Make Everyday Earth Day with The Healthy Shopper Picks for Spring 2013

I am very conscious of what my children come in contact with as I am very passionate about their well-being. This means I am also extremely cautious about the food they ingest. This does not mean I restrict their diets but rather, it means I take a good look at the labels of the food they consume to make sure nothing bad is mixed in there. I am also quite conscious as to the ingredients of the food I eat so you can bet that my latest haul has proved to be a delight. Let me tell you all about them.

Simply Natural Organic Salsas

Everyone knows that food made from organic ingredients are better for you as they do not contain any harmful chemicals. This is the reason I was so glad to have the Simply Natural Organic Salsas by my side. I was sent all 5 flavors, Pineapple, Mango, Black Bean & Corn as well as Mild and Medium flavours, I already tried Mango and Pineapple. It was refreshing and downright delicious. They contain no additives but are filled to the brim with chunky vegetables and tomato bits. They are also gluten-free so everyone can enjoy them. I know my kids and I did.

More info about Simply Natural,

All Simply Natural products are made from the finest and freshest organic ingredients, without the use of preservatives, chemical additives, food colourings, irradiation or genetically modified products. Simply Natural uses diced tomatoes and vegetables in their Organic Salsas rather than purees, giving them a chunky, homemade texture and taste that will leave you simply wanting more.

Mango, Medium and Black Bean & Corn* SALSA are available at Amaranth Market, Askew’s Foods, Blush Lane, Buy-Low, Choices Market, Community Natural, Dad’s Nutrition, Donald’s Market, Drive Organics, Famous Foods, Green’s Market, IGA, Kootenay Co-op, Nature’s Fare, Nester’s, Nutter’s, Organza Market, Planet Organic, Real Canadian Super Store, Red Barn Market, Super Valu, and Whole Foods (*Black Bean & Corn Salsa not available). Suggested retail:  $3.99

Natracare Wipes

I am a firm believer that the petrochemicals and parabens in most baby wipes and feminine wipes have no place in my or my babies’ lives which is why the wipes from Natracare are a blessing. They do not contain any bad chemicals but they do have organic essential oils and extracts that are tough on germs but not on the skin. The maternity pads are also a dream as they are breathable and high absorbent. I wish I had these earlier as they would have made my life easier.

More info about Natracare,

Natracare – Natracare Organic Cotton Intimate Wipes are enriched with organic essential oils of calendula and chamomile, on ICEA/IMO Certified organic 100% cotton cloth. They are free from harmful ingredients, are non-chlorine bleached and can be used by children and adults.  Natracare Cotton Baby Wipes effectively clean a baby’s sensitive skin and are also great for removing make up, freshening up or for use with kids.  The formula does not have any detergents such as SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate) or any formaldehyde releasing preservatives such as SHG or parabens.  They are infused with organic essential oils of chamomile, linden and apricot along with other natural extracts.   The wipes are not tested on animals.  Natracare Natural Maternity Pads are entirely made of organic cotton and the core is made of completely chlorine-free pulp. They provide comfort and are breathable, soft, extra-long and absorbent. They protect women’s skin from irritating synthetic materials, while keeping it dry.

Natracare’s organic intimate wipes, cotton baby wipes and natural maternity pads are biodegradable and compostable, and are derived from sustainable, renewable and natural resources.  Its packaging is environmentally friendly, being biodegradable, compostable as well as plastic-free! All of Natracare’s products are USDA Certified Biobased Products.  Natracare’s gentle formula contains no parabens, no alcohol, no phenoxyethanol and no SLS.

Natracare products are available nationwide from natural health stores, Loblaw’s, Whole Foods, Metro, London Drugs, Super Drug Mart, other natural/specialty retailers and online including www.well.ca.  Suggested retail:  Natracare Cotton Baby Wipes $7.44; Natracare Organic Intimate Wipes $4.15; Natracare Natural Maternity Pads $6.31.

Zax’s Bruise Cream

Bruises are not only unsightly but they can also be very painful. I know I cannot avoid them as I tend to move fast and bump into things. And I don’t know why I always get bruises easily. It’s nice to see this product, Zax’s bruise cream. It contains no harmful ingredients but uses arnica and witch hazel among others to help the body health bruises faster. I loved this product as it really does help fade bruises faster.

More info about Zax’s Original Bruise Cream,

Zax’s Original Bruise Cream is a patent-pending bruise healing formula that is made in Canada in a GMP and ISO-9001 certified facility and is Health Canada approved.  It works quickly and effectively to speed up the healing of bruising.  By reducing the pain and inflammation of bruises, it improves discoloration. It can provide soothing cooling relief to bruised areas and is ideal for those who have been injured or who bruise easily.

