By Summer:

The rage these days seems to center around organic and natural products including food. I’ve never heard a parent say, “I want my family to eat poorly.” You’d laugh, right? But our food has become more processed and a far stretch from its original form. If you’re getting hip on health in the New Year, you might think of streaming these movies on Netflix: Super Size Me (PG-13) (2004) and Food, Inc. (PG)(2008). Lunch Line is another health film I’d recommend and is now in select theaters. These flicks will help you become a dietary advocate for your family if you’re thinking of ways to improve your family’s health in 2011.

Remember, just because an item claims to be organic or natural on the packaging doesn’t mean it’s good for you or better for the environment. Watch out for trick phases and claims as “made with organic ingredients,” as these products are not organic products but may just contain two organic ingredients or may not be certified organic. Look for the USDA Organic seal! Organic foods with the USDA seal are grown and processed without synthetic pesticides, herbicides or GMOs — genetically modified organisms (an example of a GMO is seedless grapes).

One boxed food I’d recommend to help your family improve health and get the whole grains and fiber needed in a day is Kirkland Signature Nature’s Path Organic Ancient Grains with Almonds.

Kirkland Signature Nature’s Path Organic Ancient Grains with Almonds is a granola made from rolled oats, spelt, Kamut® Khorasan wheat, quinoa, and amaranth. No those are not a foreign language … well, they kind of are as these grains have their origins from around the world. These are the grains that make up the 6g of fiber and 31g of whole grain you’ll get in one serving (3/4 cup) of Ancient Grains. I needed to break it down so I could understand this product, and here’s what I found out (if you too need a lesson): Rolled oats are just like your standard oatmeal and originate from the “Near East”. Spelt is a type of wheat grown in Central Europe. Kamut® is a brand name; Khorasan is a region of land called Middle Persia, which was pieces of today’s Middle East; and like its name says it’s wheat. Quinoa pronounced KEEN-wah is a seed native of South America. Amaranth is an African weed which we use for its seeds. However, with all the information and knowledge we now possess in agriculture, these grains are not grown only in their native lands but have been brought to North America for growing and harvesting.

So as I look at the ingredients list the only other thing I was left scratching my head about was inulin. Inulin is an ingredient which is a natural preservative made from root. All the ingredients are natural and/or organic. I was so satisfied to find that I could read the Ancient Grains’ ingredient list! And since it’s only 15 ingredients long, you should have no problem deciding if Ancient Grains is right for your family too.

My husband and I have been using Kirkland Signature Nature’s Path Organic Ancient Grains with Almonds as an add-in to a snack of yogurt. We measure out ¼ cup and stir it into the yogurt. This is very satisfying as a snack; it rejuvenates my energy, sustains my appetite, and offers a sweet taste which I seem to constantly crave.

One last thing I’d like to mention is I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE independent companies. Many brands are owned by parent company and smaller brands sell out to these big corporations to go national, international, or just make the big bucks. Nature’s Path Organic is owned by themselves, Nature’s Path Foods Inc. They started in 1949 and have continued to be independent; their company’s vision since 1985 has been “To be a trusted name for quality organic food in every home; socially responsible, environmentally sustainable & financially viable.” Well, they’ve earned my trust and I hope yours too. Invite them into your home for a healthier 2011.

Kirkland Signature Nature’s Path Organic Ancient Grains with Almonds can only be found at Costco. Check the cereal aisle. Don’t see it? Ask your Costco customer service about it, item #526528. Costco also offers other great Nature’s Path Organic items: Pumpkin Flax Plus Granola, and Toaster Pastry combo boxes of Brown Sugar Cinnamon Frosted and Cherry Pomegran^TM Frosted.

You can also find Nature’s Path Organic on Facebook and Nature’s Path Twitter @naturespath.

Enter to Win:

A Box of Nature’s Path Ancient Grains with Almonds

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Leave me a comment telling me what you think of Nature’s Path Organic and what you would like to try!

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Leave a comment for every entry, This giveaway ends January 10. Summer received products mentioned above to facilitate this review. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.