I have been guilty of buying organic eggs for YEARS! As it turns out, in some cases, that might have been a large waste of money. I used to purchase most of my eggs by convenience - at grocery stores and large food retailers. I came across this report by the Cornicopia Institute, and figured it was time to post my findings. Wouldn't you have thought that organic eggs may have been healthier, and come from birds treated more humanly? I'm learning, that is not always the case. Check out the scorecard ratings that were used in this study. Worth reading is the note regarding the Organic Valley Brand. As always, do your own research and do what YOU are comfortable doing.
I've recently switched to purchasing my eggs from local farmers markets. These farmers are less likely cleaning their eggs in chlorine, or other toxic chemicals that can leach through the shell. And I like supporting my local farmer. One benefit is they aren't as large a polluting operation as the big national companies which is good in many ways like: there is less transportation involved, and that usually means a smaller footprint towards pollution.
My advise, strike up a conversation with the farmer and ask questions! Not only will you learn alot, but you'll be making educated decisions. What we eat and feed our families, really does matter!
Friday, October 29, 2010
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Coconut Milk to the Rescue!
As you know by now, I am trying to do a better job at monitoring the chemicals I am ingesting in the foods I eat. One of the better changes I think I have made lately is to switch my coffee additive, to SoDelicious Dairy Free Coconut Milk! And YUM - does it ever taste good! So Delicious also makes a coffee creamer that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! It doesn't contain any of the nasty chemicals the more popular coffee creamers have, and I can get this in yummy French Vanilla or Hazelnut flavors. I have found it in the dairy section at Whole Foods. It isn't crazy expensive either! Just good, healthy Coconut Milk based creamer! Try it.
Now, if that didn't quite sell you, this notification just came through my email today, and I thought I'd pass it on. The manufacturers of SoDelicious have a current promotion going where you can help resucued farm animals courtesy of Farm Sanctuary, just by mailing in the UPC code from the carton! So, you can do something good for you, and something good for a very worthy organization, not to mention the cute animals. Check it out, and let me know if you like it as much as I do!
Now, if that didn't quite sell you, this notification just came through my email today, and I thought I'd pass it on. The manufacturers of SoDelicious have a current promotion going where you can help resucued farm animals courtesy of Farm Sanctuary, just by mailing in the UPC code from the carton! So, you can do something good for you, and something good for a very worthy organization, not to mention the cute animals. Check it out, and let me know if you like it as much as I do!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Grass Fed Beef
I realize not everyone is a vegetarian, but it seems like these days, most of us are more careful about the foods we buy and serve to our friends and family. I came across this video and information regarding Grass Fed Beef. So much of the Beef we eat has been fed Corn, which is NOT natural for cattle. Have you ever seen pictures of heards of Cattle grazing in corn fields? Yeah, I didn't think so.
Grass Fed Cattle are naturally more healthy, and the meat is leaner. Look for it, and preferably, make sure it hasn't been fed anitbiotics or growth hormones either.
If you want to learn MORE about the dangers of Corn in the US - (we are hearing more and more about how corn and its sugars are not good for humans, but it's not healthy for cattle either), please read "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan.
For now, I hope this information is useful!
Grass Fed Cattle are naturally more healthy, and the meat is leaner. Look for it, and preferably, make sure it hasn't been fed anitbiotics or growth hormones either.
If you want to learn MORE about the dangers of Corn in the US - (we are hearing more and more about how corn and its sugars are not good for humans, but it's not healthy for cattle either), please read "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan.
For now, I hope this information is useful!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Inflammation and Acidic vs. Alkaline
Many of you may be reading more and more lately about foods that can produce more acid or foods that create a more alkaline condition in your body. Highly acidic foods can lead to inflammation in our bodies, which in turn can lead to sickness and poor health. Whereas some foods help to provide a more alkaline balance to our bodies. The trick is to balance our pH levels - or neutralize it. In other words, we don't want to be too acidic, or too alkaline, but balanced between the two conditions. Balancing this pH level will help in our aging process, and who doesn't want to age gracefully and with health energy?
So can you guess which kinds of foods create the more undesirable condition of higher acid? If you answered, processed and engineered foods and meats, you are correct. It appears that with each new generation, our bodies are becoming more and more acidic! And it should be no surprise then that the rates for cancer and diabetes keeps on climbing.
What happens when we are too acidic?
When you eat foods that increase your acid levels, your body works to get rid of this excess acid by excreting it in urine, feces and perspiration.
It uses fat cells as an "acid dump".
When your body exceeds its ability to maintain, from food, a "neutral" balance it has to "steal" from bones, teeth and tissues as an acid neutralizer.
Over a period of time of this stealing process can make your bones become a hollow shell and you have to be extremely careful of slips or falls. 30% of rest homes tenants are there as a result of osteoporosis and a fall that broke a hip etc.
For the diabetic, acidity has and continues to interfere with the response of insulin receptor cells which results in higher and higher insulin resistance.
Correcting this acidic condition will reverse the ever rising insulin resistance and will aid in halting silent inflammation contributing to the problem.
High acidity interferes with full digestions of vitamins and supplements as well. So all that good we think we are doing by taking supplements, may not have the impact we were hoping for if we are acidic!
So, what SHOULD you be eating or doing?
First let me give you list of what you should AVOID: all of these raise acidity!
Alcohol
Caffeine
Low fat foods
Fear or Anger
Lack of essential nutrients
Sugar and High Fructose Corn Syrup
Stress
Lack of Fiber
Most drugs
Fatigue
Sedentariness
Artificial Sweeteners, Asparatame VERY acidic
Here is a list of Alkaline rich foods - as well as a chart showing some acid rich foods. Other lists are readily available on line.
If you can Neutralize the acidity, your body will start to heal itself immediately!
To find out whether you are in an acid or alkaline state, you can purchase pH testing strips at almost every health food store. They are activated with a little urine, very easy to do! Try it out, than start adjusting your diet to get yourself into a neutral zone. Let me know how you feel!
