Scientists at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Oklahoma found that the antioxidant caroteniods lycopene and beta carotene found in watermelon increased significantly after storing the fruit for 14 days at room temperature as compared to freshly picked or refrigerated fruit. Lycopene and beta carotene are natural antioxidants that protect the body from cancer and sun-related skin damage. Watermelon contains higher levels of lycopene than any other fresh fruit or vegetable. Its red color appears in tomatoes as well. So feel free to keep your watermelon on your kitchen counter for a few days before you eat it.

Are you looking to learn how to cook with whole foods or simply increase your recipe repertoire? You can host a 6 week cooking series in your kitchen and invite 6 or more of your friends to participate. Learning to cook with nutritious whole foods gives you the practical tools to make life long health a reality. Set up a series during the month of August and all participants get the last class free! Whole foods chef, Alissa Segersten will teach you everything from the basics of a whole foods diet to identifying and using natural sweeteners. Each week she will cook a variety of recipes while teaching you important tips for cooking each. You will get to sample all dishes and take home recipes.

This is a great snack to take with you on a long hike or a long day at work. You can also add one to your child’s lunchbox for a sweet, nutritious treat.

• 1 cup raw almonds
• 1 cup pitted medjool dates
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup raw almond butter
• shredded organic coconut

In a food processor fitted with the “s” blade grind the almonds until finely ground. Add the dates, spices, and raisins. Grind to a fine meal. Add the almond butter, process again until thoroughly mixed. Form into balls and roll in shredded coconut. Store in a sealed container on the counter for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Our new book, The Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook, Whole Foods Recipes for Personal and Planetary Health, is almost completed. It contains nearly 200 incredible whole foods recipes plus information on the basics of a whole foods diet, how to cook beans, grains, and more! We are hoping to begin the printing process soon. Please check back in our September issue of Whole Life Nutrition News for an update on when it will be available.

Thursday, October 5, 6:30-9 pm $20 members, $24 non-members

Would you like to boost your metabolism, increase fat burning, control blood sugar, and stabilize your mood? A healthy breakfast is a powerful tool that can program your body to perform in a positive way. Join Tom the nutritionist, and Ali the chef, as they prepare a variety of healthy breakfast meals. Break- the-fast with healthy options like Oatmeal Blueberry Pancakes, Tofu Scramble, Home-style Potatoes, a variety of smoothies, Homemade Whole Grain Cereals, and Glorious Morning Fruit Bowl. All dishes are gluten- , egg-, and dairy-free.

To register for a class, please stop by the Co-op's information desk. Sign up early to reserve your spot because our classes fill up quickly.