Hey guys!
So I must say that I have been reading and learning so much information that I feel overwhelmed- in a good way! My head is spinning and my emotions are all over the place, but it's ok because I know that I am supposed to be doing what I am doing! After the European E Coli scare, I really started thinking about why they don't just make a few obvious changes and put an end to E Coli as we know it. I know that it wouldn't be easy because it would affect too many pocketbooks - aka the meat producers and government - but who cares! Is our health and safety really not worth it?
In a 1998! (that's 13 years ago) study done by Cornell, they look the differences in corn vs grass fed beef. I don't know where you are, but in Texas this is a big deal. We are all about eating a big, juicy steak the size of our plate. I, on the other hand, am thinking - and have been thinking for some time - about becoming vegetarian or vegan. Meat has honestly started grossing me out, especially with the amount of information that I have learned!
I want to start out by giving you the overview of E Coli.Their article states that, "E Coli is a normal bacterium in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals, and most types are not harmful." So after reading that, I wondered what could cause it to be harmful. I am not oblivious to what happens in today's beef industry with the over-crowded feedlots, the use of anti-biotics and hormones, and corn fed diets. I feel that it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure this stuff out, but hey, let's just look at the facts. So how did corn-fed diets for cattle become such the go-to diet anyways? Last time I checked, cows were supposed to eat grass. Well during WWII, farmers were producing more grain than the US population could eat so they started feeding it to cattle. They soon realized that they could fatten them up a lot faster for slaughter with grain (corn). During that time, it would take 4-5 years to fatten a cow to 1,200 pounds, but with the discovery of feeding them corn, it cut the time to 14-16 months. Wow! That is so great, right? Well it sounds great, but what are the effects?
Healthytheory.com states that, "the stomachs of cows are naturally pH neutral. A corn-based diet, however, creates an acidic environment that contributes to a host of health problems. Corn-fed cattle are prone to serious health conditions such as bloat, diarrhea, ulcers, liver disease, and a weakened immune system. To combat these health problems, cattle are continually fed antibiotics, which leads to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that increasingly render modern medicine ineffective." All I can say is... the poor cows! So they are suffering, and we are ruining their digestive and immune systems in the process. Sounds like the kind of cow I want to get my meat from. A sick one. - Total sarcasm.
I would think we would want them at optimal health so that we can get the healthiest product to feed to consumers, but it's all a money game. So where does E Coli come in with all of this? Well corn leads to a very acidic intestinal tract which is a perfect home for E Coli. Michael Pollan, author of The Omnivore’s Dilemma, states that "the lethal strain of E. coli known as 0157:H7 is believed to have evolved in the gut of feedlot cattle. The development of a more acidic environment in cows’ intestinal tracts created an acid-resistant strain of the pathogen, which is able to survive the acidic conditions of the human stomach and prove fatal." In the documentary Food, Inc., Pollan states that switching feedlot cattle to a grass diet would eliminate 80 percent of the E. coli in the cows’ digestive tracts.
E Coli 0157:H7 can lead to bloody diarrhea and kidney failure in humans, that ultimately, could lead to death if not treated immediately. That's such a scary situation, but it happens more often than we think. Sure, we have had big outbreaks of E Coli here in the States just like they did in Europe, but what people aren't getting is that there are people that die, here in the United States, all the time from E Coli. Just a few weeks ago, a 2 year old girl and her older brother were both hospitalized for E Coli. The little girl did not survive, but her older brother was able to pull through. It's heartbreaking that preventative changes could be made, but they're not.
Next time you're in the grocery store, look for organic, grass-fed beef. I know you can get it at Whole Foods and other specialty stores. Make sure it's hormone and antibiotic free also. Antibiotic use is another topic that I could talk about forever, but I will shorten it for your sake, and just say that it doesn't help E Coli. At all. Don't let the media and other people make you think that E Coli comes from vegetables or that you should avoid them at all costs either! Vegetables, cannot produce it, but they can definitely transport it if they are contaminated with some corn-fed, E Coli tainted manure. Reduce the risk and eat beef that's grass-fed (or no beef at all). You're less likely to eat an E Coli burger that way!
Besos,
Courtney
Monday, June 20, 2011
Saturday, June 11, 2011
A Need For Change
Hello friends!
