Giving Back

Early 19th-century American orator Robert Ingersoll penned the quote, "We rise by lifting others." Anyone who has made an effort to help another in need knows this is true. Whether it's helping a neighbor up the stairs with their groceries, delivering warm food to a family in crisis, donating time or money to a charity close to our hearts, or simply lending an ear to a friend, we welcome that warm, fuzzy feeling that comes from doing a good deed. Contributing to people and causes we believe in fuels our spirit, our highest good, and greater good of all.


One of our favorite local charities to support is the Steve Haydu St. Patrick's Day Lo Tide Run. All proceeds from this 5K and 10K race in Carolina Beach go directly to local cancer warriors in New Hanover County who are in financial need. This year marks the 10th anniversary for the race, which is a true indication of the continued efforts of a community coming together to help their friends and neighbors in need. The race takes place this year on Saturday, March 15th and our team of Wellness Warriors will be on the course, running and walking to support our community. Learn more about the history and register for the race here, and be sure to check out the after party for some great raffle prizes, including a sweet gift basket from Island Wellness! 

While giving back to others is good for our spirit, it's also important to give back to ourselves. Taking time to take care of yourself and doing things you to renew your body, mind, and soul will keep you motivated to keep lifting others up when they need it. If you're looking for the perfect Spring get away to give to yourself, we've teamed up with Beacon House Inn Bed & Breakfast and Salty Dog Yoga & Surf to bring you the first Seaside Spring Renewal Retreat. This is a great opportunity to honor yourself and your needs, with a focus on healthy eating for optimal wellness, balancing your body and spirit with yoga, and more, all in a beautiful island setting! Learn more and take advantage of early bird pricing here. 

Spring is just around the corner, a time for growth and new adventure. Keep those warm-fuzzies flowing by giving your time and giving back to your community and yourself. Keep rising to be your highest and best self, and keep lifting others with your love and your light! 

New Year, New Month, New Day… All New Beginnings

The first month of 2014 is drawing to a close and I find myself a little behind on my New Year’s resolutions. I don't really take resolutions too seriously since I work throughout the year to be the best version of myself, but I did plan on blogging more and sending out newsletters the first week of each month. Yet here I am at the end of January with my first update of the year. The good news is that it's never too late to get on track. Every day is a new beginning, and NOW, this moment, is always a good time to start anew.

I’ve always felt that the New Year really starts for me on February 1^st anyway – my birthday. The last thing I want to think about over the holidays (while I'm indulging in too much food and drink) is what I need to improve upon. That can be depressing and diminish the joy of living in the moment. I’ve found that I’m better off using the month of January to really reflect on the year that has passed and what I want to accomplish in the year ahead, and how I can realistically bring those goals and intentions to fruition. And it just so happens this year that my birthday also coincides with two other significant events: the New Moon on January 30^th and the Chinese New Year on January 31^st.  

The New Moon is said to be a magical time of beginnings, when you can recharge goals or set new ones. The New Moon on January 30^th is also special because it is the second New Moon in one month, also referred to as the Black Moon, and is deemed to be especially powerful. The Chinese New Year begins January 31^st with the year of the Horse, which is expected to bring health and prosperity according to the Chinese Zodiac. What more can I ask for than a new year of life to learn and grow preceded by a magical New Moon and blessings of health and prosperity entering via the Horse??

While this tri-fector of events is inspiring and enchanting, I realize that even with a fresh start of new intentions I may very well be struggling to create another blog post and get a newsletter out before the end of February, and that's okay. It's important to set goals for ourselves, but it's equally important to realize that a mis-step or fall is not the end of the road. Every day is a new beginning and an opportunity to be better than we were the day before. The sun will continue to rise and set, the moon will wax and wane, the tide will ebb and flow, and we will continue along our life path. 

After my January reflection, I've decided that my intention for the new year will be the same as always. I will work to live fully and happily in each moment. I will give gratitude for my accomplishments and for my failures, for both will teach me lessons and help me grow. I will greet each morning with a smile and welcome the light of a new day, a fresh start paved with good intentions.  