It's a constant battle to do the right things: eat right, exercise and simply get enough sleep. But what have you got to lose? There is much to gain!
So can you guess which kinds of foods create the more undesirable condition of higher acid? If you answered, processed and engineered foods and meats, you are correct. It appears that with each new generation, our bodies are becoming more and more acidic! And it should be no surprise then that the rates for cancer and diabetes keeps on climbing.
What happens when we are too acidic?
When you eat foods that increase your acid levels, your body works to get rid of this excess acid by excreting it in urine, feces and perspiration.
It uses fat cells as an "acid dump".
When your body exceeds its ability to maintain, from food, a "neutral" balance it has to "steal" from bones, teeth and tissues as an acid neutralizer.
Over a period of time of this stealing process can make your bones become a hollow shell and you have to be extremely careful of slips or falls. 30% of rest homes tenants are there as a result of osteoporosis and a fall that broke a hip etc.
For the diabetic, acidity has and continues to interfere with the response of insulin receptor cells which results in higher and higher insulin resistance.
Correcting this acidic condition will reverse the ever rising insulin resistance and will aid in halting silent inflammation contributing to the problem.
High acidity interferes with full digestions of vitamins and supplements as well. So all that good we think we are doing by taking supplements, may not have the impact we were hoping for if we are acidic!
So, what SHOULD you be eating or doing?
First let me give you list of what you should AVOID: all of these raise acidity!
Alcohol
Caffeine
Low fat foods
Fear or Anger
Lack of essential nutrients
Sugar and High Fructose Corn Syrup
Stress
Lack of Fiber
Most drugs
Fatigue
Sedentariness
Artificial Sweeteners, Asparatame VERY acidic
Here is a list of Alkaline rich foods - as well as a chart showing some acid rich foods. Other lists are readily available on line.
If you can Neutralize the acidity, your body will start to heal itself immediately!
To find out whether you are in an acid or alkaline state, you can purchase pH testing strips at almost every health food store. They are activated with a little urine, very easy to do! Try it out, than start adjusting your diet to get yourself into a neutral zone. Let me know how you feel!
It's a constant battle to do the right things: eat right, exercise and simply get enough sleep. But what have you got to lose? There is much to gain!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
More information on Chemicals to avoid in cosmetics
Although I recently posted about the chemicals to avoid when purchasing cosmetic products, I like the way this article summarizes it all. It reinforces the previous information, but focuses on a few key ingredients. For me, it's easier to memorize a few ingredients! This old brain, aint what it used to be! I hope you find this info useful!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Some spices Cut Cancer Risks!
This was delivered to me today in my daily health news.. I really thought this was worth sharing!
Researchers report that adding certain spices to your burgers before tossing them on the grill this summer will not only add to the flavor of the meat, but they can also cut the risk of cancer long associated with the cooking of beef.
Scientists at Kansas State University (KSU) found that three spices in particular -- fingerroot, rosemary and tumeric -- seem to direct the greatest amount of antioxidant activity towards preventing the formation of heterocyclic amines (HCAs). HCAs, they note, are the cancer-causing compounds that are produced when foods such as beef are barbecued, grilled, broiled or fried.
Specifically, the three spices appeared to cut back on HCA production by upwards of 40 percent, the team observed, thereby significantly reducing the HCA-associated risk for developing colorectal, stomach, lung, pancreatic, mammary and prostate cancers.
"Cooked beef tends to develop more HCAs than other kinds of cooked meats such as pork and chicken," KSU food chemistry professor J. Scott Smith noted in a news release. "Cooked beef patties appear to be the cooked meat with the highest mutagenic activity and may be the most important source of HCAs in the human diet."
Therefore Smith and his colleagues looked into the HCA-inhibiting potential of six spices: cumin, coriander seeds, galangal, fingerroot, rosemary and tumeric.
Of all those investigated, rosemary came out on top as the strongest protector against HCA.
The authors suggested that consumers integrate these spices into their menus when appropriate, noting that some, such as rosemary, come in an extract form that has demonstrated HCA inhibition of 61 percent to 79 percent.
They pointed out that spicing allows for the sort of high-temperature cooking (above 352 degrees Farenheit) that is typically recommended for safe grilling, while at the same time blocking the increased HCA production that is known to occur when the flames intensify.
Smith and his team plan further research to see what other marinades and powders might do by way of HCA curtailment -- they noted that earlier work has shown that marinating steaks with particular herbs and spices effectively lowers HCA production.
More information
For more grilling safety tips, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture
Researchers report that adding certain spices to your burgers before tossing them on the grill this summer will not only add to the flavor of the meat, but they can also cut the risk of cancer long associated with the cooking of beef.
Scientists at Kansas State University (KSU) found that three spices in particular -- fingerroot, rosemary and tumeric -- seem to direct the greatest amount of antioxidant activity towards preventing the formation of heterocyclic amines (HCAs). HCAs, they note, are the cancer-causing compounds that are produced when foods such as beef are barbecued, grilled, broiled or fried.
Specifically, the three spices appeared to cut back on HCA production by upwards of 40 percent, the team observed, thereby significantly reducing the HCA-associated risk for developing colorectal, stomach, lung, pancreatic, mammary and prostate cancers.
"Cooked beef tends to develop more HCAs than other kinds of cooked meats such as pork and chicken," KSU food chemistry professor J. Scott Smith noted in a news release. "Cooked beef patties appear to be the cooked meat with the highest mutagenic activity and may be the most important source of HCAs in the human diet."
Therefore Smith and his colleagues looked into the HCA-inhibiting potential of six spices: cumin, coriander seeds, galangal, fingerroot, rosemary and tumeric.
Of all those investigated, rosemary came out on top as the strongest protector against HCA.
The authors suggested that consumers integrate these spices into their menus when appropriate, noting that some, such as rosemary, come in an extract form that has demonstrated HCA inhibition of 61 percent to 79 percent.
