Archive for March, 2011

Is Organic Food Worth The Extra Cost?

There’s simply no doubt that organic food costs more than highly processed ones. This seems counter-intuitive because, after all, the farmer doesn’t have to spend money on chemical fertilizers and pesticides so it seems that food can be grown more cheaply, rather than costing more.

But there are other factors that run up the cost. For instance, there is much greater loss to insects with organic produce. And because organic isn’t as popular as the chemical-laden packages in the supermarket, the law of supply and demand inevitably raises costs.

So, in these days of skyrocketing food prices we must all ask ourselves if the higher costs of organic are justified. And the larger our family, the closer attention we must pay to our bill at the checkout counter. Defenders of the chemical foods that compromise the largest selection in any traditional grocery store insist that there is no proof of the superiority of organic food. But these folks are misinformed since there are numerous research studies proving that human health is promoted by fewer man-made chemicals.

Humans have lived on this planet for at least one million years and chemical fertilizers and pesticides have been used for only the tiniest fraction of this time. When they appeared on the fields, little research had been done and they were applied indiscriminately. Now we know that these chemicals are dangerous to humans and load our bodies with heavy metals and toxins that build up over time. Just a few of the related diseases are:

  • cancer
  • anemia
  • arthritis
  • heart problems
  • impaired brain function
  • immune system diseases
  • early maturity in children

Further, we ingest multiple chemicals and we simply have no idea how they interact with each other, but it is certainly logical that their effect is not benign.

In addition, once harmful pesticides and fertilizers are in the soil they are certain to remain for many years even if their use is discontinued. Many chemicals that have been banned are found to still be present 20 years later.

We know for sure that these chemicals are harmful to birds and other wildlife and therefore they can’t possibly be promoting health in the human species. The food chain is affected by these toxins. Insects eat the artificial fertilizers and are then eaten by birds and so on, up the chain.

In addition, scientists insist that the very existence of our species depends on insects which are helpful for the environment and destroying them will almost certainly have long-term consequences.

A certain amount of these dangerous chemicals wash off the land and into the streams, rivers and underground aquifers that supply our water. In all metro areas, more chemicals are added to the water supply turning that ordinary glass of water into a true cocktail of chemicals.

One of the reason that so many of us supplement our diets with vitamins and minerals is because our traditional source of these critical compounds – enriched, natural soil – has been depleted by the continued use of pesticides and fertilizers. Organic food is significantly higher in these vital compounds. Three important ones are:

  1. Vitamin C: builds the immune system; combats heart disease; guards against pre-natal abnormalities; protects the eyes; fights flu and colds.
  2. Antioxidants: work to neutralize dangerous and aging free radicals; reduces the chances of chronic diseases like atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries; toughens the immune system and even combats cancer.
  3. Magnesium: the nervous system works much more efficiently with adequate magnesium which also helps to prevent heart attacks or ensure that, if one occurs, it won’t be fatal; cell metabolism is stronger; heartbeat is stronger and blood pumps more efficiently and thus regulates blood pressure; works against the development of osteoporosis, especially when paired with calcium; reduces the onset of diabetes.

The good news is that organic foods are rapidly gaining in popularity and their use has spread to popular items like cereals, pastas and all kinds of bread. So we are no longer limited to just fresh produce but can easily build entire meals that contain only organic ingredients. As demand increases, we can be certain that prices will decrease. With such a diet, detoxification from chemicals can occur rapidly and every function in the body will improve over time.

Making the decision to invest in organic food is certain to pay off in health benefits for you and your family. Whether the increased cost is worth it is an important decision and not one to be made lightly.

Have something in your life you’d like to change (who doesn’t?) Then download our free book ”Dramatically Change Your Life Starting in the Next 5 Minutes” and get started today.

Healthy Treats for Easter Baskets

Like Halloween, we can be overwhelmed by candy and sweets during the Easter holiday. While Easter baskets are a fun tradition for both kids and adults, it’s important to balance sugary treats with fun, healthy alternatives.

Avoid Sugar Shock

A diet of Easter candy and sweets can be bad emotionally and physically for kids. Large amounts of sugar in a short period of time can result in drastic mood swings due to sugar highs and lows. If not properly cleaned away, this “sugar bath” can damage teeth, leading to cavities.