We have officially made the move to Houston, and I must say that I have been quite surprised at how well I am liking it so far. I have always thought of Houston as being hot, humid, full of smog, and just kinda gross. That isn't what I have seen so far though. There are so many options when it comes to organic, gluten free, and green living. I love all of the little places that we have discovered just this week. One of the coolest is a bakery called "Gluten Free Houston" which bakes all sorts of bread, pizza crusts, tortillas, sweets, and much more! We went today and bought a loaf of herb and cheese bread, and man it is SO delicious. I haven't had anything like that in about 6 months now so it was one of those melt in your mouth moments!
I have also been doing a lot of research (as usual), I've started reading a new book, and I have honestly been doing some soul searching. I have such a passion for what I write about here, and I want to take my knowledge and somehow use it in my career. I have a few ideas, but I will share those later when I have a more solid plan in place. ;)
One thing that I have been feeling is a little hopeless. I know that the future of our food depends on the demand of the consumers which equals you and me. If we demanded better products, that's what we would get. The problem with that though, is that most people in this country seem to be ignorant to what is taking place in our food supply. That is a problem that must be addressed before anything else can take place. Sure, there are plenty of people who are aware of what's going on, who shop at Whole Foods, and really care about the future of food and the sustainability of our country, but there aren't enough of us. EVERYONE needs to be aware and be proactive in the decisions they make everyday. Don't buy a meal that comes in a box, buy fresh food and prepare a meal that is good for your family. Become anti-preservative, anti-GMO, anti-antibiotics, and anti-hormones. Those were the first steps I took, and it wasn't a hard thing to do at all. Now that I know more, I have become more strict than that, but those few things are a great start to becoming healthy again. Eating what is on your grocery store shelf may or may not be healthy for you and that's the sad truth about it.
I stop and think of all of the Yoplait yogurt, Velveeta mac and cheese, the hormone and antibiotic filled meat and poultry, the bread and pasta, Dr. Pepper, cakes, cookies, etc, etc, etc, that I used to eat and it literately makes me nauseas. The phrase, "if I only knew then, what I know now" definitely applies in this situation. It would apply to your situation or any person that you know, if you would just let it. It's simple things that frustrate me. Why not look at what you're eating as a cause to the problems that you or your children are having rather than running to the doctor for every ache and pain? You have a choice. You can either spend the money now to prevent illness, or you can feed those illnesses and give your hard earned money to a doctor and a pharmacy while still not getting any results. Which sounds better to you? I'll pay extra at the grocery store.
Here are a few examples:
Do you or your children suffer from chronic ear infections? - Dairy allergy, lactose intolerance
Diarrhea, chronic fatigue, joint pain, headaches, etc? - Gluten intolerance, gluten sensitivity
Have a peanut allergy, but still having problems? - Soy allergy
Have asthma? - It's probably food related. Look at the top 8 allergens and start there.
There is an array of things that happens to us, but it's usually your body responding and trying to tell you what's wrong. Just listen to it. If you think that these big food, pharmaceutical, or government agencies have your best interest at heart. Think again. They have money in their pockets and nothing in their hearts.
Now that I have rambled my way into an almost-outraged state, please do the right thing and learn about how to protect yourself and how to protect your family. It took me forever to compile that terrible list that I did above because I haven't eaten anything like that in so long, I don't even remember what all I used to eat. I forgot about it and left it for uninformed people to eat. Most developed countries as well as undeveloped countries eat better than we do (not supply, but nutritionally). They care about the health of their people and won't allow them to be exposed to the things we are battling here in the United States. It's a terrible epidemic that needs to be stopped. This quote says it all: "The public would rather believe a simple lie than a complex truth." Ponder that for a little while and decide if you would rather give in or put up a fight.
Besos,
Courtney
We have officially made the move to Houston, and I must say that I have been quite surprised at how well I am liking it so far. I have always thought of Houston as being hot, humid, full of smog, and just kinda gross. That isn't what I have seen so far though. There are so many options when it comes to organic, gluten free, and green living. I love all of the little places that we have discovered just this week. One of the coolest is a bakery called "Gluten Free Houston" which bakes all sorts of bread, pizza crusts, tortillas, sweets, and much more! We went today and bought a loaf of herb and cheese bread, and man it is SO delicious. I haven't had anything like that in about 6 months now so it was one of those melt in your mouth moments!
