Day 26

10/1/12

Happy October!

I am slowly learning more (since post #3 and #18) about GMOs and I would like to share some info that my daddy sent me:

*The American Academy of Environmental Medicine reviewed studies of lab animals being fed GMO foods and determined that the foods were causing problems with:
-immune systems
-reproductive systems
-gastrointestinal systems
        as well as...
-organ damage
-faster aging

           Importantly, symptoms improve when GMO's are removed from animal's diets. The problem is that GMO's are popping up everywhere in the human diet - without us even knowing it.

In humans, GMO consumption causes:
-fatigue
-allergies
-weight gain
-infertility
-stomach issues
-migraines
-inflammation
-mammary tumors
-kidney and liver damage
-serious illnesses

TIPS for AVOIDING GMO's while SHOPPING:
*Buy Organic
*Look for the "Non-GMO Project" Seal
*Avoid soybeans, canola oil, corn,
cottonseed, and sugar from sugarbeets
*Find your local farmer's market!
**Educate yourself**

-I am wanting to learn more about Monsanto-  the world leader in GMO's, creator of Roundup herbicide weedkiller
-California's Prop. 37 to enforce GMO labeling on food
  ---If you have info, please share

Also, I am very proud to share that after reading my blog, a fellow army wife - Aly - shared in her blog: Granola Trail that she purged her toxic health and beauty products.  This makes me super happy since on Day 1 of my blog I said "I will be satisfied if I can motivate even one person to get on track with one or more of my goals".

-So.. check out the Granola Trail blog - there is information about bringing up a baby organically and naturally (she is currently pregnant) and I assume she will cover baby topics that I may not.

That is all. <3

Day 25

 9/30/12

Food for Thought.

 

If ever you aren't sure if you should be eating something, think about this :-)

Day 24

9-29-12

Juice Lunch:

I threw all of this into my juicer for a yummy, healthy meal.  This makes about 12 0z. of juice.

-cucumber, kale, spinach, broccoli, carrot, orange, apple, celery

Play around with the amounts of each fruit or vegetable you use!

DON'T put Bananas or Avocados into your machine - they are too oily.  If you want to add them, blend them in your blender and mix with your finished juice.  I've blended plain or vanilla yogurt with my juice to make it more thick and creamy like a milkshake.

Day 23

9-28-12

Juicing Recipe #1

Orange Apple Carrot Grape Tomato Juice

Add 1 orange, 2-3 small apples,1 carrot, a handful of grapes, and 1 tomato.

Helpful Hints:

*when peeling orange, make sure to leave as much of the white inner layer as possible, cut in half

*cut apples into quarters - removing seeds and stem is optional

*Cut tomato in half

**Try to use Organic if possible  - but either way, be sure to wash all fruits and vegetables before prepping them for juicer.

-Ideally, you want to have some greens in your juice, but I did not happen to have any for the time being :-(

Day 22

9-27-12

JUICING!

I was first introduced to juicing while in San Antonio visiting family ... My brother and sister-in-law made me something with celery and appple and I couldn't believe how good it was because I don't like raw celery at all, so I was hooked.

For my birthday, they sent me a juicer and I went crazy with it - using it 2-3 times a day.. juicing oranges, apples, strawberries, grapes, plums, blueberries, mango, spinach, kale, cucumber, lemons, limes, cabbage, carrots, celery, cantaloupe, tomatoes, watermelon, broccoli ... pretty much any piece of produce I could get my hands on.. I didn't have a headache for a week straight.

It started getting expensive so I had to slow down.  I try to juice at least 4 times a week. 

If you can acquire a juicer, please do.  There are so many benefits because you can get the nutrients of many fruits and vegetables that you otherwise wouldn't be able to consume in the span of a day.  Also, the liquid form gets into your blood stream so much faster.

It doesn't matter if you find a 1970's vintage juicer for 1$ at a yard sale (works perfectly):

....spend 40-80$ on a decent one:

....or 2,500$ on a top of the line juicer (I wish):

If you are interested in juicing, research it, and make sure you check out "Gerson Therapy".  If you have access to Netflix, please watch "The Gerson Miracle" - especially if you know of anyone who is battling cancer.  Juicing can be a life saver.

Day 21

9/26/12

"Leftovers" Salad

When you have no idea what to eat for dinner, just pile a mound of lettuce on your plate and add whatever you can find in your cupboard & fridge.

Here I have leftover wild rice with black beans and corn.  I added my leftover maple syrup carrots from lunch.  Then I threw in some cheese, croutons, raisins, and green grapes and made a real quick red wine balsamic vinaigrette (red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, olive oil and a little pure maple syrup).

Just use what you happen to have and get creative!

Day 20

9/25/12

On day six I posted this picture:

I hope you have been able to get  your hands on these products so you can try your new AwEsOme Laundry Detergent.  

I have tried countless DIY recipes which work great, but I find this is easier (fewer ingredients, no soap shredding, boiling water or special containers). These three ingredients are all that you need.  Oh, and a tablespoon to keep near your washer for easy access.

Add one tbsp of Dr. Bronner's Pure Castile Soap to the already-running-warm-water in your washer.  Add one tbsp. of baking soda to follow.  Then top it off with one tbsp. of white vinegar.  Add an additional tbsp. of white vinegar to the 'fabric softener' slot of your washer.  Wham Bam.. walk away.

I have been using this method for a few months, and believe it or not - the clothes come out smelling very fresh and clean every time - - and not at all like vinegar.  For stains, add an extra tbsp. of castile soap.... play around with it.  This works great for me.  I am still trying to figure out a non-toxic stain spot treatment for heavy stains because this doesn't completely dissolve grass stains... but it will get your clothes clean.  I use the hot-cold cycle for my lights and the warm-cold cycle for my darks.

**The 32 oz. of Dr Bronner's Soap costs under 12$ at Kroger (I  have also seen it at Target in the make-up aisle). This bottle will last about 68 loads making each load cost under .20 cents.

TOXIC FREE AND CHEAP. yay.

Good Luck!

If anyone knows of a great stain fighter please let me know.