got it as an adult. He probably had it while in the military as a result of weight gain and stress but wasn't diagnosed until about 3 years after he retired. My husband has had type 1 diabetes since he was 8 years old. When I became a dietitian I routinely counseled diabetics...so for almost my whole life I've been around diabetes.
Here's how I feel about Paula Deen's announcement:
1. Who cares when she was diagnosed and why did she have to come out in public and announce that she was diabetic? There are plenty of celebrities who have become public figures associated with diseases and medication...Catherine Zeta-Jones for bipolar disorder; Greg Louganis-AIDS; Seal-lupus; Muhammad Ali & Michael J Fox - Parkinson's Disease. Source: http://celebritieswithyourdisease.com/
Many of these celebrities knew they had these diseases long before they chose to or were forced by tabloids to go public. People with diabetes don't usually go around announcing to the world "I HAVE DIABETES!" Would you walk around announcing if you had shingles or cancer?
2. How mean spirited to take the stance "She got what was coming to her based on her diet & cooking!" - really? You see her making and tasting food on TV...how do you know what she eats in her home? When is it ok to blame people for getting diseases? Yes, type 2 diabetes is strongly associated with lifestyle like obesity, diet and exercise but also stress and genetics play a part. I've met plenty of people with type 2 diabetes who WEREN'T overweight. Do we still get to point an accusing finger at them?
3. Who cares if she associates herself with a pharmaceutical company. If she's taking a medication to control her blood sugar and it works for her and she decides to be a spokesperson for them...why is that any worse or different than the athlete endorsing running shoes? The race car driver endorsing tires or insurance? The actor like Wilford Brimley who endorses a glucose monitoring kit?
What's the bottom line? Paula Deen is much loved and admired in the South. If her going public with this announcement about having diabetes helps even ONE person take the time to have their blood sugar checked or be more proactive about a treatment plan or talk to a dietitian...that's a good thing.

Dietitian Resolutions for New Year

1. Don't say "only shop the perimeter" -
Why?
- We supermarkets are now merchadising items throughout the store like cheese near apples in produce....cookies near milk.....bananas near cereal...
-All supermarkets aren't the same - floor plans are different, e.g. we have beer/wine and cakes on the perimeter - so do you still want to say "only shop the perimeter"?
-Frozen and canned vegetables are economical,useful AND nutritious and should not be ignored - the same as canned and bagged beans, dried grains, brown rice and cooking staples - all of them on our "infamous" middle aisles.
What you should say:
Read the labels, shop for the best buys both economically and for nutrition THROUGHOUT your supermarket.
2. Avoid saying "processed" in a pejorative way.
Why?
-Many foods and beverages have to be processed in order to be transported or to be safe or edible.
-Processing an item doesn't automatically mean it is bad or has had more sugar/salt/fat added.
-Just because it is processed and put into a bag or box doesn't mean it is a negative- just means it may be easier to transport and store!
What should you say?
Read your labels and ingredients. Avoid items that have been processed to include unnecessary or high amounts of fats, salts or sugar.
3. Avoid saying - "Shop only at farmers markets and tailgate markets."
Why?
-This is not practical or economical for most consumers. Supermarkets allow the average consumer to make one trip to purchase fresh, frozen, canned, paper goods, beauty aids etc without having to make multiple or special trips by car or public transportation to a number of farmer or tailgate markets.
-Supporting local farmers is important, but many supermarkets do purchase produce, milk,eggs, meat, chicken etc from local farmers and vendors. This is often a more efficient and sustainable way for the farmer/vendor to sell their products rather than having to "man" farmers markets and tailgate markets or transport their products to numerous locations which takes more time and fuel.
-Many farmers markets and tailgate markets are seasonal and cannot supply customers year around.
What you should say: "If you have a farmers market or tailgate market that is conveninet to you , support it but also look for local products in season at your supermarket. Vote with your pocketbook if it is important for you to buy local"

The Supermarket Swami says - or what to expect in 2012

What to expect in 2012....
1. Go Greek (Yogurt )–With it's higher amount of protein and creamy texture it appeals to many, so it will supplant conventional yogurts even more. (Note: Ingles introduced our Laura Lynn Greek yogurt in late summer and it has gotten rave reviews!)

2. -So sorry SODIUM– Government,health care, and most of all consumer pressure on manufacturers to decrease sodium amounts has gained momentum and we'll continue to see more reduced and low sodium items.

3. Coupon CHAOS– While economic conditions spurred an increase in coupon use, television shows took it to the extreme. Using coupons as part of smart money saving shopping techniques will continue.

