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Today, as the baby boomers age, obesity is at record levels and adult onset diabetes is at an almost epidemic stage. More and more of this demographic is realizing that healthy foods, products, and lifestyles are part of a preventive package they can take into their own hands. The natural and organics industry is experiencing an annual growth rate of about 10 percent. At a recent Natural Products Trade Show, more than 36,000 professional and trade attendees from over 80 countries attended. Some of the almost 1500 exhibits at the show focused on children's and even pet's health food products. There seems to be an ever-changing opinion among the experts as to what is and isn't healthy. First it was the animal fats and hydrogenated oils, then carbohydrates and trans-fats became the bad guys.. Now some carbohydrates are good and others are considered bad. Pretty much everyone agrees that natural, organically grown food is healthier than its chemically processed brother. The fast food industry has responded by offering more low fat choices on their menus, but not all of these are healthy to eat. The snack food industry doesn't seem to be worried either, knowing that we all crave something sweet or salty at times. For those of you who may have included eating healthier as one of your New Year's resolutions, here are some of the best health and natural food stores in St. Louis:

Whole Foods Market 1601 South Brentwood (314) 968-7744 The largest of the health food stores in St. Louis, Whole Foods tries to bring an all-inclusive shopping experience to its customers. They have a full-service bakery offering hearth baked breads and delicious pastries. Seafood is shipped from their own wharf and arrives at the store within 24 hours. All of the meats and poultry are free of hormones and growth stimulants. All of the produce is, of course, organically grown, some of it coming from local sources. The natural foods industry has expanded to include not only all of the food categories, but also nutritional supplements, cleaning products, and even pet foods. If you're looking for selection, then this is the place to go.

Wild Oats 8823 Ladue Road (314) 721-8004 Though not as large as Whole Foods, Wild Oats was the first "mega" health food store in the St. Louis area. They have a full service natural food supermarket featuring over 200 organic produce items daily. They claim that all of their products are now 100% trans-fat free. Check out their organic juice and coffee bar, or have lunch in their deli. The deli features new "corn-tainers" instead of plastic. The corn is biodegradable and better for the environment. Wild Oats carries the largest selection of vitamins and supplements in the area and I have found that they are very knowledgeable about all of the latest trends. They also offer free lectures and cooking classes in the café. Calendars of these events are available at the store.

Natural Way 8110 Big Bend (314) 961-3541 Natural Way is more like an old fashioned health food store with wooden floors and a small grocery and produce department. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable here. They have a large selection of vitamins and supplements, some of which aren't available at the giant places. I am also impressed with the large selection of books and educational materials that they have.

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