As a wife, mom of four, and Certified Nutrition Counselor, I care about my impact on the food choices we make. Everything we eat has a profound effect on our bodies, the environment, and our future. We eat not just to satisfy hunger, but also to nourish and enrich our lives. Eating and buying clean resources keeps your body and the Earth healthy and thriving. Dedicated to educate on the Mind, Body, Spirit, and Food, looking at the whole body for that #OOLA life.
We have started to plan for our first trip to Yellowstone National Park. This is a trip I have been wanting to do for a while, but needed to wait till the kids where a bit bigger. Get you Free Trip Planner Kit
This kit will have everything you need to plane a wonderful adventure. It includes Maps, Activities, Coupons, Lodging information, and more. I am so excited and going to start planning our family adventure.
Have you ever wanted to know about the handling of our livestock? This is a 12 minute film that takes you behind the scenes to see what really happens.
Mercy for Animals is providing a free DVD "Farm to Fridge". FREE DVD HERE
All orders are simple Form, No Credit Card, and No Shipping Cost.
Thank you to the companies who give these out to help families.
Disclaimer: I am not paid for my announcements, news, or post. These are my
opinions and thoughts. I enjoying bring my readers wonderful Companies, Events,
Health News, and Green Living.
Green Living Friday, Tip, News, Entertainment, and Volunteering
It is important to try to reduce and reuse our natural resources. When it comes to lunches we make a lot of unnecessary waste. Think about the sandwich bags, paper bags, straws, cups, juice boxes, wraps and it all builds up. Think about the hundreds of students in your kids school packing or buying lunches. "The United States generated 13 million tons of plastics waste from containers and packaging, and 7 million tons of nondurable plastic waste (for example plates and cups)"~~Reuseit.
This is the first year that our family has gone to a completely waste free lunch. With the many green companies helping with green lunch packing, this is easier than ever.
Start today and you can make your mark on green living!
Today happens to be Soup and Stations during Lent. As a family we head down to socialize with our church community and we all make green attempts. We bring our own bowls and spoons to reduce waste. This year we started to bring our washable napkins and cups too, this way our soup dinner experience is completely waste free. While you might not want to go out and buy everything right away, you can start small and start now. Maybe make a wish list of purchases to buy every other week. Also, signup for newsletters to green companies on your wish list so you can be notified of sales and savings events!
Green News
FDA on Frankenfish.
For the first time in history, the FDA has extended its comments period to approve the first commercial production of a genetically engineered animal for human consumption, GMO Salmon otherwise known as "Frankenfish". The Comments Period is a two month waiting period for them to take the public's opinion in to consideration. There was been such an out poor of concern that they have extended the comments period another two months.
There is a lot of concern about the safety for human consumption along with the possible decimation of Alaska's Wild Salmon. If and when they return to the oceans this could affect the normal, nonGMO population of fish. I am thankful that the FDA is taking longer to evaluate the concerns of the public.
If you would like to have a voice in this issue you can head over to the Comments Section here.
A team of science and engineers are working with the EPA to find closed landfills as future sites for Solar Energy Systems. "Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the New Jersey Department Environmental Protection’s Office of Sustainability and Green Energy to visit 10 closed municipal landfills located in North, Central, and South Jersey." This is exciting news for the potential to use this renewable technology.
Sea Recue is a TV show that shows rescued adventures with Sam Champion. The show highlights adventures in saving sea life and how we can do our part to protect this sensitive and beautiful mystery.
"Sea Rescue tells the stories of marine animal rescue, rehabilitation and release by the dedicated men and women of SeaWorld’s wildlife rescue teams and partner organizations. With rescue teams on call 24/7, SeaWorld has rescued more than 22,000 whales, dolphins, sea lions, penguins, manatees, sea turtles and birds over the last 40 years, with the ultimate goal of successfully rehabilitating and returning each one to the ocean. Sea Rescue takes viewers on the team’s incredible and heartwarming adventures through a combination of first‐hand accounts, expert insight and remarkable footage that will inspire, educate and enthrall".
This week I became a volunteer to Watch the Wild. I am very excited to take my part in my area. Since we are always outside, whether running, hiking, or picnicking, this is a way to help protect my environment and give information to those who can most use it.
"Watch the Wild , a program of Nature Abounds needs your help in observing the "wild" in your community. As a Watch the Wild volunteer, you observe and report what is taking place in your community, from trees and plants to weather and wildlife activity. In as little as ten minutes, your observations help us to understand how our eco-systems are changing and helps us to adapt for the future."
