Ingredients?

Not by my standards!

Do you know what all those words on ingredient labels really are?

1. Natural Flavors. Listed as natural flavors.
Found in: Baked foods, frozen dinners, candy and more.
What’s the big deal? Natural flavors include a number of naturally occurring (non-chemical,non-artificial) substances approved for use in food by the FDA. These flavors often come from allergy-inducing ingredients such as nuts and wheat.
How to avoid it? If you are prone to food allergies call the food manufacturer to learn the source of the natural flavor.

2. Artificial Colorings: Listed as yellow #6, blue #2, green #3, red #3 and more.
Found in: Candy, soda, gelatin, and more
What’s the big deal? Some studies link artificial colorings to a range of health problems including cancer, hyperactivity, thyroid and allergic reactions. They have no nutritional value.
How to avoid it? Steer clear of artificially colored foods. Opt instead for naturally colorful edibles like fresh fruits and dark leafy greens.

3. Chemical Cocktails. Unlisted
Found in: Non-organic product.
What’s the big deal? Conventional farmers spray their produce with chemical fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides to keep insects and weeds at bay. Residues of these toxic chemicals end up on your food, and some studies have linked them to cancer and birth defects.
How to avoid it? Wash your produce thoroughly with a mixture of 1 tsp mild dishwashing detergent and 4 liters of water. Buy organic or shop at the farmer’s market.

4. Sodium Nitrite: Listed as Sodium nitrite
Found in: Processed meats including bacon, ham, hot dogs, lunchmeats, and corned beef.
What’s the big deal? This preservative can mix with chemicals in the stomach to form nitrosamines, a carcinogenic substance linked to cancers of the pancreas, bladder and brain.
How to avoid it? Replace processed meats with fresh meats or purchase nitrite-free lunchmeats. Meat found in canned soups and frozen dinners commonly contains sodium nitrite, so check labels carefully.

5. High Fructose Corn Syrup: Listed as High fructose corn syrup, corn sweetener, corn syrup,
corn syrup solids
Found in: Frozen foods, sweets, breads, spaghetti sauce, ketchup, many canned vegetables, cereals, juices, sodas, breads and much more.
What’s the big deal? High fructose corn syrup increases your risk for diabetes. It also encourages overeating because its chemical structure tricks your brain into thinking your body is hungry. And it can raise triglyceride levels in the bloodstream, which increases risk of heart disease. Also contributes to high cholesterol and insulin resistance. Has no enzymes, vitamins or minerals and leaches micronutrients from your body.
How to avoid it? Limit your intake of added sugar to less than 10% of your total daily calories. And/or buy alternative foods that do not contain it!!

6. rBGH: Listed as rBGH
Found in: dairy products, including milk and cheese.
What’s the big deal? rBGH stands for recombinant (genetically modified) bovine (cow) growth hormone. Dairy farmers inject cows with it to stimulate milk production, and it ends up in the milk sold in grocery stores. Research has tied it to prostate, solon and breast cancers.
How to avoid it? Look for milk that says “no rBGH” on the label. Switch to organic milk or raw milk.

7. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG): Listed as Yeast extract, gelatin, textured and hydrolyzed proteins, calcium caseinate, sodium caseinate, and more.
Found in: A wide range of foods including chips, canned soups, salad dressings, fast food, and frozen dinners.
What’s the big deal? MSG can affect the nervous system and than you rally are. It may also make you feel hungrier and trigger migraines.
How to avoid it? Read food labels carefully. Even packages that say “no MSG or no MSG added” can sneak the substance in disguised as any of the ingredients above.

8. Sodium: Listed as salt, monosodium glutamate (MSG), baking soda.
Found in: meat, eggs and dairy products. Also found in processed foods like canned soups and frozen dinners.
What’s the big deal? Your sodium count should not exceed 2400 milligrams a day, but some studies how Americans average intake is 3300 mgs a day. Excess sodium can raise blood pressure, which puts extra strain on your heart.
How to avoid it? Use herbs and spices rather and salt to flavor your food. Go easy on the salt shaker.

9. Omega-6: Listed as: Linoleic acid; sunflower, sesame, corn and soybean oils.
Found in: frozen and processed foods
What’s the big deal? Ideally, you should eat three omega-6 fatty acids for every omega-3 fatty acid you eat. But the ratio in most Western diets is between 10:1 and 20:1. Excess intake of omega-6 can raise blood pressure and increase your risk of heart disease.
How to avoid it? Eat fewer processed foods. Eat Omega 3 rich foods like walnuts, fish.

