Maker's Diet Mom

I've Moved!

2011-07-27T12:54:00.001-07:00

Hey Everyone! Thanks for visiting! I wanted to let you all know that I've moved over to:

http://makersdietmom.com/

Check me out over there, where I'm updating daily! Also check me out on my Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Makers-Diet-Mom/147690398594768

Talk to you soon!

Coming Tomorrow: SURPRISE!

2011-06-20T13:58:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! I hope you all had a great Father's Day weekend!

Just wanted to let you all know...be sure to check in tomorrow for an awesome surprise I have for you...something I am very excited about!!!

See you then!

Toxin Free Body: Sale on Organic Blueberries Tomorrow!

2011-06-16T12:43:00.000-07:00

I got an email from Whole Foods last night announcing an awesome sale on Friday: organic blueberries for only $1.99 a pint! I will definitely be going to pick some up! Blueberries are currently in season, are loaded with antioxidants, and are also high in fiber!

And they are so easy to use! Use them in yogurt, smoothies, in baked goods, or just straight out of the box!

Enjoy the great price tomorrow on one of the world's healthiest foods!

The Perils of Shopping at Whole Foods...

2011-06-14T12:30:00.000-07:00

Ok, my sister in law sent this video to my husband this morning, and I had to share. It is hilarious, and so accurate! (Especially in CA, where I'm from.)

If you want a good laugh, check it out. I have to warn you that they do use a couple of curse words, (the "s" word and "hell") so just be aware of that before you watch!

Enjoy!

Friday's Food for Thought: Never Feed Your Child Food From a Microwave Oven!

2011-06-10T12:45:00.000-07:00

If you want your kids to grow up healthy, then ban a microwave oven from your home! Check out this Dr. Mercola article to find out why!

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/06/10/now-they-want-you-to-microwave-your-toddlers-food-in-plastic-bowls.aspx

Have a great weekend everyone!

Toxin Free Body: Best Ever Hot Dogs for Summer!

2011-06-09T12:27:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but I have always loved hot dogs. Melt some cheese on top, add a whole bunch of mayo, ketchup, mustard, and some bread or hot dog buns- YUM!

But conventional hot dogs are filled with everything gross under the sun! Avoid them at all costs!

The good news is, there is a fabulous organic alternative that tastes GREAT!

I think these hot dogs are our family's favorite food.

They are organic, made from grass fed beef, and full of omega-3's. You have to try them for yourself- they are amazing on the grill, or even on the stove top.

Check out more info at their website:
http://www.applegatefarms.com/products/organic_hot_dog.aspx

Let me know if you get some, and what you think! I promise you'll love them as much as we do!

Aspartame: Avoid it Like the Plague!

2011-06-08T12:39:00.000-07:00

In case you or anyone you love regularly drink beverages sweetened with toxic aspartame, check out this Dr. Mercola article describing how aspartame is linked to cancer:

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/06/08/aspartame-toxic-sweetener.aspx

And avoid it like the plague! :)

Toxin Free Baby: Straw Sippy

2011-06-07T12:31:00.000-07:00

For the last 6 months or so, I've been on a hunt for a sippy cup. Not just any sippy cup, mind you, but a toxin free model that meets my high standards, and also has a straw.

Talk about a lot of criteria! Some have a straw but are only BPA free, not phthalate free, and some are neither. I wanted all of the above, and so I am pleased to introduce the Zoli Bot straw sippy!

I had seen it online before, but hesitated to buy something I couldn't see in person. However, when my beautiful friend Rebekah of Mixbook.com (head over to their site for some memorable Father's Day presents!) said her daughter loved it, I decided to make the $14.95 plunge.

Seems expensive for a sippy, and it is. But we love it too! Micah (18 months) caught the hang of the straw in less than a day. He also loves the handles. Nathaniel loves the handles, too, so much so that he is always swiping Micah's sippy and running off with it! It also has a flip top cap which both of the boys love.

What I love:

It doesn't leak, it has a straw, it holds 6 oz, it's kid friendly and unbreakable, and most importantly, it's BPA & phthalate free. It also comes in orange and pink!

Check it out at their site: http://www.zolibaby.com/products/feeding/green-bot#

Toxin Free Home: Vinegar for the Laundry

2011-06-06T13:39:00.000-07:00

If you need a helping hand with the cleaning, look no further than the $2 bottle of vinegar at your local drugstore or Walmart. You can get an enormous bottle of vinegar that will last a long time, and using it for everything from laundry to cleaning your drains!

I'd like to highlight the use of vinegar for the laundry today- I use it regularly as a toxin free fabric softener. I use 1 cup of vinegar, and you're just supposed to add it to the final rinse cycle! It's so easy (and cheap) and it really works!

It also works great for stripping ammonia from cloth diapers.

Hope that helps you save some money and some chemicals!

What are your other favorite uses for household white vinegar?

Friday's Food for Thought: Cell Phones & Brain Cancer

2011-06-03T13:58:00.000-07:00

I saw this in the Weston A. Price Foundation newsletter online, and had to pass it on:

CELL PHONES AND BRAIN CANCER

"Does epidemiological evidence show an association between long-term cell phone usage and the risk of developing a brain tumor? Yes, it does.

A recently published meta-analysis indicates that use of a cell phone for ten years or more approximately doubles the risk of being diagnosed with a brain tumor on the same side of the head as that preferred for cell phone use.

For two types of cancer (glioma and acoustic neuroma) the data showed statistical significance (Surgical Neurology, 2009 Sept;72(3):205-14). What to do? Send text messages, use a land line and limit cell phone use to short emergency calls. Above all, eat plenty of good fats, especially choline-rich egg yolks, which will protect your brain."

Before you pass this off as health hodgepodge, know that my husband Mark saw an article saying this exact same thing on Google news about 3 days ago. I'll have to find it and pass it on!

One other solution not mentioned in this article, pick up a radiation reducing headset from Dr. Mercola. Note: traditional headsets actually INCREASE radiation from cell phones. Dr. Mercola's reduces it significantly and costs less than $30, with discounts for family packs. A small price to pay when brain cancer is a possibility!

Check it out here: http://products.mercola.com/blue-tube-headset/

Toxin Free Home: All Natural Room Freshener

2011-06-02T13:16:00.000-07:00

We all love a home that smells wonderful, clean, and inviting, but when most room fresheners and candles are loaded with cancer- causing toxins like phthalates and petroleum byproducts, what are we to do?

I have discovered a wonderful room freshener spray by Aura Cacia. They use only 100% essential oils in their products, they smell lovely, and they work great! I bought the tangerine grapefruit one for the bathrooms, (the process of cloth diapers can be a little, ahem, smelly!) and we've been loving it.

They also sell electric air fresheners that you can plug in, and diffusers for your car!

So throw out those toxic room fresheners you have, and get some real essential oils to do the job!

Check out their site:

http://www.auracacia.com/auracacia/acproducts/acaccessories.html

Food for Thought: Sleep, Beautiful Sleep

2011-06-01T12:21:00.000-07:00

With a newborn in the house, ANY article talking about sleep grabs my attention these days!

Check out this article from Dr. Mercola talking about how loss of sleep can damage your brain! Uh oh!!! : )

Get a good night's rest tonight everyone!

Tip of the Day: Hardboil Some Eggs!

2011-05-31T13:27:00.000-07:00

(Photo courtesy of Timothy Titus)

Hi Everyone! I was making my lunch today and thought I'd share with you a little tip that helps me a lot-

(I like anything that helps me a lot these days.)

When you get home from the grocery store each week, or however often you go, put a dozen eggs on the stove to hard boil.

After they're done, store them in a glass container or even a plastic bag, in their shells. Then you have a quick, easy, & nutritious snack ready to go all week! You can also use them in a salad for an easy meal- just toss in some raw cheese, avocados, and you're ready to go!

Hope this tip helps you!

Toxin Free Body: Top 7 Supermarket Foods to Avoid

2011-05-30T12:41:00.000-07:00

Hope you all had a great weekend!

Here's a great article from Dr. Mercola explaining the top 7 foods you and your family should avoid, such as:

Conventional Canned Tomatoes
Conventional Beef
Farmed Salmon
Microwaved Popcorn
Conventional Milk
Conventional Apples...

and more!

Check out this article and make sure to scratch these items from your standard supermarket list! ;)

Happy Friday: A Few of My Favorite Things!

2011-05-27T13:19:00.000-07:00

Today I had a rather harrowing experience with my three little ones at the grocery store. Why can grocery shopping with little people be so extremely difficult? Things didn't get better until both boys had 3 bananas.

And then I came home and saw my lovely hibiscus smiling at me.

And things felt a little bit better.

Here are some more favorite things from my organic garden:

Lavender in a pot. Beautifully green, graceful, and calming.

I absolutely love the mint that comes back year after year. Mint is wonderful served in a pitcher of ice cold water with some lemon wedges!

And the joy of my week- peonies cut from my neighbor's front yard. She says her husband is allergic to the smell and that I can have as many as I want!

I love plants & living things! What are a few of your favorite things?

Toxin Free Baby: The Soft Landing

2011-05-26T12:41:00.000-07:00

Navigating the world of kid's toys and products can be a tricky one. For instance, there are certain brands that have "some" products which are toxin free, but the rest of their line is loaded with chemicals. (Does that make any sense to you? Not to me, either!)

Fortunately, I have something to tell you that will make your life a little easier.

Isn't that what we all need as busy parents?

The sister of my neighbor, Becky, runs a WONDERFUL website called The Soft Landing. All of their products are free of toxins like BPA, phthalates, PVC, melamine & flame retardants.

They have great prices, and a wide variety of products: everything from bath toys to sippy cups to bug spray and shampoo.

So check it out! Again, the site is: http://www.thesoftlanding.com/

Happy toxin free shopping!

Tornadoes & Thankfulness

2011-05-25T13:07:00.000-07:00

Hey there everyone!

I wish I had an amazing post today about some fabulous toxin free something or other that would change your life, but I spent a good part of the morning camped out in our basement, praying a tornado wouldn't rip my house apart!

I am from California, and this is my first time sitting in the basement, listening to a tornado warning siren go off for over an hour.

Real weather is crazy. Really crazy.

The dead bugs and mice droppings in our unfinished basement are also crazy.

Especially when you have two very small boys. ;)

BUT, we are all safe! And that is truly something to be thankful for.

What do you have to be thankful for today?

Toxin Free Body: A Healthy Tanning Bed!

2011-05-24T13:05:00.000-07:00

With summer coming up, we all love having a nice tan! Unfortunately most tanning beds promote cancer, rather than promoting health. That's unfortunate because Vitamin D, from the sun, is one of the healthiest nutrients around, and you can get a tan in the process!

Enter Dr. Mercola- who says that we all look better with a tan, and that we all need Vitamin D!

I couldn't agree more.

And someday, I will own one of his awesome, toxin free, tan promoting, and Vitamin D enhancing Tanning Beds:
I just will. And I will be tan, the toxin free way- all year round.

I am determined. Can you tell?!

Check these out, and please let me know if you ever get one! Hopefully I beat you to it! ;)

Friday's Food for Thought: Is Frankenfood In Your Cupboard?

2011-05-20T12:50:00.001-07:00

Scary, scary, scary!

Check out this enlightening Dr. Mercola article to find out about the dangers of genetically modified foods, found in over 80% of foods on supermarket shelves!