Look for ways you can volunteer and help!
What did you do to Go Green this week?
Disclaimer: I am not paid for my announcements, news, or post. These are my
opinions and thoughts. I enjoying bring my readers wonderful Companies, Events,
Health News, and Green Living.
"Are you and your family on the wrong side of a bet?"~~GeneticRoulette
This educational Movie is available to you FREE this week only!!
This is a subject that has been swept under the rug for years. We have been lied to, mislead, and become a science project. This started in the mid 90's and studies are showing the US health declining, illnesses increasing, deaths increasing, there is so much to see and understand in this video.
Allergies, eczema, leaky gut, digestive issues, infertility, and the list goes on.
"When the US government ignored repeated warnings by its own
scientists and allowed untested genetically modified (GM) crops into our
environment and food supply, it was a gamble of unprecedented
proportions. The health of all living things and all future generations
were put at risk by an infant technology. After two decades, physicians and scientists have uncovered a grave
trend. The same serious health problems found in lab animals, livestock,
and pets that have been fed GM foods are now on the rise in the US
population. And when people and animals stop eating genetically modified
organisms (GMOs), their health improves. This seminal documentary provides compelling evidence to help explain
the deteriorating health of Americans, especially among children, and
offers a recipe for protecting ourselves and our future."~~GeneticRoulette.
Disclaimer: This information is here for readers to hear all sides of the spectrum. There are two sides to the story and I only wish to provide my readers with information to help them make their own decisions. Food is a Freedom. We have a right to know all the information and be allowed to make decisions that best fit our families.
With all the news I have been updating here about GMO, some have wondered about the farmers. They are the ones stuck in the middle between GMO producers and consumers. I have to say that my heart goes out to farmers because I feel they have been bullied to carry these seeds and not in a situation that they can crawl out of.
I was sent this video today from CA Right To Know, that even farmers want the labeling! Check out this short video here.
“I would be in support of Prop 37. Consumers absolutely have the right
to know what they’re consuming. I’ve always been a supporter of
labeling. Europe had done it for years. It’s not a big deal."
We have only 5 weeks left before the vote in California. As a GMO evangelist, I am going to get all the information possible to help you make your own decisions.
Also, see how corn and wheat use to be farmed, before GMO.
OK, I HAD to share this, lol! Watch Mike Adams (A.K.A. Health Ranger) Rap out to Say No to GMO's!
After watching it tell me what you think??
Disclaimer: This is information to bring to my readers so they can make informed
decisions on the foods they purchase. I support foods getting back to
natural and green!
I wrote a few weeks ago on how the microwave kills our crucial B12 vitamins. I wanted to touch a little more on this topic and use it in my Contributor post on Happy Mothering. All parents should understand the dangers of use the microwave. Yes, it is convenient, but at what cost?
What happens when we use the microwave?
What happens to the vitamins?
What is the solution?
Head over and see how you can take steps to reduce these damaging affects on your family.
GMO News is very important to me, because I do not think everyone understands the problem. Most Americans know the consequences of bad food choices. Now we are trying to eat healthier foods and we have a ton of fad diets. We have started to read labels, count calories, and ingredients. Marketing has started to use terms like Natural, Wholesome, and Healthy even though they might not be. We started to use Organic Certification to KNOW this is really an organic product. Now we are trying to know "is this product GMO"?
Why would you want to know if the item is GMO? Because it is a science experiment without all the trials finished until now! The test trials to say if corn GMO seeds are safe was conducted for 90 days and then deemed safe. Studies are now coming out with results of rats on feed on the corn having liver damage and cancers. I am thinking that 90 days might not have been enough time to say that this product is safe.
Dr. Leonard Coldwell talks about how GMO foods are toxic. One point he speaks on is that during digestion our bodies can not digest the food, we don't have the fitting enzymes to do so. When we eat a GMO food, our body see it as a mutation and tries to get rid of it. We will keep attacking it with enzymes and energy to rid our bodies of it, and sometimes this goes on for hours, days, even weeks. While the food is on our digestion it creates toxic gasses, rotting away. He goes on to explain more but for me this is more reasoning for me to stay away form GMO foods.
He then talks about Monsanto and how they are bulling farmers to have to use their GMO seeds. How they trapped Farmers to using their seeds, making it impossible to not use their seeds, and that one day they may be the only seeds producers taking over the worlds food supply! I feel for our Farmers and say the bullying has to stop!
