I is for Iron (pumping iron that is)

As we get older it seems there’s so much to think about, but one of the best things you can do is pump some good ole fashioned iron. Recent studies have shown that after age 40, most people lose about 1 percent of their muscle mass each year! 

So what’s the big deal about losing muscle mass, and why should you care? Actually… there are many reasons why.

Having less muscle also alters metabolism, which could lead to obesity or other changes that could alter a body’s ability to use insulin effectively, thus increasing the risk of diabetes.  Muscle loss can also lead to weak bones, again increasing risk of breaks and injury.

The good news is… studies show that building muscle (through pumping iron) can stop, and potentially even reverse, all of these effects, regardless of age or what shape you’re in.

Studies have also found that pumping iron can help create a feeling of well-being, reducing risk of depression, and it’s been said that it may even help improve overall mental/cognitive health, which is why many doctors are starting to recommend weight training to patients with Alzheimer’s.

Weight lifting, according to studies, is one of the most important activities that adults can pursue to stay healthy. Today adding a little iron to your routine is simpler than ever, and you don’t have to go to a traditional gym. Men’s Health offers a fantastic Muscle Plan on their website and we’ve been touting the benefits and results of bar classes on the Sprout Strategy Facebook page for months (a Sprout ‘must try’). 

Marketing Idea: One of the things we’ve been learning from consumers, especially those just entering the natural foods market, is they need our help – the idea of “being healthy” is not only foreign to them, but very overwhelming and intimidating, making them ‘hungry’ for solutions.

The Sprout’s know that healthy eating and nutrition is THE key to staying healthy, but it seems this has become an extremely myopic and undifferentiated idea for Natural Food companies. There couldn’t be a more perfect positioning for these brands than the idea of “Total Body”. We would love to see more step outside their comfort zone of nutrition and encouraging total-body health, and it can be as simple as providing new and interesting exercises on/in packaging, a dedicated page on their website or even partnering with a fitness organization, personal trainers or special events.

Here’s to pumping iron and in return, living your best possible life!

H is for Health...and Happiness!

Recently I’ve been struck by just how closely our happiness is linked to our health, it seems they really do go hand in hand. Everywhere I turn it seems there’s something saying – health and happiness!

Take for instance my new favorite book, The  New York Times best seller, Born to Run, by journalist Christopher McDougall. His travels and adventures covering the ultra running scene across America give us a peak into an amazing culture that thrives on what many see as torture and craziness (50 mile or longer races through various terrain and conditions). He explains the level of peace and happiness these runners experience, even at mile 60 of the Leadville 100 they’re beaming with smiles - no hurt, no cares, just genuine happiness.

This overflow of happiness McDougall believes is a direct result of the fact that they run, they run far, and they run fast. And they’re healthy!

And then there’s the Biggest Loser on NBC. (I admit I’m addicted and never miss an episode.) Every single one of those in the final six repeatedly talk about how happy they’ve become over the course of their Biggest Loser journey. Why wouldn’t you be happy when you’ve lost the weight of an entire person and look better than you’ve looked in years?

But it’s interesting, that’s not what they point to when they mention their happiness. Rather they talk about how getting healthier is what has made the difference. They’re stronger emotionally. They have more self-confidence. They’re not riddled with disease and the looming chance of heart attack and stroke. So, it’s not because they can now wear a size 10, but because they feel healthier – all over!

And it really got me thinking. On a daily basis I either have a conversation with a client, a friend or family member or I overhear a couple of women talking at a restaurant about finding happiness, achieving happiness, trying to figure out what they can do to make themselves happy.

And then I look, I really look at them. And I realize these are the people who are also some of the most unhealthy. They’re plates are overflowing with meat and cheese, they’re stressed out about family and work, they’re overweight (and sometimes obese) and they have bags the size of some ladies purses hanging below they’re eyes because they’re so tired. And I want to scream, “GET HEALTHY!”

Getting happy means getting healthy!

I know, I’m living proof of it. The last couple of years have been very hard – creating Sprout, growing Sprout, sprouting Sprout into another city, unearthing our new recruiting company gem™, not to mention the personal side of things. Without even realizing it, I woke up one day and realized I’d gained 20lbs and I was honestly the most unhappy I’d been in a very very long time.

Since that day I’ve made a commitment to several things, the most important eating a clean diet (Vegan organic diet – wheat, dairy and sugar only for special occasions), and scheduling, and committing, to some pretty tough workouts – oh, and tennis lessons! And I can honestly say I haven’t been this happy since I moved to Chicago the first time.