I have also been doing a lot of research (as usual), I've started reading a new book, and I have honestly been doing some soul searching. I have such a passion for what I write about here, and I want to take my knowledge and somehow use it in my career. I have a few ideas, but I will share those later when I have a more solid plan in place. ;)
One thing that I have been feeling is a little hopeless. I know that the future of our food depends on the demand of the consumers which equals you and me. If we demanded better products, that's what we would get. The problem with that though, is that most people in this country seem to be ignorant to what is taking place in our food supply. That is a problem that must be addressed before anything else can take place. Sure, there are plenty of people who are aware of what's going on, who shop at Whole Foods, and really care about the future of food and the sustainability of our country, but there aren't enough of us. EVERYONE needs to be aware and be proactive in the decisions they make everyday. Don't buy a meal that comes in a box, buy fresh food and prepare a meal that is good for your family. Become anti-preservative, anti-GMO, anti-antibiotics, and anti-hormones. Those were the first steps I took, and it wasn't a hard thing to do at all. Now that I know more, I have become more strict than that, but those few things are a great start to becoming healthy again. Eating what is on your grocery store shelf may or may not be healthy for you and that's the sad truth about it.
I stop and think of all of the Yoplait yogurt, Velveeta mac and cheese, the hormone and antibiotic filled meat and poultry, the bread and pasta, Dr. Pepper, cakes, cookies, etc, etc, etc, that I used to eat and it literately makes me nauseas. The phrase, "if I only knew then, what I know now" definitely applies in this situation. It would apply to your situation or any person that you know, if you would just let it. It's simple things that frustrate me. Why not look at what you're eating as a cause to the problems that you or your children are having rather than running to the doctor for every ache and pain? You have a choice. You can either spend the money now to prevent illness, or you can feed those illnesses and give your hard earned money to a doctor and a pharmacy while still not getting any results. Which sounds better to you? I'll pay extra at the grocery store.
Here are a few examples:
Do you or your children suffer from chronic ear infections? - Dairy allergy, lactose intolerance
Diarrhea, chronic fatigue, joint pain, headaches, etc? - Gluten intolerance, gluten sensitivity
Have a peanut allergy, but still having problems? - Soy allergy
Have asthma? - It's probably food related. Look at the top 8 allergens and start there.
There is an array of things that happens to us, but it's usually your body responding and trying to tell you what's wrong. Just listen to it. If you think that these big food, pharmaceutical, or government agencies have your best interest at heart. Think again. They have money in their pockets and nothing in their hearts.
Now that I have rambled my way into an almost-outraged state, please do the right thing and learn about how to protect yourself and how to protect your family. It took me forever to compile that terrible list that I did above because I haven't eaten anything like that in so long, I don't even remember what all I used to eat. I forgot about it and left it for uninformed people to eat. Most developed countries as well as undeveloped countries eat better than we do (not supply, but nutritionally). They care about the health of their people and won't allow them to be exposed to the things we are battling here in the United States. It's a terrible epidemic that needs to be stopped. This quote says it all: "The public would rather believe a simple lie than a complex truth." Ponder that for a little while and decide if you would rather give in or put up a fight.
Besos,
Courtney
Friday, May 27, 2011
A Sweet Goodbye
Hello peeps!!
I know it's been awhile, but I have been one busy person. The hubs and I took a fabulous vacation to San Francisco then went apartment hunting in Houston.-- We found an amazing apartment, I might add. So while I have been away, new decisions have been made and lots of research (as always) has been done. That brings us to the topic of discussion for today...
I have decided to give up sugar. I know many are probably freaking out, but it really hasn't been as bad as one might think. The only sugar that I am taking in is through fruit and other natural forms of sugar. So why did I do this and limit my already limited diet even more? Well it's pretty plain and simple, sugar upsets my stomach. I never had this problem before I began my gluten-free, healthy diet, but it's something that very quickly changed for me. I also had concerns because when I had my blood work done 3 months ago, my blood sugar levels were high. It was mostly caused by my gluten issues, but I would rather be safe than sorry. I don't need to add diabetes to my long list of medical issues!
