An Organic Obsession

Another GREAT Article

2009-11-21T10:43:00.000-08:00

I just found this article on CNN and thought it was great!

Thirteen ways to avoid toxic groceries
by EcoSalon

(From DivineCaroline.com) - Various shelves throughout every aisle of your grocery store are stocked with wolves in sheep's clothing. Colorful packaging, appetizing pictures, and nutrition claims hide the truth: unhealthy chemicals are lurking in many these seemingly harmless foods. Here are some tips to help you steer clear of hidden toxins that masquerade as safe products.

1. Stay away from processed meats like bacon, hot dogs, and sausage. Sodium nitrate accounts for their appetizing red hue, but this additive can also cause the formation of nitrosamines in your system, which can lead to cancer.

2. Stick to low-mercury fish like American-farmed tilapia instead of swordfish or tuna. Overexposure can cause memory problems, fatigue, and other health issues, and besides, most wild fish stocks are threatened these days. (Looking for an alternative? There's branzini, the fish you've never heard of.)

3. Reduce the amount of canned food you consume. Cans are commonly lined with bisphenol-A, an organic compound that, according to the Lang study, may be associated with diabetes and heart disease.

4. Cut back on meat and dairy products. These animal products may contain trace amounts of harmful contaminants like polybrominated diphenyl ethers, polychlorinated biphenyl and dioxins. Although many of these toxins have been banned, they are still present in the soil. Reducing your intake of animal products is also more friendly to the environment.

5. Skip the diet soda and artificial sweeteners. Prolonged exposure to aspartame, a neurotoxic chemical additive in these products, can lead to nerve cell damage, dizziness, and headaches. Besides, anything that gives rats brain tumors is worth avoiding in my book.

6. Choose the farmed fish carefully. Studies show that farm-raised fish contain more polychlorinated biphenyl and over ten times the amount of dioxin.

7. Opt for organic chicken. The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy discovered traces of arsenic in non-organic chickens. Exposure to this dangerous chemical can lead to cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Another study also found numerous antibiotic-resistant bacteria in conventional poultry.

8. Only drink milk that says "no rBGH" on the carton because recombinant bovine growth hormone has been linked with breast cancer. Better yet, opt for responsibly-produced, unsweetened soy, nut or rice milk.

9. Avoid manufactured snacks. Hydrogenated oils are used to lengthen the shelf life of products like crackers and cookies, but they are also associated with diabetes and heart disease. Another reason to stay away from the middle aisles: snack foods are generally loaded with salt, corn syrup and other unhealthy ingredients.

10. Stay away from artificially-colored foods like candy, maraschino cherries, and gelatin. Mice and rats exposed to blue 1 and 2, red 3 and yellow 6 suffered from brain, adrenal gland, thyroid, and kidney tumors.

11. Always buy organic produce. This one's a no-brainer, but the list wouldn't be complete without it. Lingering pesticides can lead to nervous and reproductive system damage, not to mention cancer.

12. Use stainless steel or cast iron cookware to prepare your meals. The Teflon used to create nonstick surfaces can release noxious gases when exposed to high temperatures, which puts you at risk for heart disease.

13. Never microwave food in plastic bowls, containers, or dishes. Exposure to heat causes the bisphenol-A found in plastics to break down and potentially contaminate your food. Also, make sure to hand wash them.

"NATURAL"??????????????

2009-10-17T08:17:00.000-07:00

So, as I've been reading more and more about organic food, I've come across a lot of information on the dangers of chemicals/toxins in our beauty products. It's CRAZY to know what is actually in this stuff we rub all over our skin, wear on our face all day long, etc. I just found a really informative website:

http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/

On this website you can type in any ingredient listed in your product to find out what it is, any research that's been done on it, etc. It's a really great way to be informed and not just take someone else's word for it.

A while ago I bought a sunscreen that claims to be more "natural" and comes from "naturally-sourced ingredients".. YA RIGHT!!! I just looked up the ingredients on this website and could not believe the crap I've been putting all over my daughter's skin! Yikes!!!

So, if you're curious about what's going on your skin, or you just want to try to prove me wrong :), check out this website-it's fabulous!

Do NOT try this at home!