They pointed out that spicing allows for the sort of high-temperature cooking (above 352 degrees Farenheit) that is typically recommended for safe grilling, while at the same time blocking the increased HCA production that is known to occur when the flames intensify.
Smith and his team plan further research to see what other marinades and powders might do by way of HCA curtailment -- they noted that earlier work has shown that marinating steaks with particular herbs and spices effectively lowers HCA production.
More information
For more grilling safety tips, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Random Acts of Kindess
Nothing feels better than the random kind act, that is both unsuspecting and truly random. It gives you a feeling of the goodness that exists. We all hear stories of the bad that is around us, but an act of kindness, especially when the giver and receiver are total strangers, is hard to beat. I have been the recipient of two very random acts of kindness recently, and am conscience of how grateful I am to have experienced them, and I'm also anxious for the opportunity to become the giver of a random act of kindness. Last night, to reinforce this, there was a program on TV that I watched... it was called, "What would you do?" and it featured stories that were secretly videotaped to see peoples reactions to tough situations. One story touched me, it featured people who did not have enough money to pay for their medications. In all cases, complete strangers stepped up to pay - $50 to $100 worth of medications for someone they didn't even know. It was all very moving. The simple act of one human being just wanting to help another. So I started to think, what kind of good can we bring to the world? What would happen if each of us were the giver of a Random Act of Kindess? Maybe if we all try it in the upcoming week, the recipients will simply "Pay it Forward". It's worth a shot, isn't it? After all, Kindness... it Really Does Matter!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Real Time Farms
Check this out... such a great website sent to me by my friend Lori! She thought it was worth sharing and I agree! It's called Real Time Farms and it lets you load in a farm or market near you. It will help you find fresh local food near you! It shows you pictures and gives you info! So cool!
I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE starting my weekend out early on Saturday morning heading to and walking around my local Farmer's market. I sip my coffee, stroll and take in all the hard working farmers who care so much to bring us fresh foods! I feel good buying locally, and I know I am doing something wonderful for me and my family. It's just a great feeling to go and take it all in. If you aren't going to a local market, I urge you to try it. I'm usually home before the rest of my family is up and going. OR once in a while, I will get my family up early to go with me. It never disappoints!
I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE starting my weekend out early on Saturday morning heading to and walking around my local Farmer's market. I sip my coffee, stroll and take in all the hard working farmers who care so much to bring us fresh foods! I feel good buying locally, and I know I am doing something wonderful for me and my family. It's just a great feeling to go and take it all in. If you aren't going to a local market, I urge you to try it. I'm usually home before the rest of my family is up and going. OR once in a while, I will get my family up early to go with me. It never disappoints!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
So many Breads... which is best?
I know when I go grocery shopping versus when my husband goes, we often come home with very different kinds of breads. I have also noticed that Bread can be something we can get very, very attached too. People I know always find a brand they like and stick with it. And often times, think that what they are buying is okay for them healthwise.
Hopefully many of you already know that White bread really has no nutritional value in it. It's been heavily processed, and enriched, which sounds like something good has been added, but in reality, so much of what might have been good in it, has been lost in the manufacturing process.
Whole Grain breads are the healthiest, best bread to buy. But what does True whole Grain bread actually mean? Well, the words "Whole Grain" needs to be listed in the first or second place in the ingredients listing.
So, is whole wheat bread the same as whole grain? It is NOT! You do not want to see flour in your ingredient list. A lot of stores carry whole grain breads, many of them are in the freezer section of your grocery store. Ezekiel is one of my favorites. I also find various sprouted grain breads that I love - whole foods has a wonderful sprouted bun that I love with my veggie burgers. Store them in your fridge, and they will last longer! It's a healthier option, full of fiber, which will help keep you full and help get more toxins out of your body! More on Fiber in a later post! But for now, read your labels! Whole Grains are what you want!
Hopefully many of you already know that White bread really has no nutritional value in it. It's been heavily processed, and enriched, which sounds like something good has been added, but in reality, so much of what might have been good in it, has been lost in the manufacturing process.
Whole Grain breads are the healthiest, best bread to buy. But what does True whole Grain bread actually mean? Well, the words "Whole Grain" needs to be listed in the first or second place in the ingredients listing.
So, is whole wheat bread the same as whole grain? It is NOT! You do not want to see flour in your ingredient list. A lot of stores carry whole grain breads, many of them are in the freezer section of your grocery store. Ezekiel is one of my favorites. I also find various sprouted grain breads that I love - whole foods has a wonderful sprouted bun that I love with my veggie burgers. Store them in your fridge, and they will last longer! It's a healthier option, full of fiber, which will help keep you full and help get more toxins out of your body! More on Fiber in a later post! But for now, read your labels! Whole Grains are what you want!
Friday, May 7, 2010
Be the Change you Wish to see in the World
Sometimes, I just get a bit overwhelmed with trying to understand what my bigger purpose is supposed to be. My heart gets tugged frequently to help with something? Make a difference somehow? Find my true passion. I guess if I was lucky enough, I would have had more kids, or turned my passion for fundraising and making a difference into a career. But short of that, I still search for ways to help.
My most recent charitable involvement was through my church, and our family sponsored a child in Kenya. Our sponsorship will provide, food, education, medical help and sprititual guidance to children who are poor and many of whom are orphaned. There are many wonderful childrens sponsorship programs out there that need help. We choose to work with nochild.org, but there are others that need help too. Worldvision.org is another wonderful organization. Or, if you want to check out these or other organizations, this is a wonderful site that allows you to see how efficiently they operate, as well as how they are rated. This site handles more than just child sponsorship organizaions, you can check out just about any charitable organization here! It's a great resource!
The idea of children dying due to starvation is so haunting for me, and hard to understand. We have so much, and others have nothing. My family decided to sponsor a child, and our 'sacrifice' is as simple as giving up one inexpensive meal out and giving it to our chiild's organization. This will be pretty painless for my family, but of great benefit for our sponsored child. It feels good.