Over the last two months I’ve come to realize the hardest part is you don’t realize how miserable you truly are when you’re drowning in the stress and burdens of everyday life until something hits you and you start to climb out, get healthy, get happy and look back.

This is not merely a lesson for us as people; it’s a lesson for us as brand marketers, especially those committed to the health and wellness mission. So often motivation is about scare tactics, but what if motivation was about happiness tactics? What if there was a way for us to help people realize their unhappiness now, and what if our brands were the ones that could help them dig out? What would that do for your brand, and your brand loyalty? Just something to think about.

Here’s to living your best possible life!

Melissa Mizer – Sprout Strategy Chief Brand Cultivator

G is for Groovy Green Gifts

With Earth Day just behind us and being green still top of mind, here are a handful of groovy “green” gift ideas, some of which could even make for that perfect Mother’s Day gift – with mom’s day just around the corner.

If you’re interested in sending mom flowers, or perhaps just planting an eco-certified plant or tree in honor of Arbor Day this Friday, check out www.organicbouquet.com for a variety of sustainably grown floral options.  As a bonus, if you check out the site this week (before the 30^th), you still have time to enter to win a $125 gift certificate.

If you’d prefer to “toast” mom this Mother’s Day, perhaps you’d rather send her a bottle of the award winning Chateau Bousquette Cuvee Prestige from www.theorganicwinecompany.com.  And while you’re there, you may just want to sign up for the wine of the month club, where you can indulge in three bottles of organic vino every month.

If mom’s been needing a little extra “flair” in her life, check out the Chica Rosa – Silver clutch at www.ecoist.com, hand crocheted with 200 recycled aluminum pop-tops.  It’s sure to be a hit with mom and you may even want to buy a matching one for yourself.

Or, for a more casual handbag option, check out the Planet Green Graphic, Organic Cotton or Animal Planet series handbags on www.envirosax.com.  These designer reusable bags will help mom spread the eco-friendly message with style.

And finally, If R&R is where it’s at with mom, why not make her day with the Organic Peaceful Spa Gift Set from www.pristineplanet.com or allow her to wrap herself up in a plush Organic Cotton Thick and Thirsty towel from www.gaiam.com.

We could go on and on with the endless variety of green gift options now available, but these are just a few of our faves definitely worth checking out.  We’d love to hear your favorites too, but until then…

Happy Mother's Day and here’s to living your best possible life!

F is for (Shocking) Food Facts

The Sprouts are constantly asking ourselves questions like…

America’s obese, Africa is malnourished, why?

If I eat fish, am I contributing to extinction?

Can vitamins really make a difference?

Well, you know how the Sprout brain works.

And then come along movies like Food, Inc., and TV shows like Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution, packed with the reality of the who, what, where, when and how of our food, and things start to become a little more clear for us.

Adding to our clarity is a new book called The Little Book of Shocking Food Facts, (which we were lucky enough to get a first hand peak of the layouts before it was finalized for production). The book’s crucial facts, figures and tidbits about the food we eat and the process it takes to make it and get it to our mouths (all of which are gleamed from the world’s most admired and trustworthy authorities on food and food production), at times even had us uttering a “WHOA!” under our breath.

The core idea of ‘shock value’ resonates not only in the startling facts, but also in the graphic design and photography, making each page turn an adventure in facial expressions to be sure.

And all of this can’t help but make us wonder…it’s interesting that so many are turning to shock in order to get our attention when it comes to eating and producing food in a healthy and humane manner. What’s more shocking is that despite all these efforts is thousands of McDonald’s Big Macs are still be scarfed down by some of the largest and most unhealthy people in American and at the same time those in India, Bangledesh and Ethiopia (just to name a few) continue to fight for the chance to eat a decent meal and drink a clean cup of water.

Our question: Can shock work to change people’s ingrained behaviors and make us, and the world, healthy?

What do you think? Is shock the answer or is there a better approach?

While you, and the Sprouts, ponder that interesting question, we’d like to thank Craig Holden Feinberg, a friend of Sprout, for his beautiful graphic art design of the book and for an awe-inspiring, and quick, lesson on global food politics, fast food culture and healthy nutrition. The book is available for pre-order at Amazon and will ship in November. For those of you who can’t wait, we’ll try to get our hands on some pre-released copies to give away to clients, or maybe we’ll do a Sprout Strategy Facebook trivia contest in the coming weeks and give you the chance to win a copy.