“The ideal treat in any Easter basket is a toothbrush and favorite toothpaste,” states Dr. Lance Heppler, DMD, a dentist in Vancouver, WA. “There’s a wide selection of fun toothbrush colors and styles, as well as toothpaste flavors.”

Your kids may not be overwhelmed with joy at receiving this important treat in their Easter baskets, but they can be fun within a balance of additional healthy snacks and treats.

Snacks for Hunting

One of the highlights of the Easter holiday is the traditional Easter Egg Hunt. Whether you participate in your larger community or out in your back yard, there are many alternatives to candy that can be hidden inside eggs.

Packaged in small cellophane bags from a discount grocery store, you can include the following yummy treats inside medium or large plastic eggs:

  • Popcorn
  • Dried fruit, such as mango, pineapple, or blueberries
  • Chocolate and Yogurt Covered Raisins – these are already egg-shaped
  • Organic bunny-shaped fruit snacks or crackers from Annie’s Homegrown

You can also make your own version of a treat I like to call “Bunny Trail Mix.” Combine Cheerios (or similar low-sugar cereal), small pretzels, nuts like almonds or peanuts (be aware of food allergies), raisins or other small pieces of dried fruit, and jelly beans to make a fun and healthier Easter alternative to candy!

Include Brain Food

Easter basket treats don’t need to be food-related. Instead of hiding food products inside plastic eggs, use coins or folded dollar bills. Then when it’s time to empty out the eggs found in the Easter hunt, your children can practice sorting and counting money.

Other “brain foods” include small books, magazines, and comic books as well as games involving shapes and puzzles. Once Easter baskets are sorted through, take some time to read or play with your kids using these treats!

Kelly Wilson is a busy mom and freelance writer. For more information about how to best take care of your children’s teeth, contact Dr. Lance Heppler, DMD, a dentist in Vancouver, WA.

Healthy, Easy Recipes (Don’t worry, it’s true)

Do you find yourself wondering what to cook for dinner? I do. Sometimes it seems to just take too much effort and time, and it can be easier to grab some fast-food on the go. But what if there was a tasty, yet healthy alternative? HCG diet recipes offer exactly that. Full of rich flavors and healthy ingredients, these recipes will definitely improve your eating habits and consequently help you to lose weight.

When you purchase your own HCG diet kit, you’ll also receive recipes to help you eat healthy and help the hormone do its job. These recipes include everything from citrus fish to chili. You are sure to find something you like—and even that the whole family can enjoy. Eating healthy doesn’t have to necessarily be expensive or time consuming.

The HCG diet recipes include some tasty meals that you can even prepare in the morning, and then serve for dinner later that same day. For instance, the orange marinade for meat allows you to prepare the marinade in the morning, and then pour it on the meat and let it marinate all day! Don’t worry about not finding something you like—there are loads of recipes, and you’re bound to find several that you’ll love. The HCG recipes will also give you the opportunity to try new foods and discover new, easy meals to make.

The trick with cooking is planning. When you plan thoroughly, cooking becomes easy. Once a week, set apart some time to make a schedule of the meals you’ll make for that week, using the recipes that come with the kit or that you find online. Make sure to make extra so that there are leftovers—this can save you a whole night of having to cook a new meal! Then, make a grocery shopping list with the specific items you need. Like with all else in life, when you have a plan and stick to it, you will see positive results.

When you eat healthy foods your body benefits in numerous ways. Some of these ways are striking, and some are less obvious. Yet, when you fit consistent exercise into your schedule, along with utilizing the HCG recipes, you will see the weight you have wanted to leave come off. You will start fitting into the clothes you’ve also wanted to fit into and your self-confidence will improve. Also, you will find your body to be healthier, happier, and stronger. And who doesn’t want that?

 

UK Organic Restaurants for Healthy Dining

Can you think of a weekend when you are not willing to go out with your family and friends and dine in one of your favorite restaurant? Probably not. We all love to eat and eating is undoubtedly one of the most cherished experiences of our life. This is the reason no occasion is complete without mouthwatering dishes.

However eating at restaurants often means additional calorie and several health problems. Have you ever thought of finding a restaurant that offers organic foods? Don’t laugh at the idea. These days many restaurants in UK are serving organic foods for the health conscious people. These foods are the perfect combination of health and taste.

Organic restaurants are gaining popularity day by day in UK. Follow the UK restaurant guide given below to know about the dining destinations where you can enjoy organic food.