Something I thought he said that was very interesting was that with in 3-7 years of eating GMO foods we can possibly develop cancers. He then mentions how we are in the highest era of cancer and terminal diseases. If it did not exist 150 years ago, then lets not eat it. Before the 1900's cancer rate was 7% and now it is close to 57%. WOW!
In a recent Huffington Post article, I read that a few of the large name Energy Drink Corporations are under investigation. The mentioned that subpoenas have been issued for the companies 5-Hour Energy and Monster to name a few. There have been deaths in teens and young adults who over-consumed these beverages.
The probe is examining how the drinks are made, often loaded with
caffeine and sugar, along with what critics say is a mostly useless
amount of Vitamin B, and how they are marketed at sports events and
sometimes in bars. That can lead to a dizzying combination of alcohol
impairment without the sedative effect that slows drinkers down and lets
them know they aren't alert enough to drive.~~HuffingtonPost. Read the entire article here.
It is a tragedy whenever a life is lost, especially when it is due to a beverage. What is alarming is the amount of teens that drinks these beverages. The drink is marketed and meant to provide a burst of energy. So many people drink them to help them get over a long day, sleepless night, or exhaustion. Some like to drink for the buzzed energized feel they get from them. What can we do? Educate our teens and self to look for more natural approaches to a energized body.
9 Things to have a Natural Energy filled body
Get 7-8 hours of sleep a day
Eat breakfast regularly
eat a balanced diet
maintain ideal body weight
exercise regularly
avoid junk foods
manage stress in your life
do not smoke
reduce alcohol
You do these 7 steps and you won't have to reach for a Energy Drinks, filled with caffeine and sugar. Your body will be strong and healthy.
Disclosure:I am not paid for my reviews.
These are my thoughts and opinions that I share to help others know
about companies and products I am Passionate about.
According to Homeland Security News Wire, there will be!
The federal government has come up with a new proposal to examine
chickens for contaminates and diseases, and the proposal has some people
concerned and others outright scared; the proposal would reduce the
number USDA food safety inspectors at poultry plants from four to one – and rely on plant’s employees to do safety inspections instead.~~USDA’s proposed chicken safety inspection policy could mean trouble for consumers..Homeland Security News wire.
This change can increase production lines up to 25%. This is great for the companies but will it be bad for us? They inspectors are suppose to be catching any bad birds. If only one is there how likely are they to miss something? This increase in production might possibly increase the chances of bad birds getting through and on YOUR table!
I know that I try to stress the importance of an Organic lifestyle, and some people say it is just too expensive. I totally understand that, but I also see this and wonder why not take the expense out of other areas to make it more affordable. I have found for myself that we just get really creative with our meals and reduce the amount of meat products. We eat a lot of vegetarian and vegan meals that taste great and meet our protein needs. Do I like chicken, beef, lamb, and others? YES! It is just that I dislike the handling of our food productions. It has become a, what can I get by with the cheapest means type of society, and we are the ones hit with the fallout.
I think that my non GMO, no additive, no processed, organic diet may seam limited to others, but I love how I feel and that my kids are healthy and thriving. We still have some of these foods on occasions when we eat in restaurants, parties, social gathering, and the like, but it is far and between. I like that my kids know what are healthy foods and what are not. I am trying to give them an inheritance of health, and not diseased engineered foods.
What are your thought on this decrease in inspected poultry? Do you see this as a possible problem considering the amounts of bad foods that pass with the current amount of inspectors? Are you thinking about adding a few more meatless meals to the menu? I know Vegan is looking pretty good to me right now, organic produce is a lot more affordable than animal products.
Disclosure:I am not paid for my reviews.
These are my thoughts and opinions that I share to help others know
about companies and products I am Passionate about.
I read over the weekend that the West Nile Virus has been an increasing problem in Texas. I know this is nothing to mess around with especially since their have been 16 reported deaths. Although, how are they handling the issue? With massive amounts of toxic bug sprays, one being by planes! I know this is a problem, but they are trying to handle one problem and possibly creating a horrible downward spiral of multiple problems. The destruction of beneficial animals and insects, like fish and bees!
The Health Ranger says:
The chemical product being sprayed is known as Duet, an "advanced
dual-action mosquito adulticide" that contains both sumithrin, the
active ingredient in another mosquito pesticide known as Anvil, and
prallethrin. Both chemicals are known to be highly-toxic neuropoisons
that target not only mosquitoes, but also bees, bats, fish, crickets,
and various other animals and insects (http://www.clarke.com/images/pdf/MSDS/2012MSDS/duet-msds.pdf). ~~Natural News
This burns my buttons because Bats are a major sore of natural elimination, the Bats eat the mosquito's. While the mass spraying MIGHT kill some of the mosquito's, it is also affecting the beneficial animals and insects in the area. Do you have an autoimmune disease? Know someone who does? What do you think can be happening to their bodies when we mass dump toxic chemicals around them?