2009-10-10T21:51:00.000-07:00

So, I have decided that I should NOT have done the Master Cleanse. Why? Because I'm a week late and am not pregnant! Apparently, the MC can totally screw up the menstrual cycle-GREAT! I wish someone had mentioned that to me before it was too late. GRRRRRrrr!!! I've never been so much as 1 day late so this is really not a fun place for me to be. I am wondering when or if I'll even have a period this month. Should I call my ob/gyn? This is annoying! I just had to vent and tell any readers our there, so far, I'm pretty sure I'm just talking to you Jena, to NEVER do the Master Cleanse! Trust me. I've done some more research lately and it's not good. I'm really upset with myself that I allowed myself to do something so risky with my body. Never again I tell ya! :)
Ok. I'm done now. The end!

Another awesome article!

2009-10-08T20:35:00.001-07:00

I was doing some research online tonight to sort out what things are most important to spend my money on, as I now know I CAN'T afford everything organic. I found this really great article from Redbook magazine about what is important/why, etc. Check it out:

The organic-food business is booming: About 70 percent of Americans buy organic food occasionally, and nearly one quarter buy it every week, according to the Hartman Group, a market research firm. For most of us, the reason is simple: We want natural food that's better for us and for the environment, says Samuel Fromartz, author of Organic, Inc. But buying organic can cost you — as much as 50 percent more — so read on to know when it's worth it.

What is organic food, anyway?
Though organic food can be produced with certain synthetic ingredients, it must adhere to specific standards regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Crops are generally grown without synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilizers, irradiation (a form of radiation used to kill bacteria), or biotechnology. Animals on organic farms eat organically grown feed, aren't confined 100 percent of the time (as they sometimes are on conventional farms), and are raised without antibiotics or synthetic growth hormones.

Is organic food better for me?
Organic foods may have higher nutritional value than conventional food, according to some research. The reason: In the absence of pesticides and fertilizers, plants boost their production of the phytochemicals (vitamins and antioxidants) that strengthen their resistance to bugs and weeds. Some studies have linked pesticides in our food to everything from headaches to cancer to birth defects — but many experts maintain that the levels in conventional food are safe for most healthy adults. Even low-level pesticide exposure, however, can be significantly more toxic for fetuses and children (due to their less-developed immune systems) and for pregnant women (it puts added strain on their already taxed organs), according to a report by the National Academy of Sciences.

Pesticide contamination isn't as much of a concern in meats and dairy products (animals may consume some pesticides, depending on their diet), but many scientists are concerned about the antibiotics being given to most farm animals: Many are the same antibiotics humans rely on, and overuse of these drugs has already enabled bacteria to develop resistance to them, rendering them less effective in fighting infection, says Chuck Benbrook, Ph.D., chief scientist at the Organic Center, a nonprofit research organization.

Is buying organic better for the environment?
Organic farming reduces pollutants in groundwater and creates richer soil that aids plant growth while reducing erosion, according to the Organic Trade Association. It also decreases pesticides that can end up in your drinking glass; in some cities, pesticides in tap water have been measured at unsafe levels for weeks at a time, according to an analysis performed by the Environmental Working Group (EWG). (To find out about the safety of your tap water, visit the EWG website at ewg.org/tapwater/yourwater.) Plus, organic farming used 50 percent less energy than conventional farming methods in one 15-year study.

When is it worth the splurge?
If you can afford it, buy local and organic, recommends Fromartz. Farmers' markets carry reasonably priced locally grown organic and conventional food; to find one in your area, go to localharvest.org. If you can't always afford organic, do spend the extra money when it comes to what the EWG calls the "dirty dozen": peaches, strawberries, nectarines, apples, spinach, celery, pears, sweet bell peppers, cherries, potatoes, lettuce, and imported grapes. These fragile fruits and vegetables often require more pesticides to fight off bugs compared to hardier produce, such as asparagus and broccoli. Download a list of produce ranked by pesticide contamination at foodnews.org, an EWG website.

When shopping for organic foods, always look for the USDA seal on any kind of packaged food. For meat and dairy, this seal ensures you're getting antibiotic- and hormone-free products. When buying meat or produce that isn't packaged, look for a sign stating that it's organic, or ask the store clerk.

I'm feeling a bit discouraged about it all tonight. I want SO badly to provide the healthiest food possible for my family, but I don't know how much I can afford to do. I wish I had less of an extreme personality and knew how to do something in moderation-instead of full-speed ahead. Here's to figuring this all out!

Helpful Tips

2009-10-03T21:53:00.001-07:00

I just found this article and I thought the tips were great-thought I'd share!:

You Can Afford Organic Food for Your FamilyPosted on Sat Oct 27 2007 By: Amy Anaruk in Daily Green TipsComments: 1Share: Digg| Del.icio.us| Reddit| Email

More and more parents are switching to organic and whole foods as they worry about the effects of chemical pesticides and fertilizers on growing children. Organic food is pricey though, and most families have to work within a budget. I know mine sure does.