So what are some benefits of reducing your sugar intake? Well contrary to what most people think, sugar decreases the amount of energy your body has. Energy comes from the other things you eat in a balanced, healthy diet. Your risk for tooth decay drops dramatically. I have been blessed with a good dental record, but if you aren't so lucky, you should really consider a no sugar added diet. Another benefit is that it's key in effective weight loss. I know that I have seen a difference in the way I am beginning to shape up at the gym. For me, I'm not necessarily losing weight, but I am burning more fat and building and toning muscle easier. These are just a few of the many benefits that you will get by making this very simple change to your diet!
Just to make sure we are all clear and on the same page, sugar might be labeled as: sucrose, dextrose, glucose, fructose, and maltose. There are also other names, but they usually contain one of these words in it. Oh and please (I am begging you)--stay away from high fructose corn syrup!!!! Until next time...
Besos,
Courtney
I know it's been awhile, but I have been one busy person. The hubs and I took a fabulous vacation to San Francisco then went apartment hunting in Houston.-- We found an amazing apartment, I might add. So while I have been away, new decisions have been made and lots of research (as always) has been done. That brings us to the topic of discussion for today...
I have decided to give up sugar. I know many are probably freaking out, but it really hasn't been as bad as one might think. The only sugar that I am taking in is through fruit and other natural forms of sugar. So why did I do this and limit my already limited diet even more? Well it's pretty plain and simple, sugar upsets my stomach. I never had this problem before I began my gluten-free, healthy diet, but it's something that very quickly changed for me. I also had concerns because when I had my blood work done 3 months ago, my blood sugar levels were high. It was mostly caused by my gluten issues, but I would rather be safe than sorry. I don't need to add diabetes to my long list of medical issues!
So what are some benefits of reducing your sugar intake? Well contrary to what most people think, sugar decreases the amount of energy your body has. Energy comes from the other things you eat in a balanced, healthy diet. Your risk for tooth decay drops dramatically. I have been blessed with a good dental record, but if you aren't so lucky, you should really consider a no sugar added diet. Another benefit is that it's key in effective weight loss. I know that I have seen a difference in the way I am beginning to shape up at the gym. For me, I'm not necessarily losing weight, but I am burning more fat and building and toning muscle easier. These are just a few of the many benefits that you will get by making this very simple change to your diet!
Just to make sure we are all clear and on the same page, sugar might be labeled as: sucrose, dextrose, glucose, fructose, and maltose. There are also other names, but they usually contain one of these words in it. Oh and please (I am begging you)--stay away from high fructose corn syrup!!!! Until next time...
Besos,
Courtney
Sunday, May 8, 2011
All Natural vs. Organic
Hello!
I don't know about you, but when I go to the grocery store, I get super overwhelmed when looking at all of the labels and not knowing the real difference between "All Natural" and "Organic." A few days ago, I gave a list of the top 10 things to always buy organic, but what about the rest of it? What about canned goods, cereal, etc? Do those things reallllllly matter if they are organic or not? Well for the longest time I struggled with not knowing what to buy between the two, so I thought I would research it out and see what I could find.
As it turns out, it really does matter and it makes a huge difference. The definition of "Organic" refers to food grown without synthetic pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, hormones, fertilizers or other synthetic or toxic substances. No artificial flavors or colors have been added. Organic food does not include foods that have been irradiated or Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). According to Webster's new world dictionary, the word "natural" means, "produced or existing in nature; not artificial." By that definition, anything derived from plants, animals or elements found on planet Earth could earn the "all natural" label. Sound a little bit different? Basically, they can't call it natural if a process has changed the ingredient to something that is no longer found in nature (corn vs. high fructose corn syrup).
To break it down, "all natural" is simply a marketing ploy to sell their product. Do you really think "Natural" Cheetos are healthy for you? Or that they even contain different ingredients than the normal ones? Maybe, maybe not. The FDA does NOT require that food companies list the chemical contaminants found in their food so how will ever truly know? Food that is labeled "All Natural" can contain: pesticides, herbicides, toxic heavy metals, trace amounts of PCBs, toxic fluorides, hidden MSG, high-temperature cooking byproducts, synthetic chemical vitamins, or other non-natural substances.