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/05/20/most-evil-company-on-planet-soon-allowed-to-police-itself.aspx

And have a great weekend everyone! :)

Toxin Free Baby: My Favorite SAHM Store for Cloth Diaper Accessories & More

2011-05-19T12:48:00.000-07:00

Can a wet bag make you happy? Yes, it can, if my lovely friend Charlotte Lee, founder of an awesome new stay at home mom business, adorably named Monday's Child, makes it!

You all have got to check out Charlotte's awesome products. They are creative, durable, practical, and PRETTY!

For Christmas, she sent me four wet bags for my enormous cloth diaper collection- two large, and two small. The fabric is adorable, they hold up amazing in the wash, and they fit a ton of diapers inside! (Even the medium sized bags!) I love them and use them every day.

She also sells the cutest snack bags I've ever seen!

Check out her online store here, and support an awesome stay at home mom!

http://www.facebook.com/ShopMondaysChild?sk=app_135607783795

Toxin Free Body: Perfect Organics Review

2011-05-17T12:46:00.001-07:00

"You are going to LOVE it. Everyone raves about it!" my sister said emphatically. "Really?" I thought. "Rave about a lip balm? Ok...." Thoughts of Carmex and Burt's Bees floated through my mind, and as beloved as the latter product is, I couldn't quite say I would RAVE about it.

But my sister assured me I would love this new lip balm intensely, so I promised to give it a try, and pass on my new love, or dislike, for it to you all!

And let me just say she was right. I still can't believe I feel so strongly about a lip balm, but I do. Meet my new love, everyone:It's shea butter lip balm, by an awesome company called Perfect Organics. Perfect, and organic, they really are- as they use absolutely no toxins and their products meet the absolute highest standards.

All the ingredients are organic, and there are no toxic preservatives, fragrances, dyes, etc. that are found in products everywhere, even on shelves in health food stores.

And my sister tells me this company is run by a lovely, sweet woman who (no doubt!) has fabulously glowing skin and is passionate about bringing the highest quality products to market.

She's doing a great job!

My sister also sent me some of their shea butter, which is equally as love-able as the lip balm.

It is SO creamy and luxurious. And I'm not going to lie, I have some stretch marks from my recent pregnancy. I put some of the shea butter on my recovering stomach, and forgot I had used it.

TWO days later, I noticed that my lovely stretch marks looked lighter. I thought it seemed odd, but then I remembered about the shea butter!

I might have to buy this stuff in bulk! ;)

To buy these awesome products, (and to check out the rest of their line!) head to:

http://shopposhboutique.com/

Sign up for a free membership for this site, and you can access the Perfect Organics products at the best price online! (My sister works for this company!) They sell couture clothes as well, so that's why you'll see a picture of a model on their home page. ;)

Enjoy these perfectly organic, and perfectly pleasing products everyone!

Keep Your Eyes Healthy!

2011-05-16T12:59:00.000-07:00

So, I know I promised you a review of my new favorite skin care line, Perfect Organics, (and it's coming!) but in the meantime, you have got to check out this great article by Dr. Mercola about how to keep your eyes healthy!

This article stuck out to me because astaxanthin is one of the main ingredients in the Oceans 3 products by Garden of Life!

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/05/14/astaxanthin-the-worlds-strongest-antioxidant.aspx

Toxin Free Body: My New Favorite OG Skin Care Line

2011-05-13T12:59:00.000-07:00

My sister recently sent me two AMAZING new products, which I'll be talking about on Monday, made by an awesome company called Perfect Organics.

I will be doing a review of their fab, fab, fabulous Shea Butter Lip Balm and their Lavender Shea Butter.

They are so amazing, I can't wait to fill you in Monday!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Don't Forget: It's Not Too Late to Lock In Your Discount!

2011-05-11T13:03:00.000-07:00

Ladies and gentlemen, it's not too late to lock in your spot as a Beyond Organic insider! Jordan Rubin, author of the Maker's Diet, is generously opening up his new company to allow you and your family to:

Eat the world's healthiest foods for little cost
Earn some extra money sharing the new products with others
Enjoy other benefits of being an insider, such as a personal Health Account designed to keep you as healthy as possible, access to attend the Beyond Organic University, and the ability to help others around the world in need of food!

Today, Jordan Rubin appears on TBN and will be viewed by thousands, introducing his new company. Become an insider today to reserve your spot!

Just go to this website:
http://www.beyondorganicinsider.com/becomeaninsider.aspx?enroller=1669

And tune back in tomorrow to hear about an amazing new skin care line that I was just introduced to last week!

Struggling to Feed Your Family the Best Foods? Here's Your Answer!

2011-05-10T12:57:00.001-07:00

If you have been wondering how you can possibly afford to feed your family the world's healthiest foods- and live a true organic lifestyle- then I am beyond excited to share the answer with you today!

I have literally been praying for something like this- and Jordan Rubin has definitely done it again!

He's starting a new company called Beyond Organics, and their goal is to create the world's healthiest foods, holding themselves to standards that are unheard of on the market right now- even with the current USDA organic certification.

And what's even better is that he's giving everyone the chance to access these amazing foods- at an unbelievable price!

Why wouldn't you want to save money on the world's highest quality beef, dairy products, chocolate, spring water, and even probiotic infused flax seed oil? And this is just the beginning- there will be many more foods to come!

Additionally, you can even make some extra money by spreading the word about Beyond Organic's awesome new products! And it's FREE to become an insider, so you've got nothing to lose!

So if you say YES, I want the chance to buy the world's healthiest foods for an incredibly low cost, then go to this website:

http://www.beyondorganicinsider.com/becomeaninsider.aspx?enroller=0000001669

Become an "insider" to reserve your spot, but hurry, because Jordan Rubin will be announcing this company on TBN tomorrow, and the floodgates will be opened! There will be thousands who choose to take part after viewing this program, so you better lock in your spot today!

I am so excited about this- what an answer to prayer to spread the message of healthy living and eating with the world, and make it possible for every family to have access to the amazing foods they need to thrive!

Again, just go to this website to become an insider, and reserve your spot!

http://www.beyondorganicinsider.com/becomeaninsider.aspx?enroller=0000001669

Introducing the Beyond Organic Company!!!

2011-05-09T13:17:00.000-07:00

Do you want to live life at your personal best, help those in need all around the world, have a ton of fun while doing it, and eat the world's healthiest foods at the most cost effective price possible???

If not, then don't bother reading the rest of this post.

But if you do, I have some extremely exciting news to share!!!!

Jordan Rubin, founder of Garden of Lif e, and author of the Maker's Diet, has recently announced the launching of a brand new food company- designed to do all the things I mentioned above- called Beyond Organic.

I couldn't be more excited about this company! It gives EVERYONE a chance to have access to the world's healthiest foods, and truly allows you and your loved ones to:

Change your diet, Change your life, and Change Your World!

Want more info? Check out their website to find out more!!! I'll also be talking more about it this week so be sure to stay tuned!

Food for Thought: Why Do Doctors Want To Take Down Mercola's Vaccine Ad?

2011-05-06T12:42:00.000-07:00

The war over vaccines is a big one, fueled by a lot of money- and greed. Check out this startling article from Dr. Mercola discussing how the President of the American Academy of Pediatrics wants to take down a sign Dr. Mercola has in Times Square encouraging everyone to make informed vaccine choices.

Check out the details here:

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/05/06/doctors-denying-vaccine-risks-an-american-tragedy.aspx

Have a great weekend everyone!

Maker's Diet in Action: Supplements You'll (Almost!) Always Find in My Pantry

2011-05-05T12:36:00.001-07:00

I am a huge supplement fan. For some reason, there is so much controversy about them, but I don't have any whatsoever- if you're taking really great ones, you'll notice an incredible difference in your quality of life.

If you're not taking really great ones, you're probably wasting your money, since your body can't utilize what you're trying to give it. That is why I am such a HUGE fan of Garden of Life products. I have tried other brands, and ended up with stomach aches and sub par results.

I have literally rebuilt my digestive system these last 5.5 years on the Maker's Diet by faithfully taking their Primal Defense probiotic every day. When I was really sick, I used to take 9 capsules a day. I truly credit the supplements as much with my health recovery as I do to following the diet to the "T."

So if you came to visit my house today, (or any day of the year!) you'd find the following Garden of Life products on my shelf:

Top Supplements You'll (Almost!) Always Find in My House:

(All by Garden of Life)

Primal Defense probiotic
Omega Zyme digestive enzymes
Old World Icelandic Cod Liver Oil
Raw Prenatal Multivitamin
Raw Men's Multivitamin
Living Calcium Bone Density Support formula
Raw Kid's multivitamin
Immune Balance Daily (Mark takes these daily)
Immune Balance Rapid Extra strength lozenges (We keep some on hand to use if Mark feels he's fighting something)
Beyond Organic Raw Protein Powder
Primal Defense Kids

The only Garden of Life supplement I'd like to add to our repertoire, in addition to these, is their Perfect Food or Perfect Berry green drink/capsules, which serve as the equivalent of 5-6 servings of fruits and vegetables!

Maker's Diet in Action: 10 Foods You Will (Almost!) Always Find in My House

2011-05-04T12:51:00.000-07:00

To give you a glimpse of what living the Maker's Diet out looks like practically, I wanted to share you the top ten foods you would find in my house if you came to visit today. These foods are some of our family's staples!

Top Ten Maker's Diet Foods You Will (Almost) Always Find in My House:

Organic, raw milk from an amazing organic and local farm.
Organic, raw cheese from Organic Valley
Local, pastured, free range eggs (We sometimes go through 5-6 dozen per week!)
Organic apples
Organic bananas
Organic Maranatha peanut butter
Organic extra virgin coconut oil
Organic butter (For cooking, I like Organic Valley's cultured version, but I love making my own from raw cream too!)
Organic grass fed beef in some form: ground beef, roasts, grass fed hot dogs
Free range chicken in some form: whole, thighs, drumsticks, etc...

Tomorrow I'll share with you some awesome supplements you will almost always find in my house!

Do You Have the Right to Choose Your Own Food?

2011-05-03T12:19:00.000-07:00

The FDA says no, you don't. That's why they spent a year of their time, our taxpayer money, and effort on a Sting operation targeting an Amish raw milk dairy.

Give me a break.

In a country that is so emphatic about "rights", how come it seems the only ones who have rights are the ones who set the rules?

Move over, big government. I don't want you telling me how I can drink my milk, thank you very much.

I don't care if you disagree with me, this isn't about pasteurized vs. unpasteurized. This is about control. You're welcome to your opinion, even if it's different than mine. Just don't shut down hard working citizens who don't do anyone any harm, and produce excellent food products.

As the farmer says in the documentary, Food Inc, "Smells like money to me."

Check out this article from the Washington Post talking about the sting operation on this innocent Amish milk farmer:

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/apr/28/feds-sting-amish-farmer-selling-raw-milk-locally/

Monday's Menu: Roast for the Slow Cooker

2011-05-02T12:43:00.000-07:00

I love good beef. It is my love language. Not really, but kind of! Add butter to beef and I'm even happier! That's the idea behind my super simple slow cooker roast.

Pop it in in the morning, let it simmer all day in its natural juices and some lovely organic butter, and you have a wonderful meal by 6 p.m. I know a roast seems like a fussy dinner, but it's really not!

And you can even make this work if you're dining for one or only two. Just have the meat man cut you a pound or so of roast! For our family of 5, (well, only 4 are eating) we love a solid 2.5-3 lb roast. Then we have plenty of leftovers for sandwiches!