The Health Ranger also shows a link for the possible affects of one of the chemicals being used:
Sumithrin, a synthetic pyrethroid, is known to kill bees, and is linked
to the widespread bee die-off phenomenon known as Colony Collapse
Disorder (CCD). In tests, sumithrin has been shown to damage human
kidneys and the liver, and is also linked to causing both liver and
breast cancers. Household pets exposed to sumithrin are also at risk of
serious health complications, as are fish and other aquatic animals (http://www.pesticide.org).~~Natural News.
No matter where you are you can protect yourself against these pesky insects. In our house we are using Wildwood Soapworks Bug spray. It works! I am not using this problem to help advertise, just giving my readers options. We have been using Buzzed for a few months and we are not bothered by bugs anymore. I carried it during our trip to Scotland this summer. The glass bottle traveled great and it has a nice clean feel and smell. I carry it in my purse to be ready for any outside fun or adventure.
They have a natural blend of essential oils and a proprietary extract that repel mosquitos, ticks, gnats,
no-see-ums, black flies, green head flies, chiggers, and generally
annoying things with wings or legs. In a fractionated coconut oil base,
it does not disappear when you sweat, nor will it stain your clothes.
How does it smell you ask? Fabulous! Some of our regular clients have
purchased it to use as a natural perfume since their mates are allergic
to the chemicals prevalent in that industry. Yes, it really works! We
guarantee or your money back, no questions asked! 2 oz. spray bottle~~Wildwood Soapworks.
Check out how you can make a Bat Box to help the bats eat mosquito's in your area, naturally. We have a Bat Box! We have been slow in getting it up, but it goes up this weekend! How to Build a Bat Box Bat Houses
I like to use natural and effective ways to protect myself and my family. Except, what can we do when the government decides this type of spraying is best for everyone involved? I think we need to try and educate ourselves and loved ones about the natural ways of eating and clean living. When the government steps in and says, sorry this is what we have to do for the majority protection, we lose a bit of freedom for our natural choices. Is there anything we can do to stop these toxic sprays being dropped in Texas? I don't know. I live in AZ and you might think its not affecting me so I won't make a stink, but what if your State is next? I heard someone say this week that we need to take personal responsibility for our decisions, that really hit home with me.
Disclosure:I am not paid for my reviews.
These are my thoughts and opinions that I share to help others know
about companies and products I am Passionate about.
Huffington Post Green released an article that everyone needs to support changes to preserve the ocean.
"Our oceans -- which generate most of our oxygen, regulate our climate,
and provide most of our population with sustenance -- are essential to all life on earth. Yet, our oceans face a threat as dangerous as any Pandora faced: ocean acidification."
Many countries, including the US, depend on the Ocean for Food, Jobs, and Health. For most the Ocean is a place to vacation and visit, but for many countries it provides food and employment. The problem is pollution and acidification that is becoming a threat. I love seafood but have to be aware of where I get my food from. I don't want to think of a day when we can no longer eat from the ocean. We need to work together to preserve all wildlife for its beauty and for consumption.
We all need to take are part in recycling, living green, and supporting companies that are trying to help preserve the Ocean and the life with in it.
"Acidification, or a decrease in pH of ocean water, is already starting
to affect marine life. Oysters and other shellfish are particularly at
risk, as are coral reefs and all the species that rely on them for
habitat. According to the new study, the conditions that allow coral
reefs to grow will be available in only five percent of the oceans by
2100. Today that number is 50 percent."
Julie Whitty post on "The end of Myth", The ocean is a wildlife worth preserving.
"Only of late have we learned to see the ocean’s surprising
vulnerabilities. That it’s neither infinite nor inexhaustible. That it’s
the beleaguered terminus of all our downstream pollutants, part of a
dynamic system intensely interactive with land and atmosphere and
everything we do there. Only in the past decade has science discovered
the ocean to be fragile
in the way only really enormous things are fragile: with resilience
teetering on the brink of collapse. Yet our behavior lags far behind our
understanding, and the ocean awaits our enlightened action."
