Although I’m not particularly fond of riding bikes, Tour d’Organics makes me want to hop on one. This is an annual organic and zero-footprint bike-riding event taking place in Sebastopol, Calif., this Sunday, August 16. You can ride the 16, 35, 65 or even 100 mile course that winds its way through the breathtakingly beautiful Sonoma County countryside. The rest stops are the most refreshing ever, featuring local organic farms where local farmers share the fruits of their labor -- literally. Imagine biking hard, feeling out of breath, hot and sweaty and being handed a fresh, just picked, tree-ripened nectarine! Another motivation is the meal that awaits: a fully organic and vegan meal made from scratch using locally grown fresh and wholesome ingredients. I think I just may have to re-think my aversion to bike riding...

Whole Foods Market CEO John Mackey publicly admitted that his company has lost sight of Whole Foods’ health-first roots, according the Telegraph, a UK based newspaper. In a candid moment, Mackey said: “We sell a bunch of junk." He went on: "We’ve decided if Whole Foods doesn’t take a leadership role in educating people about a healthy diet, who the heck is going to do it?”

The report adds that Whole Foods' UK stores plan to drop sugar and fat laden junk food and employ in-store nutritionists. My favorite Whole Foods store, which is the Kensington store in London (and all London stores) will get the "healthy eating" makeover, which is designed to educate customers on the company’s renewed commitment to health food. (The picture shows me at the entrance to the Kensington store last year.)

The company is also developing an employee incentive program to inspire employees to lose weight, quit smoking and lower their cholesterol or blood pressure. Upon meeting target weight, employees will be rewarded with greater discounts when shopping at Whole Foods. Mackey has not specified whether these initiatives will be extended to U.S. stores as well.