Friday, October 29, 2010

Friday's Food for Thought: Will We Go Extinct?!

An interesting question, to be sure! Check out this great article from Garden of Life's Extraordinary Health Newsletter to find out the answer!

See the original article here.

Issue 102: Reproductive Roulette?

"It’s a dire prediction and a bold statement, but nutrition and fitness expert and author of The Anti-Estrogenic Diet, Ori Hofmekler, says, "As a species, we’re on a fast track to extinction. In the past few decades, men have lost 50% of their sperm count, and within only one generation the average man's sperm count and testosterone have dropped by 20%. Women are no better. Staggering figures show that most women today are suffering from female disorders and three out of ten women between the ages of 35 to 60 will develop breast cancer."

That paints a pretty dismal picture, but there’s hope for taking back hormonal health. Here’s what Hofmekler has to say about how we got to this point.

If he had to boil it down to one area, it would have to be our over-reliance on highly processed, chemically ladened, industry based foods, goods and products. In a word: xenoestrogens. Xenoestrogens are artificially made endocrine disruptors that have the very real ability to mimic the effects of true estrogen and to negatively interact with our cells.

Our society’s weight problem may exacerbate this, too, since xenoestrogens like to lodge in fat cells where they become even more resistant to breaking down. With over two-thirds of the adult American population overweight or obese, that creates a lot of fat cells for these xenoestrogens to take refuge.

You can find xenoestrogens everywhere, too, including the most common areas:

• Commercially raised animals and animal products
• Canned goods and plastics
• Makeup, lotion, perfumes and other personal care products
• Pharmaceuticals, including oral contraceptives
• Products made of styrofoam
• Laundry and dishwashing detergents and cleansers
• Household cleaners and air fresheners
• Food additives and food preservatives
• Pesticides and herbicides

Unfortunately, many of us encounter more than one of these xenoestrogenic products on a daily basis, and that can lead to a negative synergistic effect from xenoestrogens that can cause problems at the cellular level.

So what can be done? As you might guess, Hofmekler suggests that we minimize the use of these endocrine disruptors as much as possible. You may even need to consult your healthcare professional about this, especially if prescription drugs are in the mix.

It’s important to maintain a healthy weight and blood sugar levels, too. As stated earlier, these xenoestrogens like the comfy lifestyle fat cells provide. Additionally, unbalanced blood sugar can provide a feeder system to increased fat storage. It can also decrease the ability for cells to detoxify and can interfere with proper hormone signals.

While you’re at it, incorporate a seasonal detox. By doing a quarterly cleanse, your liver and gallbladder work more effectively to transport excess estrogen out of the body. Be sure, too, that your body gets the nutrients it needs to remain healthy. Additionally, it’s important to support your pituitary gland with adequate rest, movement and nutrition, says Hofmekler.

And, finally, be sure to get plenty of exercise. It helps with detoxification (such as sweating), supports oxygenation of your cells, can balance blood sugar and can promote healthy hormones. Another perk is that exercise can help your body burn fat more readily and can metabolize excess estrogen.

Reproductive roulette is risky, so stop the hormonal havoc—while there’s still time."


Thursday, October 28, 2010

My Brand Recommendations for Extraordinary Foods: Lunch Meat, Eggs, Dairy & Oils


All right, let's move on to my favorite brands for the lunch meat, eggs, dairy, and fats and oils from the Extraordinary Food list! (The Extraordinary Food List is taken from Jordan Rubin's The Great Physician's RX for Health & Wellness)

Lunch Meat: (Organic, free range, and hormone free)

Turkey Applegate Farms Organics makes great turkey lunch meat!

Chicken I believe they make organic chicken deli meat as well.


Roast Beef And I know for sure they make roast beef, because I am eating it right now!

Eggs (High omega-3/DHA is best)

Chicken eggs (whole with yolk) My favorite store bought brand is Organic Valley Omega 3 eggs, although I also like Chino Valley Ranchers. However, even these cannot compare to eggs from your local farmer!

Duck eggs (whole with yolk)
I have never had duck eggs, but I bet they're good!

Fish roe or caviar (must be fresh, not preserved) Fish roe and caviar are also food items that don't turn up in our home, but I know they are amazing for you!

Dairy (Organic)

Kefir made from raw goat's milk I have never seen raw goat's milk in stores, so your best bet would be to make your own. Redwood Hill Farms makes a goat's milk kefir, but it is pasteurized.