Ko Samui: Located at Cornwall, Ko Samui encourages the guests to savor the organic menu prepared with the freshest and finest ingredients. The restaurant supports the use of locally produced food items. The traditional Thai dishes that include both veg and non-veg preparations are sure to leave you ask for more.

The Mulberry Tree: This contemporary country restaurant situated at Kent countryside is popularly known for its excellent organic food. You can savor the specialties of Mulberry Tree. Dishes like Savoy Cabbage, Cider Fondant Potato and Roast Belly of Kentish Pork will compel you to come to this restaurant again and again.

Woodlands: Woodlands is known for offering the best local cuisine. Chef patron Robson and Hocking have won awards for their culinary skills. If you love to savor signature dishes of restaurants, a visit to Woodlands is a must. Seasonal menu is served here and you are sure to enjoy each and every item.

Exmoor House: Another popular name included in UK restaurant guide is Exmoor House. This restaurant is not only known as an organic restaurant but it is also best known for catering to the special dietary requirements of the guests. Order a light breakfast or a delicious supper, Exmoor House restaurant is sure to exceed your expectations.

Franklin‘s Restaurant: Chef Patron Lloyd Kenny is passionate about food. No wonder then Franklin’s Restaurant is one of the most famous dining destinations of UK. Short listed for The Taste of Highlands and Islands Restaurant Awards 2010, this restaurant extends a warm welcome to its guests. As soon as you taste the food you will understand why people don’t mind visiting this restaurant frequently.

The Cherrybrook: With a wide range of menu to satisfy the guests, this eatery is another well known name in the world of organic restaurants. A few example of the mouth watering dishes served in this restaurant include Devilled Mushroom, Pat’s Pears, Smoked Salmon, Home Made Course Pate, Lamb Shanks, Turkey Escalope, Honeyed Ham and many more.

A memorable healthy dining experience is guaranteed with any of these UK organic restaurants listed above.

Author Bio: Mark Kenny is a dining expert who writes on various topics like restaurant guide, UK restaurant guide, organic restaurant etc. He recommends that you have a look at http://www.godining.co.uk/Restaurants/ for more information on UK restaurants.

Are Sweets Really Bad for You?

It’s highly possible that when one thinks of the word “candy”, thoughts of obesity and tooth decay will follow. This is nothing new especially since a lot of researches have proven that people who take large amounts of sweets have a higher tendency of becoming fat. In America, where many people consume at least 12 lbs of sweets a year, too much candy intake accounts for their rising obesity rates. Although a lot of candy manufacturers claim that even sweets offer health benefits, being skeptical about their claim wouldn’t hurt.

Candies are obviously made from sugar, hence, too much of it can increase the stored fat in one’s body especially if this candy addiction is not coupled with regular exercise. This could lead to obesity and lower white blood cell count. In addition, excessive intake of sugars such as glucose, sucrose, fructose, lactose, or cooked starches can be a factor in the production of bacteria that cause tooth decay.

When it comes to kids, sugar intake can cause an effect to their attention span due to sugar high – or the condition where one gets overly energetic after consuming sugary products.

Adults who undergo emotional depression usually become dependent on sweets to help them normalize. This could be bad especially if binging on sweets is not paired with activities.

But although a lot of people generally perceive candies as junk food, many experts still attest to its good effects on the body.

Peppermint candies are also claimed to have positive effects on the body mainly because it contains antioxidants and menthol oils that aids in the production of bile which makes digestion easier.

Since only a few types of candies can be considered beneficial, most of the health benefits of candies may be attributed to the natural ingredients contained by chocolates. Chocolates not only have feel-good chemicals that can act as anti-depressants- they’re also a good source of vitamins A, B1, C, D, and E, as well as iron, potassium, sodium, and fluorine. These are essential nutrients that a body needs to function properly. However, chocolates shouldn’t be used as alternative to natural sources of such nutrients. Another thing is that people who consume chocolates and candies are claimed to have a longer life compared to those who don’t. This may be because of the fact that chocolates contain antioxidants that help reduce the risk to atherosclerosis – the condition where undigested fats are filling up and blocking the arteries.

Many people consider candies and chocolates as the best food ever invented. In reality, it is not harmful to eat sweets once in a while. Most kinds of food only start to cause bad effects when taken excessively. For this reason, it is important to eat everything, especially sugary products, in moderation.