10. Trans Fat: Listed as: partially hydrogenated oil.
Found in: commercial baked goods like crackers and cookies; shortening and margarine.
What’s the big deal? Trans fats temporarily raises bad cholesterol and lower good cholesterol.
How to avoid it? Even foods that claim 0 grams of trans fat on the label can contain it because food manufacturers don’t have to list amounts under 0.5 rams. But eating more than one serving of a food can easily double or triple that half a gram. Read the label to be sure there are not partially hydrogenated oils hiding in the ingredient list.

Post ingredient information Credit: Top 10 Troublesome Ingredients By Sandy Tuin. Bolding & highlighting done by blog author.

What is a person to do?

Cook from scratch!
Many American families have forgotten what that is. Cooking does not mean plop a frozen dinner in the oven, open a box of mac & cheese/rice a roni, dumping oil and eggs into a boxed mix or serving pop tarts.

Cooking is: cutting & sauteing your own vegetables, cooking raw meat, boiling your own rice/pasta/potatoes/oatmeal, cracking real eggs & adding your own spices and salt...

Cooking does NOT have to take forever.
You do NOT have to be a chef to cook.

Summer is a great time to start cooking from scratch. Fresh vegetables are at their peak, plus the foods most crave are lighter & easier to make.

A few of our favorite summer meals are:

hamburgers
raw ground chuck, diced onion, garlic, & pepper. mix well. shape into patties & grill.
grilled vegetables
zucchini stir-fry
tomato cucumber salad
grilled chicken breasts
marinate raw meat in 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 cup white wine, Italian seasoning, garlic & onion
grilled beef or pork
season with your own spices
Soft Taco's
homemade fries


If you rely on cream soup, try making your own.
Homemade Condensed Soup Recipe

If you need inspiration, the Pioneer Woman Cooks has a wealth of tasty dishes!

Quit opening those boxes and cook!

What's in your Sunscreen?

It's June, have you dug out your sunscreen yet?
Did you know not all sunscreens are created equal?

Many are laden with unsafe chemicals, some don't do all they claim to do & others trick you with their high SPF's.

• If you are concerned about harmful chemicals penetrating your skin, and would like to knw more, read Nanomaterials & Hormone Disruptors in Sunscreen.
• If you'd like to know which sunscreens don't hold up to their claims, check out the findings on these sunscreens.
• If you think higher SPF is always beneficial, think again. Consumers are often 'fooled' into thinking they will be protected for the entire day with one application. In a lab this might hold true, however add to the equation: sweating, swimming, chemical breakdown, rubbing off on clothes or a towel, and you might end up burned!
  

More links:
WebMD How Safe & Effective are Sunscreens
EWG Sunscreen Guide
Dr. Mercola's View & a chart of common sunscreen chemicals & their risks

FDA, Food dyes & Hyperactivity

From The New York Times...WASHINGTON — After staunchly defending the safety of artificial food colorings, the federal government is for the first time publicly reassessing whether foods like Jell-O, Lucky Charms cereal and Minute Maid Lemonade should carry warnings that the bright artificial colorings in them worsen behavior problems like hyperactivity in some children. Read full article here.

Just what are all those food colorings anyway?

• Blue #1 (Brilliant Blue)
  

  An unpublished study suggested the possibility that Blue 1 caused kidney tumors in mice. What it's in: Baked goods, beverages, desert powders, candies, cereal, drugs, and other products.

• Blue #2 (Indigo Carmine)
  

  Causes a statistically significant incidence of tumors, particularly brain gliomas, in male rats. What it's in: Colored beverages, candies, pet food, & other food and drugs.

• Citrus Red #2
  

  It's toxic to rodents at modest levels and caused tumors of the urinary bladder and possibly other organs. What it's in: Skins of Florida oranges.

• Green #3 (Fast Green)
  

  Caused significant increases in bladder and testes tumors in male rats. What it's in: Drugs, personal care products, cosmetic products except in eye area, candies, beverages, ice cream, sorbet; ingested drugs, lipsticks, and externally applied cosmetics.

• Red #3 (Erythrosine)
  

  Recognized in 1990 by the FDA as a thyroid carcinogen in animals and is banned in cosmetics and externally applied drugs. What it's in: Sausage casings, oral medication, maraschino cherries, baked goods, candies.

• Red #40 (Allura Red)
  

  This is the most-widely used and consumed dye. It may accelerate the appearance of immune-system tumors in mice. It also causes hypersensitivity (allergy-like) reactions in some consumers and might trigger hyperactivity in children. What it's in: Beverages, bakery goods, dessert powders, candies, cereals, foods, drugs, and cosmetics.

• Yellow #5 (Tartrazine)
  

  Yellow 5 causes sometimes-severe hypersensitivity reactions and might trigger hyperactivity and other behavioral effects in children. What it's in: Pet foods, numerous bakery goods, beverages, dessert powders, candies, cereals, gelatin desserts, and many other foods, as well as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

• Yellow #6 (Sunset Yellow)
  

  Caused adrenal tumors in animals and occasionally causes severe hypersensitivity reactions. What it's in: Color bakery goods, cereals, beverages, dessert powders, candies, gelatin deserts, sausage, cosmetics and drugs.