Here's my recipe for a delicious slow cooker roast:

Ingredients:

1 organic, 100% grass fed organic chuck or arm roast (2-3 lbs)

1 stick organic butter, I like Organic Valley's unsalted version, for when it will be heated in cooking. I like raw butter for unheated things, like steamed veggies or spread on toast.

Sea Salt: I use Mercola's Himalayan salt or Real Salt, more info on these to come!

Organic Pepper: My favorite brand is Frontier Organic. 1 whole organic onion In the morning, put your roast in your slow cooker. Rub the meat all over with Himalayan/Celtic sea salt and pepper.

Directions:

Rub salt and pepper all over the top of the roast, and set the stick of butter on top.

Cut the onion into quarters, and separate the individual pieces (they are crescent shaped now) all over the roast and in the slow cooker.

Turn the slow cooker on to low, and cook all day. (I like to have it going by 9 or 10 a.m. and serve around 6) Cook until it is very fork tender.

You can also make a lovely gravy out of all the juices that accumulate!

Enjoy!

Friday's Food for Thought: Health Dangers of Vaccines

2011-04-29T12:48:00.000-07:00

Did you know that the H1N1 flu vaccine can cause narcolepsy? And that's actually one of the more tame side effects!

We read a lot about the dangers of vaccines for children, which is extremely important, given their still developing neurological systems, but what about the dangers for adults?

Check out this great article by Dr. Mercola to find out why you should avoid all vaccines, even flu vaccines, like the plague!

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/04/29/the-emergence-of-vaccine-induced-diseases.aspx

Have a great weekend everyone!

The Amazing Coconut Oil: How it Can Help You Lose Weight

2011-04-28T12:50:00.000-07:00

Have you ever tried coconut oil? If not, you're in for a treat: this amazing oil can help you lose weight, regulate your thyroid, increase your energy levels and immune response, promote your heart health, and give you glowing skin!

Sound too good to be true? It's not. It's just the amazing coconut. I'll be sharing more in the days and weeks to come, but for now, check out these great articles by Dr. Mercola to whet your appetite. And keep tuning in to find out why I take 3-4 tablespoons per day of this amazing oil!

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/10/22/coconut-oil-and-saturated-fats-can-make-you-healthy.aspx

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2004/12/29/eat-fat.aspx

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2005/01/26/coconut-oil-part-eight.aspx

Toxin Free Body: Dr. Bronner's Castille Bar Soaps- A Little Bit of Luxury

2011-04-27T12:25:00.000-07:00

We all need a little bit of luxury in our lives, and what better way to indulge than when you're in the shower or bath tub, since you're (hopefully!) still showering daily no matter how crazy life gets!

A great way to get a little luxury in your routine is with Dr. Bronner's organic castille soap! I have only tried the lavender, but it is truly luxurious. Made with organic oils like coconut and olive oil, and essential oils for the fragrance, it leaves skin soft and smelling very clean.

I love it so much, it is something I look forward to every day! It's just a little bit of sanity, and it makes your bathroom smell lovely!

They also have scents of almond, peppermint, citrus, and eucalyptus! Enjoy!

Toxin Free Home: The Amazing Glass & Polishing E Cloth

2011-04-26T13:17:00.000-07:00

I'll confess: with a three year old, 16 month old, and a 5 week old newborn, I don't have time to clean my house. My husband has been an amazing help with the children and with the laundry, but the bathrooms, the floors, the vacuuming, it all has to wait.

It's waiting for me to clone myself.

That's not going to happen, so I have to keep things as easy as possible! I was so fed up with the bathroom mirror the other day (hadn't been cleaned in over a month!) that I quickly grabbed my Glass & Polishing E-Cloth to see how quickly I could get the job done.

In less time than you can say, "My bathroom is insanely dirty," the mirror was sparkling!

In fact, I just bought another Glass & Polishing cloth today to keep handy, since half the task of cleaning seems to be finding your tools! I now own three .

If you want sparkling mirrors, sinks, and door knobs in the bat of an eye, just grab a spray bottle of water and an E-Cloth. Seriously, I'm not exaggerating about these results. It kind of makes cleaning fun!

Oh, and the best part- you can wash these cloths up to 300 times, and there's no chemicals involved! You can't ask for too much more than that.

Enjoy your toxin free, done in a snap cleaning experience everyone!

Tip of the Day: Always Check Your Receipt!

2011-04-25T12:39:00.000-07:00

(Photo courtesy of Compro)

The other day I was at Whole Foods, and upon checking out the cashier asked me if I wanted my receipt. I think it should definitely be standard procedure to give a receipt, so I was surprised he asked, but I said yes.

When it was time to pay, the amount seemed higher than I was expecting, so I quickly glanced over my receipt to see where I had gone wrong. It was immediately clear- the cashier had charged me for 11 dozen eggs!

I actually had 6 dozen, so I am not sure where he got the number 11, but I was glad I caught it- it was an $18 mistake once tax was factored in!

I had to go get a refund, and the cashier was not very apologetic, but it reminded me that there really can be mistakes- always check your receipts!

Friday's Food for Thought: Top 20 Things that Are Toxic to Your Child's Health

2011-04-22T12:54:00.000-07:00

My good friend Angela sent me this AWESOME article talking about the top 20 toxic things that put our children in danger, that many people are unaware of.

Check it out, and see why things like anti bacterial soap, hot dogs, and mercury fillings are toxic to your child's health! (And yours, too!) :)

Have a great weekend everyone!

Check out the article here:

http://www.naturalnews.com/022014_heavy_metals_childrens_health.html

Anyone Have a Good Vegetable Dip Recipe?

2011-04-21T13:09:00.001-07:00

Hi All- I am currently hunting for a good vegetable dip recipe, something that would be good with carrots, celery, etc...

Do any of you know one? If so, leave me a comment with the recipe! Thanks for your help everyone!

Tip of the Day: How to Reheat Leftovers Without a Microwave

2011-04-20T12:56:00.001-07:00

If you'd like an easy way to reheat leftovers without using a toxic microwave, try a small crock pot! I bought a 4 quart crock pot (pictured above) from WalMart that I use to reheat leftovers from dinner for our lunch. It requires some planning ahead, but not much!

In the morning, (I like to do it as part of breakfast cleanup) just put your leftovers in the crockpot, and add a small amount of water in the bottom of the pot, depending on what the food is. Turn it on low or high, using discretion as to which temperature is right, and then enjoy for lunch!

I reheat everything in crock pots- from leftover chicken to taco meat! Enjoy!

Toxin Free Body: Our Favorite Sparkling Mineral Water

2011-04-19T13:01:00.000-07:00

Here's a tip of the day: if you want a refreshing drink that's not soda, try mineral water!

It feels "carbonated" and makes other drinks, like juices, taste bubbly when you combine them.

I don't care for the taste of mineral water by itself, but my husband loves it. I do love it mixed in with some organic apple juice though!

Try it for yourself and let me know if you like it! Our favorite brand of sparkling mineral water is Gerolsteiner.

Tip of the Day: Hydrogen Peroxide for Laundry

2011-04-18T12:52:00.000-07:00

Last night as I was soaking cloth diapers in the washing machine with three 32 oz. bottles of hydrogen peroxide, I thought I'd share with you this super easy, super cheap remedy for a variety of laundry problems- from blood in fabric to awful smells.

Hospitals use hydrogen peroxide as a disinfectant and sanitizer, and you can too! It can also be used as a whitening agent- so use caution if you spot treat on laundry.

Here are a few uses for an 89 cent bottle of hydrogen peroxide:

To strip cloth diapers, fill your washing machine and put the diapers in. Let them soak overnight in 3-4 large bottles (like 32 oz.) of hydrogen peroxide. The next morning, run a super wash on cold to rinse it out. Then wash them again with your normal soap on hot. This has worked wonderfully for our ammonia filled cloth diapers.

To get blood stains out of fabric, spot treat with hydrogen peroxide and let soak overnight preferably. This is best if the stain is fresh, but it will work no matter when!

You can also use hydrogen peroxide as a sanitizer in your kitchen and bathroom- it can even kill salmonella on cutting boards! Just spray on with a spray bottle. To use on counters just douse your cloth with it and wipe them down.

Hydrogen peroxide used in your ears is also fabulous for too much ear wax, or for fending off colds and flu! See this article by Dr. Mercola for more info.

Do you know of any more uses for hydrogen peroxide? Please share if you do!!!

Friday's Food for Thought: Why You Should Think Twice About Buying Conventional Meat

2011-04-15T12:48:00.001-07:00

My husband saw this article on Google news this morning and I had to pass it on- it's very disturbing!

Quoting from the L.A. Times:

"Nearly half of all meat and poultry sampled in a new study contained drug-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus, the type of bacteria that most commonly causes staph infections."

Check out the original article here:

http://www.latimes.com/health/boostershots/la-heb-meat-bacteria-20110415,0,7997782.story

Have a great weekend everyone, and enjoy some safe, organic meat! ;)

Tip of the Day: An Easy Organic Breakfast! (Or Snack!)

2011-04-14T12:58:00.000-07:00

If you need a quick organic breakfast, or snack, here's a great one- a favorite in our family:

Take a sprouted, organic whole grain bagel (we love Alvarado Street bagels) and top it with organic cream cheese. (Organic Valley makes a divine full fat version!) Then add several slices of smoked wild caught salmon for a bagel and lox.

The smoked salmon is a wonderful way to get some awesome brain & heart healthy Omega-3's, and this is actually quite a filling meal! Even our 16 month old Micah likes it! Well, the smoked salmon, that is. He doesn't get to have the bagel quite yet. ;)

Enjoy!

What's the Craziest Thing in Your Day Today?

2011-04-11T12:56:00.000-07:00

So, I know this has nothing to do with health or the Maker's Diet, but let's just chalk up this post to pertaining to mental health!

Sometimes life is so crazy, especially with little people around- you just have to laugh!

Here's the craziest thing in my day so far:

This morning I went (with Nathaniel in tow and carrying Grace, our newborn) to get Micah, our 16 month old, up from his nap. When I got him up I discovered he had a dirty diaper, so I left to grab a clean one.

My mistake: leaving him wearing only his diaper. I should have known what would happen.

When I returned, there was poop everywhere. All over his sleep sack, his sheet, his blanket, his stuffed animals, his hands, his shirt, I mean, EVERYWHERE.

As I walked in to discover this disaster, he flashed me the biggest smile and was extremely pleased with himself. I, on the other hand, was anything but pleased, but at that point, what can you do?!!! There's nothing to do but clean it all up. Thank God for automatic washers and dryers!

What was the craziest thing to happen to you recently?

Food for Thought: Can Sleeplessness Make Kids (And Adults) Fat?

2011-04-08T12:53:00.001-07:00

I saw this article from Dr. Mercola today, and since sleep is an important issue in my life right now, with a newborn, ;) I had to share!

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/04/08/lack-of-sleep-linked-to-childhood-obesity.aspx

Baby Grace: My Favorite Toxin Free Pacifier

2011-04-06T15:33:00.000-07:00

Pacifiers and babies seem to be made for each other, but toxins and babies are a bad match! That's why I love Natursutten's BPA, phthalate, and PVC free version of the classic paci.

They have an orthodontic version (pictured above) and a rounded version. (Below)

Check out their website for more info and look for these toxin free pacifiers at your local health food store, or on Amazon!

