Latest Stories
Whole Foods
Do You Mind Shopping in a Crowded Grocery Store?
Now that I've moved to a new neighborhood, I've started shopping at a different grocery store, specifically the Whole Foods on Franklin and California in San Francisco. I've only been twice, but both times it was unbelievably crowded — so packed that I could hardly make my way through the aisles. When I asked the checker if it was always busy, he said, "Yes.
BMI-Based Health Benefits: Brilliant or Baffling?
In a new health benefits program offered by Whole Foods, employees who don't smoke and have a low body mass index (BMI), low blood pressure and cholesterol are about to be rewarded for their good health. On the flip side, that means the new initiative, aimed to promote a healthy lifestyle, will offer fewer rewards and a lower discount to employees who don't meet the company's health criteria.
I'm all for a workplace that recognizes and fosters healthy living, but as Fit points out, the "healthy" requirements employees must meet are a little suspect — not to mention an invasion of privacy.
The Bigger the Person, the Smaller the Discount
In a controversial new program, Whole Foods will be rewarding its healthiest workers with larger employee discounts. According to a Whole Foods memo: "The goals of this voluntary program are to encourage and reward Team Members for making healthy, positive lifestyle changes and to reduce the costs of our health plan." I guess the overpriced fish counter, 365 Everyday Value root beer, and chocolate fountain aren't enough to cut costs.
Fall Pantry Favorite: Cranberry Hazelnut Raincoast Crisps
At a recent happy hour hosted by a friend, I found myself conveniently placed near a certain charismatic snack: rustic crisps studded with slivers of dried cranberries and roasted hazelnuts. Despite my attempts to save my appetite for dinner, I couldn't pull myself away from the crackers, which were just as habit-forming when eaten alone as they were with a slather of good goat cheese.
After a little research, I learned that Lesley Stowe's Raincoast Crisps, as they're called, hail from Canada and come in a multitude of flavors, like Raisin Pecan, Fig and Olive, and Salty Date and Almond, and are sold at many Whole Foods stores.
Smarter Eats: Don't Be a Slave to the Label
Michael Pollan's food rules and the news that we're not eating enough fruits and veggies has me inspired. I'm resolving to always make conscious food choices that will improve my diet.
One tip I learned from Chow is to eat things that don't have a label.
Wolfgang Puck's Newest Venture: Iced Coffee
Watch out, Frappuccino. There's a new iced coffee in town, and it's been created by world famous chef Wolfgang Puck. Amidst a nasty lawsuit, guest judging on Top Chef, and juggling his nearly 20 restaurants, the celebrity chef is rolling out a new line of ready-to-drink iced coffees.
Come Party With Me: Pumpkin Carving — Menu
From 2003 to 2006, every October I hosted an annual pumpkin carving party. In 2007, I threw a huge Halloween bash, and last year, I didn't do anything!
Now, I've decided it's time to bring back my beloved pumpkin carving dinner.
Whole Foods Gets an iPhone App and I Get Inspired
I already thought Whole Foods was pretty cool, but it has just gotten a whole (get it? tee hee) lot cooler with its latest free Market Recipes iPhone app. What can this app do for you?
Man Fired Over a Tuna Sandwich, Fighting For Unemployment
A man named Ralph Reese, 57, was recently fired from his job at a New York Whole Foods for taking a tuna fish sandwich. The question now looms whether or not the act was misconduct, because anyone fired for misconduct is denied unemployment benefits. While the story may sound silly, experts say the high unemployment rate has spawned a rush of cases of people fighting for benefits.
Trend Alert: Hibiscus Drinks
Last June, I discovered the sweet virtue of dried hibiscus flowers. I picked them up at Trader Joe's and, on a whim, stirred them into a pitcher of lemonade. The hibiscus lent a sweet, tart flavor, as well as a beautiful blush color.
More on YumSugar
Fashion Week
Top Brands
Shoe Studio