For more information...
Freedom Food Network, Food Dyes: Toxic Situation
Food Dyes A Rainbow of Risks

Milk

Is it in your refrigerator? Did you know milk consumption has decreased in the USA by 22% since 1980. While the consumption of sugary drinks, sodas, bottled teas, vitamin water, and energy drinks have doubled. Children no longer reach for a glass of milk, and many won't drink white milk, instead they sip on sugar laden liquids or flavored milk.

Why drink milk?

• Milk is one of the most concentrated sources of calcium. Our bones are made up of calcium, something our bodies cannot produce. We must get it from our diet, without calcium our bones will become weakened.
  
• Milk is the 1# source of vitamin D, an important vitamin for proper calcium absorption. In recent studies, vitamin D has also been shown to reduce the risks for some cancers, diabetes and multiple sclerosis, as well as improve immunity.
• Milk also is a great source of protein, helping to keep our muscles strong.

So go grab a glass of milk and then come back and finish reading my post :)

rBGH What's the hype and Is it dangerous?

Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone otherwise known as rBGH, is a hormone injected into cows to increase their milk supply by approximately 20%. Doesn't sound too bad... it increases the milk supply a single cow can produce by about 20%, taking the average amount from ~6.5 gallons per day to ~7.8 gallons per day, multiply that by a herd of 100, and you've increased milk production by 130 gallons per day. The extra milk is $$ to the conventional dairy man.... Unless, of course, you take in to consideration the health of the cow, and the health of the consumer, YOU.
The cow injected with rBGH is 55-80% more likely to suffer from mastitis, which must be treated with antibiotics. The antibiotics end up in the milk you drink along with the rBGH hormone. The health of the cow is also in danger when given rBGH. The cows body is tricked into producing more milk by taking fat and body reserves and turning them into milk. The cow's skeleton is weakened and many will suffer bone loss and have to be killed.
Why is rBGH bad for you? It has been linked to increased rates of colon, breast, and prostate cancer. Some studies have linked the use of rBGH in cows to early onset of puberty in girls, the results of these studier are controversial, but more studies are being done to prove it. Milk which is rBGH free is often more nutritious containing more conjugated linoleic acid as well as other nutrients. Many believe this is a result of the dairy farmers allowing their cows to graze and eat grass as opposed to being 'lot' confined. Dairy men who are opposed to rBGH are generally more concerned about raising cows the way they were designed to be raised. They allow their cows to be in open air, and graze on grass as opposed to standing on cement in a lot all day.

In a nation where many doctors are quick to offer antibiotics for every little ache and pain, many 'germs' are becoming antibiotic resistant. The last thing we need is to be consuming more antibiotics in our milk, just another reason to steer clear of rBGH.

Stores in the US such as Walmart, Kroger and Safeway have switched their private labels to rBGH Free milk and more than 291 hospitals have signed a pledge to serve only rBGH Free milk. Countries such as Europe, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and Australia have banned the use of rBGH. Why isn't our FDA following suit?

I personally believe milk in its most natural state is best: taste and nutrition wise. With that being said, no, we aren't currently drinking raw milk. We are drinking non-homogenized, VAT pasteurized milk. In all honesty it boils down to laziness on my part. It is hard for me to get to the dairy where I can purchase it weekly. I've chosen the VAT milk because I believe it is the next best thing. Someday I'll get back to my regular dairy trips, someday.

For a list of farmers and suppliers of Real Milk, click here.

http://www.thedailygreen.com/going-green/tips/organic-milk#ixzz0ubrpKrT6 http://www.thedailygreen.com/going-green/tips/organic-milk http://www.applegatefarms.com/OurResources/FAQs.aspx?id=3292 http://www.dailygalaxy.com/my_weblog/2008/05/got-organic-new.html

http://www.rifeenergymedicine.com/BGH.html

The Dirty Dozen

Do you shop Organic? It can get pricey!
I try to buy the dirty dozen organic, but even then I don't always. Below is a shoppers guide to the 15 cleanest and 12 dirtiest fruits and vegetables.

To print your own out and see the complete list as well as their pesticide load score go here.

Did you know gardening and putting up your surplus is the cheapest way to eat organic?
Now is the time to start planning your garden.
More on that soon....

Happy Monday!

H1N1 Vaccine Information

I think people need to know this... and read this too...

You, as a parent, need to gather as much information as you can and make the decision for yourself. I have done my best to educate myself so I can make the best decision for my family. What I feel is right for us may not be right for you. I would like to hear your thoughts.

