"Whole Foods" Day

Who: VN Publisher Joseph Connelly
What: Dr. Fuhrman Health Getaway 2010
Where: Rancho Bernado Inn, San Diego, Calif.
When: Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Why: Whole Foods Market returns to its roots

The Scoop: Let's get right to the "kombucha kontroversy." Whole Foods Market CEO John Mackey confirmed over dinner that the love-it-or-hate-it tasty tonic, or as I call it, "the fermented concoction that helps me hang on" (sorry Mr. Buffett), has been pulled from all of his groceries. Why? And just how much should we blame Lindsay Lohan?

An unnamed teetotaler close to Mackey mentioned the tipsy feeling felt after drinking the fermented tea (it wasn't me, I swear). Whole Foods had it tested, and, wouldn't you know, the alcohol content was far above the 0.5 percent listed on the label—ranging anywhere from 0.7–1.2 percent depending on brand. Pass me another. Staying one step ahead, WF pulls the bubbly bliss from its shelves, in order to save its pristine image... and possibly a few lawsuits somewhere down the road? Now we know why they installed "kombucha bars" that sold the liquid refreshment "on tap" in some of its markets.

Mr. and Ms. Whole Foods: John Mackey and Debra Morin

Last night's plenary was all Whole Foods, with Mackey explaining "The Whole Foods Market Healthy Eating Revolution," a uniquely forward-thinking plan that is already a resounding success. Citing that 82 percent of US adults have at least one heart disease risk factor, 81 percent are on weekly meds, and the 10 million obese kids "who will be the first generation in the country to have shorter life spans than their parents," it's time for a change. Enter ANDI.

Dr. Joel Fuhrman and Eat Right America have developed a score (think "report card") that ranks foods by their nutritional density. WF posted the ANDI scores (Aggregate Nutrient Density Index) in their produce sections beginning in January and wouldn't you know it produce sales shot up 25 percent in the last six months (leafy greens an amazing 1,000 percent). WF then added a seventh core value to the company mission, "promoting the health of our stakeholders through healthy eating education," and originated the Total Health Immersion Program for WF team members. Chef Chad Sarno (you'll meet him tomorrow) is the coordinator of the Immersion Program, a wide-ranging plan that includes higher company discounts depending upon how healthy one is, a Healthy Eating Dining Club in each market, and the availability of the program to the public in 2011.

The ANDI score card. Eat your greens.

Mackey summed it all up. "The original intent of Whole Foods was to sell healthy alternatives." He mentioned that in his first store 35 percent of sales were produce and another 20 percent bulk items. In the 30 years since those numbers have fallen to roughly 17.5 and 1.5 percent, respectively. "We're getting back to our roots." And nuts and seeds and greens.

Dr. Joel Fuhrman Health Getaway 2010

Who: VN Publisher Joseph Connelly
What: Dr. Fuhrman Health Getaway 2010
Where: Rancho Bernardo Inn, San Diego, Calif.
When: July 12, 2010
Why: Learning to eat even better in an ideal setting

The Scoop: Monday set the table for the week-long Dr. Fuhrman Health Getaway, an adventure spilling over with activities and lectures so numerous it's not easy to find time to file these reports. Each morning begins with exercise, yoga, or fitness classes, then breakfast before the learnin' commences. Today Dr. F spoke first on the connection between osteoporosis and and diet (takeaway messages: lean muscle mass = bone strength, and vitamin D deficiency causes osteoarthritis) then a post-lunch lecture on "Eating for Health." There are also complimentary health screenings. The Nutritarian Diet will be covered later in the week; for now, I'll just tease you by saying that the meals are frequent and overflowing with fresh fruits, veggies, soups, smoothies, and ginormous salads bars with ample fixings.

I actually enjoyed some conversational Fudge with breakfast—I dined with Marilouise and David Fudge from Flagstaff, Ariz. David has recently been diagnosed with diabetes and has been brought here by his quite supportive wife to learn a new way of eating and to work on reversing his illness. We talked helpful books and websites, which David immediately looked up on his handy iGadget... even finding good ol' vegnews.com.

Breakfast buddies: Marilouise and David Fudge

As for me, let's just say that my room has a 42" flat screen (too bad I don't watch) TV, a deep soaking tub, and a private balcony overlooking the 18-hole championship golf course (too bad I don't do that, either). The manicured grounds are immaculate, the spa inviting (should I get a massage?), and the large pool offers plenty of opportunity to soak up the doctor-prescribed vitamin D. Rancho Bernardo also offers tennis, bike rentals, seven selectively located outdoor hot tubs... why am I indoors writing this? You get the picture. It's a tough job, but somebody has to report on these conferences.

The Boys of Rancho Bernardo

Tomorrow: More sinful adventures plus a review of the movie Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead and just maybe a photo of the famous vegan doctor who will be here. Plus, later this week I'll give you the inside scoop on why Whole Foods has pulled kombucha from all of its markets.