Genetically Modified Organism, also known as GMO, have been a big topic with me. More and more people are learning about GMO and the dangers. The problem is that product labeling will not tell you if something is GMO, for now. So what can you do? Look for labels that say NON- GMO! I am using a new FREE App on my iphone to help make things easier, Non-Gmo Shopping Guide App.
Features include
4 tips to avoiding GMOs
Shopping guide with everything from Dairy, Baby food, breads, herbs, grains, meats, pet products, soups, whole sale items, and more. Each category has safe companies that are organic and/or GMO free. After selecting the company the app gives you information on what they produce and whether it is certified GMO free.
Favorite List, so you can easy find items at a glance.
Information about GMOs, great information with additional links.
In the more section, you will find Dining out Non-GMO, Hidden GM ingredients, how can I help, what is organic, and how to visit their website.
If you don't have an iphone you can still download the guide here.
I have just started using the app, and love it. I have become more aware of what companies to use for certain things, which has been a struggle for me at times. The more you know about what is in your food, the better you can make informed decisions. Eating right today is all about balance and knowing what is in and on your food. It is so sad that we have to take these steps when selecting food, but reality is that we do. I hope you find the guide educational and helpful!
Great News for California! Secretary of State has just announced that the Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) labeling ballot
measure was not only met but exceeded the requirements placing it on the
November ballot.
What does this mean? That products containing GMO foods HAVE to be listed on the labels. This will help consumers to make an honest decision as to whether they purchase the item in question. People are trying to make better choices when it comes to eating healthy. Marketing is making that very difficult with misleading labeling. Consumers have a right to know if their food has been genetically messed with. Unfortunately this is just the beginning. It is the first step in the right direction but the war begins with misinformation rights.
Read more on the update with It's Our Right to Know: We made it on the Ballot!
US Senator Rand Paul tries to plea for an amendment with Congress to put an end to FDA censorship. FDA can say that Pharmaceuticals are allowed to say "can cure illness and disease", but we can not make health claims to real food and supplements? Secondly, he brings to the point that the FDA should be UNARMED! These armed agents are going on farms to stop their productions. Criminal law is increasing on farmers. He says that armed police has its place but that is currently being abused.
Please take a few minutes to listen to S. Paul's appeal. He makes great points that affect our right of choice. Did you know about Armed FDA agents going to Amish farmers to shut them down for selling milk fresh from the cow, Raw Milk?
"Rubbing
topical anesthetics such as Anbesol or Orajel on the throbbing gums of a teething baby can lead to
methemoglobinemia, a serious condition that leads to oxygen deprivation and —
in extreme cases — death, the FDA warned today." Read full report here.
Symptoms from
methemoglobinemia, using teething gels included
Pale, gray, or
blue-colored skin, lips and nail beds
Shortness of
breath
Fatigue
Confusion
Headache
Light-headedness
Rapid heart
rate
The products that were tagged in the report included "Hurricaine, Baby Orajel and
Orabase, as well as Orajel and Anbesol".
We always want to comfort our children and ease their pain. Most of the time you can comfort them with a cooled washcloth, cool teething rings, and such. I think it would be recommended to use natural comforts instead of reaching for a over the counter gel. When my children were teething we massaged their gums with our finger. I will warn, sometimes being a human teething ring hurts, but I never minded.
Another great option recommended by a few Natural Moms, Amber Teething Necklace-the natural choice for mother and child. Also check out Hazelaid and natural healing.
What is alarming even more here, is that this information was available in 2006, and I still see these on the shelves! What are your thoughts on this?
I came across this the other day and wanted to share it with you! Tim Bittman has some excellent points on what is wrong with "The Standard American Diet."
He hits on the many points from pollution, industrial livestock, the change in food over the last 100 years.
Pollution, global warming briefly: 1/5 of all greenhouse gasses stem from animal production.
Dangers of Methane, gasses from manure.
1/2 the antibiotics in America are used for Animals.
diseases being more prevalent here due to Western Diet. (meat, cheese, and carbs)
That whole plants promote health. "You eat more plants and less other stuff, you live longer"
We are not born craving whoppers and skittles.
Fade diets.
10 billion animals are slaughtered for our over-consumption. (United States alone)
Just in the 1900- Everyone was a Locavore (eating everything locally). Everyone cooked their meals, marjoram did not exist yet. When they did make majoram, they had it dyed pink so you knew you where eating something fake.
No snack and junk foods, frozen (1920), or canned foods.
No marketing, health claims, or vitamins. You grew food and you ate it, everyone ate locally.
1930 started to move foods cross country. Started to market canned and frozen foods to help the domesticated individual to cut down on housework.
cattle diets were changed for bulking them up.
