Food: Friend or Foe!!

It is unfortunate that many people aren't aware of the addictive properties of processed foods. More specifically, it is genetically engineered foods that are greater in damage. It is saddening that many children are acquiring diseases that are normally seen in adulthood. What is the cause of this ? How is it many people are blinded by the importance of a basic need? Which is Food! Food can be a a good friend or a backstabbing enemy!! Which will you choose? 

Question all information given to you by Mass MEDIA!! Commercials !! Advertisements!! 

It is all a ploy to addict consumers and create long life customers(which do not live very long)!!

I encourage you to become informed. Take the responsibility of teaching yourself and family a clean way of eating. Health is priceless! We see a rise in preventable diseases due to the foods we consume. Be proactive and you will see a change in health over time. Let us not become complacent in doing what is right!

Organic Girly

Super food Spirulina

Spirulina

Spirulina  a super food.... a recent fav of mine. It it rich in so many vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, and antioxidants. 

Here’s a list: B complex 

Beta-carotene

Vitamin E

Manganese

Zinc

Copper

Iron

Selenium

Gamma linolenic acid (essential fatty acid)

It is amazing how many super packed combinations is in one source. This is one reason it is called a super food. It is known to boost immunity, fight cancer, helps against allergic reactions. In addition, it helps protect against liver damage and liver failure. 

Spirulina comes in a powdered form for quick absorption into the blood stream. I add it to my fresh juice in the morning. It goes well with smoothies etc... here is a link to more info

It is important to stay educated on the best foods for our bodies.... No one else is responsible for it. 

Enjoy!! Buen Provecho

Dina 

Organic Girly Supports her Local Farmer's Market! Do you?

Support Your Local Farmers Market....

Photo Credit

Community.... Has this term been forgotten lately in society? or Are we simply ignoring the importance? Community is made up of neighbors that contribute to your local town or city. It is the ground on which live and breathe. So, why leave it as last resort?

I encourage you to find your local farmers market and get to know the farmers in your community. Know where your food comes from! There is a drastic change in health when you are aware of your foods source. You eat better, and you feel better....nothing to lose (but that extra  weight). Now, do not confuse losing weight with being healthy....This cannot be the focus to achieve great health. The motivation should be eat to live....for health. Our country has this twisted. I won’t even get into the media propaganda etc.... It just heats me up.

Organic Broccoli and Organic Strawberries from the Farmer's Market

Anyway, supporting your local community (especially the farmers market) benefits your health. Purchase organic as much as possible. But if you cannot buy organic all the time, you want to become familiar with the dirty dozens. Purchasing from farmer’s market helps your wallet and your health. They remove the middle man (grocery stores like Walmart etc...) and go straight to the source. Organic produce becomes less expensive than store bought, and most of the organic produce(@Farmers Markets) have been picked within 72 hours. So, there is another plus. Picked within 72 hours from the source and Organic, that is a big immunity booster.

So, make it out to your local farmer’s market and support it.....

For those of you local in Brevard County, we attended Brevard County Farmer's Market, click here
Here is there FBook page
Have fun

Organic Girly,
Dina

Kelloggs & Genetically Modified Organisms!!

            I am writing this blog post because I know many of you purchase Kellogg's products. Some of you might not know that you are purchasing Kellogg's products (I didn't realize it until recently). Kelloggs is an umbrella company and some of it's brands include KASHI, MORNING STAR FARMS, BEAR NAKED, GARDENBURGER. I had to caps lock those for bluntness..... Here is some Kellogg's Products:

                It is unfortunate that Kellogg's has jumped on the Genetically Modified Organism Bandwagon...They currently and have been using Monsanto's Genetically Modified Organisms:.... gmo sugar, gmo corn, gmo canola etc.... However, you would never know!!! 

                         WHY? The public does not know that the products they purchase have these virus infestations in their foods!! Monsanto has pushed  the USDA on the use of GMO's in USA. Therefore, they were successful on this push, and It is okay for them to grow GMO produce now and be a distributor to many food companies like Kellogg. Mind you, Monsanto is the same company that created Agent Orange, and  Round Up Ready .These are pesticides and herbicides embedded in the GMO crop.They have accelerated the use of these crops. However, they have been adamant of not labeling products ingredients with GMO for public knowledge. Thus, Monsanto claims GMO crops and foods have no significant health risks associated with the consumption. Differently, the European Union has banned the use of GMO until scientific evidence states otherwise. Here a side note:

"Monsanto has refused to release all the results of its own tests on the maize (corn), although it has now been ordered to do so by a German court."

If they are going to use this type of seed then it is their responsibility to educate the public on the ingredients in their foods. The USDA and FDA have fallen short of their responsibility. It is because of Monsanto's infamous influence and financial power on the government with their lobbyist  (Sure, I don't doubt it one bit). 