I will be adding more links as I get time today and throughout the week to this post. Please read the information for yourself and make a decision based on what is best for your family.

Why not to Vaccinate your Children against the Flu

Dr Sears Article about the Swine Flu Shot

Secrets about the Swine Flu Shot

Doctor Admits Vaccine is More Deadly Than Swine Flu & Will not give it to his kids

Expert Pediatrician Exposes Vaccine Myths

Swine Flu Update

I will try to post later this week on alternative ways to keep your family and children healthy during the flu months.

Here are a few sights for you to research
Dr Penny
Mercola
Natural News
Dr. Mayer Eisenstein

Cloth Diapers Part 1

Why? Well I know it is better for my babes tush, the environment and it saves money. Plus they're so darn cute!

Did you know no one really knows how long it takes disposable diapers to decompose. Estimates are that it takes 200- 500 years! That is a long time.

Dangerous chemicals used in diapers:

• Dioxin: a toxin that has been labeled by the EPA as the most toxic of all the cancer-linked chemicals. It has been banned in most countries, although not in the U.S.
• Tribuyl-tin: a chemical that has been linked to hormonal problems in humans and animals. It can be absorbed through the skin.
• Sodium Polyacrylate: a chemical that can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. This is the chemical that makes a diaper absorbent. Has your child's diaper ever been so saturated you notice little shiny beads sticking to his/her bottom? Those are Sodium Polyacrylate crystals. Sodium Polyacrylate cannot illegally be used in tampons because it can cause toxic shock syndrome, yet it can be used in diapers.

For more info: The Real Diaper Association.

More Facts:

Over 27 billion disposable diapers are used every year in the U.S.

Americans spend about 7 billion dollars on disposables every year!

Over 92% of all disposable diapers end up in a landfill (remember they will be there for several hundred years too). Disposable diapers are the third largest consumer item in landfills.

Types of cloth:

Prefold: requires a snappie or pins to keep closed.

Fitted: use snaps or Velcro to close.Diaper Covers: must be used over prefolds and fitted. There are several kinds of covers: fleece, wool, and a waterproof shell most of which are made of polyester laminate .

Pocket Diapers: are made with an outer water proof shell and are cloth on the inside. They have a pocket to insert a liner or doubler. Liners/doublers come with the diapers. You can also purchase them separately. When washing, the insert/double is removed therefore lessening the drying time. An extra double the liner/doubler may be added for more absorbency and night time use.

All in One (AIO): AIO are like a disposable made of cloth. AIO take the longest to dry but are the most carefree to use. Generally the most expensive type of cloth diaper available. My favorites so far:
Happy Heinys Mini and Happy Heinys: I liked the mini's when Ashlynn was just born. She has her daddies skinny 'chicken' legs and the leg opening worked well. They aren't immensely bulky. Now that she is bigger, the mini's still fit great but she can wear medium size too. The m/lg/xl sizes of HH have snaps and Velcro, a plus is you have a baby who likes to take their diaper off. One thing I don't like is the Velcro doesn't stay put while washing causing the diapers to get stuck together and the material to pile. Instead of using the washing tabs to hold the Velcro, I have been Velcroing them as I would when I diaper, then turning the diaper inside out. This works great!
Another favorite is the FuzziBunz, pictured above under 'Pocket Diaper' (Blue with white flowers). These didn't work well when she was a newborn, they leaked at the legs, but are great now. I like them because they aren't Velcro. They seem a bit bulkier than my Happy Heiny's but this might be because they are a little larger.
I also like using fitted diapers with a diaper cover. My two favorite fitted diapers are Kissaluvs and Heiny Huggers. Both are adjustable and absorbent. The key to preventing leaks is making sure your diaper cover is covering the entire fitted diaper. Fitted diapers tend to be a bit more bulky, but they are more cost effective than Pocket or AIO.
For diaper covers I use Thirsties Duo Wrap's. I have been pleased with them. You can use a diaper cover multiple times before washing if you wipe them with a cloth between changings.
I recently ordered two Thirsties AIO to try them out. I really like them, however they take forever to dry and are expensive.

Do you use cloth? If so, what are your favorites?

Washing diapers, detergents, to soak or not to soak, keeping diapers looking white, diaper creams, and other helpful hints I have learned will be coming in another post(s).

Waster, are you one?

Do you know... A faucet drips every 2 seconds. In one week how much water will be wasted? answer at bottom

Have you ever thought about how much garbage you throw out?
I do every time I take out the trash. Read these facts...

*In the U.S., 4.39 pounds of trash per day are created by the average person.