Baby Grace: My Favorite Toxin Free Shampoo & Body Wash

2011-04-05T13:49:00.000-07:00

When it comes to babies, the term "sensitive skin" is often an understatement. Their soft sweet skin needs delicate care, and what better way to get little ones clean than with a toxin and chemical free soap?

Our family's favorite baby shampoo & body wash is made by Earth Mama Angel Baby. It cleans delicate skin gently but effectively, foams wonderfully, and smells just lovely, since it is scented with organic vanilla extract and organic calendula. (I think there is nothing sweeter than the smell of a baby's skin after a bath!)

Here are some chemicals that are NOT in this wonderful shampoo/body wash:

No 1,4-Dioxane, formaldehyde, or phthalates
No sodium lauryl sulfate, cocomidopropyl betaine or other synthetic
surfactants
No artificial preservatives (parabens, phenoxyethanol, etc)

No chemicals, just sweetly scented cleaning suds! Check out Earth Mama's website to find out where you can buy some for your little angels!

Baby Grace: My Favorite Newborn Diaper Covers!

2011-04-04T12:31:00.000-07:00

If you can't tell, I'm totally in love with our new little girl, Grace, 2 weeks old today! I thought I'd share with you my favorite cloth diaper covers for a newborn.

I have to admit- they're PUL, not a natural fabric. I'm not so thrilled with that, because I don't like synthetic things very much. But, as far as newborn cloth diapers go, there aren't many options.

My one size fits all Little Beetle wool covers are humongous on a newborn, so when Micah was born, I bought several white newborn size wraps, made by Real Nappies.(The ones I have are white, but I am showing you the pink one in honor of Grace!) :)

They contain messes AMAZINGLY well, (read: no blowouts) fit great, wash great, and look like little doll diapers! I highly recommend them. Check out their website: http://www.realnappiesusa.com

I use them with Bummi's organic cotton prefolds in the infant size.

For more on cloth diapering, check out my previous series:

http://makersdietmom.blogspot.com/2010/03/why-i-love-cloth-diapers.html

Baby Grace: My FAVORITE Organic Swaddling Blanket!

2011-04-01T12:30:00.000-07:00

There's nothing as sweet as a swaddled newborn sleeping soundly! Pictured above is Grace, snuggled up in her organic Ultimate Receiving Blanket by Swaddle Designs.

This awesome, oversized swaddling blanket is made of soft organic cotton flannel, and survives the washer beautifully. It is also a great privacy blanket for nursing! My mother in law gave this to me when Nathaniel, our 3 year old, was born, and I adore it.

Now I just need the pink one for Lady Grace!Check out these awesome blankets at their website, Swaddle Designs.com.

Welcome Baby Grace!!!

2011-03-29T15:24:00.000-07:00

I don't mean to have fallen off the face of the earth last week, but I've been a little preoccupied...having our baby! I am so excited to announce the arrival of our precious daughter, Grace Catherine, born on Monday, March 21st at 6:36 p.m. and weighing 8 lbs 2 oz!

I'll be sharing more about Grace this week (I can't help it, I'm in love!) and about the different products we are using for her, our third, organic, Maker's Diet baby! :)

Monday's Menu: Huevos Rancheros

2011-03-21T12:53:00.000-07:00

(Photo courtesy of Opponent)

I make no claims to be an authentic Mexican cook, but we sure do love Mexican food in our home. One meal we love for a special breakfast (or as an 11 p.m. dinner when you are pregnant and starving!) is huevos rancheros, or over easy/fried eggs over corn tortillas. They are so simple and delightful!

Sprouted Corn Huevos Rancheros:

2 tbsp organic butter
Sprouted Corn Tortillas (2 per person)
2 eggs per person, cooked over easy in butter
Sea salt & pepper
Organic salsa
Organic sour cream
Organic grated raw cheese

In a cast iron or stainless steel skillet, melt the butter (divide the 2 tbsp for use in doing all the tortillas, don't use 2 tbsp per tortilla) and gently "fry" the tortillas until you achieve the consistency you want- leave them longer for a crispy finish, or shorter for softer tortillas.

Cover the tortillas and keep warm. Cook the eggs over easy in the remaining butter, and do not let the yolks harden. Spread the tortillas out flat and lay one egg per tortilla. Spoon some salsa, sour cream & cheese over the eggs, and serve!

The egg yolk will turn runny and make a wonderful sauce mixed with the salsa, eggs & sour cream. Yum! These are also delicious with beans.

My Adventure Meeting Jordan Rubin!!!

2011-03-18T12:43:00.000-07:00

(Here I am with Jordan Rubin, author of the Maker's Diet, and founder of Garden of Life, in addition to authoring 19 other books!)

Guys! I had so much fun last night! I got to meet Jordan Rubin in person! He was speaking at an event about 30 minutes from our town, and my wonderful husband fed and put our kids to bed so I could go to the event without any distractions. :)

All I have to say is, Jordan Rubin is the healthiest looking person I have EVER seen. He's traveling all over the place and he didn't even look tired!

He gave an awesome talk about the 5 cornerstones of Extraordinary Health, and also talked about his new book, The Raw Truth, which you can get for free, and which we'll be talking about more in the weeks to come!

It was such an honor to get to meet Jordan Rubin! It's very rare that you get to meet such a successful businessman, author, and health expert in person, and I am really grateful to have had the opportunity. I am also so thankful for his work, since I don't know where I'd be without the Maker's Diet, and am now having the joy of watching our kids thrive because of it too!

I couldn't wait to share the details with you all, and I hope you have a great weekend! Here's to extraordinary health for all of you!

What Do You Want to Know?

2011-03-17T12:50:00.001-07:00

(Photo courtesy of BerndH)

(I saw a purple crocus in my backyard today and it made me SO happy!)

Ok guys, I'm 6 days away from my due date with our third child, and my brain is on baby overload. I'm trying to think of awesome info to share with you and am only coming up with one word: BABY.

So, help me out! Is there anything you guys want to know, any questions you have about the Maker's Diet or a toxin free lifestyle that I can answer?

Reply by a comment or facebook post, and give me some ideas! Thanks everyone!

Food for Thought: Is this Modern Day Convenience Disrupting Your Sleep?

2011-03-16T12:44:00.000-07:00

We all need a good night's rest to function optimally, but did you know that some modern day conveniences can interfere with your body's natural rhythms, making you hungrier, more forgetful, and plumper?

Check out this awesome article from Dr. Mercola to find out more, and get a good night's rest tonight!

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/03/16/this-modern-day-convenience-can-disrupt-your-metabolism-and-interfere-with-learning.aspx

Food for Thought: How Dirty is Your Shopping Cart?

2011-03-15T12:35:00.000-07:00

(Photo courtesy of Sandstein) Have you ever given thought to how dirty your shopping cart is? If you're a parent, you likely own a shopping cart cover, now as prevalent in babydom as sippy cups and pacifiers.

But do you really know what you're protecting your little one from, or did you just buy it on principle? Turns out that shopping carts are even more gross than you thought! Check out this great article from Fox News, which will disgust and disturb you!

If you see me shopping with a cover over my cart, in addition to using eco friendly antibacterial wipes, AND gloves on, you'll know why- it's because of this article!!! Thanks to my good friend Angela for sending this on to me!

Enjoy! If you can! ;)

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/03/03/fecal-matter-72-percent-grocery-carts/#

Toxin Free Body: Why You Should Always Brush Your Teeth

2011-03-14T12:21:00.000-07:00

Here's some food for thought for you: Did you know that when you sleep at night, your body releases toxins from your liver, and that they come out coated on your tongue?

( I know, it's not a pleasant thought, but your body has to get out bad stuff somehow!)

And did you know that if you wake up and take a drink of water, or swallow, you reintroduce all those toxins into your body that your liver worked so hard all night to eliminate? Interesting, huh?

So make it a point to brush your tongue every morning as soon as you wake up, before eating, and give your liver a helping hand! ;)

Toxin Free Home: Dr. Bronner's Hand Soap

2011-03-11T19:33:00.001-08:00

In our house, it seems like we go through hand soap on a weekly basis. It gets expensive to keep soap in the bathrooms! While browsing our co op magazine, I came across Dr. Bronner's soap. I had seen it in Whole Foods before, but never bought it, because we dearly love using Miracle Soap as our body wash.

I decided to give the soap a try and use it as our hand soap. We LOVE it! I have been using foamer bottles and mixing it with water- about 75% water, 25% diluted soap, maybe even less soap than that. It foams beautifully and smells delightful- such a nice, minty fragrance.

And it's totally toxin free- the soap is made with organic coconut oil, organic hemp oil, organic jojoba oil, organic olive oil, and organic peppermint oil.

You can also use it as a body wash! Let me know if you try it and like it!

Monday's Menu: Slow Cooker Chicken with White Wine Sauce

2011-03-11T19:19:00.000-08:00

(Don't mind my glass of raw milk in the background!)

This is a wonderful recipe that I originally used in the oven, but have adapted it to the slow cooker. It has a lovely, creamy sauce, and the tarragon gives a nice, very faint anise taste! Enjoy!

Slow Cooker Chicken with White Wine Sauce

1 whole organic chicken, or 4 organic chicken breasts, shredded or cut into 2-3 inch pieces (I will usually cook these in the slow cooker all day, shred them and then add the sauce)
1/2 cup dry organic white wine
2 cups organic chicken broth (if you're using your slow cooker, just use the broth/juices that accumulate in the bottom of the pan!)
1 cup organic sour cream
Sea salt to taste (I'd say about 1/2 -1 tspn)
Black pepper to taste
2-3 teaspoons organic dried tarragon
Optional: 2 organic onions, cut into rings & caramelized in a pan separately

In a 6-7 quart crockpot, cook the chicken on high until it is done. (Usually 6 hrs) Shred the chicken and return to pot. Add salt, pepper, sour cream, wine, and dried tarragon. Let the sauce cook with the chicken at least 2-3 hrs, stirring occasionally. Serve with steamed green beans and brown rice for a lovely dinner!

Note: you can also cook this in the oven- just cook the chicken until it is done on about 350, then shred or cut into pieces, and return to the oven with the ingredients for the sauce at about 250-300 degrees for another hour or so.

Bon Appetit!

Meet Jordan Rubin in the Midwest!!!

2011-03-11T12:52:00.000-08:00

As you can imagine, I am SO EXCITED that Jordan Rubi n will be in the Midwest next week! If you live out this way, you have got to come hear him speak! Check out the details below- this is an email I received this morning!

It is such an honor to have the rare opportunity to listen to such a successful author, businessman, AND health expert! Bring your family, friends, and a notepad to take notes!

See you there!!!!

http://www.pantry.biz/event/jordan-rubin-the-raw-truth/

March 17th at 7:00PM

Hilton Garden Inn
Sponsored by Nature's Pantry
Book Signing from 6:00 to 6:30 PM
19677 East Jackson Drive
Independence, MO 64057
(816) 478-1990

Toxin Free Home: Organic Mattresses

2011-03-10T12:37:00.000-08:00

Formaldehyde. Antimony. Boric acid. Polybrominated diphenyl ether, or PBDE.

Don't these terms sound like some wacky experiment from your high school chemistry class? They should be relegated to experimental test tubes, but instead, they're lurking in your child's bed! And yours!

PBDE, in particular, is very dangerous because it accumulates in your body over time, when you inhale it- it doesn't come out, it just builds up. These flame retardant chemicals are so toxic they have been banned in Europe and in Canada. They have been linked to brain and reproductive damage, decreased sperm quality, thyroid problems and even cancer , according to this Dr. Mercola article.