What drives you when you hear the phrase Ghandi stated: "Be the change you wish to see in the world". Does it inspire you to do something?
My most recent charitable involvement was through my church, and our family sponsored a child in Kenya. Our sponsorship will provide, food, education, medical help and sprititual guidance to children who are poor and many of whom are orphaned. There are many wonderful childrens sponsorship programs out there that need help. We choose to work with nochild.org, but there are others that need help too. Worldvision.org is another wonderful organization. Or, if you want to check out these or other organizations, this is a wonderful site that allows you to see how efficiently they operate, as well as how they are rated. This site handles more than just child sponsorship organizaions, you can check out just about any charitable organization here! It's a great resource!
The idea of children dying due to starvation is so haunting for me, and hard to understand. We have so much, and others have nothing. My family decided to sponsor a child, and our 'sacrifice' is as simple as giving up one inexpensive meal out and giving it to our chiild's organization. This will be pretty painless for my family, but of great benefit for our sponsored child. It feels good.
What drives you when you hear the phrase Ghandi stated: "Be the change you wish to see in the world". Does it inspire you to do something?
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Check it out for yourself
If you are curious about how your favorite cosmetics fare, check out this website. They grade your favorite cosmetics in terms of toxicity... Any knowledge can be powerful!
Monday, May 3, 2010
Check out your Cosmetics at this site!
As a follow up to my post yesterday, I wanted to send along the link to this very cool site, where you can get a hazard rating on the cosmetics you use. It's fun, and interesting. Check it out: http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ This is a great place to do some research and learn how your own products score. It's a database where you can search for your products. This database is brought to you by the Environmental Working group - Skin Deep is a safety guide to cosmetics and personal care products brought to you by researchers at the Environmental Working Group. You might be surprised to see the toxin levels of some of your daily used products. I found this fascinating. Check it out and share your thoughts. Are what you using something that is good for you? Are you finding something interesting about what you find here? Leave a comment.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Not all Skin Care Products are Created Equal
This post will focus on another element of health that so many of us are misinformed, or lack knowledge on. It's about skin care products, and the ingredients in them. Our foods are regulated to a certain extent through some labeling, like USDA organic, at least that will let you know your food is growth hormone and toxin free. But what about our skin care products. Is it possible you are eating healthy things for your body, yet slathering toxins into your skin daily? Remember that your skin IS your largest organ. Anything you put on it can be easily absorbed through your pores. There are more and more health care products on the market that are good for you, and don't contain any harmful chemicals. Here is a list of things you should avoid in your cosmetics, skin care products and beauty supplies:
Parabens: Methyl, propyl, butyl and ethyl parabens. Many skin care products, including moisturizers, will use parabens as a preservative so the product will have a longer shelf life. It's a matter of economics. Some studies have suggested that they may cause cancer and interfere with the body's endocrine system. They may also cause allergic reactions and skin rashes.
Alcohols: Ethanol, ethyl alcohol, methanol, benzyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol and SD alcohol. Not all alcohols have the same properties, but these which are commonly found in skin care products, are very drying and irritating for the skin. These alcohols can strip away the skin's natural acid mantle, making you more susceptible to molds, viruses and bacterias.
Dioxane: This is a synthetic derivative of coconut. This is widely used in skincare products. It often contains high concentrations of 1,4-dioxane, which is readily absorbed through the skin. 1,4-dioxane is considered a chemical "known to the State of California to cause cancer". Do you really want to put that on your body? Crazy that companies can use these and sell them to people!
Fragrances: I am not against smelling good, so for sure don't go get rid of your favorite perfume. It's just that your skincare products shouldn't contain fragrances. Remember how I told you your skin is your largest organ? Well, when you use skin care products, you apply them all over your face, neck and body. This covers a lot of surface area, and therefore, a lot can be absorbed through your skin. Typically, perfumes are just dotted in a couple of key areas. Just be careful with your fragrances, since many of the ingredients in them are known to be toxic or carcinogenic.
Remember, there are some great choices out there for cosmetics. Do your homework and choose wisely, because what you put on your body is just as important as what you put in it!
Parabens: Methyl, propyl, butyl and ethyl parabens. Many skin care products, including moisturizers, will use parabens as a preservative so the product will have a longer shelf life. It's a matter of economics. Some studies have suggested that they may cause cancer and interfere with the body's endocrine system. They may also cause allergic reactions and skin rashes.
Alcohols: Ethanol, ethyl alcohol, methanol, benzyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol and SD alcohol. Not all alcohols have the same properties, but these which are commonly found in skin care products, are very drying and irritating for the skin. These alcohols can strip away the skin's natural acid mantle, making you more susceptible to molds, viruses and bacterias.
Dioxane: This is a synthetic derivative of coconut. This is widely used in skincare products. It often contains high concentrations of 1,4-dioxane, which is readily absorbed through the skin. 1,4-dioxane is considered a chemical "known to the State of California to cause cancer". Do you really want to put that on your body? Crazy that companies can use these and sell them to people!
Fragrances: I am not against smelling good, so for sure don't go get rid of your favorite perfume. It's just that your skincare products shouldn't contain fragrances. Remember how I told you your skin is your largest organ? Well, when you use skin care products, you apply them all over your face, neck and body. This covers a lot of surface area, and therefore, a lot can be absorbed through your skin. Typically, perfumes are just dotted in a couple of key areas. Just be careful with your fragrances, since many of the ingredients in them are known to be toxic or carcinogenic.
Remember, there are some great choices out there for cosmetics. Do your homework and choose wisely, because what you put on your body is just as important as what you put in it!
Monday, April 26, 2010
You're a WHAT?
I thought I'd post a little something on what all these terms floating around mean - you know, what's the differences between a Vegan vs. Vegetarian vs. ??? I have heard a lot of these terms lately, but didn't know until recently what they all meant. My guess is there might be a few people like myself out there that don't know exactly what they mean either. Is a Vegetarian the same as a Vegan? Let's clear it all up with some simple definitions:
Vegetarian: Is someone who eats no meat (beef, poultry, pork, fish) or no meat by-products (including gelatin, soup made with meat stock).