Here’s to living your best possible life!

E is for Earth Day

Each and everyday the Sprouts feel a bit overwhelmed by the task of saving our planet from ourselves. We’re constantly inundated by pictures of devastated landscapes and the possibility of extinct animals (those polar bears get us every time) making us constantly aware that our own ignorance, and many times laziness, is what has gotten us to this critical moment in time.

And while the task may seem insurmountable, or uncontrollable, we’ve decided that the best thing we can DO is SOMETHING. Anything! Whether it’s big or small, it will make an impact, as long as we DO SOMETHING!

That’s why as the 40^th Earth Day quickly approaches on Saturday, April 17 we are focusing our efforts at home, where we can see a difference and truly feel like we’re making a difference with our SOMETHING.

The best place to start is in your own backyard, in your neighborhood, in your community. Pick just one thing: plant a tree, join the neighborhood clean-up, participate in your communities blackout night…but DO SOMETHING!

The Sprouts more than anyone get it…we get how hard this is to change your habits. No one is perfect, we all have to make choices and the decisions that fit best for us. But if we all just do one thing, just DO SOMETHING, not only will our planet be better for it, but so will we – whether it be in your heart, your head, your lungs, or your pocketbook.

If you’re still at a loss, earthday.org has a great listing of events, petitions, rally’s, etc. Everyone’s sure to find something there. You can also still join Earth Hour and show your support for clean energy and a clean economy, or simply bring in your own mug to Starbucks today for free coffee – free is always a sure step in changing a habit.

Here’s to DOING SOMETHING and living your best possible life! 

D is for the Sunshine Vitamin

There is a vitamin deficiency that affects over half of the population, is almost never diagnosed, and has been linked to many cancers, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, depression, bone loss and autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis.

What vitamin is almost totally absent from our food supply?

Vitamin D.  Are you getting enough?

A fat-soluble vitamin, Vitamin D is made in the body after exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun when the liver and kidneys convert it to its active hormone form, Cholecalciferol, or Vitamin D3.

A lack of sufficient Vitamin D in your body can cause the levels of calcium and phosphorus in your blood to drop, causing bones to become thin, brittle, soft or even misshapen.  This is because Vitamin D’s major biologic function is to aid in the absorption of calcium.

(picture courtesy of www.flyingcolours.org.uk)

So what does one do to keep sufficient levels of Vitamin D in ones body?

GET OUT IN TO THE SUN!  Sunlight is the most important source of Vitamin D because the UV rays from the sunlight trigger Vitamin D synthesis in the skin. However, with all the fears out there about over exposure to UV rays, over use of sunscreen is the main reason why most people are not getting enough Vitamin D in to their systems.  80% to 100% of our Vitamin D Intake comes from the sun.  Sunscreen blocks out an amazing 97% of our body’s Vitamin D production.

Because of the changing weather and many people living in places where the sun hardly shines, supplementing with Vitamin D is essential.  The exact amount needed will vary depending on your age, how much time you spend in the sun and the time of year, Winter vs. Summer.  The government recommends 200 to 600 IU (International Units) of Vitamin D a day.  This is the amount you need to prevent rickets, a skeletal disease that weakens the bones.  But how much do you need for optimal health?  Our favorite trusted health advisor, Dr Weil, recommends up to 2,000 IU a day, once again depending on personal circumstances.

Fortified foods are the major dietary sources of Vitamin D.  For example, one cup of Vitamin D fortified milk supplies about ¼ of the estimated daily needs for this vitamin.  You should try to eat dietary sources of Vitamin D.  These include fatty fish such as wild salmon or wild mackerel, even eggs, one whole egg contains 20 IU of Vitamin D.  You can also take Vitamin D supplements, but be careful when choosing a supplement as many only contain Vitamin D2, which is not biologically active.

Although consuming too much Vitamin D is possible, it is not probable.  Vitamin D toxicity can cause nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, constipation, weakness and weight loss.  It can also raise blood levels of calcium, causing mental changes such as confusion.  Consuming too much Vitamin D through diet alone is not likely unless you routinely consume large amounts of cod liver oil, which in our opinion would be hard to do.  It is more likely to occur from high intakes of Vitamin D in supplements, so consult a doctor before beginning a Vitamin D regiment.