What exactly is organic food?

Organic plant foods are grown without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Organic meats are raised without hormones or antibiotics. Because of the pure nature of organic foods, they are considered healthy by some people. Organic fertilizers include substances like chicken and cow manure as well as composted materials like leftover food peels, coffee grounds and leaves that are allowed to decay into organic matter. This matter is rich in nutrients that help plants grow and thrive without the use of chemicals. Other organic methods include using certain types of plants with pungent or strong odors in the organic garden. These plants work like natural pesticides to keep unwanted plant eating pests at bay.

Organically grown foods are readily available throughout the year. Most larger grocery retailers have sections dedicated specifically to organic produce and meats. Farmer’s markets are also great places to find locally grown organic foods. It is also easy to grow organic foods in the backyard. With a little time and patience, a small backyard garden can yield enough organic produce to cook or preserve for later consumption.

Organic foods must meet United States Department of Agriculture standards. Those products labeled as “100 percent organic” must contain ingredients that are produced by organic methods, and be processed with organic processing aids. When a product is labeled “organic,” no less than 95 percent of the ingredients must be organically produced. It should be noted that water and/or salt may be used in these foods. Other ingredients must be on the National List of non-organic agricultural products that cannot be found commercially in organic form.

If a food product meets the standards for “100 percent organic,” the term organic or “100 percent organic” may be displayed on the label. There is also a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic seal that may be used on product packaging and also in advertising the product. The production methods for products labeled“100 percent organic,” or “organic” cannot include unapproved methods, ionizing radiation or sewage sludge.

Processed food products may be labeled “made with organic ingredients” if they contain at least 70 percent organic ingredients. These products must include up to three organic ingredients or food groups on the main display panel. Like other organic products, those labeled “made with organic ingredients” cannot use excluded methods, ionizing radiation or sewer sludge in production. The USDA seal cannot be used on food packages that hold these products.

Those who enjoy eating organically grown or organically produced foods should be prepared to pay a little more than foods produced by conventional agricultural methods. However as consumers demand more organic selections and as organic farming methods improve, these products should become widely available and more economical.

Nicole has been blogging about a variety of topics for 3 years; she not only blogs about food but also where to find auto insurance and DMV test tips online.

Healthy Snacks for the Open Road

If you spend a lot of time in your car, having healthy snacks with you is important to keep you motoring. While it may be tempting to grab sweet and sugary candy bars or salty potato chips, these treats offer no nutritional value and can leave you feeling tired and sluggish. Plus, these snacks do nothing to fill you up and may have you eating more and more to try to fill your stomach. Whether you are out shopping, running errands, or traveling, here are some healthy on-the-go snacks that not only taste great, but are good for you too.

Fruits And Veggies

As consumers become more health conscience, producers of fruits and vegetables are taking note, and making it easier than ever to ensure you can eat healthy even when you are on the go. Fruit and vegetable cups are sold in most grocery stores, and are easy to place into a backpack or other container and enjoy no matter where you are. Of course, an apple, kiwi, or banana is also a convenient fruit that can be taken along with you. Even better, pack a few celery sticks and carrots into a Ziploc bag to enjoy throughout the day.

Trail Mix

It is no secret that trail mix is healthy for you, and this delicious snack can be purchased at the store or prepared at home and placed in any type of container for a fantastic on-the-go snack. Trail mix contains a mix of good for you delights that are all high in vitamins and minerals. Another advantage that some people may not realize is that trail mix keeps blood sugar levels constant. With a handful or two of trail mix, you can avoid that 3 p.m. crash that many people experience, due in part to the foods that they are eating.

Cheese And Cracker Packs

These handy size cracker and cheese packs are easy to eat in any location. They are available in regular and wheat crackers – the latter being the healthiest option for you. These crackers are delicious and can quickly stop the hunger you may feel while providing plenty of nutrition that your body needs. One serving also offers a small calorie count, which is great for those who are counting calories.

Nuts

If trail mix isn’t your thing, a package of nuts can work just as well and offer the same nutritional value as trail mix. Some of the best types of nuts to take along with you include cashews, almonds, and peanuts. Nuts are packed with fiber, which is a great source of energy throughout the day. Often pre-packaged nuts can be purchased in most grocery stores, and you can also package them yourself at home to save some money.

Ryan Embly is from the van rental website CarRentalExpress.com.

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