Lacto Ovo Vegetarian: Is someone who still doesn’t eat meat like a vegetarian but will eat eggs and dairy products.
Semi-Vegetarian: Is someone who cuts back on their meat intake on a daily basis.
Pesco Vegetarian: This is someone who eats fish but no other meat.
Pollo Vegetarian: Is a person who will eat poultry but no other meat.
Vegan: This is a strict vegetarian, who also has no dairy - NOTHING that has come from an animal. Vegans typically also avoid all animal products, including wool, silk, leather and any other item made from an animal.
So as you can see, there are MANY definitions, for many types of eaters. I'm a believer that you don't have be a vegetarian to make a huge difference in this world and the environment. Be a meat eater! But if you can, try to select meat that has no added antibiotics or growth hormones. Even better, buy meat from a local farmer you trust. It's easy to build those relationships. Most towns have Farmer's Markets, so grab yourself a coffee or tea to go, and strike up a conversation on Saturday Morning with a local farmer! Bottom line is, if you simply eat one less meal with meat each week, you too can have a huge impact on your health, our water, our soil and pollution as a whole. After all, it really does matter!
Vegetarian: Is someone who eats no meat (beef, poultry, pork, fish) or no meat by-products (including gelatin, soup made with meat stock).
Lacto Ovo Vegetarian: Is someone who still doesn’t eat meat like a vegetarian but will eat eggs and dairy products.
Semi-Vegetarian: Is someone who cuts back on their meat intake on a daily basis.
Pesco Vegetarian: This is someone who eats fish but no other meat.
Pollo Vegetarian: Is a person who will eat poultry but no other meat.
Vegan: This is a strict vegetarian, who also has no dairy - NOTHING that has come from an animal. Vegans typically also avoid all animal products, including wool, silk, leather and any other item made from an animal.
So as you can see, there are MANY definitions, for many types of eaters. I'm a believer that you don't have be a vegetarian to make a huge difference in this world and the environment. Be a meat eater! But if you can, try to select meat that has no added antibiotics or growth hormones. Even better, buy meat from a local farmer you trust. It's easy to build those relationships. Most towns have Farmer's Markets, so grab yourself a coffee or tea to go, and strike up a conversation on Saturday Morning with a local farmer! Bottom line is, if you simply eat one less meal with meat each week, you too can have a huge impact on your health, our water, our soil and pollution as a whole. After all, it really does matter!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Meat Free Mondays
As many of you know, I am a fairly new vegetarian... going on 5 months now. And truly I have never felt better. I chose to do this for many reasons, but it isn't my goal to convert people to this lifestyle. I do however support making a positive change in the health of our planet, and ourselves by limiting the amount of meat we do eat.
Maybe you are familiar with the environmental effects industrial animal farming produces. It is a HUGE contributor to the CO2 footprint of our planet.
Meatless Mondays, or Meat Free Mondays refer to the movement of going one full day without eating meat. Some cities have actually done this! I urge you to give it a shot. Your family may not even miss the meat! It is a great way to get more fruits and veggies in your diet!
Some tasty ideas to try:
Roast some veggies. Try Onions, Cauliflower, or Asparagus - my favorite!
Try a new pasta dish with diced veggies in it!
How about some meatless meatballs! Trader Joe's brand is super tasty!
A simple dinner of grilled cheese and tomato soup is always a great choice.
Fruit, granola and yogurt parfaits for breakfast
Avocado, Tomato sandwiches
What ideas do you have for meat-free dishes? Share them!
Maybe you are familiar with the environmental effects industrial animal farming produces. It is a HUGE contributor to the CO2 footprint of our planet.
Meatless Mondays, or Meat Free Mondays refer to the movement of going one full day without eating meat. Some cities have actually done this! I urge you to give it a shot. Your family may not even miss the meat! It is a great way to get more fruits and veggies in your diet!
Some tasty ideas to try:
Roast some veggies. Try Onions, Cauliflower, or Asparagus - my favorite!
Try a new pasta dish with diced veggies in it!
How about some meatless meatballs! Trader Joe's brand is super tasty!
A simple dinner of grilled cheese and tomato soup is always a great choice.
Fruit, granola and yogurt parfaits for breakfast
Avocado, Tomato sandwiches
What ideas do you have for meat-free dishes? Share them!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Sugar = EVIL?
I'm sure you've been hearing or reading a lot about the dangers of Sugars. Are you confused about what you should or shouldn't be eating? Manufacturers and Marketers are adding to this confusion, with names we don't recognize, or believe are good for us. I am pretty passionate about Sugar, and I am completely convinced it's the reason I've packed on the pounds, as have others in our country. It's addictive and deadly. The old addage of 'everything in moderation' holds true, but really look at the labels of what you are eating, and you will see with all the different names sugar goes by, we are all getting too much of this food! The list of sugars just seems to go on and on.
I found this article today on the dangers of sugar and just really wanted to share this with all of you. It's a long one, but worth the read. Check it out and tell me what you think.
I found this article today on the dangers of sugar and just really wanted to share this with all of you. It's a long one, but worth the read. Check it out and tell me what you think.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Become part of the Food Revolution
Jamie Oliver has a show on TV now, Fridays, 9 pm on ABC, highlighting the epidemic of child obesity in our country. He is working in one school district in the US, to try to change the way America eats. It's pretty enlightening. Part of his mission is to obviously reach out to other areas and get us to pledge to become part of the food revolution, and offer our children better food - both at home and in our schools. Check out his site, and possible sign the petition to become a part of the Food Revolution. I have signed it, won't you? Please pass on the info as well
Monday, April 12, 2010
More GMO info
I found this information in my inbox and just had to pass it along. I subscribe to Dr. Mercola's newsletters, and he just wrote about GMO's... Very timely since I just wrote about them too. So if you'd like to learn more, please check out this link: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/04/03/jeffrey-smith-interview.aspx
At the end of the article, under the section called, "What you can Do NOW!", there is a link titled "non-GMO shoppers guide" This guide will give you brands that are NON-GMO and brands that may contain GMOs. I know this is a lot to take in, but it's worthwhile to begin educating ourselves on.