Not to mention formaldehyde, a known cancer causing chemical, and antimony, a metal Dr. Mercola says could be more toxic than mercury.

Check out this info in his article, this is truly scary:
"The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) has tested the fire-retardant chemicals currently used in mattresses and found the risks to be “insignificant.”

However, they also found that the chemicals do, in fact, leach from the mattresses. A person sleeping on a chemically treated mattress will absorb .8 mg of antimony every night, an amount that is 27 times more than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says is safe.

Five-year-old children, meanwhile, will absorb .5 mg of antimony every night, according to CPSC, which is 63 times more than the EPA’s safety limit!

Given the fact that antimony accumulates in your body over time, this could clearly present a significant risk over time."

Sounds like just the recipe for a good night's sleep, huh? Since we spend so much time sleeping, and since sleeping is the time that the body is supposed to be restoring itself, not storing up new toxins, we've gone all organic in our bedrooms for our family.

Our boys both have organic crib mattresses, and we've selected a great twin mattress that we want for Nathaniel's transition to a "big boy bed." This is the one we're looking at, by a company called Naturepedic:

Check it out at http://www.naturepedic.com/productsMA.php

This is an awesome organic company that makes a variety of mattresses- everything from bassinet/cradle mattresses to queen size.

I will be sure to let you know how we like their twin mattress once we're able to test it out!

For more info on the toxicity of mattresses, check out these articles:

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/11/11/is-your-mattress-making-you-sick.aspx

http://safemama.com/2008/07/29/organic-mattresses-naturepedic-review/

Grow Your Own Strawberries!

2011-03-09T14:47:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Kathleen5454)

Nothing says summer like the sweet juiciness of a ripe, sweet strawberry, and no strawberry could be sweeter than the one that comes from your own backyard!

I got an email from a company that sells some awesome fruit trees, that are very mature so you don't have to wait years to harvest fruit.

You can never have too many strawberry plants when you're growing your own, so when I got word of a great deal they are having, I had to pass it on to you! You can get 12 plants for only $1.99 each, 24 plants for $1.49 each, or 48 plants for only$0 .99 each!

Check out this awesome deal at their website, and have fun growing your own!

Check out my former post on more tips of how to grow your own organic garden!

Food for Thought: Grow Your Own!

2011-03-08T12:38:00.000-08:00

I saw this video on Dr. Mercola's website, and had to share with you all- with spring coming it is the perfect time to plan a garden! Even if you decide that your family's garden will consist of some lovely summer tomatoes and herbs, you will benefit from food as local as you can get! (And organic if you grow it right!)

Enjoy the video!

Also, check out my series on growing your own organic garden for some great tips to get started.

Monday's Menu: My Mom's Slow Cooker Tamale Pie

2011-03-07T12:24:00.001-08:00

(The picture above is courtesy of my Mom!)

I am always in need of good recipes, and lately- particularly ones tailor made for the slow cooker. (I use my slow cooker every day now!) So when my Mom raved about a new recipe she had for a tamale pie with cornbread on top, I couldn't wait to give it a try. Once I finally tried it last week, we all enjoyed it so much that I had to share it with you!

This recipe is awesome because it only took me 30 minutes of preparation before putting in the slow cooker, and it easily fed our family for 3 nights! And we still have some leftover!

If you make this recipe, please come back and let me know how your family enjoyed it. I'll post it below, and also give you the link to my Mom's website so you can see the original recipe.

Slow Cooker Tamale Pie

1 large onion, chopped

2 stalks celery, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons of olive oil

2 lbs ground beef

1 15 oz corn

2 15 oz cans of black beans (I used about 2 1/2 cups of cooked black beans)

2 15 oz cans of diced tomatoes

1/2 - 3/4 cup salsa

1 jalapeno, chopped

2 - 3 cups of grated cheese (cheddar or jalepeno pepper jack)

2 t. cumin

1 - 2 t. chili pepper flakes

cilantro

salt

pepper

Cornbread batter (recipe)

Sour Cream for topping

Extra Salsa for topping

Place olive oil, onion, celery, garlic & ground beef in a large skillet, Brown the beef and drain off any excess grease (if you use grass fed beef you won’t have much).

In a 6 quart slow cooker, pour in the corn, beans, tomatoes, salsa, jalapeno, spices and most of the cheese. Stir in browned ground beef mixture, top with the last of the cheese. Mix it well because once you add the cornbread batter, you won’t be able stir it again.

Top with the cornbread batter and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.

Spoon up onto your plate, top with sour cream and salsa & dig in! My family also loved adding corn tortilla chips.

To see the original recipe, click here.

Friday's Food for Thought: Is Your Diet Soda Killing You?

2011-03-04T13:08:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Sandstein)

Did you know that a widely used sugar substitute, found in diet sodas (among other places) can cause strokes, cancer, Alzheimer's, and even premature labor? It's called aspartame, and it's marketed as a "healthy" alternative to sugar- but it is incredibly toxic!

Check out this great article from Dr. Mercola explaining the dangers of aspartame, particularly relating to its use in diet sodas- based on a new study finding increased risk of strokes with those consuming diet sodas regularly.

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/03/04/new-diet-sodas-can-cause-strokes.aspx

Have a great weekend everyone!

Tip of the Day: What's Your Nutritional Type?

2011-03-03T13:58:00.000-08:00

Did you know that depending on your body's nutritional and metabolic type, you can eat foods that you may like, but that make you gain weight or stay unhealthy?

I was recently introduced to this revolutionary information, and had to encourage you to find out what your nutritional type is!

There are three types: protein, carb, and mixed. This information could seriously change your life! Get your free assessment, (and a free e-cookbook!) from Dr. Mercola:

http://products.mercola.com/nutritional-typing/

Once you find out what your type is, come back and let me know! I am a protein type to the max!

Toxin Free Baby: Heirloom Organic Baby Bassinet

2011-03-02T12:50:00.001-08:00

When our first son was born, some close friends of our family offered to give us a beautiful bassinet that they had purchased for their twins. It was a gorgeous bassinet, but since we planned to use a crib I had my heart set on, we turned them down.

Once Nathaniel was born, and I saw just how small a newborn was, and how his crib seemed to engulf him, I regretted my decision to turn down such a generous offer! I still do to this day!

With baby #3 coming in only 3 weeks, I've been looking into organic bassinets again (there are not many options) and have added one to my wish list. It's technically a Moses Basket, by a company called Wendy Anne, and they are just so gorgeous I had to show them to you!Aren't they beautiful?!Look at all the lovely patterns!I'm smitten.
And all made from organic cotton! The mattress pad is made from organic cotton as well, and the Moses basket is hand woven in the USA.

They also sell stands to hold the baskets:

Be still my beating organic heart!

If I am able to get my hands on one, I promise you will get to hear all about it and see pictures of my sweet newborn sleeping in their cozy organic nest!

Check them out for yourself at their website:

http://www.wendyanne.com/_catalog_46486/Moses_Baskets

Tip of the Day: Preserving Bananas

2011-03-01T12:28:00.000-08:00

I have a whole bunch of bananas that are turning WAY too quickly sitting on top of my fridge, and so I thought I'd share my favorite banana preserving tip with you: if your bananas are turning brown too quickly, and you find yourself avoiding eating them (but don't want to throw them out) just take the peels off, put them in a bag and freeze them.

The frozen bananas are simply lovely to add to smoothies, like my favorite protein lover's chocolate smoothie. They give a wonderful texture!

What about you? What is your favorite use for your overripe bananas?

Dining Out Woes: Part 3

2011-02-28T13:27:00.000-08:00

After my posts last week lamenting the lack of organic and natural restaurants in my area, I had to update you about my solution to my pizza problem.

While no Maker's Diet restaurants have sprung up within a 10 mile radius of my home in the last week, I'm happy to report that my husband and I were able to go out on a date last night, and that my plan of having Whole Foods heat up an Amy's Pizza for me worked!

The man at the prepared foods counter was so nice about it, he must have done it before! He popped our Amy's pizza into their glorious pizza oven, with its flaming fire, and it was piping hot with in 8 minutes.

It may not have been a romantic restaurant (I'm still longing for one of those) but at least I could enjoy my whole wheat crust pizza with no repercussions! ;)

I just had to let you all know that Whole Foods was so friendly and amenable to doing this.

So, has anyone decided to open a Maker's Diet restaurant chain in the Midwest yet? ;)

Food for Thought: What Toxic Dyes Are in These Popular Foods?

2011-02-25T12:48:00.000-08:00

Did you know toxic food dyes can be hiding in your baked goods, beverages, candies, oral medications, and even pet food?

Even with names as innocuous sounding as Brilliant Blue, Indigo Carmine, Citrus Red #2, and Sunset Yellow, these food dyes could be popping up in your food and introducing you and your kiddos to carcinogenic toxins. Check out this article from Dr. Mercola to find out more!

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/02/24/are-you-or-your-family-eating-toxic-food-dyes.aspx

Have a great weekend everyone!

Toxin Free Home: Product Review of Citra Suds Laundry Detergent

2011-02-24T12:38:00.001-08:00

The only constant in life is change...and laundry, right? Oh, and dishes! I remember when laundry wasn't that big of a deal in my life. When it was just hubby and me, a few loads a week would set everything right.

Not anymore! Between our clothes, the kid's clothes, and cloth diapers, laundry is a constant mountain waiting to be attended to. I'm always on the lookout for products that get the job done more effectively, and that make it fun!

So when Citra Solv gave me the opportunity to test their Citra Suds laundry detergent, I was thrilled! I am completely in love with their dish soaps , dishwasher gel and cleaning concentrate, so I knew I'd love their detergent too!

I was right! Not only does it have a lovely, light orange scent, but it cleans extremely well.

How do I know this conclusively? Two words: cloth diapers. They are the ultimate test! I run my cloth diapers through an entire super load just to rinse them- it is 45 minutes long, before running an additional super load and add my soap. Lately, my diapers have been still stinking when I get them out of the dryer. (Yuk!)

The only way I remedied this problem was to add a spoonful of Citra Solv's cleaning concentrate to the wash, along with my other natural detergent.

So I was curious to see if the Citra Suds would be strong enough to really clean the diapers without adding anything extra.

Voila! Clean, fresh smelling diapers AND clothes! I am totally impressed! Honestly, their other products are all so amazing that I would have been shocked if this one didn't work just as well.

Try them out for yourself! Check out their website to find a retailer near you!

What's on the Menu: Slow Cooker Spaghetti

2011-02-23T12:54:00.001-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Fastily)

I just love spaghetti. I can't help it, I always have. Spaghetti and milk have always been my favorite combination, although I know that's anathema to a true Italian. (My Dad is half Italian so I have 25% going for me! I still like my milk with spaghetti though.)

Anyway, I love making spaghetti but don't like how long it takes standing over the stove. The best spaghetti I have tasted in my entire existence is made by my mother in law, who has absolutely perfected this dish over the last 40+ years of marriage and cooking. (Can you imagine how many meals she has cooked in her lifetime?! God bless that woman!)

My husband was the blessed recipient of amazing spaghetti growing up, so he has quite an affinity for it. I've tried to duplicate her original recipe, which I've observed her do many times when we lived in California, but I've never been able to make it quite the same. It's her magic touch, I guess.

