GM Foods, danger hidden in your supermarkets shelves...

I am appalled at the amount of GM (Genetically Modified) Foods that are lurking in our supermarket shelves- one of the reasons I avoid major supermarket chains and opt for either Whole Foods or my current local mini-chain Mrs. Greens... I even found GM foods at my local Trader Joes in CT- which shocked me. (Honey O's cereal, non organic).

Why should you avoid GM foods? Well- from my research- they are not tested or well researched before ending up in our food supply. We are literally human guinea pigs. Speaking of humans- did you know there will soon be human genes in your Rice? A good read: Is Your Rice Contaminated With Human Genes? by Dr. Mercola: http://www.mercola.com/2007/mar/22/is-your-rice-contaminated-with-human-genes.htm

While your there, do a search on www.mercola.com for GM foods, to get a peek at some of the dangers of this food.
Next-
You really need to watch "The Future of Food" which is free on You Tube....

Educate yourselves, and opt NOT to buy those foods which could proove very deadly in the long term... do yourselves and your children a favor- its just that simple- dont buy them!!!!! Supply & Demand :)

Organic vs. Processed- which is more expensive??

I recently wrote about my experience going organic, and how it has actually helped me to reduce costs. In general, not only am i eating less b/c I am following a pure, natural diet containing mainly whole foods (nothing processed), I am less likely to opt to eat out- which we all know is expensive. I found on one of my favorite health sites: www.mercola.com, yet another example explaining how going organic vs. processed junk food doesnt have to be more expensive..

http://www.mercola.com/2005/feb/16/organic_food.htm

Chocolate does NOT contain Caffeine??? huh?

Really interesting info on chocolate & caffeine.... (to go directly to link: http://www.mrkland.com/fun/xocoatl/caffeine.htm)


Chocolate does not contain Caffeine.

There is a persistent urban legend that Chocolate contains caffeine. It would seem that this rumor is based primarily on a confusion between two similar alkaloids: caffeine and Theobromine. Theobromine is the active ingredient in Chocolate and it occurs only in Cacao. The two stimulants are related and have a similar structures, but are very different chemicals with different properties, effects and origins. There are of course, some Chocolate products that have added caffeine, but it does not occur naturally in Chocolate.

This rumor seems to have a life of its own; it won't go away and yet most references to it are references to the urban legend itself! Amusingly, almost all of the Chocolate & caffeine references on the Internet are circular. (Follow the references through a few links sometime -- you often wind up back at the page where you began!!) It is actually quite common to see references that confuse Caffeine and Theobromine. Many people and some semi-scientific sources confuse the two. Stollwerck, for example, says in one place Chocolate contains 1.2% Theobromine and 0.2% Caffeine, but in another place it says just 1.4% Caffeine and doesn't mention Theobromine, which is obviously wrong.

There is no scientific substantiation that Chocolate contains caffeine, and a great deal of evidence that it does not. The Biochemist, (Apr/May 1993, p 15) did chemical composition tests where they specifically distinguished between Caffeine and Theobromine. They found regularly up to 1.3% by weight Theobromine in Chocolate. They also found other pharmacologically active compounds including up to 2.20% Phenylethylamine up to 1.54% Tele- methylhistamine and occasionally up to 5.82% Serotonin. They could not detect any Caffeine at all. (Full results are on the Science Page.) I have yet to see a dependable chemical reference that includes Caffeine in Chocolate. (The Merck Index, 12th Edition says that a very small amount of Caffeine is found in the hulls of of the Cacao seeds, the hulls are discarded before processing.)

People seem to assume that caffeine is the only stimulant. Theobromine clearly has stimulant properties, so people reflexively attribute those effects to caffeine -- even though many of the effects are fundamentally different from caffeine. I guess they think it is easier to just say it is caffeine. I believe that many people casually refer to caffeine, when they really mean a whole class of chemicals called xanthines, of which caffeine is but one example. This is roughly equivalent to calling apes, human, because both are primates and humans are the more familiar type primate. Both are primates, but the differences are pretty obvious.

There is a similar confusion with the Andean tea Maté. Like Chocolate, Maté clearly has stimulant properties, which are obviously very different from caffeine's effects; however many people say it contains caffeine simply because because it is a stimulant. Yerba Maté contains Mateine, a xanthine even more closely related to Caffeine than Theobromine. It is a simple stereo-isomer of caffeine. Mateine, like Theobromine, is not addictive.


Two structurally related methylxanthines.



The name of this chemical, Theobromine, is derived from the genus name of the Cacao tree (Theobroma cacao. You will sometimes see a reference to Theobromide, this doesn't exist - it is an incorrect reference to Theobromine.

The ine ending indicates the "free base" nature of the molecule, like caffeine. Compare theobroma & theobromine; caffea & caffeine; coca and cocaine; in each case the portion of the plant name turned into a name ending with -ine, this is for the amine funcitonality with in the molecule (the alkaloid).