I hope you find this information as useful as I do! I believe it all really does matter!
At the end of the article, under the section called, "What you can Do NOW!", there is a link titled "non-GMO shoppers guide" This guide will give you brands that are NON-GMO and brands that may contain GMOs. I know this is a lot to take in, but it's worthwhile to begin educating ourselves on.
I hope you find this information as useful as I do! I believe it all really does matter!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
An easy quick recipe - snack
Well, I am a fan of Crunchy, Salty Sancks... so here's one of my favorites!
Kale Chips
Ingredients:
Curly Kale - 1 bunch or more
Olive oil
sea salt
Wash the curly Kale. Tear the Kale into pieces, but do not use the center stalk area. I tear my pieces into quarter to half dollar sizes. Pat the Kale dry, place pieces in bowl and drizzle some olive oil over it - a little oil goes a long way so use it sparingly! Rub the oil onto the leaves. Place the pieces on a baking sheet, and lightly salt.
Bake in oven at 350 degrees, for about 15 - 20 minutes, or until the pieces turn brown on the edges.
Enjoy! This is a super crunchy, great snack! I can't seem to keep this in the house for more than a day!
Kale Chips
Ingredients:
Curly Kale - 1 bunch or more
Olive oil
sea salt
Wash the curly Kale. Tear the Kale into pieces, but do not use the center stalk area. I tear my pieces into quarter to half dollar sizes. Pat the Kale dry, place pieces in bowl and drizzle some olive oil over it - a little oil goes a long way so use it sparingly! Rub the oil onto the leaves. Place the pieces on a baking sheet, and lightly salt.
Bake in oven at 350 degrees, for about 15 - 20 minutes, or until the pieces turn brown on the edges.
Enjoy! This is a super crunchy, great snack! I can't seem to keep this in the house for more than a day!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
What is a GMO?
Every time I shop, I see signs, for "All Natural", "Organic", "Free Range", "Grass-Fed", "No GMO's"... all of these terms sounding important! Are they what I want? They sound healthy - but are they? Shopping was becoming more and more overwhelming - how was I going to decipher it all? I could blog for days on what I've learned, and I have alot left to learn. It seems like everyone had a different interpretation for the same thing. I have read quite a bit on these terms, but for today, I want to start with one that I find a bit disturbing. GMOs... What is a GMO?
GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism. The EPA defines it as: "A term that refers to plants that have had genes implanted to improve their performance by making them resistant to certain pesticides, diseases, or insects." I found that here: www.epa.gov/oecaagct/ag101/cropglossary.html
It is a product of genetic engineering, and allows for the introduction of specific genes into an organism in the hopes of it developing special strengths. But do I want that?
An example of a GMO includes, Roundup Ready seeds. Roundup Ready seeds have been engineered to survive pesticides - heard of Roundup? "Normal" seeds can only take so much toxic weed killer, before they too dies. Round up seeds (GMOs) can survive these pesticides, even though all the other plants around it die. And where do all those pesticides go next? Answer: Into our food... which goes into us.... Hmmmm, not exactly what I want to be eating.
I heard a farmer once say that some GMO corn plants could withstand the pesticides, even though the weeds and worms were being destroyed! And the GMO plants actually thrive under these toxic applications. Is that really what you want to eat? I know I don't.
Now for some more bad news. There are currently no laws in the US requiring companies to label if their foods contain GMOs. What makes that such a sad, horrifying statement, is that most of the corn, soy, wheat and rice sold in this country (as well as in the processed foods made with these ingredients) is genetically modified - and none of it has to be labeled!
Q: So how do you avoid buying GMOs?
A: You have to buy organic foods.
One last thing to ponder... the company that makes Roundup herbicide, also makes the Roundup seeds - coincidence?
There ARE some things you can do..
1). Write to your congressman... ask for GMO foods to be labeled.
2). Buy organic and avoid the GMO all together!
2). Continue to Educate yourself... there is a lot to learn about GMOs and the food we eat. The book - The Omnivores Dilemma by Michael Pollan is eye-opening. It describes the corn industry in this country - simply amazing. And it goes into much more about our food chain.
3). Learn what you can about Monsanto, the company making these toxic chemicals and seeds that can withstand those chemicals. Learn what they have done to the farmers who use and don't use their seeds....
I will write more in future blogs about other labels and the confusion they are causing. I just wanted to start off the label discussion with something I am passionate about. After all, it really does matter...
GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism. The EPA defines it as: "A term that refers to plants that have had genes implanted to improve their performance by making them resistant to certain pesticides, diseases, or insects." I found that here: www.epa.gov/oecaagct/ag101/cropglossary.html
It is a product of genetic engineering, and allows for the introduction of specific genes into an organism in the hopes of it developing special strengths. But do I want that?
An example of a GMO includes, Roundup Ready seeds. Roundup Ready seeds have been engineered to survive pesticides - heard of Roundup? "Normal" seeds can only take so much toxic weed killer, before they too dies. Round up seeds (GMOs) can survive these pesticides, even though all the other plants around it die. And where do all those pesticides go next? Answer: Into our food... which goes into us.... Hmmmm, not exactly what I want to be eating.
I heard a farmer once say that some GMO corn plants could withstand the pesticides, even though the weeds and worms were being destroyed! And the GMO plants actually thrive under these toxic applications. Is that really what you want to eat? I know I don't.
Now for some more bad news. There are currently no laws in the US requiring companies to label if their foods contain GMOs. What makes that such a sad, horrifying statement, is that most of the corn, soy, wheat and rice sold in this country (as well as in the processed foods made with these ingredients) is genetically modified - and none of it has to be labeled!