Get out into the sun as much as you can, be conscience of the amount of sunscreen you use and eat foods high in Vitamin D3, supplementing if necessary, and you will find a healthier, Happier you! 


Here's to living your best possible life!

Cultivating the world around us

Admittedly the Sprouts fell of the blogging bandwagon. No excuses - one of our Sprouts sprouted, and down a cultivator we were doing everything we could to make sure we were cultivating our client's brands with as much love and attention as possible.


We're finally back to 100% and we're growing again! 


Starting Monday we'll pick up where we left off on our A-Z entries with the letter D. And in the coming weeks we'll start sharing more and more about our new sister company, gem - a research recruiting firm that's redefining the research recruit. 


Of course our time off from writing gave us plenty of time to think, and boy do we have lots of ideas and thoughts to share in the coming months. And as always, we hope you'll sound off about what you think as well.  


Until Monday, have a great weekend! 


Here's to living your best possible life! 

Eat MORE Fruits & Veggies

Hot off the presses today from the UK is a new study that cites fruit and veggies may only reduce your risk of cancer by 3%. And this has the Sprouts a little concerned. 


The observational study conducted by the Tisch Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York had a very large sample size, 500,000 people in 10 European countries, and it did make adjustments for other factors likely to influence the results, such as smoking, alcohol intake, obesity, consumption of meat and processed meat, exercise and whether women had taken the contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy, but we're a little concerned that large sweeping statements are being made by an oversimplified observational study.

Despite the fact we eat our fruits and veggies, unless we're eating organic we may be eating more than just food, we're probably eating cancer causing pesticides. And of course years and years of eating this way can take it's toll.


While the oversimplified research methodology concerns us, it's actually the impact of the study that has us even more worried. Because the sensational aspect of the report, many news agencies are failing to tell, or in some cases burying, one of the most important parts of the research. 


The accompanying editorial by Walter Willett of the Harvard School of Public Health said efforts to increase fruit and vegetable consumption were still worthwhile because accumulating evidence showed that they helped protect against cardiovascular disease and "a small benefit for cancer remains possible". He suggests research now should focus more sharply on specific fruits and vegetables – including lycopene in tomatoes which, studies suggest, helps protect against prostate cancer – and on reducing smoking and obesity. And of course, we're still wondering if eating organic has an affect as well.


So the Sprouts say, "Ignore these stories and eat even more fruits and veggies!" We truly believe the more fruits and vegetables you eat the healthier you are overall; your stronger and more capable of fighting off disease, any disease that might come your way.


Here's to living your best possible life! 

C is for Coconut Craze

We’ve been noticing coconut water has been flying off the shelves at Whole Foods lately, many times not being able to find it stocked during the busy lunch hour, so the Sprouts thought it was the perfect candidate for our “C” blog entry.

Five years ago, unless you’d been to the tropics, or were a raw foodist you probably didn’t even know coconut water even existed. But now in 2009, the coconut water category, getting a boost from two entrepreneurial companies, O.N.E. and Zico, received it’s first ever analysis by Merrill Lynch with sales going from $0 in 2002 to $35 million in 2009.

So, what’s behind the craze?

On your first sip, it’s like nothing you’ve ever tasted. Not particularly “ coconuty” in taste it’s a little bit like water, but it has a texture and a slight sweetness that some find off-putting.

But perhaps it’s health benefits will help you overlook the taste. According to Mortin Satin, Chief of the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization, “Coconut water is the very stuff of nature, biologically pure, full of natural sugars, salts and vitamins to ward off fatigue and is the next wave of energy drinks BUT natural.”

For those of you looking for a replacement to the sugary sports drinks like Vitamin Water and Gatorade, coconut water is for you.

• Coconut water contains more potassium (about 294mg) than most sports drinks (117mg) and most energy drinks
• Coconut water has less sodium, around 25mg compared to sports drink’s 40mg and energy drink 200mg
• Coconut water has 5mg of natural sugars whereas sports and energy drinks have anywhere between 15-25mg of processed sugars
• Coconut water is very high in chloride (118mg), a chemical that the body needs for metabolism, compared to sports drinks that have only 39mg 

Because it’s a natural isotonic beverage, with the same electrolyte balance as in human blood, in the Pacific War (1941-45), it was used to give emergency plasma transfusions to wounded soldiers.