4. GOOD for you Gluten-Free – For many years individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance were happy to have ANY pasta/bread/cereal that was gluten free. Now with more products and availability, they are demanding that these items be better nutritionally and priced reasonably.

5. Abundant Waters - The next time you're in Ingles take a look at the WATER aisle. Besides spring water there are a multitude of flavored and enhanced waters promising everything from increasing your alertness to protecting your immune system.

6.Dehydrated Fruits/vegetables- We're seeing more dehydrated fruits and vegetables in the PRODUCE department. From dehydrated mushrooms to strawberries. The fruit is perfect for quick energy to pack in a lunch or a back pack for camping. Dehydrated vegetables and mushrooms can quickly enhance a soup or stew.

7. Social Media - More and more brands will reach out to consumers via social media (Facebook and Twitter) rather than advertising in traditional media (TV, radio and print). Using QR codes, Twitter parties and their own Facebook pages they will seek to attract and engage new customers.

8. Home Cooking - Economic pressures continue to drive people to prepare and eat more meals at home.

9. Mini Sweets - From mini containers of ice cream and single servings of mini eclairs and cake "pops" to individual slices of pie, the concept of treating yourself(at least on a small scale) is back.

10. More Flex(itarians) - While vegetarianism remains popular for a variety of reasons, more will seek out meal options that provide them with the opportunity to be "flexitarians" or part-time vegetarians to address health or budgetary concerns.

11. As easy as PIE - Foodies and pastry chefs predict that the cupcake is out and pie is "in".

12. Local - Supporting local , not just in fruits and vegetables but also milk, meat, cheese and baked goods.

Getting rid of Leftovers

So here are some ideas to use up some of your Thanksgiving leftovers...mashed sweet potatoes...jellied and whole cranberry sauce...pumpkin....


Sweet Potato & Cranberry Won Tons

1 Package of Won Ton wrappers
3/4 cup mashed sweet potatoes (use leftovers, make your own or use prepared from grocery section)
1/3 cup whole cranberry sauce

water
Non-stick cooking spray

Dipping sauce
1/2 cup 0% Plain Fage
1 TBSP pure maple syrup
1/4 tsp grated nutmeg

Preheat oven to 350deg. Spray a plate or cutting board with non-stick spray. Mix together sweet potatoes and cranberry sauce. Put small amount in center of won ton and fold over. Use wet finger to seal edges. Spray baking sheet/pan with non-stick spray and lay stuffed won tons on tray and spray surface of won tons with spray. Bake for approximately 15 minutes until crispy.

Mix together yogurt and maple syrup for dipping sauce and add 1/4 tsp grated nutmeg.

Creamy Mexican Pumpkin Squash Soup - makes 4 servings

1 can 100% pumpkin
1 cup butternut squash puree ( available as frozen)
3 cup reduced sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup reduced or low-fat 1/2 & 1/2
1 tsp chipotle pepper
1/3 cup goat cheese
salt (as needed)
topping: chopped cilantro, crumbled goat cheese

Heat broth in large sauce pan and add pumpkin and squash. Cook on medium low heat and stir until smooth. Without bringing to a boil, add 1/2 & 1/2, chipotle pepper and goat cheese. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring frequently for about 10-15 minutes. Add salt as needed. Remove from heat and ladle into bowls, topping with chopped cilantro and goat cheese.

Roasted vegetable & grain salad - makes approximately enough for 4 salads
1 1/2 cup various root vegetables (parnsips, beets, potatoes, sweet potatoes)
1 tsp McCormick Hickory Maple seasoning
2 tsp olive oil

! bag 7 grain mix (cooks in 90 sec)
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup roughly chopped whole pecans
1/2 TBSP butter

-Salad mix (arugula or spinach or blend)
2 TBSP balsamic vinegar
3 TBSP goat cheese

Chop various root vegetables into similar size cubes, sprinkle with olive oil and seasoning and cook in 350deg oven until tender. Remove and set aside. Microwave grain package as directed. Remove and pour into microwave safe bowl, add cranberries, pecans and 1/2 TBSP butter and microwave for 20 seconds.
Add roasted vegetables to grain mixture and stir until combined. Top salad mix with this and sprinkle with balsamic vinegar and goat cheese.

PomNogberry Smoothie - Makes approx 4 cups

1 cup egg nog
2 cup low or fat-free milk
1 cup 0% plain Fage Greek Yogurt
1/2 cup jellied cranberry sauce
1/3 cup pomegranate seeds
Grated nutmeg

Put first 4 ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into glasses and top with pomegranate seeds and grated nutmeg.