The Top 10

Hello Everyone!

Sorry I have been MIA! I have been in total research mode for the past several weeks and have been learning so much that I honestly didn't know where to even begin to write. It is an overwhelming feeling to be finding out all sorts of information, most of which makes you want to change the things in your life as soon as possible. I have mainly been looking into what it means to have an "organic lifestyle." The more I read, the more I yearn to live the way that these people are talking about. All of this harmful stuff that is allowed in our country doesn't stop with the food. It enters our lives through all aspects, including our skin care products, our clothing, and even the things in our home. I want to share about the changes that I have made and the ones that I hope to make in the very near future. I can only hope that you will see that things in your lives need to change too so we can all live healthy, productive lives.

I have started reading a book called "Living Green" by Greg Horn. It is a book over sustainability and what we, as average people, can do to contribute to the "green" effort. As I was reading, I came across something and it finally clicked that this is where I need to start.

I have often wondered if eating organic fruits and vegetables makes that big of a difference. I wasn't sure if the regular ones at the supermarket were that different from the organic or if it really even mattered in the bigger picture of things. Well I am here to tell you today that it does. It makes a huge difference by keeping harmful chemicals out of your body and home. In the book, there is a great list of produce that you should ALWAYS buy organic, and that's what I want to share with you today. It is a great way to get started on the road to complete sustainability and health.

1) Meats: These are high on the food chain, and thus can concentrate chemicals from the animals' diets in their fatty tissues
2) Dairy Products: Also high on the food chain and rich in fats, which is where harmful chemicals become stored.
3) Fish: While not strictly organic, it is crucial to buy wild fish and avoid all farmed fish, which can contain high levels of contaminants. Hint: All "Atlantic Salmon" is farmed, as this fish is virtually extinct in the wild.
4)Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, and other berries including grapes have a thin, absorbent skin that you can eat. These fruits are heavily sprayed and tend to absorb more of the chemicals that they come in contact with during production.
5) Salad Crops: Lettuce, spinach, and celery are highly sprayed, and have no outer shell to protect the part that you eat-- the leaf.
6) Mushrooms: Mushrooms are highly absorbent, and conventional growing uses powerful fungicides between crops to keep stray species from invading the intended crop.
7) Root Crops: Conventional potatoes, yams, carrots, onions, and other root crops can be sprayed with fungicides as well as pesticides, and the parts you eat grow in direct contact with the chemicals.
8) Bananas: Banana plantations use up to 20 times more pesticides per acre than crops grown in industrialized countries. Conventional bananas are often grown with a blue plastic bag of pesticides placed over the soft, absorbent skin of the fruit. Enough said?
9) Waxed Fruit: That shiny apple had a wax coating that locks in the pesticides and makes them very difficult to wash off.
10) Coffee and Tea: Technically not "foods," but hot-water brewing can concentrate the residual pesticides used in the growing process while it is extracting the "good stuff." Remember to use an unbleached filter and NEVER use styrofoam!

I hope this list will be helpful and allow you to become more aware and conscience of the harm that can occur by not making the right decisions at the supermarket. Look for the "USDA Organic" seal while you are shopping so you can have the comfort in knowing that what you are getting is certified organic. Also, if you go to farmers markets- a great option- just talk to the farmers because even though it may not be certified, more than likely they have grown it organically. Until next time... Enjoy those fruits and veggies!

Besos,
Courtney

What's Your Type?

Hey guys!

I have been trying to figure out how to change things up on the blog all afternoon. I am apparently not as technology savvy as I thought I was. Needless to say, I have some things to learn.

I haven't really gone over all of my results from my trip back to the doctor like I said I would. Sorry about that. Long story short, I was supposed to go back in 3 months (May/June) and have all of the testing redone just to track my progress, but I was having some issues not too long ago and had to make a quick stop by Dr. Pon's office over spring break. While I was there, she gave me some very interesting info.

You see, I have type B blood. So who would have thought that your blood type could have a determination in what type of food your body can handle? Well I didn't. But your blood type matters. Your body naturally likes and dislikes some foods and it all depends on your blood type. I have to admit that I get all giddy when I make these discoveries because they are always pretty darn accurate! Ok that was a side note, but it really is important for you to know your body and know what things are going to make living healthy a little bit easier for you.


If you are type B, here is a direct link:  http://www.drlam.com/blood_type_diet/blood_b_chart.asp

For the general info, check it out here: http://www.drlam.com/blood_type_diet/

Besos,

Courtney