However, I still give it my best shot on a regular basis. And now I've adapted it for my slow cooker so that I can still make this time-consuming dish, and keep hubby happy. :)

Last night our three year old helped me make dinner- we had so much fun, and I know your family will enjoy this dish too!

Buon Appetito!

Slow Cooker Spaghetti & Meatballs (Serves 6)

3 lbs organic grass fed ground beef
2 tablespoons organic butter
2 organic yellow onions, chopped
3-4 cloves organic garlic, diced
2- 2.5 teaspoons sea salt, such as Real Salt, to taste
1 large handful fresh organic basil, chopped
Several sprigs fresh organic thyme, rosemary, and oregano (My mother in law always uses them fresh, I'll admit, in the winter when my garden isn't growing, I used these dried, but I always buy fresh basil)
2 28 oz. cans organic crushed tomatoes
1 package Ezekiel sprouted spaghetti, or organic brown rice spaghetti
Your slow cooker

By midmorning (I like to do it by noon, although there's no magical time!) on the day you want to serve, shape all three pounds of ground beef into meatballs in your slow cooker. I just break off the pieces into balls and put them all in, they can layer over each other and that's fine!

Turn the slow cooker to high. Let the meat cook on its own for at least several hours.

Add the cans of crushed tomatoes to the slow cooker, stirring gently to incorporate the sauce into the meatballs, but taking care not to break them up.

Meanwhile, in a pan, saute the onions and herbs in the butter, until the onion is very translucent but not burned, and the herbs are wilted but not burned. (I find myself cooking them a little longer than if I were going to be putting them into a traditional stovetop pot, since they won't cook as intensely in the slow cooker, you don't want too potent of onions and herbs in your sauce!)

Add the garlic and saute until fragrant.

Add the garlic, onions, and herbs to the tomato sauce/beef mixture in the slow cooker. Stir to incorporate, and leave the slow cooker on high.

Let this cook together several hours. (The longer the better) If you feel it starts to boil too much, turn the slow cooker down, but make sure the ground beef is cooked through.

Boil your pasta and serve!

Enjoy!

Dining Out Woes: Part 2

2011-02-22T12:53:00.000-08:00

After my lovely experience this weekend eating a Whole Foods pizza that didn't go too well, I started thinking about any option we might have to eat out, and particularly pizza options- since, well, pizza is just nice to have sometimes!

When we lived in California, I used to buy Alvarado Street sprouted pizza crusts, and we would make our own homemade pizza. YUM! I haven't seen those available in this part of the country, but one pre-made organic pizza I do enjoy is made by Amy's Kitchen, one of the largest retailers of natural and organic pre-made foods, like soups, burritos, and pizza.

If you have the patience and the skill, you can make your own pizza, complete with your own dough. My Mom used to sprout her own wheat berries, dehydrate and mill them, and make her own sprouted wheat dough. Her pizza was beyond phenomenal!

I don't have the patience for all those steps these days, with two little ones running around, so my plan of action for our next date is to buy an A my's organic whole wheat cheese & pesto pizza at Whole Foods, and ask them to heat it up for me in their pizza oven!

Why didn't I think of that last weekend?

I definitely consider this a treat of sorts- I wouldn't necessarily incorporate it into our family's menu all the time, but sometimes- you just want a nice pizza, and you don't want to (or can't) make it yourself.

Meanwhile, I'm still hoping for that Maker's Diet restaurant within 10 minutes of my house, though. ;)

Dining Out Woes

2011-02-21T15:00:00.001-08:00

I'm a difficult date. It's true, it really is. My poor husband. Sometimes I wish we could just go to Denny's or McDonald's like the rest of civilization. Or get dessert somewhere, or even coffee!

While it is definitely possible to make good choices while dining out, my sensitive system always lets me know when I eat something different than normal. (Which I basically never do.)

Where we live, there is one totally organic and legit restaurant within 30 minutes of our house. But the last time we went there, the waitress decided it was her mission that night to make our lives miserable, complete with a MAJOR junior high attitude and purple burgers. We have never gone back and don't plan to!

The food there is divine, but it is extremely expensive, and well, this waitress just permanently ruined it for us.

So last night my handsome husband and I went to Whole Foods. We feel it is the only place in the world to go, even though it is absolutely not conducive to a romantic date. We got a pint of organic ice cream (lovely) and a couple G.T.'s kombuchas. But my husband was a little bit more hungry. We walked back through the prepared foods aisle and settled on a couple slices of their cheese pizza.

I wanted to eat it and be a normal person. It tasted amazing, straight out of their flaming hot pizza oven. But alas, my stomach rejected my four inch long piece, even though it was Whole Foods pizza for crying out loud, not Domino's or Pizza Hut.

Uggghhh.

Aren't I ridiculous?!

My diet does NOT fit the middle part of this country as far as eating out is concerned. Who wants to come build a Maker's Diet restaurant 5 minutes from my house?!

I'll love you forever.

What organic restaurants are in your area? Please share your favorites and maybe we can get a list going to help each other out!

Friday's Food for Thought: How Does What We Feed our Kids Affect their Lives?

2011-02-18T13:08:00.000-08:00

How do the foods we feed our children affect them? Does it actually give them a preference for good food or bad food? Check out this Dr. Mercola article to find out!

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/02/18/how-parents-can-ruin-their-childrens-health.aspx

Have a great weekend everyone!

Had to Share: Great Sale on Whole Foods Organic Chickens Tomorrow!

2011-02-17T12:40:00.000-08:00

As someone who buys 1-2 whole chickens every single week, this sale seriously appeals to me! When buying my chickens last week, the man at the meat counter told me about it, but I didn't realize it was nationwide.

Check out your local Whole Foods and stock up with this awesome deal!

(It's tomorrow only!)

Toxin Free Baby: My Favorite Nursing Tea!

2011-02-16T12:40:00.000-08:00

While we're on the topic of awesome teas that benefit both Mom & baby, I thought I'd share with you my absolute favorite tea for keeping up a great milk supply: Traditional Medicinals Mother's Milk tea.

This tea is so awesome. You can take it daily as a way of keeping up your milk supply, or you can take more of it if you're needing to increase your supply. I've had times where I drink up to 4 cups a day to increase my supply, and it works amazingly well! It tastes good too!

The Mother's Milk tea promotes healthy lactation through the use of fennel, anise and coriander. (All organic!) I enjoy it hot or cold- although sometimes it's hard to find the time to drink 4 cups of hot tea daily, so I brew all 4 cups at once in a large Pyrex container and just drink it cold throughout the day. I highly recommend it to any nursing mama!

You can buy it at any natural health food store, or online. Check out Traditional Medicinal's website for a coupon of $1.50 off a box!

Toxin Free Body: My Favorite Pregnancy Tea

2011-02-15T12:19:00.000-08:00

When you're pregnant, you need everything possible to help you nourish your body and the little one growing inside of you. That's why I love, love, love Traditional Medicinals Pregancy Tea. It's made of time tested herbs designed to tone uterine muscles, provide nourishment, and prepare the womb for childbirth.

And seriously, who wouldn't want help preparing your womb for childbirth? When the time of labor comes, you will be glad you did!

I have had this tea with all three of my pregnancies- have had two awesome deliveries so far, and am believing for another one with baby #3! (I'll write some more later on how to have an awesome natural childbirth.)

That reminds me, I have my tea sitting on the kitchen table waiting for me. Better go drink it!

You can buy this awesome tea at almost any natural health foods store, or online.

(Note: you should not drink this tea until after the first trimester.)

Happy Valentine's Day! Announcing our Vitamin Code Perfect Weight giveaway winner!

2011-02-14T13:09:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Johntex)

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! I hope you get to do something very special to celebrate with those you love the most!

I'm very excited to announce our giveaway winner for the Perfect Weight America Vitamin Code formula: entrant number four, Erin!

Erin, you have three days to email me at makersdietmom@gmail.com to claim your prize, or else another winner will be chosen!

Thank you to Garden of Life for sponsoring this giveaway, thank you to everyone who participated, and Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day: Treats for Your Sweet

2011-02-11T12:51:00.001-08:00

(Photo courtesy of André Karwath)

I got this email from Garden of Life's Extraordinary Health newsletter, and had to pass it on- there are three scrumptious recipes for chocolate covered strawberries, truffles, and chocolate cheesecake! YUM! Enjoy these recipes with your sweet one this coming Monday!

http://www.extraordinaryhealth.com/extraordinary-health-newsletter/02102011/sweeeet/tabid/2038/Default.aspx?ContentPubID=682

And don't forget you still have time to enter the Vitamin Code Perfect Weight formula giveaway!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Toxin Free Body: Homemade Crackers from The Nourishing Cook.com

2011-02-10T11:41:00.000-08:00

While hunting the web looking for a recipe for homemade crackers that can be made in a dehydrator, I found this AWESOME website of a lovely woman who blogs about making all the recipes in the Nourishing Traditions cookbook, written by Sally Fallon of the Weston A. Price foundation.

Check out her recipe for homemade crackers: (which can be made in a dehydrator OR an oven) and her other awesome recipes too!

http://thenourishingcook.com/2010/03/how-to-make-homemade-whole-grain-crackers/

Enjoy!

We Did It! Announcing the Vitamin Code Perfect Weight Formula Giveaway!

2011-02-09T13:04:00.000-08:00

Congratulations everyone! We completed our series on Perfect Weight America and how you can achieve and maintain YOUR body's perfect weight in 2011!

Let's celebrate with a giveaway, sponsored by Garden of Life!

This week's giveaway is for an awesome Garden of Life product that will help you achieve- or maintain your body's perfect weight! Whether you are still in the middle of reaching your health goals for this year, or have already achieved your body's perfect weight, (or are really close!) the Vitamin Code Perfect Weight multivitamin is perfect for you!

With nutrients that support your metabolism, immune system, and your body's response to stress, it's great for men and women, those trying to lose weight, or those already happy with their weight and looking to stay healthy!

To enter, leave a comment letting me know how your health goals for this year are going so far. And of course leave your name!

Get an extra entry for becoming a fan of Garden of Life on their facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/GardenofLifeWPB

Just be sure to come back and leave a comment letting me know you did!

The giveaway is open until Friday night at 12 a.m. CST! The lucky winner will be announced on Monday's blog and will have three days to contact me, or another winner will be chosen.

May this year be the year you reach and maintain your perfect weight, everyone! Happy winning!

Announcing the Go Raw Live Web Event- Tonight!!!

2011-02-08T14:58:00.000-08:00

Everyone, I just wanted to make sure you all know about the awesome live web event that Jordan Rubin will be doing this evening!!! Jordan will be talking about Raw Foods and will give you tools and tips you need to use raw foods to improve your health this year!

There will also be free products given away tonight, so make sure to register and get on the webinar tonight!

See this link to register and for more info:

http://www.gardenoflife.com/AWayofLife/LiveWebinars/tabid/2031/Default.aspx

(And check back tomorrow for more details on a giveaway in celebration of finishing our Perfect Weight America series!)

Perfect Weight America: Component 9: Take Weight off the World

2011-02-07T13:21:00.001-08:00

Well, we're wrapping up our Perfect Weight America series! We've looked at many ways you can achieve your perfect weight, and this week we'll be announcing another exciting giveaway to help you do just that! Today let's look at the final component of the program:

Take Weight off the World

In Perfect Weight America, Jordan Rubin gives a list of a dozen ideas for a "greener" home- the idea behind taking weight off the world. The great part is that when we all do a little, it can add up to a lot! Check out this list to see how many you can do:

(Taken from page 203 of Perfect Weight America by Jordan Rubin)

Change your incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent. Fluorescent light bulbs burn twelve times as long as regular light bulbs and consume 50 to 80 percent less energy.