Fast-foods started to increase.
Industrial animals makeup 18% of population
30% of land is given to production of slaughter animals.
This is a very brief and rough cut of topics in this 20 minutes video. I highly recommend taking the time to watch. This is a wake-up call for the foods that we eat. We head to the store buy what they have there already packaged and processed and ready for consumption. We tend to eat 5 times the amount of animals products increasing disease and obesity. It is recommend that we eat 1/2 lb of meat a WEEK. How much does the regular person eat a day? America over produces junk foods and animal products. Not to mention that majority of agriculture does not go to our table but to feed the cattle, pigs, and chicken. This was written in 2007 and I know that the situation had grown.
"I’ll never stop eating animals, I’m sure, but I do think that for the
benefit of everyone, the time has come to stop raising them industrially
and stop eating them thoughtlessly.” (Mark Bittman)
"Happy Cow was at a healthy weight and had more omega 3, up to 400% more,
40% fewer calories and less cholesterol, saturated fat and about 90%
less fat overall than Nexium Cow. Since Happy Cow has been raised on
pasture, has room to move, and doesn't have to stand in manure every day
he is more likely to not need antibiotics and at least 60% less apt to
have E.coli 0157 in his belly. Nexium Cow has a constant stream of
antibiotics fed to him."
GMO's are really starting to burn my buttons!!!
I viewed a video yesterday that really put what GMO's are into an easy light. You will see how GMO will slowly take over crops, even those of small farmers, and in a away are ability to have natural choices. The GMO crops are not contained and are slowly but diligently crossing into surrounding crops.
90% of GMO takes place in America's! That is an alarming amount. One reason I view GMO's as dangerous, is the chemicals used in making them more resistant to Pest and Weeds. Keep in mind that studies have shown that GMO crops are no more resistance than Farmers that are non GMO. Nature is strong and adapts so chemicals, and that is why they have to be increased to keep the pest and weeds at bay. These toxic chemicals are getting into our soil and water. Live beneficial organism are in soil that help make plants nutrient quality. These natural organism are being destroyed through the use of GMO's.
A large percentage of GMO crops go to feeding livestock for consumption. One thing to keep in mind is that science does not know what affect the GMO's will have on human and livestock down the road.
GMO's are not just used as crops environmental resistance but also in medicine. You can see more on this in Nutritional News, GM in Kansas.
Michigan authorities force farmers to massacre baby pigs cold blood - RT America
An Organic Hormone Free Pig Farm was told if they did not shot their own pigs, they would shut the farm down. The state of Michigan accused this farm of having FERAL pigs. The definition of a feral pig is a running free outside of fences- wild pigs. These pigs have a organic diet, are allowed to run around in the sun and fresh air. This to me is a better life before slaughter. At the end of the video you will see what is allowed by government for the housing and treatment of pigs that are used for OUR consumption. (Granted this shot was in cleaner facility than I have previously seen.)
I could not post the article because it was too graphic. ALL the pigs in this video were killed. If you would like to read the article you can go to Natural News
I recently read that Science is now Engineering and Modifying rice to make a Pharmaceutical. The problem is they are modifying the rice with "human liver genes".
With approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Ventria
has taken one of the most widely cultivated grain crops in the world
today, and essentially turned it into a catalyst for producing new
drugs. Read at Natural News and The Washington Post.
This project started in 2006 in doors in Maryland. When the Company, Ventria Bioscience, wanted to move the projectoutdoors was then refused from the state of Maryland. Ventria then moved the project to Junction City, Kansas where it is now grown outside on 3200 aces and risking cross contamination with other crops. While this crop of GM Rice was not grown or approved for human consumption, cross contamination is a concern for many. Crop contamination is actually pretty common, GM Contamination Registry.
People are calling this rice "Frankenstein Food". There is no way to know for sure that this GM rice will not end up in your rice, unless you are buying "Organic" and "Non GMO TESTED" foods. This is actually sad because think of those that travel or when you want to eat out in a restaurant? Are they using organic non GMO? How will you know? It is upsetting that we have to be this concerned and aware of our food sources. Just another reason to support local Framers and Farmers Markets!
"This is not a product that everyone would want to consume," said Jane Rissler from the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) to the Washington Post back in 2007. "It is unwise to produce drugs in plants outdoors." Natural News
While I understand this project was started to help a very real problem for children with sever diarrhea and digestive problems, it is something that needs to be contained. I don't think the project was ever initially meant to be grown outside and risk the possibility of cross contamination. Also, now I am reading this protein they are instrumenting might be added to yogurts and more. If they stop killing the live cultures with additives and sugar, they would not need to add digestive proteins back in.