Q: So how do you avoid buying GMOs?
A: You have to buy organic foods.
One last thing to ponder... the company that makes Roundup herbicide, also makes the Roundup seeds - coincidence?
There ARE some things you can do..
1). Write to your congressman... ask for GMO foods to be labeled.
2). Buy organic and avoid the GMO all together!
2). Continue to Educate yourself... there is a lot to learn about GMOs and the food we eat. The book - The Omnivores Dilemma by Michael Pollan is eye-opening. It describes the corn industry in this country - simply amazing. And it goes into much more about our food chain.
3). Learn what you can about Monsanto, the company making these toxic chemicals and seeds that can withstand those chemicals. Learn what they have done to the farmers who use and don't use their seeds....
I will write more in future blogs about other labels and the confusion they are causing. I just wanted to start off the label discussion with something I am passionate about. After all, it really does matter...
Monday, April 5, 2010
Quinoa
One of my favorite blogs, peaceful daily, featured Quinoa today. Here is a portion of that note:
Very few people know about an amazing grain called quinoa (pronounced keen-wa). Quinoa comes from the Andes mountains in South America. Quinoa has been grown and harvested since ancient times. It was actually one of the first foods eaten by the Incas. Some nutritionists call it the "supergrain of the future." It has more protein than any other grain, with most varieties of quinoa clocking in at a mighty 16%. Some varieties even have 20%. The protein in quinoa is considered complete because it has all 8 essential amino acids.
I just started eating Quinoa around December. It's easy, easy to make, and so far, I haven't made a dish I don't love with it. One of my favorite uses for it is a warm heaping serving on a baby spinach salad, with some feta, pine nuts, beets, cucs, tomatoes and some balsamic! It is super filling! Try it out, replace some brown rice in your next dish and try using Quinoa instead, or instead of orzo in that salad, try quinoa... it's a perfect grain. It's a simple swap, that really does matter, for your health!
Very few people know about an amazing grain called quinoa (pronounced keen-wa). Quinoa comes from the Andes mountains in South America. Quinoa has been grown and harvested since ancient times. It was actually one of the first foods eaten by the Incas. Some nutritionists call it the "supergrain of the future." It has more protein than any other grain, with most varieties of quinoa clocking in at a mighty 16%. Some varieties even have 20%. The protein in quinoa is considered complete because it has all 8 essential amino acids.
I just started eating Quinoa around December. It's easy, easy to make, and so far, I haven't made a dish I don't love with it. One of my favorite uses for it is a warm heaping serving on a baby spinach salad, with some feta, pine nuts, beets, cucs, tomatoes and some balsamic! It is super filling! Try it out, replace some brown rice in your next dish and try using Quinoa instead, or instead of orzo in that salad, try quinoa... it's a perfect grain. It's a simple swap, that really does matter, for your health!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
...and NOW for something completely FUN!
Ok, as promised, here is a really fun idea... they are called Bento Boxes. My good, good friend in NY, who is always so hip and trendy, turned me on to these. What a great way to get your child to eat healthy.. and it's fun, with NO HUGE serving sizes. I wish someone would make these for me! Anyway, here is a blog my friend sent me.. this woman really has some super CUTE BENTO BOX ideas for kids!
The picture posted at the beginning of this post is a picture of Camryn's first Bento Box that I made her for School this week. Of course this all takes time, but it was fun.. I can see making these a couple of times a week, PB&J for the rest! Ha!
She had a Spinach quinoa salad ( that was a heart mold for the quinoa). She had carrots, snap peas, "sushi rolls" of turkey and string cheese, strawberry flowers with Kiwi and strawberry Japanese dessert we found at the Japanese market near us. And for good measure, a teeny, tiny box of chocolate! She loved eating it, I loved making it with her!
These aren't just for kids! Search the web and get plenty of Bento Box ideas! Savor the good things - it really does matter!
Timing is Everything
There is a lot of talk lately about Sugar, and High Fructose Corn Syrup... - read "The Omnivores Dilemna" to learn more about how we are killing ourselves with corn/sugar!
This article came through my email today. Timely to say the least! I thought I was doing myself some good using Agave.... can you say, "Sucka!" Take a look at the article I've attached!
Mercola.com article on the dangers of Agave.
This article came through my email today. Timely to say the least! I thought I was doing myself some good using Agave.... can you say, "Sucka!" Take a look at the article I've attached!
Mercola.com article on the dangers of Agave.
Monday, March 29, 2010
What on Earth is a CSA?
What is a CSA?
I realized I just mentioned 'CSA' in my last post, and didn't explain it. CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. It is really a Farmer - Consumer Direct Relationship.
A couple of years ago, I went to a free lecture at the library to learn more about Organic Farming in Michigan. That is where I met Michelle, a wonderful woman and owner of Maple Creek Farm. I took a ton of notes while Michelle talked. She was talking about things I hadn't heard of until then, "genetically modified corn"( Bad stuff) and the benefits of organic produce (Good stuff). She introduce the idea of buying locally, which sounded great, and explained what a CSA is and does. Shortly after that, I became a member of a CSA. I did some research and liked what I learned about Maple Creek Farm. So I joined, and they are awesome! They are a family owned farm who grow certified organic produce. By signing up to be a member of a CSA, you will get weeks worth of locally grown produce, delivered near your home! Maple Creek Farm offers 2 different sizes of CSA's, a whole share, or a half share - it all depends on how much produce you want! They deliver 20 weeks of produce! And they deliver all over! Personally, until I joined, I had never purchased Chard, Dinosaur Kale, Patty pan squash, and more! I have always loved vegetables, but just kept sticking with my same old favorites! This CSA was not only fun, but I discovered a ton more delicious veggies and the flavors of truly fresh produce blew my socks off!
Visit their blog and learn more about Maple Creek Farm. They also participate in many local farmers markets. The one I visit is the Royal Oak Farm Market.