Kefir made from raw cow's milk
Organic Pastures in CA is the only company I know of manufacturing raw cow's milk kefir. You can get it from them, or make your own easily!

Raw goat's milk hard cheeses
Redwood Hill Farms makes a raw goat's milk feta. YUM!

Raw cow's milk hard cheeses Organic Valley raw cheese is our family's favorite !

Goat's milk plain whole yogurt Redwood Hill Farms is our favorite goat's milk yogurt.

Organic cow's milk yogurt We get organic raw yogurt from our local milk farmer, but Strauss is a good brand as well.

Raw cream I would recommend getting this from your local raw dairy farmer, but Organic Pastures and Claravale Farms in CA both market raw creams, if you can find them in your local area.

Fats and oils (Organic)
Oil, coconut, extra virgin (best for cooking)
My favorite organic extra virgin coconut oil is Nutiva. We buy large containers and always have it on hand. Garden of Life also makes a great one!

Oil, olive, extra virgin (not for cooking) Spectrum Organic EVOO is my favorite!

Oil, butter (ghee) Purity Farms has a wonderful organic ghee. (Ghee is butter oil, the milk solids have been removed)

Butter, goat's milk, raw (not for cooking) I haven't seen this widely available in health food stores. Your best bet would be to buy it through your local raw goat's milk farmer.

Butter, goat's milk See above

Butter, cow's milk, raw, grass fed (not for cooking) Organic Pastures is the only company I know who markets raw butter. I buy ours from our dairy farmer, or make it myself in our blender.

butter, cow's milk Organic Valley's unsalted, cultured butter is my favorite pasteurized butter, which is great for cooking.

Avocado Any organic avocado will do!

Coconut milk/cream (canned) Thai brand has a great organic line.

Oil, unrefined flaxseed (not for cooking) Barlean's is a great brand, they are very well known for their excellent oil products!

Oil, unrefined hemp seed (not for cooking) I have never bought hemp seed oil!

Oil, expeller-pressed sesame I haven't ever bought sesame oil either, but I have seen one by Spectrum.

O, expeller- pressed peanut Same goes for peanut oil!

Tomorrow we will go over fruits and vegetables!

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

My Brand Recommendations for the Extraordinary Foods: Part 1

Ok, so we have finally made it through the Extraordinary Foods list, from the Great Physician's RX for Health & Wellness! As promised, I will now go through the foods and list the brands our family buys. I have chosen all brands based on their manufacturing processes, ensuring that the foods stay as close to God intended as possible!

I will re-list the foods, and put my recommended brands in bold next to them.

Here we go!

Meat: (Grass Fed & Organic)

We have a local farm where we buy all of our organic grass fed beef. Check out www.eatwild.com to find a farm in your area, or www.realmilk.com, as many farmers who sell milk will also sell beef.

  • Meat bone soup or stock (We use homemade, I rarely buy store bought stock, as many organic ones have MSG in them! Anything that says "yeast extract" is actually MSG!)
  • Liver and heart (must be organic) (I must admit that I've never been brave enough to try liver but our farmer does sell it!)
  • Lamb Our family loves lamb! We buy it from the Whole Foods meat counter- there is usually only one local brand available. Check out your natural health food store.
  • Buffalo We love buffalo too! Buffalo burgers are particularly good. We get ours from the Whole Foods meat counter.
  • Elk We have never eaten elk, let me know if you try it!
  • Venison We have never eaten vennison, let me know if you try it!
  • Beef - See note above
  • Goat We have never eaten goat, let me know if you try it!
  • Veal We have never eaten veal, let me know if you try it!
  • Jerky (with no chemicals, nitrates, or nitrites) I rarely buy jerky, but I do know you can easily make it at home with a dehydrator. If you do decide to buy it, just make sure it has no chemicals, nitrates or nitrites as listed above, and comes from grass fed beef.
  • Beef or buffalo sausage (with no pork casing) Applegate Farms has some really good organic beef sausages and hot dogs, without any pork, and made from grass fed beef.
Fish: (Wild- or ocean caught)
(The availability of fish will vary based on your area. Check out your local natural health food store for the best wild or ocean caught fish available to you.)
  • Fish soup or stock
  • Salmon
  • Halibut
  • Tuna
  • Cod
  • Scrod
  • Grouper
  • Haddock
  • Mahimahi
  • Pompano
  • Wahoo
  • Trout
  • Tilapia
  • Orange Roughy
  • Sea Bass
  • Snapper
  • Sardines (canned in water or olive oil only)
  • Herring
  • Sole
  • Whitefish
Poultry: (Pastured & Organic)
  • Poultry bone soup or stock (I very rarely buy chicken stock, I usually make my own!)
  • Chicken Check out your local health food store for good chicken- I usually buy the organic chicken from our Whole Foods. You can also see if you have a local farm that sells chicken.
  • Cornish game hen I have never tried Cornish game hen, please let me know if you do!
  • Guinea fowl I have never tried guinea fowl, please let me know if you do!
  • Turkey Diestel Farms out of Sonora, CA is a great brand.
  • Duck I have never tried duck, please let me know if you do!
  • Chicken or Turkey Bacon (with no pork casing) Applegate Farms makes an excellent organic turkey bacon!
  • Chicken or Turkey Sausage (with no pork casing) Applegate Farms also makes excellent organic chicken sausages.
  • Chicken or Turkey Hot Dogs (with no pork casing) They make chicken and turkey hot dogs too, but our family prefers their beef hot dogs!
Tomorrow I will give you my favorite brands for the lunch meat, eggs, dairy, and fats and oils categories!

