The In's and Out's of Gluten!

Seems like every time I turn around there is a new gluten free product on the market or another article touting the benefits of why one should go gluten free.

What is gluten? Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, spelt and kamut. Contrary to what some think, oats do not contain gluten. However, because most oats are processed in factories where wheats are processed, there is the chance of cross contamination.

Also, gluten is not limited to grains.  Gluten can be found in soy sauce, salad dressings, spices and some beauty products.  One must be vigilant and become their own label reader.

Who needs to avoid gluten? Anyone with Celiac disease and anyone who has tested positive to having a gluten sensitivity.

Celiac disease affects less than 1% of the population, is considered an auto-immune illness and when gluten is ingested it can be extremely painful.

For those who do not have celiac but are sensitive to gluten, their symptoms can manifest in many different ways.  Gluten is said to contribute to over 200 different ailments.  From depression to joint pain to ADD to name a few.

Avoiding gluten does not mean you have to give up some of your favorite foods, in fact the gluten free market has grown by leaps and bounds.  What you do have to be careful about, is just because it says gluten free, it does not mean it is low calorie and healthy for you.

Here at the The Market we carry several different gluten free items. We carry several different baking mixes for biscuits, pancake and cake making.

We also carry a variety of flavored pastas from Texas Pasta Company.

Finally, we carry a variety of fresh made bread loaves and brownies, that are just downright delicious.

If you or someone in your family is having to avoid gluten, make sure you stop on in at The Market and pick up some of the wonderful products and give them a try.

Happy Health,
Sandra

Fitness Class with John O'Connor this Saturday, 6/29 at 11:30!

We are proud to be hosting John O'Connor from Georgetown Fitness this Saturday at 11:30am as he introduces us to exercises that will help us efficiently lose fat. Learn how to shed those extra inches!

Free Composting Class this Saturday

I always revel in putting what would otherwise be garbage to good use. One of the best ways to do this is by making compost from your food & yard waste.With just a bit of work you can make black gold for your garden and keep that organic material out of the waste stream.

This is from the EPA website:

The amount of food wasted in the United States is staggering. In 2010, more than 34 million tons of food waste was generated, more than any other material category but paper. Food waste accounted for almost 14 percent of the total municipal solid waste stream, less than three percent of which was recovered and recycled in 2010. The rest —33 million tons— was thrown away, making food waste the single largest component of MSW(municipal solid waste) reaching landfills and incinerators.

Not only does this wasted valuable resource have huge economic impacts, it also has huge and immediate environmental impacts. When food is disposed in a landfill it quickly rots and becomes a significant source of methane — a potent greenhouse gas with 21 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide. Landfills are a major source of human-related methane in the United States, accounting for more than 20 percent of all methane emissions. Reducing, recovering, and recycling food waste diverts organic materials from landfills and incinerators, reducing GHG (green house gas) emissions from landfills and waste combustion. The use of recycled food waste (compost) has many environmental benefits such as: improving soil health and structure; increasing drought resistance; and reducing the need for supplemental water, fertilizers, and pesticides. 

You can help stop this cycle of waste simply by composting your food scraps at home. Saturday, June 29th at 10:30am we'll be having a free composting workshop at the Market. Come out and learn how easy it is to make organic fertilizer out of your food scraps, not methane.

The Perfect Father's Day Gifts!

Father's Day is this Sunday, the 16th, and here at The Market we have some great gifts that dad will love!

Father's work hard, and put so much into making sure their families are taken care of.  How about rewarding Dad with some Texas brewed beers?

We have a large assortment of beers from local breweries, you are sure to find one you know he would like.

Does Dad prefer wine over beer?  No problem.  Like the beers, The Market carries an array of Texas wines. From cabernet's to chardonnay's there is one sure to please.

If you are looking for something a little tamer, we carry some wonderful seasoned salts that are perfect for the Dad who loves to BBQ.  These tasty salts make any meat taste that much better and one can season salads or ordinary dishes with them.

Breakfast in bed is always a treat for Dad.  It usually is something we do for Mom, but how about surprise him this Sunday with this special treat.  Include some wonderful jams made by Confrituas.  These jams take any bread or pancake to the next level.

Finally, last but not least, we carry a wonderful little product from Stouder House.  Home made shaving cream in a mug.  Does dad like to lather up with his own soap and brush?  Then this is the perfect gift, plus it is made from all natural ingredients.

Stop on in at the Market this week and make your selection.  We would love to see you on Saturday from 12-2 p.m. when Perdernales Brewery's brew master will be in house doing a tasting and talking all about brewing beer.  Our own Alex will also be BBQ'ing up some tasty samples

BAKE SALE SATURDAY

The Monument Bakery is hosting a bake sale to help raise funds for a staff members who is struggling with illness. Choose from Lemon Blueberry scones, Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, Lemon Bars, Fruit & Oatmeal Bars, Monkey Bread Muffins and Rice Crispy Treats.

Compost with Worms!

This Saturday at 10:30am Debbie Keller will be teaching us how to use composting worms to turn our food scraps into a rich soil amendment for our plants.Vermicomposting is fun and easy and a great project to do with kids. Come learn how!

Enzymes: Why We Need Them and How To Get Them.

Enzymes, have you heard of them?  Are you aware of how beneficial they are to proper digestion and health?

When you think about a construction project, you need workers to make it happen.  Enzymes are the workers of your digestion system.  Every time you eat, enzymes get to work helping break down the food to make it more digestible.

This is very important in order to have a healthy digestive system, but also broken down food ensures you are absorbing the necessary nutrients from your food.

But where do they come from and how do you get them?  We are all born with a bank full of enzymes, but as we age, we go using up our reserves.  The only way to replenish our stores, is from food or supplements.

This is why it is important to eat a clean, whole foods diet.  With today's standard American diet, the majority of people are lacking in enough enzymes and consequently suffer from digestive issues.

On top of a poor diet, the majority of people cook their food to death.  Once a food is cooked over 130 degrees, all enzymes are cooked off. This is why eating raw fruits and veggies can be very beneficial.

This brings me to a new product we now carry in the Market.  "Tomatillo Heaven Salsa".  A delicious salsa made from fresh tomatillos, and because it is raw, it is chock full of beneficial enzymes.

Come on by this Saturday, the 8th from 11:30-1:30, and enjoy free sampling of this amazing salsa.  Tomatillo Heaven will be here doing tastings and talking about their product, the benefits and the mission behind the company.

Hope to see you then,
Sandra