What are your thoughts? Are you concerned or alarmed? Do you think that crops and food should be left as God and Nature intended?
According to Cambridge Journals they have found a link between fast food and depression.
While many things can contribute to depression fast food was a very common denominator in the research.
Objective Whereas the relationship between some components of diet, such as n-3
fatty acids and B-vitamins, and depression risk has been extensively
studied, the role of fast-food or processed pastries consumption has
received little attention.
Conclusions Fast-food and commercial baked goods consumption may have a detrimental effect on depression risk.
The study included over 9000 people and results showed those who ate a fast food diet and processed bakery items (danishes, donuts, pastries) showed a common need for prescriptions of anti depressants and/or treatment.
Many things can contribute to depression. Stress at work, at home, and finances can over-whelm us into a rushed lifestyle. As we rush to get to our next appointment we find it easier to grab items from vending machines or drive-thru rather than take the time to prepare a nutritious lunch. I know I have been guilty myself about leaving the house for errands without snacks or a lunch and having to do a drive thru meal. The problem is not the occasional value meal. It is the regular visits, fast breakfast, fast dinners, too tired to cook so I will just microwave a TV dinner approach to foods. It is the lifestyle that includes a fast food mentality that I think is contributing to this depression.
Take the over worked mom who needs a break from the endless cooking, cleaning, laundry, and wants to just grab something fast and easy to clean up. The problem I see in common fast food is the vitamin and nutrients lacking in the meals. This is a high calorie food of many simple carbs and meat. Yes, you can occasionally get some apple slices in the kids happy meal, and they have made the portion of fries smaller, but where is the side salad of fresh greens or raw veggies. Adults try to make good choices and grab the occasional salad but it is not always practical. Think of the person rushing to get the next meeting and needs to eat with one hand while driving. The person that has five minutes because they get a 30 minute lunch break and spent most of it driving. There are several influences that justify our reasoning to grab common fast food value meals. So now you have a high calorie meal, no fresh greens, no B vitamins- that help combat stress, no anti-oxidants that stop free radical breakdown, among many other vitamin not consumed in this meal.
Those who suffer from depression never intended to end up being treated for depression and stress. They go about life day to day and don't even know they are now part of an American majority until they are in the doctors off with high blood pressure, weight gain, tired, and depressed. Does it happen over night, No, it is a gradual process that can take 6 months to 10 years.
What can you do? Put your body and self first.
You plan the errands, work schedule, projects, house, among others, you need to schedule your nutritious meals and make them convenient. Think of your body as a car. You change the oil, fluids, filter, and gas up with the correct fuel and it stays running. Our bodies are designed to need the same things. Look at the kids to the right. Yes they made the kids smiling and frowning for visual effects, but do you really want your body running on these processed foods? They taste great at the time, and we usually don't see how often we are consuming them and there lies the problem with fast and convenient. If we take a mental effort to track and plan our meals we can see where we might be consuming too many junk food items. Can we have these items, sure in moderation- meaning very seldom.
Ideas for healthy convenient
Cut fresh fruits and veggies and have ready to go bags.
Have raw nuts and dried fruits in grab bags.
Remember to save a little of your dinner for tomorrows lunch, ready when you get up in the morning. The night before, go ahead and put in a container ready to grab in the morning for your lunch that day.
Remember to add a veggie and fruit to your lunch.
Make sure you think about 3-4 servings fruits and 3-4 servings of vegetables in one day.
Have a water bottle you travel with and easy to carry.
Yogurt and granola for breakfast or snacks.
Trail mix of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits.
If you eat for the reason to nourish your body in stead of just satisfying your hunger you will make better decisions in foods. Also, planing ahead takes the guess work out of what to eat and removes the idea that "I'll just grab something out of the machine". If you have it on hand you will most likely eat what you have packed. Try not to rush through your meals. Make sure to chew your food 10-12 times before swallowing. This will allow the digestive juices in your mouth to start its job in per-digesting the food which allows more nutrients to be broke down and absorbed. If your digestion is having to work on breaking down big chunks of food, you will lose energy and nutrients. This will also contribute to heartburn, gas, constipation, and stress.
Don't run on fast empty calorie foods anymore. Turn your body into the machine that you demand of it everyday. Slap stress and depression back with colorful, tasteful,and nutritious foods.