Cooking and stocking your kitchen with organic food is affordable if you’re willing to do a little extra work. Often, you can buy better quality food for just pennies more if you forego some convenience. Here are three easy ways to save big on organic groceries for your family.

1. Do the trimming, peeling, skinning, and other preparation yourself.

Free-range whole roasters are more affordable than a package of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, and whole, unpeeled organic carrots cost less than a bag of ready-to-eat baby one. Prepared food costs more because you’re also paying for the work, not just the food itself. Someone has to stand behind the counter chopping and skinning all that chicken, and that employee doesn’t work for free. If you have the time to spare but not the money, examine which organic grocery items will fit into your budget if you take on the prep work yourself.

2. Buy in bulk.

Generally, the cost per item goes down as the number of items you buy goes up. Buying in bulk makes sense for organic foods your family eats frequently or those you can store safely for several weeks or months. Even canned foods work this way. A jumbo can of organic diced tomatoes is usually a few cents cheaper per ounce than the standard size. Use what you need for a recipe, and freeze the rest. Websites like Amazon feature a wide variety of organic non-perishables like granola bars at bulk prices.

3. Buy direct from farms.

In the U.S., check out Local Harvest and Eat Wild for family farms and farmers’ markets near you. If you can drive to a local farm with sustainable practices, you can pick up free-range eggs, milk, and butter and grass-fed beef for much lower prices than you’d pay retail. In fact, you can combine this tip and the one above by buying meat from farmers in bulk. Want the good prices but don’t have a separate freezer to fill with an entire side of beef? Get together with two or three other families and put in a large order together. That way, you share the low price and the meat.

Committing to a lifestyle of organic food does not have to strain your household budget. If you have the time and inclination to do a little extra legwork, you will get clean, natural food for your family in return.

Must Reads!

2009-09-30T20:54:00.000-07:00

There are two books that I've read recently that have knocked my socks off! I'm calling them Must-Reads for sure!

The first is Master Your Metabolism by Jillian Michaels. It is such a well written, easy-to-understand book about our hormones and how toxins in our bodies can throw our bodies out of whack. I learned SO much from reading this book and it blew my mind more than once. This book is what inspired me to go organic. At first, it overwhelmed me because it convinced me that I needed to change, but I didn't think I could. But, once I realized that I can slowly adopt changes, I took a deep breath and realized I can do it! It really is a GREAT book!

The other book that I'm loving right now is Green Clean. It truly is awesome! It goes room by room and tells you how to clean, what to clean, and how to do it without commercial products, which contain harmful chemicals. This book has a ton of recipes for all your house cleaning needs from toilet cleaner, to laundry detergent, to room deoderizer. Absolutely, a MUST read!

I am SO excited to start implementing both of these books into my life. Life is lookin' good! :)

Day 7

2009-09-29T09:14:00.000-07:00

Well...I think I've decided to make today my orange juice day. I feel like I've had great success on the cleanse, and that I'm starting to get to a point where it's no longer healthy. I've been reading some negative things about the cleanse, so I'm not convinced that I want to keep doing it. I'm glad I did it and feel like it definitely worked, but I'm going to ease back into food now. In my eyes, I did GREAT! That's all that matters. So, today I get only orange juice. Then tomorrow, I can slowly add raw food.
I know I didn't last the complete 10 days, but I lasted a lot longer than most, and I just wanted to detox. I need more energy, which means I need more food. So...now, it's on to figuring out how to get rid of the bad foods in my life, and implementing more healthy ones. Phase 2! :)

Day 6

2009-09-28T13:48:00.000-07:00

I'm more than half way there-WOW! The fatigue, soreness, headaches, etc. are going away and I'm starting to feel REALLY good. I have more energy today that I have had so far, and my body is feeling a lot better. I'm really glad I did this-it's been pretty hard, but not as hard as I expected. It is definitely a do-able thing. It's just mind over matter really! :)
I lost another 2 lbs. so I've lost 12 lbs. so far. I'm really excited to start implementing some of my new foods/recipes into life, once I can eat again. I'm also looking forward to working out again, which I can't do while on this cleanse-too taxing on the body.
But, I am thrilled with the results so far. I'm glad my curiousity got me to do this.