The more I research the more I yearn to live a completely organic, sustainable lifestyle. I hope you feel the same way too! Make wise decisions while buying your groceries, clothing, personal care products, and household products. Leave no room for toxic chemicals and take control of what happens to you and your family because unfortunately the government is not making that easy. While the other governments in the world are saying, "It hasn't been proven safe," the US government is saying, "It hasn't been proven dangerous." Just a little something to think about. Go organic and live green.
Besos,
Courtney
I don't know about you, but when I go to the grocery store, I get super overwhelmed when looking at all of the labels and not knowing the real difference between "All Natural" and "Organic." A few days ago, I gave a list of the top 10 things to always buy organic, but what about the rest of it? What about canned goods, cereal, etc? Do those things reallllllly matter if they are organic or not? Well for the longest time I struggled with not knowing what to buy between the two, so I thought I would research it out and see what I could find.
As it turns out, it really does matter and it makes a huge difference. The definition of "Organic" refers to food grown without synthetic pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, hormones, fertilizers or other synthetic or toxic substances. No artificial flavors or colors have been added. Organic food does not include foods that have been irradiated or Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). According to Webster's new world dictionary, the word "natural" means, "produced or existing in nature; not artificial." By that definition, anything derived from plants, animals or elements found on planet Earth could earn the "all natural" label. Sound a little bit different? Basically, they can't call it natural if a process has changed the ingredient to something that is no longer found in nature (corn vs. high fructose corn syrup).
To break it down, "all natural" is simply a marketing ploy to sell their product. Do you really think "Natural" Cheetos are healthy for you? Or that they even contain different ingredients than the normal ones? Maybe, maybe not. The FDA does NOT require that food companies list the chemical contaminants found in their food so how will ever truly know? Food that is labeled "All Natural" can contain: pesticides, herbicides, toxic heavy metals, trace amounts of PCBs, toxic fluorides, hidden MSG, high-temperature cooking byproducts, synthetic chemical vitamins, or other non-natural substances.
The more I research the more I yearn to live a completely organic, sustainable lifestyle. I hope you feel the same way too! Make wise decisions while buying your groceries, clothing, personal care products, and household products. Leave no room for toxic chemicals and take control of what happens to you and your family because unfortunately the government is not making that easy. While the other governments in the world are saying, "It hasn't been proven safe," the US government is saying, "It hasn't been proven dangerous." Just a little something to think about. Go organic and live green.
Besos,
Courtney
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Fun in the Sun
Hello!!
I just wanted to start off this post by saying that today has been a great day for learning about the future of food and the sustainability of our planet. There was a conference today in DC and I have been so encouraged by what was spoken because it means that I am not alone in my quest to find a better way of life. There are so many people that have no idea the effects of the food they are eating and the things they put on their body. They just assume that if it's on the shelves at the store, it's safe. We live in a country concerned about ourselves. We are very selfish people in the United States. For instance, each week Americans, representing 5% of the worlds population, comprise 25% of the world's consumption of resources. Wow! Things need to change, and I can only hope that I will be able to be apart of bringing change to the world. Now that I have done a little bit of rambling--- I want to talk to you about something that totally blew my mind!
Summer is fast approaching, and we have all grown up being told to put sunscreen on every 30 minutes to avoid getting a sunburn and ultimately skin cancer. I try to be so cautious when I'm out in the sun because I don't want to get skin cancer. I want healthy skin with a bit of a tan! So I'm sure many of you are thinking... What could be so wrong with sunscreen? We are protecting ourselves from those harmful rays. Well you are right, but those sunblocks and sunscreens that are intended to protect your skin also introduce harmful chemicals into your system through your skin! From this point on, please no longer think of your skin as a barrier, but as a sponge. What you put ON will go IN!
In the book I am reading, "Living Green," the author states that suncreen/sunblock exposes our skin to suspected carcinogens, including (but not limited to) diethanolamine and related ingredients (DEA, TEA). Other ingredients are suspected endocrine disruptors: benzophenone (oxybenzone), homosalate, octyl-methoxycinnamate (oxtinoxate), and the parbens (methyl-, ethyl-, butyl-, propyl-).