I have four kids and while they are really good at eating fruits and vegetables I still like to hide some when I can. The vegetables they don't eat on a regular bases can still cause a little whining. They are kids and just need to be encouraged and see their parents as a great example. In this recipe I added a few ingredients that gave the soup lots of great flavor and added nutrients. My food processor is sometimes my best friend because it allows me to take the visual of "what is that" out and just enjoy the meal. I have one daughter that if she see's an onion she is done. So to make things easy she still eats it as long as she can't see it. I am not pushing her because I know she will develop a liking for it later just like I did. In the mean time she and I have an agreement, "no see no complain".
Minestrone Soup
4 red bell peppers, sliced
4 large tomatoes, sliced
1 head of colliflower
4 radishes and tops
1 cup carrots
4 stalks green onions, sliced
1 large yellow onion, sliced
3 stalks of celery
1 cup of cooked Northern white beans
1 cup of cooked black bean, drained
1 cup cooked small pasta noodle
5 cups water
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tbsp dried parsley
salt and pepper to taste
Process all ingredients until chopped in small pieces, mine almost looks like salsa. In a large pot add vegetable mixture beans, cooked noodle, spices, and water. You might need to add more water for desired texture. Heat soup over medium heat for about 20 minutes and enjoy! This soup freezes well. I like to make small portions in freezable bags for throughout the year.
Is diet soda causing Cancer?
I know I have heard it over and over. "Look how much I lost by changing to diet soda!" Well the results are there. The reduced calories have allowed some to lose weight, but at what cost? Rodale talks about the hidden dangers and carcinogens in these drinks.
"Pay any attention to a soda label and you'll find questionable
ingredients like sugar in excess amounts, high-fructose corn syrup, or
dubious artificial sweeteners.
But a new analysis from the Center for Science in the Public Interest
(CSPI) has detected a cancer-causer that you won't ever find on the
label."
I attended David Rainoshek webinar on B12 yesterday. I found it very informative, although a little long. I am going to give you the main points on his discussion. About 80 percent of the population suffers from a B12 deficiency. Some may include:
Low energy or weakness
Brain fog or lack of focus
poor memory
light headness
sore tongue and bleeding gums
mood changes or depression
neurological difficulties (Alzheimer)
feeling of numbness or stiffness
feeling of restless legs
infertility
among others
One thing David mentioned is some of the symptoms of a B12 deficiency can be a mimicker of other problems. This is why so many suffer from a lack of B12, because they are being treated for other health problems. He mentions that the blood test usually come back as a false positive for adequate levels. David Rainoshek recommend using a urine test to see more adequate levels. One of the reasons so many lack this vitamin is because it is so easy destroyed. Those with a western diet that use a fair amount of processed foods usually suffer from heartburn and stomach problems. It is these same stomach problems that destroy the B12. The hydrochloric acids burns the B12 before it reaches the blood stream, where it needs to arrive before it can be of any use. Not to mention those that have stressful jobs and homes are losing high amounts of this vitamin. B12 is essential for production and regeneration of red blood cells, preventing anemia, prevents eye problems, promotes growth in children, and supporting the nerve cell and signals of the brain.
Unfortunately the RDA levels for B12 are hard to reach in a normal western diet. What I found interesting in his points were that Vegans and Vegetarians are in the majority of this lacking B12. Although, most in the studies that ate meat were showing lower than average amounts of B12 as well.
So what did David recommend? You could take B12 injections with your physician, take a supplement that is absorbed into the blood stream under the tongue, or use a new product with patches. My thoughts? I think the injects sounds fast acting but the testing, cost, and office visits will be bothersome. Not to mention possible infections from bacteria entering from skin upon injections. The capsules are a convenient treatment but he recommended only using "Methcobalament". This form is the only absorb-able form. The patches were his favored form of supplementation. He said you could wear these behind the ear 2 times a week and reach your B12 needs. I think everything in moderation. I have found with increasing natural sources of B12, limiting processed foods, eating some meats from clean sources (no antibiotic or hormones), and stress management B12 will be in balance.
Food sources include:
Milk
eggs
liver
fortified Brewer's yeast
raw wheat germ
peanuts
banans
sunflower seeds
comfrey leaves
kelp
concord grapes
bee pollen
I know for some a non processed diet is difficult or maybe your life is very stressful and fast paced. You may want to look for a supplement through patches or lozenges. Considering how easy this vitamin is destroyed supplementation is a great idea. David recommend "Vitamin B12 Patches by Healthy Habits".
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