Monday, October 25, 2010

Foods to Eat, Foods to Avoid: Part 5


Today, we will wrap up the Extraordinary Foods List, with the foods in the Condiments, Snacks, and Beverages categories! Remember that these foods are recommended to comprise 75% of your daily diet, especially if you are facing a health challenge.

Taken from page 60 of the Great Physician's RX for Health & Wellness, by Jordan Rubin:

Condiments, Spices, and Seasonings: (Organic)
  • Salsa (fresh or canned)
  • Tomato sauce (no added sugar)
  • Guacamole (fresh)
  • Soy sauce (wheat free, tamari)
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Herbs and spices (no added stabilizers)
  • Herbamare seasoning
  • Real Salt (excellent brand of sea salt)
  • Sea salt
  • Mustard
  • Ketchup (no sugar)
  • Salad dressings (no canola oil)
  • Marinades (no canola oil)
  • Omega-3 mayonnaise
  • Umeboshi paste
  • Flavoring extracts such as vanilla or almond (alcohol-based, no sugar)
Snacks:
  • Healthy whole food bars (Such as the Garden of Life brand)
  • Goat's milk protein powder
  • Flaxseed crackers
  • Jennie's macaroons
  • Healthy trail mix (with sprouted nuts)
  • Organic cocoa powder
  • Organic chocolate spreads
  • Carob powder
Beverages:
  • Purified, nonchlorinated water
  • Natural sparkling water, no carbonation added (i.e. Perrier)
  • Unsweetened or honey-sweetened herbal teas (green tea, black tea, white tea, red tea, oolong tea, mate, and herbal infusions)
  • Raw vegetable or fruit juices
  • Lacto-Fermented beverages
  • Coconut water

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Foods to Eat, Foods to Avoid: Part 4



Well, we're almost done with the Extraordinary Food List! Here is the Extraordinary Food list for grains, sweeteners, beans and legumes, and nuts and seeds.

(Taken from page 58 of the Great Physician's RX for Health & Wellness by Jordan Rubin)


Grains & Starchy Carbohydrates: (Organic, and whole grains and flours should be soaked for six to twelve hours before cooking)

Sprouted Ezekiel- type bread
Fermented whole grain sourdough bread
Sprouted whole grain cereal
Quinoa (Soaked)
Amaranth (Soaked)
Buckwheat (Soaked)
Millet (Soaked)

Sweeteners:

Unheated raw honey
Date Sugar

Beans & Legumes: (Soaked for 12+ hours)

Miso
Lentils
Tempeh
Natto
Black beans
Kidney Beans
Navy beans
White beans
Pinto Beans
Red Beans
Split peas
Garbanzo Beans
Lima Beans
Broad Beans
Black-eyed peas
Soybeans

Nuts and Seeds: (Organic, raw, and soaked)

Almonds (raw or dry roasted)
Pumpkin seeds (raw or dry roasted)
Hemp seeds (raw)
Flaxseeds (raw and ground)
Sunflower seeds (raw or dry roasted)
Almond butter (raw or roasted)
Tahini (raw or roasted)
Pumpkin seed butter (raw or roasted)
Hemp seed buter (raw)
Sunflower butter (raw or roasted)
Walnuts (raw or dry roasted)
Macadamia nuts (raw or dry roasted)
Pecans (raw or dry roasted)
Hazelnuts (raw)
Brazil nuts (raw)

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Foods to Eat, Foods to Avoid: Part 3


Well, we are halfway through the Extraordinary Foods List. I know it's taking a while, but it really gives a good idea for the foods you should fill your fridge and pantry with!