Now Carrying Julian Bakery Bread

Who knew gluten-free bread could be this good?  We are excited to be carrying a variety of breads from the Julian Bakery based in La Jolla, CA.  The Julian Bakery has been in business since 1989 making the best organic, vegan, low carb, gluten-free, high protein, and yeast-free breads on earth.  They go to great lengths to select the finest ingredients that maximize nutritional content, and oh yeah, they taste great!  Our current selection at the market includes:


Paleo Bread:

Almond and Coconut varieties: Gluten Free, Low Carb, High Fiber, High Protein, Starch free, Grain free, Dairy free, GMO-free, Soy free, Corn free, and Yeast free.

Coconut Paleo Bread is ideal for any diet.  Get lean and sculpted while still enjoying bread!  Almond Paleo Bread is a great way to enjoy a healthy meal or snack with added flavor and health benefits.


Carb Zero Bread:

Gluten free, Yeast free, Sugar free, Soy free, Dairy free, and Guilt free! It's the perfect bread for anyone who is watching their weight, diabetic, or gluten intolerant.  

Get 18 grams of protein in 2 slices with ZERO Net Carbs. It keeps you from craving bad foods, has the perfect flavor, is moist, and holds up well for sandwiches.  And the gluten free oat fiber in this recipe is scientifically proven to control blood sugar all day long.  And if you love the taste of cinnamon, Carb Zero Cinnamon is the ideal breakfast bread that will keep you feeling satisfied until lunch.

Stop in and grab a loaf of Julian Bakery Bread and indulge in bread again without the guilt!

A Healthy New Year

The beginning of a new year is a good time to reflect on the year that has passed and set goals for the year ahead. For most people, those goals revolve around healthier habits; whether it's making wiser food choices, getting more exercise, loosing a few pounds, or just spending more time enjoying the simple things and living life more fully.

But New Year's resolutions often fade by mid-February and old habits creep back into our daily routine. Why? Because total health and wellness doesn't happen overnight; it's an ongoing process. In order to achieve lasting health and wellness, making gradual changes and taking it one step at a time usually results in better success. Studies show that it takes about 3 weeks to create a new habit, so focusing on small goals and achieving them one by one (think baby steps!) is the true path to lasting change.

So, what are your goals for the coming year? Are you planning to give up some unhealthy habits or are you adding something new to your routine? Why not focus on just one small, healthy change for January instead of tackling everything at once? How about working to incorporate more leafy greens into your diet with a Green Smoothie Challenge, or taking better care of your digestive system with healthy probiotics, like Water Kefir? Choose to make one small healthy change now, and when February rolls around it will be part of your routine and you'll be ready to take the next step to total wellness!

We'll be posting new healthy living tips every month, so join us for an amazing 12 step journey to lasting lifestyle change!


We are filled with gratitude for the opportunities that 2012 brought, and filled with excitement for the milestones to come in 2013!  We have much more to share and look forward to continuing this amazing journey with you!  

Gestures of Gratitude

As the month of Thanksgiving comes to an end, that doesn't mean that days filled with gratitude should end too.  What if all you had today were the things you were grateful for yesterday?  That question made me realize the importance of gratitude each and every day.  Since we opened our doors in June, we have been grateful for every customer that has walked through our door.  We are grateful for the outpouring of community support and our loyal customers who are anxious to see us succeed.  We are grateful for this wonderful island that we call home.  As a token of our appreciation, check out the coupon here for extra savings every Friday during the month of December. 

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. ~ William Arthur Ward 

In addition, you can receive 10% off your total purchase from now until the end of the year by bringing in a food donation for the Carolina Beach Help Center.  The Help Center works throughout the year to assist local families on the island who are in need, and supporting them helps us give back to our community.  These are the specific items they are requesting to help replenish their food pantry right now, but any type of non-perishable canned goods are appreciated:

- Packaged Pasta

- Tomato / Pasta Sauce

- Spaghettios

- Macaroni & Cheese

- Canned Soups

THANK YOU for supporting Island Wellness Market and our Island Community!