Bring your own shopping bags or reusable canvas bags to the health food store or grocery store. Plastic bags, made from toxic polyethylene, are not biodegradable and litter the landscape whenever the wind kicks in.

Use rechargeable batteries. Did you know that you're not supposed to throw your old batteries in the trash? Batteries contain a high concentration of metals that seep into the ground when the casing erodes. Used batteries are considered "e-waste" just like old computers and TV sets.

Recycle your newspapers, junk mail, and plastic bottles.

Watch the thermostat.

Clean out the bathroom cabinet, full of toxic personal care products containing parabens, phthalates, and other synthetic chemicals.

Unplug cell phone chargers when not in use. Electrical devices continue to draw electricity when plugged in.

Think green in the laundry room. Conventional fabric softeners and static cling products use formaldehyde to make cloths softer. You can substitute a half-cup of vinegar to your wash or drip your favorite essential oil on a cloth and dry with your clothes.

check your cookware. Nonstick pans are coated with perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA, which has shown up in trace amounts in blood samples taken from people across the country. The CDC estimates that PFOA is in the blood of 95 percent of Americans, and the EPA has labeled PFOA as a likely carcinogen in humans. (Causes cancer) Environmentally acceptable cookware is stainless steel, ceramic coated, or stoneware.

Choose paper products from recycled ingredients.

Use air filters.

Start your own compost pile.

I hope this gives you some great ideas on how to get started taking "weight off the world." Check back tomorrow for details about an exciting giveaway!

What Do You Do?

2011-02-05T08:30:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone!

Yesterday, in the midst of an extremely busy few days, my husband and I passed by a McDonald's on the way home from WalMart. Next to it was a Starbucks, and a Taco Bell. I have to admit that I was envious of all the diners who could pull in and leave with a "meal" ready in less than 5 minutes!

When I am exhausted and life is busy with the little ones, I become so weary of getting food on the table. We ended up with dinner from Whole Foods last night, but I totally understand why anyone would choose fast food in moments like these!

Planning ahead helps a lot, but sometimes, life just gets too busy. Whole Foods prepared food bar is our fallback in moments like these, but we're hoping for some closer, healthy organic restaurants and "fast food."

When we lived in California there were places like this springing up all over the place- are there any near you?

What do you do to stay healthy when times get crazy?

Have a great (and relaxing) weekend everyone!

Perfect Weight America: Component 8: Think For Your Perfect Weight

2011-02-01T12:30:00.000-08:00

We're almost done! Today we will discuss one of the most important elements of the whole Perfect Weight America program: thinking for your perfect weight.

Most of us underestimate just how powerful our thoughts are. The Bible says, "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he." Our thoughts are indicative of our beliefs, which we are living out every day, whether unconsciously or consciously.

When it comes to weight loss, nothing can be more important than what we think. I love an example from Dani Johnson, one of my favorite businesswomen and success coaches. She says that she was an athlete all her life, but her father told her she was fat, so she believed him.

In a rough point in her life, she actually did become 50 pounds overweight. Finally, she got fed up and decided she was going to stop believing she was fat, just because her Dad had always told her that she was.

She says, "I decided to start walking like I was a Barbie, even if I had something following me!" Once she stopped believing she was fat, and agreed with the truth that she was healthy, and attractive, she lost that weight that was hanging on to her, and never regained it.

In fact, she is now in her early 40's, a mother of 5 and grandmother of 3, and is truly one of the most attractive women I have ever seen. She is in fabulous shape and very healthy, and she's not killing herself to do it.

What beliefs do you have about your self image? Have people told you your whole life that you were overweight, or did your parents or peers criticize you whenever you gained a few pounds? If so, it's likely you are believing a few lies about your body image.

I would encourage you to ask God what the truth is about how He sees you, because the truth will set you free! Once you can come into agreement with what he says about you, I bet you your weight issue, which is now a mountain in your life, will come tumbling down, just like it did for Dani.

Check out chapter 11 of Perfect Weight America for more on this important issue! I encourage you to start believing the truth about yourself today, even if it seems you are "calling things that are not as though they were." ;)

Food for Thought: Which Snack Can Cut Your Cancer Risk?

2011-01-31T13:03:00.000-08:00

You guessed it! It's broccoli! This crunchy green vegetable neutralizes toxins in your liver and helps keep you healthy! Check out this awesome Dr. Mercola article talking about 15 superfoods that boost your immune system, and which healthy foods pack the most nutritional punch for the least price!

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/01/31/15-superfoods-for-under-20-stocking-your-pantry-on-the-cheap.aspx

Perfect Weight America: Component 7: Reduce Toxins for Your Perfect Weight

2011-01-28T12:38:00.000-08:00

We've only got a few more days, and we'll be wrapping up our Perfect Weight America series! Today we'll be talking about component 7, a very important one in our journey of health:

Reduce Toxins For Your Perfect Weight

Toxins are everywhere in our environment. From the food we eat, to the skin care products we use, to the air we breathe, toxins are present, residing in our bodies and causing a whole host of problems. For more on this issue see my former blog post about your body's burden.

Here are some common hiding places for toxins that Jordan Rubin points out in Perfect Weight America on page 178:

Conventionally raised meats, fruits and vegetables
Plastics
Household cleaners
Toothpaste
Skin care and body care products
Indoor air quality

Here are some tips that he recommends for reducing your family's exposure to toxins:

Drinking plenty of water- at least a half-ounce for each pound of body weight- will give the body the fluids it needs to pull those toxins out of the bloodstream.
Install shower filters to remove chlorine and toxins from your water.
Use glass or polycarbonate containers instead of plastic containers whenever possible.
Improve indoor air quality by opening windows, strategically placing natural houseplants, or buying an air filtration system.
Use natural cleaning products for your home.
Try out organic cosmetics and personal care products, which are good for the body and for the environment.

Have an awesome weekend everyone!

Perfect Weight America: Component 6: Get FIT For Your Perfect Weight

2011-01-27T12:45:00.000-08:00

We all know we should exercise, but "knowing" the good we ought to do, and actually doing it are two totally different things! Back in the days of farming and pre-industrialization, exercise wasn't something you needed to plan into your Palm Pilot, because your life centered around physical exertion.

Nowadays, we do need to schedule exercise into our hectic lives, because it is often the first thing to go when things get crazy! (In addition to healthy eating!)

But if you want to reach your perfect weight this year (don't give up on your resolutions yet) or simply extend your lifespan and stay healthy, with less colds & flu, then you'll want to plan on getting some good exercise in.

The good news is that it does not have to take long! In Perfect Weight America, Jordan Rubin advocates a specific type of fat-burning, strength enhancing exercise called Functional Interval Training.

Now, this is one chapter of the book (chapter 9) that you really need to read for yourself, as Rubin confronts some commonly held beliefs about what fitness is truly beneficial, and specifically, which kind causes you to lose weight.

On page 156 of Perfect Weight America, Jordan Rubin says:

"Engaging in intense workouts designed to deplete oxygen stores will cause the body to switch on the fat-burning cells. In other words, the standard "cardio" exercises- that is, walking on a treadmill like a mind-numbed robot for forty-five minutes- are somewhat helpful; however, intense oxygen-depriving anaerobic exercise does two important things to help you lose weight:

Anaerobic exercise increases the percentage of calories and fat burned as compared to the percentage of carbohydrates burned. Anaerobic exercise raises your metabolic rate, which helps you burn even more calories when you're at rest.

So what is the difference between anaerobic & aerobic exercise? Well, Rubin defines anaerobic exercise on page 158 by saying,

"Anaerobic exercise causes the body to make energy without oxygen because the demand for energy is so fast and huge that the body must create it from numerous body chemicals."

Here are some examples of aerobic exercise:

Aerobic classes
Bicycling
Dancing
Golfing
Soccer
Walking
Basketball
Volleyball
Tennis

Here are some examples of fat-burning anaerobic exercise:

Lifting weights
Using strength-training machines such as Nautilus and Hoist
Jumping rope or jumping on a rebounder
Sprinting
Working the body's core muscles through the use of functional exercises with rubber bands, stability balls, medicine balls, and kettleballs

For more on how to create the perfect fat-burning, FIT workout just for you, read the Perfect Weight America book!

Perfect Weight America: Component 5: Cleanse For Your Perfect Weight

2011-01-26T16:08:00.000-08:00

Did you know that in your lifetime, sixty tons of food will pass through your gastrointestinal system?

Neither did I, but Jordan Rubin brings it up in Perfect Weight America on page 129, with a good point- all that food has to go somewhere! Not to be too graphic, but we all accumulate toxins and waste byproducts everyday in our bodies.

The amount we accumulate is largely related to our own choices, but no matter what, everyone needs a good cleanse on a regular basis.

That leads us to component number 5 of Perfect Weight America's program:

Cleanse For Your Perfect Weight

On page 131 of Perfect Weight America, Jordan Rubin says:

"Habitual intake of a diet high in refined and highly processed foods leads to accumulation of toxins, increased contact time, and damage to the lining of the gut due to constipation and higher pressures developing inside the bowel. In plain language, such foods gunk up the digestive tract like a mass of cookie dough in a garbage disposal.

(Do you still want your candy, white sugary treats and white flour confections after reading that sentence?!) :)

Enough already! That's what the body is saying after years, if not decades, of abuse. If the digestive system isn't given a chance to restore itself- through body therapies known as cleansing and fasting- then digestive-related disorders and diseases can and will occur, affecting the very core of how the body grows, repairs itself, gains energy, and reaches its perfect weight."

So how do you cleanse? One truly awesome tool for a great and very simple, non life altering cleanse is Garden of Life's Perfect Cleanse kit.

My husband and I have both used this kit and we love it. It is non disruptive to your daily life, (it doesn't require fasting, although it is beneficial if you decide to) only lasts 10 days, and doesn't give you a stomach ache!

Check it out at Garden of Life's website for more info! (And check out Perfect Weight America, the book, for much more info in chapter 8 about how to cleanse for your perfect weight!)

Food for Thought: Preventing Cancer

2011-01-25T12:52:00.000-08:00

Hope you all had a great weekend! I saw this article today from Dr. Mercola discussing the tragic story of a woman who helped orphans find adopting families- until she was diagnosed with stage 4 cervical cancer. As a single mom, it was now her job to find someone to raise her two daughters after her death.

This story is so tragic and poignant that I had to take a pause in our Perfect Weight America series to share it!

Everyone should read this and share it with loved ones- the advice that he gives at the end could save your life!

See the original article here:

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/01/25/cancer-sucks--one-final-adoption.aspx

Friday's Food for Thought: Which Bottled Water is the Best or the Worst?

2011-01-21T12:54:00.000-08:00

Did you know that not all bottled water is created equal? Don't waste your money buying bottled water that's not much better than tap water!

Check out this great listing by Dr. Mercola, who got it from The Environmental Working Group.

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/01/21/best-and-worst-bottled-water-brands.aspx

Have a great weekend everyone!

Perfect Weight America: Component 4: Supplement For Your Perfect Weight

2011-01-20T11:16:00.000-08:00

Well, we're halfway done! Today we'll discuss component 4 of the Perfect Weight America program:

Supplement For Your Perfect Weight

Personally, I believe supplements are extremely necessary in our nutrient- starved world, even if you are eating, like our family, 100% organic food. Food is simply not what it's supposed to be, or used to be, even when it is organic. See my post about what supplements I take, and why, for more info.