*Diapers: An average child will use between 8,000 -10,000 disposable diapers ($2,000 worth) before being potty trained. Each year, parents and babysitters dispose of about 18 billion of these items. In the United States alone these single-use items consume nearly 100,000 tons of plastic and 800,000 tons of tree pulp. We will pay an average of $350 million annually to deal with their disposal and, to top it off, these diapers will still be in the landfill 300 years from now. Americans throw away 570 diapers per second. That's 49 million diapers per day.
I'm using cloth with Ashlynn, more on the benefits of cloth another day.

*Americans receive almost 4 million tons of junk mail every year. Most of it winds up in landfills.

*The average American office worker goes through around 500 disposable cups every year.

*Forty-three thousand tons of food is thrown out in the United States each day.
* http://www.cleanair.org/

What about water waste?
I am horrible about filling my tub full, taking long showers and running water while I brush.
Check these facts out to see how you can save water.

Don’t let the water run while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing your face. You’ll save between three and five gallons of water each minute your faucet is turned off.

Most toilets installed before 1980 use 5-7 gallons of water per flush. Toilets installed between 1980 and 1993 use 3.5 gallons per flush. Toilets installed since 1994 use 1.6 gallons.

A typical bath takes about 40 gallons of water. Use the minimum amount of water needed for a bath by closing the drain first and filling the tub only 1/3 full. Remember to plug the tub before turning on water; that initial burst of cold water will be warmed later by adding hot water.

Limit the length of your shower to 5 minutes or less. Reducing showering time by 1 minute can save 1,000 gallons of water a year.
http://www.townofcary.org/depts/pwdept/water/waterconservation/bathroomtips.htm

Practical things anyone can do:
Recycle Paper
Call and Cancel Junk Mail
Use Cloth Napkins and Towels
Use real Dinnerware
Use Real Cups
Only buy/make what you and your family can eat
Turn off the water while brushing and men while shaving
Shorten your shower time
Fix Leaky Faucets

What does your family do to cut waste?

ANSWER: ABOUT 20 GALLONS!!!

Nutrition and Herbs for Pregnancy part 2

Nutrition is a very important part of pregnancy.
I believe 'Whole Foods' are the best foods, pregnant or not, but especially during pregnancy. Whole foods are foods that are in the closest state to which God created them. No artificial flavorings, no ingredients you can't pronounce, no preservatives. When we make the choice to choose 'whole foods' or real food, we will feel better, our bodies will function better and our baby in the womb will thrive and grow strong. Whole foods contain vital nutrients that our bodies need to function. I am not suggesting becoming a vegetarian. But I am saying that the majority of the foods you consume should be plant based; legumes, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts. When you shop, you should fill your cart with an array of colors and textures. Use fresh ground flour if possible. Eat legumes, instead of meat one or two nights a week. Eat seasonal fruits and vegetables to cut costs, to receive the best quality and most nutritious foods.

What do you and your baby in the womb need?

Calcium- found in dairy products (rBGH Free or organic best), nuts & seeds, broccoli, and dark leafy greens. Calcium is needed for fetal skeleton, teeth, increased maternal calcium metabolism, promotes normal blood clotting after birth, required for proper functioning of central nervous system.

1500-1800 mg per day

Protein- found in legumes, fish, meat, dairy, eggs, nuts, & grains. Protein is needed for fetal tissue growth, fetal brain development, placenta growth, maternal tissue growth, maternal blood volume, maternal reserve for labor/delivery and lactation.

80-100 grams a day

Complex Carbohydrates/Whole Grains- found in whole grains, pasta, rice, fruits and vegetables. Complex carbs are essential for energy. Without proper intake of carbohydrates, protein, which is meant for muscle building and tissue formation in the fetus, will be used for energy. Thus robbing your growing fetus of the protein he/she needs. Complex carbs are a good source of B vitamins, iron, and fiber.

4-8 servings per day(depending on your activity level and weight) of whole grains,
see fruits/veggies for their daily recommendations

Iron- found in blackstrap molasses, some cereals, cooked spinach, red meat, and lentils. Getting adequate amounts of iron is very hard to do without a supplement. Find a good supplement! I like Shaklee's Vitalizer with Iron. Iron is essential for the formation of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to the blood. It is important for fetal liver iron storage.

18 - 30 mg per day

Healthy Fats- found in nuts, olive oils, seeds, avocados, deep sea fish, and butter in small amounts. Fats are necessary for proper brain function. Healthy fats are the main source of vitamins A,D,E and K.

15 - 20 % of daily calories, or 3-4 serving per day

Fresh Fruit and Veggies- fresh, raw, baked and steamed, in an array of colors. Avoid using the microwave to cook whenever possible. Cooking at rapid high temperatures kills important vitamins and minerals. Fruits and vegetables are powerhouse sources of vitamins. Fill your plate with many colors to ensure a good variation of vitamins.