Here's today's list for Vegetables & Fruits:

(Foods at the top of the list are healthier/more nutritious than those on the bottom)

Vegetables:

Raw fermented veggies (no vinegar)
Squash (winter or summer)
Broccoli
Artichokes (French, not Jerusalem)
Asparagus
Beets
Cauliflower
Brussels sprouts
Cabbage
Carrots
Celery
Cucumbers
Eggplant
Pumpkins
Garlic
Onions
Leafy Greens (Kale, collard, broocoli rabe, mustard greens)
Salad Greens (radicchio, escarole, endive)
Okra
Lettuce
Spinach
Mushrooms
Peas
Peppers
String Beans
Tomatoes
Sprouts (Brocooli, sunflower, pea shoots, radish, etc)
Sweet potatoes
Sea vegetables (Kelp, dulse, nori, kombu and hijiki)
White potatoes
Corn

Fruits:

Blueberries
Strawberries
Blackberries
Raspberries
Lemons
Limes
Apples
Apricots
Grapes
Melons
Oranges
Pineapples
Bananas
Mangoes
Papayas
Dried Fruits (no sugar or sulfites)
Raisins
Figs
Dates
Prunes
Peaches
Grapefruit

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Foods to Eat, Foods to Avoid: Part 2


Continuing on with our series, here is the list of Extraordinary Foods for the Lunch Meat, Dairy, and Fats and Oils categories! (Page 56 of the Great Physician's Rx for Health & Wellness)

Next week, after I am through listing all of the foods in the Extraordinary, Average, and Trouble categories, I will share my favorite brands for each item. (Well, except for the Trouble category, of course!)

Lunch Meat: (Organic, free range, and hormone free)
Turkey
Chicken
Roast Beef

Eggs (High omega-3/DHA is best)
Chicken eggs (whole with yolk)
Duck eggs (whole with yolk)
Fish roe or caviar (must be fresh, not preserved)

Dairy (Organic)
Kefir made from raw goat's milk
Kefir made from raw cow's milk
Raw goat's milk hard cheeses
Raw cow's milk hard cheeses
Goat's milk plain whole yogurt
Organic cow's milk yogurt or kefir
Raw cream

Fats and oils (Organic)
Oil, coconut, extra virgin (best for cooking)
Oil, olive, extra virgin (not for cooking)
Oil, butter (ghee)
Butter, goat's milk, raw (not for cooking)
Butter, goat's milk
Butter, cow's milk, raw, grass fed (not for cooking)
butter, cow's milk
Avocado
Coconut milk/cream (canned)
Oil, unrefined flaxseed (not for cooking)
Oil, unrefined hemp seed (not for cooking)
Oil, expeller-pressed sesame
O, expeller- pressed peanut

Monday, October 18, 2010

Foods to Eat, Foods to Avoid: Part 1

Last week, a reader suggested that I go through her pantry- telling her what to ditch, and what to keep. What a great idea, Maureen! So this week, I'll be working through Jordan Rubin's list of the three food categories: Extraordinary, Average, and Trouble, highlighting the ones that our family loves, and giving you the brands that we buy.

I'll start this series by listing the foods in each category, and then giving you the brands I love for each one.

Let's kick this off by looking at the Extraordinary foods! This is taken from The Great Physician's RX for Health & Wellness, on page 55. Today we will take a look at the extraordinary meats God has given us.

Extraordinary Food List
"Extraordinary food are those that God created for us to eat and are in a form healthy for the body. If you are struggling with poor health, it is best to consume foods from the extraordinary category more than 75% of the time."