And even supplements are not all created equally.

Here's what Jordan Rubin has to say about supplements in Perfect Weight America, page 111:

"Have you checked the label of your multivitamin lately? If you see ingredients such as sucrose, cornstarch, thiamine mononitrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, or sodium metasilicate listed, your multivitamin is produced from isolated and synthetic materials.

When you look on the packaging and see the letters dl in front of an ingredient- like 'dl-alpha tocopheryl,' for example- your multivitamin is using a synthetic version of vitamin E. Again, not all vitamin E is created equal.

Synthetic or isolated multivitamins are never going to be as good or potent as the ones produced from natural sources; studies show that synthetically made vitamins are 50 percent less biologically active than vitamins made from natural sources.

So when you introduce nutritional supplements produced from whole foods and other natural sources into your body, you'll double the nutrients available to the body."

In Perfect Weight America, Jordan Rubin recommends taking three awesome Garden of Life supplements as part of the program:
The first is this awesome multivitamin from Garden of Life. I took this multivitamin from the time I started the Maker's Diet 5 years ago until they came out with their raw prenatal. Check out the description on their website for more info!

Secondly, he recommends taking a truly awesome fat-burning product, the revolutionary FucoThin. I mentioned this a couple weeks ago, and one lucky reader got a free bottle in our giveaway! Check out www.fucothin.com to find out how this awesome supplement can help you reach your weight loss goals in 2011.

And last, but certainly not least, the Vitamin -D and Omega-3 rich cod liver oil. (Don't worry, it comes in capsules too, if drinking it straight is not your style.)

Good for your heart, brain, eyes, immune system, and just about everything else, cod liver oil is a must to add to your supplement regiment! Check out Garden of Life's site for more info on this awesome product! (Even my three year old takes a spoonful every night!)
Well, next week we'll be on part 5 of the Perfect Weight America program, showing you how to Cleanse for your Perfect Weight!

Special Article: Can Cell Phones Cause Brain Tumors?

2011-01-19T11:46:00.000-08:00

Today, I was planning on continuing part 4 of Perfect Weight America, but I got this article via email from Dr. Mercola this morning, and felt this information was really important to pass on.

Since we live in a wireless world and it seems everyone these days has a cell phone, this is a crucial article to read and pass on to family and friends, since it could save lives!

Check it out for yourself at his website:

http://emf.mercola.com/sites/emf/archive/2011/01/19/the-hard-core-science-of-how-cell-phones-and-other-emf-damages-you.aspx

Perfect Weight America: Component 3: Snack for Your Perfect Weight

2011-01-18T11:28:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Lkmassey28)

Well, we're on to part 3 of 9! Today's component is one of my favorites, since I think it makes the program much more enjoyable. In Perfect Weight America, Jordan Rubin endorses, and even recommends, snacking! (On the proper foods, of course!)

Component 3 of Perfect Weight America: Snack For Your Perfect Weight

On page 97 of Perfect Weight America, Jordan Rubin has this to say about why you should snack on nutritious foods:

"Many people don't know what constitutes healthy snacking, nor are they aware that you often should eat something between meals. Reason: the body's metabolism resembles a furnace that must be stoked at regular intervals. That's why snacking is an important part of the Perfect Weight America program.

Personally, I'm pro snacking because I believe denying yourself food for long stretches sets you up for three things:

1) Misery
2) Depression
3) Failure

And on page 101, he gives some great examples of nutritious snacks to keep you full until mealtime:

"When it comes to whole foods, vegetables and vegetable dips make for fantastic snacks. For example, a guacamole dip can be made with fresh avocados, lemon, cilantro, and sea salt. Carrots and celery can be eaten raw or dipped in hummus.

Fresh fruit and dried fruit are also nutritious snacks. Take a handful of dried raisins, figs, dates, prunes, pineapple and papaya and combine them with some soaked nuts or seeds. Make sure there is no added sugar or sulfites. It's very easy to throw some dried fruit, nuts, and seeds into a bag and carry the mixture with you throughout the day for a quick snack.

Also keep in mind there are many healthy snack and dessert recipes using organic ingredients you can make on your own, like whole-grain blueberry muffins, banana bread, and coconut almond fudge. Popcorn is another snack that can be healthy if prepared right."

In our house, we love snacking on soaked and dried almonds with raw cheese, ants on a log with organic almond or peanut butter, bananas "fried" in coconut oil, apples with peanut butter, or homemade cookies with sprouted wheat or coconut flour.

We also love Garden of Life's organic whole food bars, which are jam packed with nutrients and are far superior to any other health food bar on the market. These make great on the go snacks!

Happy healthy snacking everyone!

Perfect Weight America: Component 2: Drink for Your Perfect Weight

2011-01-17T11:32:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Today we'll be looking at the second component of the Perfect Weight America program:

Drink For Your Perfect Weight

Ok, I think we all know we "should" be drinking more water. But did you know that drinking enough water promotes weight loss? On page 89 of Perfect Weight America, Jordan Rubin has this to say about good ol' H20:

"Regular old water can play a significant role in losing weight because of the way it revs up your meatbolism and hydrates cells so that they can process carbohydrates and fats more efficiently. When your body's cells are well hydrated, you accelerate the liver's ability to convert stored fat into usable energy and help your kidneys flush out toxins.

If you substitute water for soft drinks- and ignore everything else written in Perfect Weight America- you'll still lose three pounds in short order, according to a study at Children's Hospital and Research Center in Oakland, California."

If you want to drink to your perfect weight, here are some great tips he goes on to offer:

(From page 96 of Perfect Weight America)

Make your number one beverage purified, non-chlorinated water, consuming a half-ounce of water per pound of body weight, or around eight to twelve cups a day, especially if you live in warmer climates.
If you drink natural sparkling water, don't choose brands with added carbonation, such as Perrier.
Install carbon-based filters at the kitchen faucet and refrigerator, or purchase countertop water pitchers.
Brew green tea, or consume pre-steeped liquid teas (preferably organic), which may be sweetened with a small amount of honey or stevia.
Take a step on the wild side and try lacto-fermented beverages like kombucha.
If you're a coffee drinker, switch over to certified organic coffee, which can be flavored with organic cream and a small amount of honey or stevia.

Friday's Food for Thought: Are Your Glowing Gadgets Disrupting Your Sleep?

2011-01-14T13:12:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday everyone! We'll be back on track with our Perfect Weight America series next week, but I've been crazy busy and just have a minute to share an awesome Dr. Mercola article I read.

Few of us are aware how computer and cell phone usage can affect our night time sleep, which affects just about everything in our lives! Check out this article to find out more, because it could even prevent your chance of getting cancer!

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/01/10/trouble-sleeping-caused-by-glowing-gadgets.aspx

Have a great weekend, and get some great sleep!

Perfect Weight America: Component 1: Eat for Your Perfect Weight

2011-01-12T12:34:00.000-08:00

Now that we've outlined the 9 components of Perfect Weight America, let's dive right into each point briefly!

Key 1: Eat for Your Perfect Weight

In Perfect Weight America, Jordan Rubin says that the two fundamental principles for healthy eating are:

1. Eat what God created for food.
2. Eat foods in a form healthy for the body.

Here is some interesting info. He says that the basic components of a healthy diet are the right amounts of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, and vitamins and minerals.

On page 52 of Perfect Weight America, here's how he elaborates on these components:

"Protein, which is found in fish, meat, poultry, dairy products, eggs and beans.

Fat, which is found in animal and dairy products as well as nuts and oils.

Carbohydrates, which are found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and other legumes.

Vitamins such as vitamins A,B,C,D,E, and K.

Mineral such as calcium, potassium, and iron.

Furthermore, here's his plan for how all these components come together when following Perfect Weight America: (taken from page 53)

1. Eat foods low in sugar and refined carbohydrates, which will lower your daily glycemic load.

2. Add more omega-3 fats from wild-caught fish, grass-fed beef and game, and wild plants.

3. Try to balance your consumption of protein, fat, and slowly absorbed carbohydrates during your main meals.

4. Consume an abundance of vitamins and minerals from foods and whole-food nutritional supplements.

5. Eat foods high in alkalizing minerals, such as vegetables, which will prevent your blood from becoming too acidic.

6. Lower your intake of sodium. (Refined salt.)

7. Consume a high amount of antioxidants from foods, snacks, and whole food nutritional supplements.

8. Eat foods with a high fiber content.

Tomorrow we will go over Key #2, Drink for Your Perfect Weight! Be sure to pick up a copy of the book, Perfect Weight America, so you can read these chapters for yourself!

Perfect Weight America: The 9 Components of this Awesome Program

2011-01-11T11:30:00.000-08:00

Another thing I love about Perfect Weight America is that it focuses on our entire lives, not just on what foods should be eaten for weight loss. Today I'm going to list the 9 components of this awesome program, and then we'll talk briefly about them throughout the week!

(Check out the book to read all the details of the program!)

The campaign of the Perfect Weight America is broken into three parts: Change Your Diet, Change Your Life, and Change Your World.

There are 9 parts to this:

(It's not as complicated as it sounds!)

Change Your Diet:

1. Eat for Your Perfect Weight
2. Drink for Your Perfect Weight
3. Snack for Your Perfect Weight
4. Supplement for Your Perfect Weight

Change Your Life:

5.. Cleanse for Your Perfect Weight
6. Get FIT for Your Perfect Weight
7. Reduce Toxins for Your Perfect Weight
8. Think for Your Perfect Weight

Change Your World:

9. Take Weight off the World

This program is truly holistic, promoting health in every area of our lives. I love that! The rest of this week we'll discuss more about the various areas of the program, and how you can have your best health ever in 2011!

Congratulations to our FucoThin Winner!

2011-01-10T12:45:00.000-08:00

Today, I am so excited to announce the winner of our FucoThin giveaway:

Our winner is contest entrant number 2, Karen Shore!

Congratulations Karen, you will be receiving a free bottle of FucoThin from Garden of Life, and will be well on your way to achieving your health goals for 2011!

Thank you to everyone who participated in the contest! We will be continuing our series on Perfect Weight America, with some other exciting giveaways coming up soon!

Karen, please email me at makersdietmom@gmail.com with your UPS shipping address to receive your prize. :)

Friday's Food for Thought: Did You Know?

2011-01-07T13:07:00.000-08:00

In light of our current series on Perfect Weight America, Jordan Rubin's revolutionary weight loss/healthy lifestyle program, I thought the following facts might interest you:

(Taken from Perfect Weight America's website)

The average American female is 24 pounds heavier today than the average American female of 1960.

The average American male is 25 pounds heavier today than the average American male of 1960.

According to researchers, 66% of US Adults are overweight today.

Researchers predict 75% of US Adults will be overweight by 2015.

Every day 11,000 diet books are sold on Amazon.com.

Every day Americans spend $158 million on over the counter diet pills, weight loss programs and diet books, diet home food delivery, gastric bypass surgery, weight-loss spas, and various "ab sculptors" and "bun trainers."

Globally, 600 million people are undernourished.

Globally, there are over 1 billion individuals who are overweight (300 million being obese) - making this the first time in recorded history that there are more overweight people on earth than those who are undernourished.

Hope you enjoyed these facts, and that they inspire you to reach your weight loss/health goals in 2011! Don't forget there's still time to enter the FucoThin giveaway!