8 - 10+ combined serving per day

Fiber- found in legumes, whole grains, cereals, and whole fruits and vegetables. A high fiber diet protects against various diseases, stabilizes blood sugar levels, and provide regularity.

25 - 30 grams per day


For more reading:
The Naturally Healthy Pregnancy by Shonda Parker
Nutrition for a Healthy Pregnancy by Miriam Erick
Eating for Pregnancy by Catherine Jones

Winter health

Drink a lot of water. The more hydrated your body is, the better it can fight off cold/flu bugs.

For a cough and sore throat take warm tea with honey and fresh squeezed lemon. Honey coats the throat and the lemon will break up the mucus.

Sinus problems or stuffy head? Boil oregano in a pot of water on your stove. Breathe in the air for 10 - 12 minutes. Repeat as necessary.
I sometime boil a pot for several hours on the stove while we are working on school in the kitchen. If the case is sever, directly breathe in the steam by covering your head with a towel over the pot, be very careful doing this, you don't want to get a steam burn.

Get enough sleep. A run down body can't fight off disease as well as a well rested one can.

Eat yogurt, kefir or take a Probiotic, especially if you are taking antibiotics. 80% of the bodies immune system is found in the intestine. Antibotics kill the good and the bad bacteria in your body. You need to replace the good bacteria the antibiotic has killed. My children and I eat yogurt/kefir daily and take a Probiotic several times a week. It is amazing how this 'little' thing has kept us healthier!

Elderberry has been found more helpful than echinacea in stimulating the immune system to help ward off the flu.

Ginger is a great herb to calm an upset stomach. For children try ginger chews or ginger tea, if you reach for Ginger Ale or Ginger Snaps, go the the natural ones with real ginger.

A Natural Cure

Has the winter junk got your family feeling lousy?
I LOVE this company!
Hyland's Homeopathy is what we reach for when we are feeling ick.
"Homeopathy is a natural approach to medicine that works without contraindications (interference with other medications you may be taking) or side effects to stimulate the body's curative responses so the body heals itself."
"Homeopathic medicines stimulate your body's homeostatic mechanism so your body heals itself by dealing with the sources of your symptoms. Homeopathy is different from conventional medicine because conventional medicine simply defines health as the lack of symptoms. Homeopathy defines health as the lack of disease."

Above are just two of their products I have used with great success.
I also love their Sinus, Sore Throat, Complete Flu Care, Calms Forte, Teething Tabs and Gel, Ear Tabs and Ear Drops....
The best part of these products is they are natural.
In the Midwest you can get them at HyVee and local Natural Food Stores. If they don't have the product you want, be sure to ask. They will happily order it for you. Many online Health Stores carry Hyland's as well.

"The active ingredients in Hyland’s homeopathic medicines work by stimulating the most effective healing force known - the body's own natural defenses - and are therefore not heavy or overpowering. The medicines are virtually free of side effects and can be taken by nearly anyone at any time, from infants to the elderly, including anyone taking prescription medications."

FEAST - diet coke why I quit

...Pull up a chair, it's a little lengthy today...

I first became serious about cutting it out of my diet when I realized I was addicted. It took me a long time to fess-up to that.
I am embarrassed to say how many I would actually drink in a day. I would drink bottles, as opposed to cans, because I didn't feel like I was drinking as much. You know, 1 bottle 2 cans. We can all count, 1 is less than 2. haha I know, dumb reasoning.
I knew I couldn't shake my habit on my own, I had tried countless times. I began to pray. It seemed like a silly prayer, 'God take away my diet coke addiction'. But He cares! He wants me to be healthy, He wants me to lead a full life and He wants me to be free from things that imprison me. God began to take away my cravings. The stuff, I once craved, began to look gross to me. I still kept choking it down, but it slowly began to churn my stomach.
I was listening to Family Life Today one morning and guess what they were talking about? Addictions. The speaker defined an addiction as something we couldn't function in our day without. Sure enough, that was me and my diet coke.
****
Ok, let's just break for a minute, remember my Monday post? Well, I talked a lot about ice-cream. And I am sure you are all judging my ice cream addiction habit already, remember Judging is a sin:) Just for the record, I CAN live without ice cream. I do not eat it every day. However, I do really like it and I prefer to eat it every day. But I also eat vegetables every day. I am not addicted to vegetables, I know they are good for me. I know I need dairy to keep my bones strong, so I eat ice cream on a regular basis :) 'nuf said
Back to diet cola's
****
I couldn't function without diet coke. It was bad. Then I started to become aware of how it effected me. When I drank one, I wanted another, then another. I also craved sweets. They went hand in hand. Diet coke, piece of candy, diet coke, piece of candy... When I didn't have my 4:00 fix I was growl-y and could feel the headache coming on. I continued to pray about it. I knew it wasn't good for me.
Just look at the stuff.
Really, take a minute and look at it.
It started to gross me out. I didn't stop drinking it yet, but with every sip, I cringed. I began to wonder what was in it? And what was it doing to me?
INGREDIENTS
Carbonated water -Caramel color -Aspartame -Phosphoric Acid -Citric Acid -Potassium Benzoate -Natural flavors -Caffeine

So what are these things? Do you know what they can do to you?