For those of you who do not know what exactly is a GMO, here is a link

          I encourage you, every single one of you, to be active in this.... This is the future of your food, your children's foods, and the coming generations. God has not called us to sit back and do nothing... that is Idleness... Many of you may not see this as an important issue. But have you ever thought.... Why are foods labeled Organic now?  Before the 1950s and 1960s, the industrial revolution had not infiltrated the food companies.. There was no need for the labeling of Organics because everything was Organic already..... Since the 1950s and 60s, there has been a movement, a Organic movement to educate the people of the United States the right to good wholesome foods without chemicals and preservatives, especially genetically modified foods. 

"The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government-lest it come to dominate our lives and interests." Patrick Henry

         Past genereations had to deal with civil rights with African Americans and Woman rights.... Freedoms that our ancestors fought for. This passion and desire for better was demanded by the people from the government. However, this generation has to stand up and have the burning passion to declare and demand the civil rights of knowledge. The knowledge of the foods sold to us and given in the private and public schools. It is not limited to just schools: Grocery stores, Restaurants.... You know the food you just ordered at your favorite restaurant ( unless it was made with organic ingredients ofcourse). This is our baby to demand and require from the government. The right of the American People to know what is being sold to us, given to our children, and the future of food. 

Many of you cannot afford to purchase Organic food, and I am aware of that!! However, there would be no need for the purchasing of Organically labeled foods if companies like Monsanto and the government did not allow for the production of the GMO food. Similarly, the non labeling of these products are deceiving the public's ability to decipher if it is worthy for their family's meal. Organic labeling is not going away....It is now our duty to ensure the people's civil right to know what is in the food we buy...Then, you decide "Do I want to buy these GMO products?" I think many people would just go the other way and purchase items from other sources that are Anti-GMO. 

So: What to do? You can continue on your merry way. Purchase these products and feed them to your family. In addition, you can act like everything is going to be okay.

OR

You can take part and be active to choose Organic whenever possible. You can sign the petition against Kelloggs... that's one place to start.  Every time you purchase non GMO foods, you take a stand against Monsanto. That ringing at the Cash Register lets companies know what you chose to feed your family.  Organic is a movement for better living. Do not succumb to complacency and contention.  Stand up for your Rights as US Citizens, as did the Europeans against GMOs. Their government listened to their cry!! If the people rise up and declare otherwise in the US, what more could our government do,  but submit to the authority of the people. It is your right!! 

I wrote this article with much passion and love for all of you, it is to educate and promote pro-activity in your daily choices.

Thank you for reading, 

Organic Girly

Here is a link to Non GMO Shopping 

Strawberries!!! How good are they ???

Organic Strawberries


Sweet Sweet Strawberries!!! Especially Sweeter when they are Organic. Unfortunately, Strawberries that are not grown organically have been tested and proven to have 54 different pesticides  from the strawberry farmers chemicals pest solutions. The Organic Consumer Association ranks non organic strawberries to be number one out of all the fruits grown with commercial farming practices. Fortunately, when strawberries are in season purchase Organic... look for the label USDA Organic.

*Organic Strawberries are High in Vitamin C. 1 cup of Organic Strawberries packs 160% of your recommended Vitamin C value. It is only 50 calories a cup full.
Other Perks:
Fiber 2.5 g
Protein .96 g
Potassium 220 mg
Folate 35 mcg
Vitamin A 17 IU
Calcium 23 mg

In addition to all this wonderful knowledge about Organic Strawberries,  they are high in antioxidants. Antioxidants fight off cancer cells that are present in your body. It aids in the removal of them and cleaning. Here is a perk: the antioxidants help with the beautification of your  skin....It is complimentary for the health of your skin as well.

There are tons of recipes for Organic Strawberries. Just to name a few: Strawberry Jam (made with Xylitol, in stead of sugar). (Xylitol is a natural sweetener that comes from fibrous vegetables and fruits). Strawberry Sorbet, Goat Cheese and Strawberry Bruschetta (I will be posting this recipe soon)...

These are just a few of the plethora of recipes out there. While these are in season,  I will be posting recipes.

My favorite way to eat Organic Strawberries is RAW....Just the way they are !!
Buen Provecho..Enjoy!!

Organic Girly

*Reference

Organic Pears in Season

Ahhhh, Wonderful Organic Pears in Season... Great on Costs and Sale too. Visit your local Farmer's Market or Organic Health Store. 


         Organic Pears are an excellent source of fiber. It is one of leading fruit sources of fiber. It is jammed packed with Vitamin C, Phytonutrients and Antioxidants OH MY!.. In addition to all these great nutrients, Organic Pears provide a great source of Copper ( a needed mineral for the human body). *


           Organic Pears promote Cardiovascular  and Colon Health.. (You know I like keeping the Colon nice and Clean). It helps in lowering cholesterol and prevents constipation.*


Okay , So you go and pick your Organic Pears from the market, How should they look? Typically Organic Pears are picked prior to ripeness; Therefore, some will take a few days to ripen. Leave Organic Pears at room temperature to increase in ripeness.*


Enjoy your Organic Pear Picking, 
Dina 




*www.usapears.com
  www.whfoods.com

Fight against the Afternoon Sleepiness AnyWhere!!