I realized I just mentioned 'CSA' in my last post, and didn't explain it. CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. It is really a Farmer - Consumer Direct Relationship.
A couple of years ago, I went to a free lecture at the library to learn more about Organic Farming in Michigan. That is where I met Michelle, a wonderful woman and owner of Maple Creek Farm. I took a ton of notes while Michelle talked. She was talking about things I hadn't heard of until then, "genetically modified corn"( Bad stuff) and the benefits of organic produce (Good stuff). She introduce the idea of buying locally, which sounded great, and explained what a CSA is and does. Shortly after that, I became a member of a CSA. I did some research and liked what I learned about Maple Creek Farm. So I joined, and they are awesome! They are a family owned farm who grow certified organic produce. By signing up to be a member of a CSA, you will get weeks worth of locally grown produce, delivered near your home! Maple Creek Farm offers 2 different sizes of CSA's, a whole share, or a half share - it all depends on how much produce you want! They deliver 20 weeks of produce! And they deliver all over! Personally, until I joined, I had never purchased Chard, Dinosaur Kale, Patty pan squash, and more! I have always loved vegetables, but just kept sticking with my same old favorites! This CSA was not only fun, but I discovered a ton more delicious veggies and the flavors of truly fresh produce blew my socks off!
Visit their blog and learn more about Maple Creek Farm. They also participate in many local farmers markets. The one I visit is the Royal Oak Farm Market.
Clean 15, Dirty Dozen
Here's some information that I carry around with me in my wallet- so it's handy when I shop. There are different lists similar to this on the web, but this is the one I refer to. There isn't much variation between the lists out there, but still it's worth checking on every 6 months or so.
This is a list of the produce that you can buy that should either ALWAYS be organic - "the dirty dozen", or doesn't ever have to be organic - "the clean 15".
The dirty dozen are those items that have the highest amounts of pesticides in them, which means - you will eat those very same pesticides and they will soon be in you - BAD! Toxins collect in our bodies, and I believe - that makes us all sicker!
This means the Clean 15 are those fruits and veggies that have the least amount of residual pesticides..
The following is from the Environmental Working Groups Website:
What’s the Difference? EWG research has found that people who eat the 12 most contaminated fruits and vegetables consume an average of 10 pesticides a day. Those who eat the 15 least contaminated conventionally-grown fruits and vegetables ingest fewer than 2 pesticides daily.
Really, who wants ANY Pesticides? I know I don't... so at the very least, minimize your toxins!
Here's the list . There is a printable version of this, from the EWG. Mine is laminated for long life!
The CLEAN 15:
Onion
Avocado
Sweet Corn
Pineapple
Mango
Asparagus
Sweet Peas
Kiwi
Cabbage
Eggplant
Papaya
Watermelon
Broccoli
Tomato
Sweet Potato
The DIRTY DOZEN:
Peach
Apple
Bell Pepper
Celery
Nectarine
Strawberries
Cherries
Kale
Lettuce
Grapes (Imported)
Carrot
Pear
Not only can you save your health with this list, but you can save $ too! You don't have to guess anymore on whether that item you are putting in your shopping cart needs to be organic or not!
One more thing to note about Organics - Buy local! Support your local farmer. That means if it's not in season, don't buy it! Organic standards are not the same in Mexico, Chile, and anywhere else outside the US. Not only will you be promoting local businesses, but you will also help save the environment...no more shipping fuels! And really, how fresh is it if it traveled around the world to get to you?
This is a list of the produce that you can buy that should either ALWAYS be organic - "the dirty dozen", or doesn't ever have to be organic - "the clean 15".
The dirty dozen are those items that have the highest amounts of pesticides in them, which means - you will eat those very same pesticides and they will soon be in you - BAD! Toxins collect in our bodies, and I believe - that makes us all sicker!
This means the Clean 15 are those fruits and veggies that have the least amount of residual pesticides..
The following is from the Environmental Working Groups Website:
What’s the Difference? EWG research has found that people who eat the 12 most contaminated fruits and vegetables consume an average of 10 pesticides a day. Those who eat the 15 least contaminated conventionally-grown fruits and vegetables ingest fewer than 2 pesticides daily.
Really, who wants ANY Pesticides? I know I don't... so at the very least, minimize your toxins!
Here's the list . There is a printable version of this, from the EWG. Mine is laminated for long life!
The CLEAN 15:
Onion
Avocado
Sweet Corn
Pineapple
Mango
Asparagus
Sweet Peas
Kiwi
Cabbage
Eggplant
Papaya
Watermelon
Broccoli
Tomato
Sweet Potato
The DIRTY DOZEN:
Peach
Apple
Bell Pepper
Celery
Nectarine
Strawberries
Cherries
Kale
Lettuce
Grapes (Imported)
Carrot
Pear
Not only can you save your health with this list, but you can save $ too! You don't have to guess anymore on whether that item you are putting in your shopping cart needs to be organic or not!
One more thing to note about Organics - Buy local! Support your local farmer. That means if it's not in season, don't buy it! Organic standards are not the same in Mexico, Chile, and anywhere else outside the US. Not only will you be promoting local businesses, but you will also help save the environment...no more shipping fuels! And really, how fresh is it if it traveled around the world to get to you?
Thursday, March 4, 2010
It's a Start
I've decided to start a blog - not a "here's what I did today" blog, but more of a "here's what I've learned today" blog in regards to healthful eating and living. It will be a place to put all the great info I learn about regarding health for body, mind and soul. It seems like I've been on a quest to gather this kind of information - and I've been so excited about it, I really do want to share it too! I hope to include things that will have positive influences on my life, and maybe anyone who reads this. I hope to focus on healthful eating, and living. And to show how doing something little, can have a big impact on our lives and planet! I've shared some of the information I've learned ( like what you should always buy organic, and what chemicals to avoid in cosmetics. etc) with friends and family and they've asked that I continue to send them more. I thought a blog would be the best way to share. So here goes, my blog to discuss the things I've learned on this new healthy mission I am on.
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