Phosphoric Acid: In a more concentrated form, it is used to remove rust. The amount in diet coke is small, but if you drink a lot, you should use a straw because it can cause damage to your teeth enamel.. Lovely.. It also blocks the absorption of calcium and magnesium. In some studies it has been linked to kidney stones.

Potassium Benzoate
A known carcinogen (cancer causing agent). Hello, I was willingly drinking this???

Caffeine: It stimulates the adrenal glands to release adrenalin into the blood stream. Giving you a lift. Just like any other drug, your body adjusts to it. Which means you need more to give you that lift. Side effects of caffeine are: jitters, insomnia, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, elevated blood cholesterol levels, vitamin and mineral depletion, breast lumps & birth defects.

And what about the artificial sweetener?
Aspartame: This artificial sweetener has been discovered to cause harm to the brain and nervous system. There are over 92 different health side effects; spasms or shooting pains, numbness, tinnitus, depression, impaired vision, memory loss to dizziness, brain tumors, high blood pressure, birth defects, diabetes, emotional disorders and epilepsy/seizures are just a few. When stored for longer periods of time, aspartame changes to methanol. Methanol is a known poison.

Do I occasionally have a sip? No. Do I ever let my children drink pop? Yes, once in a while.

Diet Coke, in and of itself, isn't a sin. But I was consumed by it. I was, in some ways, controlled by it. You may not be imprisoned to diet coke like I was. But most likely you have some habit that isn't the best for you. It might be too much TV, excessive shopping, salty snacks, perfectionism, the fear of germs, or the lack of exercise. I don't know what you struggle with, but God does.
He cares. He really does.

Matt 10:29-31 "Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."

Isiah 61:1 "..because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has set me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners."

Luke 4:18-19 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

Don't give up!

Isaiah 40:28- 31 "Do you not know, have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the earth. He will not grow weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young fall; But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

FEAST * Food & Energy

Food
Energy
Attitude
Schedules
Time

Welcome to week one of FEAST!
These are my energy shoes. When I put on my shoes, I get so much more done. Not sure why, they are just Nike 360's, but oh so comfy.
Try it!
Put your shoes on.
Now, let's get started...

QUIZ time...
What did you eat for breakfast this morning?

a) Cereal
b) donut or something else fried/baked or sugar laden
c) something that you can pronounce all of the ingredients on the ingredient label, if it has a label
d) coffee
e) nothing

My answer: c

What time did you go to bed last night and what time did you get up?

a) around 11/11:30 pm & 6:00/6:30 am
b) around 9/9:30 & 5/5:30 am
c) around 1/1:30 am & 6:30/7 am

My answer: b

Why is sleep important? Why is breakfast important?

Sleep lays the foundation for a successful day. When we sleep our bodies repair muscle and cells, release growth regulating and appetite hormones, and combine memory functions. The lack of sleep has been linked to decreased immune function, obesity, increased risk for cancer, impaired judgment...Personally, when I don't get enough sleep, I tend to be a crab. I feel run down and depleted before the day even begins. I tend to get sinus infections and throbbing headaches. I need sleep!
However, sleeping in isn't an option for me. I get up early. I have learned to love the early morning hours. I know I am better equipped to face the day if I have a few hours, of a quiet house, to prepare my mind. I need to have time with God before the noise begins. I exercise in those early morning hours, (some mornings I have to force myself, but the feeling I get when I am done is worth the suffering) and it is easier to prep the house/school/schedules for the day without little ones under foot. I know I need around 8 hours of sleep to feel my best. When my day starts peaceful and un-rushed, my day continues that way. When my day starts rushed, stress has set the tone and it is hard to turn it around.

Food is fuel for the body. When our bodies don't get the proper foods, they don't run efficiently. When I don't start my day with the right foods, I feel sluggish, down and lazy. I have found that with the right foods, and proper sleep, I feel like the energizer bunny! My mind is sharper, my attitude better and my mommy skills increase. (And no, I don't get that feeling from drinking coffee) To achieve this energy, I go for complex carbohydrates (for energy) and protein (for endurance). What do I (& my family) eat? A combination of the following...
Fruit & Kefir Smoothies
Whole Grain Toast/Mini Bagels/Pancakes
Eggs
Fresh Fruit
Nuts
Old Fashioned Oatmeal
Kefir/Yogurt
For some recipes go here: Breakfast

This weeks challenge:
Eat a healthy breakfast & try to get 8+ hours of sleep for one week.
And, if you're an over achiever, try exercising 3-4 days.
Let me know next week if you feel energized :)

I am trying to figure out show to make a link badge for FEAST. Any blogging wisdom out there for me?