Zax’s Bruise Cream contains Arnica, Witch Hazel and Menthol, all natural ingredients.  Arnica helps the healing of bruises by reducing swelling, speeding up blood reabsorption and decreasing pain.   Witch Hazel has tannins that give astringent properties and ease bruising by tightening stretched veins and restoring blood vessel tone. The menthol derived from peppermint oil acts as an anaesthetic and provides counterirritant qualities.   Zax’s Original Bruise Cream is Paraben and Propylene Glycol free.  It’s found in the first aid section of leading pharmacies across Canada including Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, PharmaPlus, Superstores and Natural Health retailers.  Suggested retail:  $18.00 – $19.00

Hyland’s Leg Cramps Tablets

These tablets are not only perfect for people who suffer from leg cramps and agitated legs but they are also perfect for lower back and abdominal pains. These tablets are non-habit forming, drug-free and side effect free too. They are safe to be taken in the morning but you can also take them at night.

More info about Hyland’s Homeopathic Leg Cramps,

Hyland’s Leg Cramps is a traditional homeopathic formula for the relief of symptoms of cramps and pains in the lower back, legs and feet. It stimulates your body’s natural healing response to relieve symptoms. Hyland’s Leg Cramps is safe for adults and can be used in conjunction with other medications.  Hyland’s Leg Cramps PM is a natural and quick dissolving tablet that provides nighttime cramp relief in the lower body, legs, feet and toes that often causes nighttime sleeplessness.  It is the only non-prescription OTC solution that calms agitated legs.  Neither creams contain Aspirin, Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen or Naproxen and are side-effect free, non-habit forming and drug-free.

Hyland’s Leg Cramps and Hyland Leg Cramps PM are available at:  Rexall, Pharmaplus, Medicine Shop – select stores, Herbies – select stores, Guardian IDA – select stores, London Drugs, McKesson, McMahon, Metro, Overwaitea, Paragon, Peoples Drug – select stores, Value Drug, Pharmaprix, Pharmasave, Remedy RX – select stores, Shoppers, Sobeys and Uniprix.   Suggested retail: Hyland’s Restful Legs $10.29; Hyland’s Leg Cramps $13.69; Hyland’s Leg Cramps PM  $14.98.

Earth Balance Organic Coconut Spread

I got two coupons and one was for Earth Balance. This is a company that has delicious all-natural spreads that make preparing meals and snacks so much easier. I got to try the coconut spread and it was scrumptious. It is also good for people with food allergies as it is gluten free, lactose free, casein free etc.

More info about Earth Balance,

Earth Balance Organic Coconut Flavour Spread is part of an award winning line of buttery spreads, sticks, shortening, and soy-free spreads, all delicious alternatives to butter and margarine.  It is lactose-Free, Soy-Free, Dairy-Free, Casein-Free, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Vegan, Organic and uses only Expeller-Pressed Oil.  It won the 2011 VegNews Product of the Year Award and the 2011 Natural Foods Expo West – VegNews Best in Show Award.  Available at Loblaw (National),  Metro (Ontario), Sobeys (National), Overwaitea, Thrifty Foods, Federated Coop, Farm Boy, Whole Foods (All), Choices, Goodness Me, Planet Organic Market, All natural chains and stores across the West, Ontario, and Atlantic Canada.  Suggested retail: $5.99

Olympic Dairy Organic Yogurt

The other coupon was for Olympic Dairy where yogurt was the main dish. I love yogurt with all its healthy bacteria for good digestion and theirs was organic which made it even better.

More info about Olympic Dairy Organic Yogurt,

Olympic Dairy Organic Plain Yogurt 3.5%, French Vanilla Yogurt and its new Coconut Yogurt, Lemon Yogurt and Mango Yogurt are organic certified.  Organic certified means that it has been third party certified organic to ensure compliance with the standards and regulations for organic products in Canada.  All of its yogurts are made without synthetic preservatives, gelatines, chemicals or fillers. In 2001, Olympic Organic yogurt was selected winner in the Dairy Product category at the prestigious Canadian Grand Prix New Products Awards.

Available at Loblaw (across Canada); Sobeys Quebec, Ontario and Atlantic provinces; Metro Quebec and Ontario; Safeway; Overwaitea, Save On Foods; Wal-Mart (West) and most of the independent stores and healthy boutiques across Canada.  Suggested retail: $4.59 – $4.99

I urge you to try all these as they are not only delicious but they are healthy too. The creams and the tablets work wonders for the body while the wipes and pads just make me feel safer over all. you can try them out and tell me what you think.

**Disclaimer: The product/s mentioned above have been given free of charge from the company or PR firm in exchange for being featured on naturalbabygoods.com. The product features expressed in this post are those of naturalbabygoods.com and have not been influenced in any other way.