Meat: (Grass Fed & Organic)

  • Meat bone soup or stock
  • Liver and heart (must be organic
  • Lamb
  • Buffalo
  • Elk
  • Venison
  • Beef
  • Goat
  • Veal
  • Jerky (with no chemicals, nitrates, or nitrites)
  • Beef or buffalo sausage (with no pork casing)
Fish: (Wild- or ocean caught)
  • Fish soup or stock
  • Salmon
  • Halibut
  • Tuna
  • Cod
  • Scrod
  • Grouper
  • Haddock
  • Mahimahi
  • Pompano
  • Wahoo
  • Trout
  • Tilapia
  • Orange Roughy
  • Sea Bass
  • Snapper
  • Sardines (canned in water or olive oil only)
  • Herring
  • Sole
  • Whitefish
Poultry: (Pastured & Organic)
  • Poultry bone soup or stock
  • Chicken
  • Cornish game hen
  • Guinea fowl
  • Turkey
  • Duck
  • Chicken or Turkey Bacon (with no pork casing)
  • Chicken or Turkey Sausage (with no pork casing)
  • Chicken or Turkey Hot Dogs (with no pork casing)




Friday, October 15, 2010

Friday's Food for Thought: Foods That Prevent Cancer

In continuing with yesterday's blog about cancer, I wanted to share this article I found by the Weston A. Price Foundation about preventing cancer through food. These are some great guidelines to live by! See the original article here.

How to Protect Yourself Against Cancer with Food

Once a rare disease, cancer is now widespread, affecting as much as one-third of the population. The rise in cancer in the West has paralleled the rise in factory farming and the use of processed foods containing vegetable oils and additives.

Orthodox methods for treating cancer (radiation and chemotherapy) do not prolong life. The best approach to cancer is prevention.

Traditional diets, containing animal and plant foods farmed by nontoxic methods, are rich in factors that protect against cancer. Many of these protective factors are in the animal fats.

Vegetarianism does not protect against cancer. In fact, vegetarians are particularly prone to cancers of the nervous system and reproductive organs.

Nutrients in Whole Foods that Protect Against Cancer

Vitamin A: Strengthens the immune system. Essential for mineral metabolism and endocrine function. Helps detoxify. True vitamin A is found only in animal foods such as cod liver oil; fish and shellfish; and liver, butter and egg yolks from pasture-fed animals. Traditional diets contained ten times more vitamin A than the typical modern American diet.

Vitamin C: An important antioxidant that prevents damage by free radicals. Found in many fruits and vegetables but also in certain organ meats valued by primitive peoples.

Vitamin B6: Deficiencies are associated with cancer. Contributes to the function of over 100 enzymes. Most available from animal foods.

Vitamin B12: Deficiencies are associated with cancer. Found only in animal foods.

Vitamin B17: Protects against cancer. Found in a variety of organically grown grains, legumes, nuts and berries.

Vitamin D: Required for mineral absorption. Strongly protective against breast and colon cancer. Found only in animal foods such as cod liver oil, lard, shellfish and butterfat, organ meats and egg yolks from grass-fed animals. Traditional diets contained ten times more vitamin D than the typical modern American diet.

Vitamin E: Works as an antioxidant at the cellular level. Found in unprocessed oils as well as in animal fats like butter and egg yolks.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): Strongly protective against breast cancer. Found in the butterfat and meat fat of grass-fed ruminant animals.

Cholesterol: A potent antioxidant that protects against free radicals in cell membranes. Found only in animal foods.

Minerals: The body needs generous amounts of a wide variety of minerals to protect itself against cancer. Minerals like zinc, magnesium and selenium are vital components of enzymes that help the body fight carcinogens. Minerals are more easily absorbed from animal foods.

Lactic Acid and Friendly Bacteria: Contribute to the health of the digestive tract. Found in old fashioned lacto-fermented foods.

Saturated Fats: Strengthen the immune system. Needed for proper use of the essential fatty acids. The lungs cannot function without saturated fats. Found mostly in animal foods.

Long-Chain Fatty Acids: Arachidonic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) help fight cancer on the cellular level. They are found mostly in animal foods such as butter, organ meats, cod liver oil and seafood.

Co-enzyme Q10: Highly protective against cancer. Found only in animal foods.

Compounds in Processed Foods that Can Cause Cancer

Trans Fatty Acids: Imitation fats in shortenings, margarines and most commercial baked goods and snack foods. Strongly associated with cancer of the lungs and reproductive organs.

Rancid fats: Industrial processing creates rancidity (free radicals) in commercial vegetable oils.

Omega-6 fatty acids: Although needed in small amounts, an excess can contribute to cancer. Dangerously high levels of omega-6 fatty acids are due to the overuse of vegetable oils in modern diets.

MSG: Associated with brain cancer. Found in almost all processed foods, even when "MSG" does not appear on the label. Flavorings, spice mixes and hydrolyzed protein contain MSG.

Aspartame: Imitation sweetener in diet foods and beverages. Associated with brain cancer.