FEAST

Coming soon (Lord Willing)...
..FEAST..

Food
Energy
Attitude
Schedules
Time

...These are my secret weapon...
(I'll tell you why later)

FEAST will focus on how food effects your energy, how your energy effects your attitude, how your attitude effects your schedule, how your schedule effects how you manage your time and how you manage your time effects what you decide to fill your body with to provide you with the energy and attitude you need to effectively schedule your day. Whooh, that was a long sentence! I plan to include an easy, healthy recipe each week as well.

Let me start by saying, I am a work in progress. I learn each day how to better spend my time, what foods provide me with more energy and how to effectively run our house.
September 23rd, 2007 I decided to cut soda from my diet. Period. My goal was to go 30 days, I really wanted to go a year, but that seemed like a very long time to go with out my favorite drink. I didn't know if I could survive with out my late afternoon caffeine boost. I didn't tell anyone the first few weeks because I was afraid I would fail. I didn't want to be a loser. Well I made it 7 days, then a week, then a month and now it has been over a year! Laugh if you want, I was addicted. Diet Coke was my drug of choice. I would start drinking around 4 or 5 in the afternoon & have one in hand the rest of the day. My shopping cart was an oxymoron, organic produce and organic dry goods right along side my case cases of diet coke.
If I can stop drinking diet coke, anything is possible.
Be sure to join in.
I'd love to hear your comments & suggestions!

Sunscreen and Vit D

Did you know the sun gives us an important vitamin? Vitamin D. Did you know that around 40% of people in the US have a vitamin D deficiency. Why do we need vitamin D? It's main role is to keep calcium and phosphorus at normal levels in our bodies. Vitamin D helps absorb calcium (think Vit D fortified milk) keeping our bones strong. Vitamin D also prevents rickets in children.

Did you know using sunscreen blocks our bodies absorption of Vitamin D? And the ingredients in sunscreen can be bad for you? The active ingredients in almost every sunscreen on the market can create harmful free radicals.

Don't get me wrong, if you are going to be out for hours on end, it is advisable to use sunscreen, but be wise in the sunscreen you choose. Look for sunscreens that are free of parabens, phthalates, PEG’s, and synthetic oxybenzone. Safe Mama's has put together a list of sunscreens to use. Mercola also has a good sunscreen.

Plastic... bad or good...

We are making the switch at our house. Slowly the plastic is getting purged. Why? Because studies are finding that Bisphenol A (BPA), DEHA and Styrene leach into our food and drinks. What is Bisphenol A? It is the #7 plastic on the bottom of your plastic containers. It is a chemical used to make polycarbonate plastic, the hard plastic used to make drinking cups, bottles, sippyBisphenol A is a chemical that alters our bodies natural production pattern of estrogen. Not only can this effect fertility and ability to carry a child, studies are showing it stimulates cells and tissue into ones that resemble early forms of cancer. DEHA is the #3 plastic on the bottom of your containers. It is also the plastic used in some plastic wrap. DEHA can cause your spleen, kidneys, and liver not to function properly. Styrene in the #6 plastic on the bottom of your containers. Repeat exposure can cause headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and confusion in addition to an increased risk of developing cancer. The scary thing is, that in recent studies, 90 - 95% of people tested, have tested positive for carrying these chemicals in their bodies.

Plastic #'s 1, 2, 4 and 5 are thought to be the safe #'s to look for on the bottom of plastic containers. For more details and information, print out a copy of the Smart Plastics Guide. You can read more about #7 BPA plastic here. Both links give information on safe sippy cups and bottles to buy for your children. A great alternative to plastic is Kleen Kanteen.

Organic Food

Why eat organic? Welllllll~ it tastes better, it is better for you and it is better for the environment. We grown as much produce as we can, but living in the mid-west, we aren't able to have a garden year around :) When purchasing produce, I try to go with organic, but it can get costly. Several years ago I found this list. It has helped me make wise decisions when cost is an issue.

Buy these Organic~ the top 12 most contaminated with Pesticides
Peaches
Apples
Sweet Bell Peppers
Celery
Nectarines
Strawberries
Cherries
Lettuce
Grapes (Imported)
Pears
Spinach
Potatoes

12 Lowest in Pesticides
Onions
Avocado
Sweet Corn (Frozen)
Pineapples
Mango
Sweet Peas (Frozen)
Asparagus
Kiwi
Bananas
Cabbage
Broccoli
Eggplant

So, save some $$, give your children a lesson in gardening, eat organic homegrown and get your hands dirty, it is planting season :)