I know that this looks like a just went crazy on the keyboard and typed some letters, but these are actual words. :) Even though you and I can't pronounce them and more than likely have no idea what they are, we should avoid them at all costs! Also in the paragraph above, "endocrine disruptors" is used. This simply means that those chemicals that can interfere with the body's hormonal system-- which is something that you do not want to disrupt. In doing research on chemicals and their effect on the body, I have found that the majority of them are known endocrine disrupters. For women it's especially a big deal because they take on an estrogen-like form and cause tons of problems. Children are VERY vulnerable (more than women) so please protect them from these things!
I know that it seems like all hope is lost and that you will have to stay inside all summer, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I have seen several natural or organic sunscreens at the stores that I shop at, but one that is known to be pure and probably your best bet is 'Aubrey Organics.' Their website is www.aubrey-organics.com and you can also check out all of their other skin care products while you are there!
I know that some people will probably read this and blow it off because they don't think it makes that big of a difference, but it really does. The advice that I have been told/read/live by when it comes to skin care is that if you wouldn't ingest it, don't put it on your skin! I'm not advocating eating your shampoo, but read those labels and if you can't...... you should probably leave it on the shelf!
Besos,
Courtney
I just wanted to start off this post by saying that today has been a great day for learning about the future of food and the sustainability of our planet. There was a conference today in DC and I have been so encouraged by what was spoken because it means that I am not alone in my quest to find a better way of life. There are so many people that have no idea the effects of the food they are eating and the things they put on their body. They just assume that if it's on the shelves at the store, it's safe. We live in a country concerned about ourselves. We are very selfish people in the United States. For instance, each week Americans, representing 5% of the worlds population, comprise 25% of the world's consumption of resources. Wow! Things need to change, and I can only hope that I will be able to be apart of bringing change to the world. Now that I have done a little bit of rambling--- I want to talk to you about something that totally blew my mind!
Summer is fast approaching, and we have all grown up being told to put sunscreen on every 30 minutes to avoid getting a sunburn and ultimately skin cancer. I try to be so cautious when I'm out in the sun because I don't want to get skin cancer. I want healthy skin with a bit of a tan! So I'm sure many of you are thinking... What could be so wrong with sunscreen? We are protecting ourselves from those harmful rays. Well you are right, but those sunblocks and sunscreens that are intended to protect your skin also introduce harmful chemicals into your system through your skin! From this point on, please no longer think of your skin as a barrier, but as a sponge. What you put ON will go IN!
In the book I am reading, "Living Green," the author states that suncreen/sunblock exposes our skin to suspected carcinogens, including (but not limited to) diethanolamine and related ingredients (DEA, TEA). Other ingredients are suspected endocrine disruptors: benzophenone (oxybenzone), homosalate, octyl-methoxycinnamate (oxtinoxate), and the parbens (methyl-, ethyl-, butyl-, propyl-).
I know that this looks like a just went crazy on the keyboard and typed some letters, but these are actual words. :) Even though you and I can't pronounce them and more than likely have no idea what they are, we should avoid them at all costs! Also in the paragraph above, "endocrine disruptors" is used. This simply means that those chemicals that can interfere with the body's hormonal system-- which is something that you do not want to disrupt. In doing research on chemicals and their effect on the body, I have found that the majority of them are known endocrine disrupters. For women it's especially a big deal because they take on an estrogen-like form and cause tons of problems. Children are VERY vulnerable (more than women) so please protect them from these things!
I know that it seems like all hope is lost and that you will have to stay inside all summer, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I have seen several natural or organic sunscreens at the stores that I shop at, but one that is known to be pure and probably your best bet is 'Aubrey Organics.' Their website is www.aubrey-organics.com and you can also check out all of their other skin care products while you are there!
I know that some people will probably read this and blow it off because they don't think it makes that big of a difference, but it really does. The advice that I have been told/read/live by when it comes to skin care is that if you wouldn't ingest it, don't put it on your skin! I'm not advocating eating your shampoo, but read those labels and if you can't...... you should probably leave it on the shelf!
Besos,
Courtney
Monday, April 25, 2011
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
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
Sunday, April 3, 2011
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
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
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