Afternoon Slump ( She was so sleepy due to no rest ) 

Ever feel like this in the afternoon... You could just fall asleep anywhere... lol. I think everyone has. 

The reason your body is behaving this way is due to is insufficiency in vitamins and minerals. A balanced diet, exercise, and adequate rest is the key to avoid the slump. However, many of you (including myself sometimes) just can’t seem to get all three. This is due to work or other obligations. 

What should you do? Reach for an energy drink..... No Of course NOT.. BAD BAD...

( I say this,  because I was a Energy drink  junkie and would have at least two a day). This would result in a drop in my energy after the affects wore off. So I can understand your desire to reach for one.

(With adequate rest, organic food and exercise)

Reach for some fruits and veggies to help with that afternoon drag. Your bodies are in need of some good vitamins and nutrients. Here are some ideas 

Organic Fruits:

Apples, Apricots, Blueberries, Oranges, Tangerines, Peaches, Plums etc.. 

.....any fruit will do. Stick with Organic though, get the most for your bucks

Organic Vegetables:

Carrots, Celery, Raw Broccoli, Baby Spinach with tomatoes and cucumbers, artichokes

.....etc.. any vegetable will do.. of course Organic

Here is a tip: I know that in the afternoon some of you may not want to eat a fruit  or  a veggie, but fight against that.. Change will not happen if you do not make changes in your choices... You will reap the benefits of your decisions. You will see that you have more energy to do things. JUST DO IT

Unusual Pumpkin Facts

Being that we are in the Fall Season, and there are pumpkins galore, I would like to enlighten you with some unusual facts about them.... God new what He was doing when He made fruits and veggies, especially the pumpkin.

Unusual Facts:
        1. Pumpkin is a squash. Yes it is, it is part of the Cucurbita family includes squash and cucumbers.
        2.  Antartica is the only place pumpkins will not grow... (I wonder why , hehehe)
        3. (Rocky announcer Voice) "The pumpkin capital of the world: Morton, Illinois"
        4. Pumpkins are 90 % water
        5. The largest pumpkin ever grown weighed was 1,140 pounds
        6. Native Americans flattened strips of pumpkin , dried them and made mats.
        7. Native Americans used pumpkin seeds for food and medicine

          
Health Benefits from the Might Pumpkin:
           *Pumpkins are high in Potassium and Vitamin A, High in Fiber, Vitamin C, Magnesium.  In addition, it is high in a variety of Carotenoids. (Carotenoids fight agains cancer, heart disease, cataracts and blindness... Heres a bonus, it fights against aging.) Organic is best... when you can buy organic.

*www.pumpkinhealthbenefits.com

Hello Everyone.. Meet the Raw Cranberry

Raw Cranberries


Okay So I know that Cranberries are very very tart that they make you have the sour face, but Cranberries are packed vital nutrients and compounds that help sustain a good healthy urinary tract system, kills the bacteria that causes ulcers and it even kills the bacteria that causes gum disease.*


I have a history of frequent kidney and urinary function issues and I decided years ago to begin to consume cranberries on a regular basis.. Especially for women, since our urinary tract is short in length it is easier for bacteria to get in. So I try my best to eat these in a couple different ways; for instance, Cranberries can be juiced in a combination juices for a more smoother and sweeter taste..... I try no to eat the dried cranberries due to high sugar content.. But I will sprinkle some on my salad. I do not recommend purchasing the combination juices in the store, due to the amount of actual cranberry in it.. I have seen it to where the Brand says Cranberry Juice; however, when you look at the ingredients section, cranberry is like the last thing on the list(which means it contains the least of cranberry).... Organic brand of juices tend to have 100% cranberry juice and it comes in glass bottles, So, no yucky plastic chemicals in your cranberry juice..
Ultimately, I prefer juicing them with 1 apple and some carrots.. and Voila, You have fresh Cranberry Apple Carrot juice delivered directly to your bloodstream.




*www.cranberries.org

Pomegranates !!! Sweet yet Tart

Pomegranates

*High in vitamin C and potassium, a good source of fiber and low in calories.Pomegranate juice is high in three different types of polyphenols, a potent form of antioxidants. The three types - tannins, anthocyanins, and ellagic acid - are present in many fruits, but pomegranate juice contains particularly high amounts of all three. As antioxidants, they are credited with helping in the prevention of cancer and heart disease.

Ingredients: 

2 Pomegranates

a bowl

a spoon

Cut both ends of the pomegranate then in half.. In a large bowl fill till 1/2  of water, then begin to break apart the pomegranates allowing the pomegranates fruit to fall into the water and some of the extra skin will float. Do this until you have the fruit as the finished product.

Yummy and enjoy.

I enjoy eating this fruit as a fix for sweets or to satisfy the urge to eat.

*www.pomegranates.org