Pesticides: Associated with many types of cancer. Found in most commercial vegetable oils, fruit juices, vegetables and fruits.

Hormones: Found in animals raised in confinement on soy and grains. Plant-based hormones are plentiful in soy foods.

Artificial Flavorings and Colors: Associated with various types of cancers, especially when consumed in large amounts in a diet of junk food.

Refined Carbohydrates: Sugar, high fructose corn syrup and white flour are devoid of nutrients. The body uses up nutrients from other foods to process refined carbohydrates. Tumor growth is associated with sugar consumption.


Thursday, October 14, 2010

Keeping Your Life Toxin Free: Preventing & Treating Cancer

Today, I had to interrupt my normal post schedule to share some information with you that could change your life, or the life of those whom you love.

No one should have to die of cancer. No family should have to suffer as they watch their loved ones succumb to this horrible illness.

No one.

This sounds crazy, I know. After all, 1 out of every 4 Americans will die of cancer, and 175 people are diagnosed with cancer every hour. And ever hour, 65 people in the United States die from cancer.

But did you know that studies of people groups from ancient times all the way up until the 19th century show very rare occurrences of cancer?

Why the change now, when our technology and medical advancements are so "advanced"?

The simple answer is that cancer is a product of lifestyle, not a mysterious, inescapable disease.

Cancer is one of the products of a lifestyle full of processed food, trans fats, sugar, refined grains, hormones, pesticides, antibiotics, chemicals in all our food, and full of exposure to environmental toxins like the ones I talk about all the time on this blog- toxic personal care products, home cleaning products, and even decorative home items like paraffin candles. Cancer comes from exposure to radiation through cell phones, X-rays, mammogram screenings, and even Cat Scans.

See how all of these factors add up in our lives? It is no wonder that cancer has now surpassed heart disease as the leading cause of death for Americans under age 85.

Because I can guarantee that you already know or will know someone who is battling cancer- please, please pass this information on to them:

Jordan Rubin has a book which specifically deals with cancer. I am so grieved about the beautiful lives being lost, which could possibly have been saved. Please, please pass this information on to those you love. If you know someone who has cancer, please purchase this book for them.

You can purchase The Great Physician's RX for Cancer at any book retailer. Here it is on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Great-Physicians-Rx-Cancer/dp/B001G8WVQQ/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t


Also, see this great article from Dr. Mercola on twelve lifestyle changes you can make that will cut your cancer risk in half:

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2005/04/13/cancer-risk-part-one.aspx


I want to challenge all of you to pass this information on to those you know and love, particularly if you know someone already who has cancer.

If you are going to be a part of the solution to this devastating disease, please leave a comment on this post- leave your name signifying your commitment to share this live saving information!









Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Toxin Free Home: Burn Those Paraffin Candles! (Actually, Don't!)


Have you ever been in someone's home with lovely smelling candles, only to leave with a headache? I have. As beautiful and fragrant as conventional candles are, they are unfortunately allergenic, and toxic too.

In fact, you can even get lead poisoning from the wicks of some conventional candles, and they also contain carcinogens (causes cancer) like toluene and benzene which are released into the air when burned. Conventional candles are made of paraffin, which is a waste product of petroleum.

To make matters worse, these carcinogens stay in the area in which they were released- so when you burn a candle in your living room, those potent chemicals linger in the air indefinitely.

These chemicals also get into your lungs- equally as harmful as second hand smoke. And have you ever seen the soot and black marks that paraffin candles can make? The soot from paraffin candles contains some of the same chemicals as diesel fuel.

Additionally, most candles contain synthetic fragrances, which means that they will contain toxins like phthalates.

Many people burn multiple candles at the same time- maximizing the toxins released in their homes!

So, unless you want to burn a pumpkin spice candle that is actually a chemical cocktail - one that is carcinogenic, harmful to your lungs, and can cause lead poisoning, you need a toxin free variety!

My absolute favorite are beeswax candles. They burn completely clean, which means there is no soot or black marks. They burn for hours, and hours, and hours, making them a great buy. And they can actually improve the air quality in your home!

Many beeswax companies use essential oils to make aromatherapy blends- perfect for replacing the conventional perfumed candles that we all love!

You can find beeswax candles at any health food store, but my favorite brand is Bee Hive Candles. Their aromatherapy blends are amazing, and last for months and months!

Check them out at their website: http://www.beehivecandles.com

Happy toxin free candle burning everyone!




Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Toxin Free Baby: My Favorite Sippy Cup

When our oldest son, Nathaniel, reached "sippy cup" age, I started hunting for a toxin free version. Most conventional sippy cups are laden with toxins like BPA, & phthalates. Since I had no desire for my child to literally drink his dose of daily toxins, I hunted online until I found one that met all my criteria.

So I was thrilled when I found The Safe Sippy, made by Kidbasix. And I was even more thrilled when Nathaniel took to it almost immediately- he LOVED the bright colors, (we got it in blue) and he especially loved the handles. Meanwhile, I loved the peace of mind knowing that I was giving him his raw milk in a toxin free sippy- and one that was good for the environment too.

The cup is stainless steel, and holds 11 oz. of liquid. It has an hourglass shape (makes for easy holding in case you don't want to use the handles), a removable sleeve, handles, and a spout, of course. The spout is straw shaped, and easy to drink from.

It washes in the dishwasher like a dream, and Kid Basix customer service is a dream too! I lost the insert that keeps it from spilling several times- who knows where it went- lost into baby land forever. The company representatives were soooo nice to me, and mailed me new inserts multiple times.

Now that Micah is at sippy age, I'm getting ready to pull out Nathaniel's old Safe Sippy. Since Nathaniel has used it, Kid Basix has invented a new model, called The Safe Sippy Two.

Unbelievably, it's a convertible sippy cup! It functions as a sippy cup, which later converts into a straw cup for an older toddler. I wish this had been around for Nathaniel! It's a great medium between sippy cup and open cup.

I definitely want to try the Safe Sippy 2 for Micah. In the meantime, I am still totally in love with the original Safe Sippy!

You can purchase your own at:

The Soft Landing


Amazon.com


Or see Kid Basix website for other options!

Happy Toxin Free sippy cup drinking everyone!


Monday, October 11, 2010

Monday's Menu: Crockpot Chicken Pasta

I love tomato sauce. There is something so homey and warm about a nice, cheesy bowl of pasta dripping with a lovely sauce. I enjoy making homemade sauce and do it about every week. Here's my recipe for the easiest ever crockpot chicken pasta.

Ingredients: (I make enough to last our family two nights!)

3 lbs organic, free range boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 32 oz. cans organic crushed tomato cans with basil
1 tablespoon organic butter
About 1 cup fresh organic basil, cut up well
Several sprigs fresh organic oregano, cut up well
1 medium organic onion, diced
3 cloves organic garlic, diced
About 1.5-2 teaspoons sea salt
Organic black pepper to taste
1 package Ezekiel sprouted pasta, or organic brown rice pasta, which is lower in phytates than non sprouted pasta)
Your crockpot!

About 4-5 hours before you want to eat, put the chicken thighs in your crockpot on high. Let them cook for an hour or so by themselves before putting in the sauce.

Directions for sauce:

In a skillet/frying pan, saute the diced onion in butter.

When the onion is soft, add the basil, oregano, and finally, the garlic. Saute for 2-3 minutes, being careful not to burn the herbs & garlic.

Pour the 32 oz. cans of crushed tomatoes directly into your crockpot.

Add the sauteed onions, herbs & garlic to the crockpot as well, and add the salt & pepper to taste.

Keep the setting on high and make sure that it reaches a good simmer, and cook for another several hours.

Cook your pasta separately, top with raw cheese, and enjoy!

This recipe is so easy- I hope you enjoy it as much as our family does!

If you have leftovers, the next day, just put the extra pasta directly into your crockpot, put it on high and give it a couple hours to sufficiently re-heat, and you're done!

Bon Appetit everyone!






Friday, October 8, 2010

Friday's Food for Thought: How Germs Work

With cold and flu season quickly approaching, (although it seems it's already hit where I live!) the topic of germs, bacteria, and hand washing become national news.

With that in mind, it's helpful to understand how germs really work.

Here's how Jordan Rubin describes it in The Great Physicians RX for Health & Wellness, page 118:

During the cold and flu season...many people are afraid they are like a ticking time bomb: one false step, and they will blow up like a grenade, sending them to their sickbeds. Actually, germs don't quite work that way.

They overload the immune system through contact of the fingers with the eyes and nose, and this overload is similar to water filling a balloon in the backyard.


If you keep filling the balloon with water, eventually the balloon will expand and expand to the point where one more drop of water will cause the balloon to burst.

Our bodies react in a similar manner: the immune system becomes so overloaded that the body reaches a point where it can't take on more germs,.