Day 5

2009-09-27T12:15:00.000-07:00

By the end of this day, I will be HALF way there! Josh is worried about my lack of energy/crankiness and keeps asking me to eat food. BUT, I don't want to give up. I really want to see this thing through, from beginning to end.
I don't feel much hunger, but I DO feel really tired, and have the occasional headache. And, my emotions are extremely raw and at the surface. Since I normally bury emotions/feelings in food, they are all coming at me head first! It's been an interesting experience, to say the least. I admit, I am grumpy, but I'm trying really hard to be positive and not drive Josh crazy. Guess I need to try harder!
It's crazy how weak I am right now-just picking up Gabby or carrying a heavy bag of groceries is difficult for me. But, I can get through my daily routine without too much problem. By bed time I fall asleep fast and sleep HARD! I haven't slept this well in a long time. (Except for the bathroom call-ha ha!)
The main reason I am doing this is to rid my body of all the toxins that I've been reading about. As I mentioned before, I am implementing as much organic food as we can afford, so I thought a cleanse would be a good starting place. BUT, the perk of weight loss has been fun too! In 5 days, I've lost 10 lbs!!! I know, I know-that doesn't sound healthy and a month ago I would have mocked anyone trying such extreme methods, but I was SO grossed out by the things I've been reading that I just had to try it. Hopefully, by switching to healthier, whole, non-processed foods, I can keep the weight off and lose some more. We'll see what happens-it's all an adventure!

Day 4

2009-09-26T13:22:00.001-07:00

It's 2:30 on Saturday afternoon, Day 4, and I'm still going strong. I have had a few moments of weakness as I smelled the food my daughter and hubby are eating, but I was able to resist! :)
It blows my mind that my body still has anything to eliminate. I know it may be TMI, but after the salt drink in the morning, it's just shocking to see how much comes out. That is just proof to me that this really is cleansing my body. I haven't eaten in 4 days, there can't possibly be very much food left in me. Anyway, this whole process has been interesting...to say the least.
I keep day dreaming about what my first real meal will be when I'm done with this. Hmmm? I guess it would defeat the purpose to eat a bunch of crap, so I'll just have to make some really yummy, healthy food. Here's to health!

Day 3

2009-09-25T16:24:00.000-07:00

It's 5:30 pm on Day 3 and I'm still going strong. I know several people that only made it 3 days so I'm really proud of myself for going so strong. For the first time, I am started to feel some serious hunger. My tummy is growling-I'll try another lemonade to quiet it down. We'll see.
BUT, I am determined to be one of the few to finish this thing to day 10. I know if I can make it to day 6 there will be no turning back. Wish me luck!

Day 2

2009-09-24T14:42:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how easy this is so far! Sure I feel the occasional hunger pain, but it's never much and it goes away as soon as I drink the lemonade. I can TOTALLY do this! I know I have 8 days to go, but I really think I can do it. I smelled Josh's pizza last night and that made me go a little bit crazy, but other than that-it's been ok. I think I'm really cranky too. Oh well!
I am going to the circus tonight-let's see if I can manage to survive around all that popcorn and cotton candy! :)

Master Cleanse-Day 1

2009-09-23T10:49:00.000-07:00

I decided to kick start this new adventure of mine by doing a Master cleanse, also known as the lemonade diet. It is noon and so far, so good. I haven't felt any hunger yet, but I am feeling a bit crabby and have a headache. For those of you who don't know the drink is a combination of fresh squeezed lemon juice, lime juice, maple syrup, and ceyenne pepper! It isn't very tasty but not as nasty as I had expected. So far today I've had my morning dose of laxative tea and two glasses of this lemon concoction. I have read a lot about this cleanse and know that I can expect severe fatigue, headaches, nausea, among other oh so lovely side effects. Should be interesting..to say the least. Can I last 10 days??? We shall see. Stay tuned.

2009-09-15T07:37:00.000-07:00

Anyone and everyone who has ever known me, knows that I have an extreme personality. If I do something, I pretty much have to do it ALL the way, 100%. If I can't, then I typically end up abdoning said something. In other words, I become obsessed on a quite frequent basis.
Here is my new obsession: Going Organic! I know what you're thinking-I KNOW! I have a few friends who dabble into the organic world and I'd always secretly roll my eyes and think to myself, "ya, well YOU can afford to live that way but I can't".
I am one of those that hates to be wrong, but guess what? I was WRONG!
I am SO excited to report that I CAN afford it and have decided to dive in-head first! So this blog is my journey, my organic journey, which in my world translates to an obsession.
So come along and join me if you'd like, as I muddle my way through the ins and outs, the facts and the fiction, the truth and fiction about the world of organics. It's going to be quite the journey for me and I'm just going to have to take it one day at a time, So here goes nothing...