So the next time you’re reaching for a sports drink consider the fact that coconut water offers less fat and calories, and no cholesterol, making it healthier than milk and orange juice. And it’s even being compared to human’s mother’s milk because of it’s high levels of lauric acid, which is said to have an effect on raising your metabolism.

We’ll happily raise a glass to that…

Here’s to your best possible life!

B is for Bamboo

What’s softer than cotton, as strong as steel, and able to renew itself and reach full maturity in just 5 years? Nope… It’s not a bird or a plane… it’s SUPER Bamboo!

Bamboo made its way into the “mainstream” eco-world (primarily as an alternative construction material) several years back, and we’ve continued to see its uses proliferate in everything from eco-housing and bamboo flooring, to textiles and bamboo clothing, to bedding, towels, furniture, recreational products, technology, etc., yet many folks don’t know why bamboo is considered eco-friendly and what makes it the ideal material for so many things.

Let’s start with a little background on this panda-loving product (bamboo 101 if you will).
• Technically, bamboo is a grass not a wood, though it’s frequently referred to as a “woody grass”. It also happens to be the fastest growing grass in the world, with some of its more than a 1000 species able to grow at a rate of up to 4 ft. per day (definitely giving Jack’s beanstalk a run for its money)! Its extremely fast growth is part of what makes it such a fantastic renewable resource, available for harvest in just 3 years versus 120 years for oak.
• Bamboo regenerates itself - It can be harvested without damaging the original plant, unlike wood that takes an average of 30 years for a reforestation project.
• Bamboo grows more abundantly than wood – a single stand can generate 200 poles in 5 years, the same time it takes a single tree to grow large enough for minimal use.
• Both trees and bamboo remove CO2 from the atmosphere but bamboo produces over 30% more oxygen than an equivalent stand of trees. (Perhaps we should think about planting bamboo in a our city-wide tree planting efforts rather than trees)
• Bamboo is an amazing natural antibacterial agent. Called “bamboo kun”, bamboo has a natural antibacterial, antifungal so it doesn’t require pesticides and herbicides, making it one of the most maintenance free plants on the planet.
• And since its diverse species can be found all over the world, in places such as…East Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Northern Australia, and even in parts of the South Eastern United States and South America, its supplies are endless.

Pretty cool if you ask us!

But all bamboo isn’t created equally green. The difference comes in the manner in which bamboo is processed for our consumption in the form of clothing, household goods, furniture, building materials, etc. Because of this it’s very important to look for two things when purchasing bamboo
1. Look for bamboo that’s been made with water-based, formaldehyde-free adhesives with low/no-VOC finishes, and of course bamboo which uses the “mechanical” method (the crushing of the woody parts and use of natural enzymes to create a mushy substance that can be combed out and spun into yarn) of processing, especially when purchasing fabrics.
2. Ask if it’s FSC Certified. This certification is provided by the Forest Stewardship Council (http://www.fsc.org) which ensures the bamboo has been harvested in a sustainable fashion requiring the bamboo not come at the expense of deforestation of already existing natural forests.

All this said, there’s no denying that bamboo is still a highly renewable and highly sought after resource, and one that you should feel good about purchasing as an alternative to less green options, as long as you’re educated and know what to look for.
As a flooring or furniture option, not only is it beautiful (check out the creator of Sprout’s own bamboo cabinetry right here) and sustainable, it’s also extremely durable and strong. In fact, the tensile strength of bamboo is comparable to steel, and much harder than either maple or oak.

Good sources for great flooring and furniture options are Smith & Fong’s Plyboo, Teragren Modern Bamboo Furniture, and Room and Board

And, while bamboo may not be the #1 most eco-friendly product for use in clothing and other fabrics, it still has amazing health and wellness oriented qualities that you simply may not find in other clothing and bedding products.
• It’s naturally anti-microbial and anti-fungal
• It contains a natural agent (bamboo kun) which requires no harmful chemicals to prevent bacteria and fungus from cultivating on it
• It’s softer than cotton, cashmere and silk, making it ideal for wearing or snuggling up in, especially for little ones!
• It’s practical – more durable and less expensive than silk or cashmere and can be conveniently cleaned in your washer and dryer
• It’s comfortable and breathable, which helps keeps you drier
• It’s hypoallergenic, and non-irritating to the skin.

Check out Kicky Pants bamboo kids wear, Sprout Kids Clothing (unrelated but great name), and Green Earth Bamboo for great bamboo bedding, bath and other apparel options.

Here's to living your best possible life!