Now, does one water drop cause a balloon to break? No, of course not. It is the accumulation of hundreds of thousands of drops, if not millions, that causes the balloon to explode. It's the same for the germs that attack our bodies."


Thursday, October 7, 2010

Toxin Free Baby: My Favorite Cloth Diapering Accessory

When I first started cloth diapering, one of my biggest questions was, "But won't it smell? Where will I put the diapers?" Nightmarish thoughts of pungent diapers reeking up baby's room scared me! At the time I was using a traditional, high quality diaper pail, which cost over $40. And of course it was lined with its specialty trash bags, where the diapers piled up all week.

When I read about using washable diaper pail liners, I was very skeptical. I just couldn't get the aforementioned worries out of my head.

So it's ironic that my favorite cloth diaper accessory is now a reusable diaper pail liner. I can't help it, though- it truly keeps the stink away! The brand is Wahmies, and I am in love.

All you do is throw your cloth diapers in the bag, and then wash the bag on washing day. There is no smell, seriously! Let me tell you- Nathaniel's room used to STINK from disposable diapers with traditional diaper pails & throwaway liners. It only took a few days for things to get gross.

Not so with my beloved Wahmie's bag. I have left diapers in it up to a week (!) with no smell whatsoever. I've never had a smell problem. (Unless I forget to close the bag, but that's my fault!)

If you cloth diaper, I highly recommend these awesome bags! And you're supporting some wonderful work at home Mom's in the process!

Check out Wahmies.com to find out where to purchase yours!


Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Why I'm Doing This.

While driving today, my radio informed me that a former five term Congresswoman from my state had just died. During her tenure, Harper's Bazaar listed her as a potential for the first woman President of the United States.

But she died today, at the age of only 63, from complications of Alzheimer's disease.

She spent the last year of her life in a nursing home. This talented, accomplished woman who was only 63 and could have easily lived another 30+ years, instead spent the last year of her life incapacitated, with other people caring for her, not in her right mind, and with this experience culminating in a premature death.

Is this how it's supposed to be?

It's the way it is in America today.

We take it for granted, don't think twice about it- until we're the 60 year old in the nursing home.

Or we have the parent in the nursing home.

The good news: it might be this way in America today, but it is not the way it is supposed to be! God has given us all we need for optimal health, if we will only follow His ways exclusively.

I pray that you make the sacrifices necessary to ensure that your fate is very different than this Congresswoman, whose potential is now gone forever.

It will cost you time, and it will cost you money. It will cost you many conveniences.

But it will be worth it.



Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Toxin Free Body: Warning: GM Soybeans Cause Infertility!


I saw this article from Dr. Mercola and just had to pass it on. Genetically modified foods are so prevalent and are becoming SUCH a huge issue today, that we all need to educate ourselves.

Check out Dr. Mercola's article on how GM soybeans cause infertility- something that is skyrocketing in America today.
Genetically modified soybeans are found in almost every processed food on the market!

More info on Genetically Modified foods to come in the future!


Here's the article: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/10/05/dont-eat-these-beans-if-youre-thinking-of-having-children.aspx

Monday, October 4, 2010

Monday's Menu: What We're Eating

Today I wanted to share with you what my little guys had for lunch. I wish I could tell you I was remarkably creative with my cooking, but I'm really boring. We have the same lunch every Monday, because we have the same dinner every Sunday!


Here's Nathaniel, happily munching away on his third organic apple. There's no telling how much this kid is going to eat when he's 15. He also had leftover beef roast from last night's dinner, Organic Valley raw cheese, and raw milk.


Sweet Micah also had leftovers. He is in love with finger foods, and now completely refuses baby food. So he had very small pieces of leftover roast, along with diced butter (he LOVES it!) diced raw cheese pieces, and 1/2 an avocado. Of course, he also had about 7 oz. of his milk.


Good food makes for two happy boys! Hopes this gives you some good ideas everyone!


Friday, October 1, 2010

Friday's Food for Thought: Do Swimming Pools Make You Sick?

(Photo courtesy of Vic Brincat)

I saw this article by Dr. Mercola today and had to pass it on!

Did you know that swimming one time in a chlorinated pool is equivalent to the chlorine intake of drinking tap water for seven day straight? I didn't!

Check out Mercola's article :

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/10/01/chemicals-in-indoor-swimming-pools-increase-cancer-risk.aspx

Have a great weekend everyone!