Endless colors, textures and tastes await you at your local natural food store. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/spine/525988813)

Natural food stores, or health food stores, are gaining in popularity among Midwesterners. While healthy foods can be found at typical grocery stores, such as Dillons, Checkers, Aldi and Food 4 Less, natural food stores provide more organic, all-natural and gluten-free options. They also tend to carry more specialty "earthy" brands.

While trying new stores, don't forget about the ethnic groceries in town. Asian Market on Central Ave., India Emporium on Harry St., Broadway Supermarket on Broadway St. and N&J Bakery and Cafe on Lincoln St. offer a bevy of grocery items that can add much-appreciated variety to any menu. And visit a local farmer's market on the weekends for a fun experience and right-off-the-turnip-truck freshness.

For fresh produce, organic grocery items, herbal cosmetics and homeopathic ointments—and much, much more—visit one or all of these fine establishments in Wichita:

• Food For Thought
2929 E. Central Ave.
316.683.6078

• GreenAcres Market and Deli  
8141 E. 21st St.
316.634.1008

• Natural of Course
8000 W. Central Ave, No. 100
316.721.8998

• Old Town Organics
1211 E. 47th Street S.
316.685.9222

• Whole Foods
6574 E. Central Ave.
316.685.4283

• Whole Foods
2172 N. Amidon St.
316.832.1227

• Whole Foods
10555 W. 21st. St., No. 600
316.832.1227

Remember to load up your basket or reusable, environmentally friendly sack with fruits and vegetables of every color; variety is the spice of life, as well as a nutritional cornucopia. And pick up a cookbook to get the ideas flowing. You may just find that the natural food store is your new best friend.