The Theobromide usage is probably a mistake arising from the element bromine and ion bromide. The ion bromide is common while the element bromine is not found in nature. There is no entry for Theobromide in the Merck Index, Theobromine is listed as entry 9353 on pg 1653 in the 13th edition. -Assistant Professor Robert M. Burns, Department Of Chemistry, Alma College



Effects of the two stimulants

Theobromine and caffeine are similarly constructed types of pharmacologically active chemicals metabolized by the liver. Both are stimulants but with very noticeably different effects:

Theobromine

gentle
mild effect
very slow onset
long lasting
50% in bloodstream after 6 to 10 hrs
increases feeling of well being
mild antidepressant
gentle, smooth, sensual stimulation
stimulates cardiovascular system
stimulates muscular system
mild effect on central nervous system
almost no one is allergic
not addictive
no withdrawal symptoms
mild diuretic
stimulates the the kidneys

VS CAFFEINE
intense
strong effect
fast acting
rapid dissipation
50% in bloodstream after 2 to 5 hrs
increases alertness
increases emotional stress
jagged, nervous stimulation
stimulates cardiovascular system
stimulates respiratory system
strong effect on central nervous system
many people allergic
physically addictive
many proven withdrawal symptoms
extreme diuretic
requires large intake of fluids to balance the diuretic effect

In both cases, smoking cigarettes accelerates the dissipation from the system.

Theobromine is a strong stimulant and was used by the Spanish to keep their armies going while conquering Central and South America. Chocolate (real Chocolate, not candy) can keep you up at night -- especially very young children (but that doesn't mean that it is caffeine). Nursing mothers who eat pure chocolate will find their children happy and wide awake several hours later.

Chocolate does not trigger Caffeine allergies. (Caffeine causes me an almost immediate migraine, while Theobromine, i have discovered eases (but doesn't eliminate, unfortunately) my migraines.) I have found that when i have tasted portions of a pure (70% or greater Cacao) Chocolate bar that is 100% from the Crillo variety i have had immediate, sharp headaches

There are a number of serious health problems associated with caffeine, most of which have not been associated with Theobromine:

Large quantities of Caffeine have shown decreased sperm counts in rats.
Well controlled studies have suggested that 2% of miscarriages could be due to Caffeine in coffee.
Dehydration headaches -- Most headaches (estimates range from 50% to 90%) are caused by dehydration, and one of the primary causes of dehydration in the USA is the large quantity of Caffeine that most people consume. (Caffeine laden drinks like CocaCola and Coffee don't quench your thirst, they actually increase it!)
Heart trouble
Stress
There are several minor psycoactive chemicals in Chocolate as well as Theobromine: Phenylethylamine, Theophylline, Tele-methylhistamine Phenyethylamine, affects mood swings by causing an initial emotional high then a short time later an emotional low. It causes blood pressure and blood-sugar levels to rise, resulting in a feeling of alertness and contentment.

It was once thought that Tea contained large amounts of Theophylline, however it turns out that Tea contains significantly more amounts of caffeine than theophylline.

taken from: http://www.mrkland.com/fun/xocoatl/caffeine.htm

Organic prooves to be cheaper after all!!!

Who would have thunk!!?? Not me!

My husband and I were calculating our taxes for last year, and in doing so we figured out we averaged $39/day on food, when we were eating fast food at least twice, sometimes even 3 times/day. Ouch.

So far, going all organic has not only help me shed pounds (organic in conjunction w/ low carb), but trim my wallet as well!

We have spent an average of $21/day on food, purchasing it mostly at Mrs. Greens, or local favorite store of choice, and havent felt like we were sparing any expenses. I have bought expensive items every time I frequented, $8.00 almond butter, for example, or $13.00 filet mignon (grass fed of course ;).... We have been eating really well--- so good in fact I want to show you the proof.

Heres a typical Non-organic, non-low carb, fast food day for me:

B: McDonalds: #1- Coffee, egg Mcmuffin & Hash Brown
L: Deli sandwich, bag of chips, diet soda or iced tea.
D: Wendys chicken sandwich & fries, sometimes also a Frostie.... (ugh, i think im going to be sick just typing that in..... i am truly grosed out)

My new typical Organic, lowish carb, home-made diet:

B: 2 eggs, scrambled in real butter, coffee with cream and stevia.
L: Organic Stadium style hot dog, side of Salad w/ homemade Balsamic vinegrette
D: Rib Eye Steak or Chicken Breast or similar (marinated in garlic,thyme,oilve oil), with a salad and side of either broccoli and cheese soup or green beans.

All organic, from the butter to the cream, to the mustard i ate w/ my hotdog.

ALL!!!

AND- Cheaper!!??? Really???? Is that possible??? Why then have I been tought to think Fast food is cheaper???

Oh, thats right, b/c it is - its cheap for them to buy, its cheap for them to employ, and cheap + cheap = a HUGE Profit left after I dish out my $39/day.

HUH- now I see why McDonalds rules the world. Aha moment!!

Join me in stopping the madness- Visit http://www.sustainabletable.org/intro/you/ to start.

then, continue doing more and more research, spread the word, and vow to yourself you will help make the world a better place. You CAN make a difference. Each of us CAN!!!

All we need to do is affect these companies such that they suffer 1% profit loss, and that small amount will affect them such that they will notice- and that is the start to change for the better!!!!

And, in closing- a very disturbing post today on my forums in response to CJD Aweareness:

Author protected:

"This might not be the most informational post ever but my sister is a rancher, so I just wanted to give you a little "inside" information. She was telling me about the cattle auctions where they sell their beef. Here is a basic breakdown.

Her cattle is all free range, grass fed beef. She sells all of her beef to one place pretty exclusively now, because they pay top dollar and always outbid everyone...Ruth Chris Steakhouse. Her beef is considered prime beef. So, if you want "organic" beef, you are safe with Ruth Chris. Just some FYI.

Also, they are actually allowed to sell beef that is alive, even if it is not in good condition. They have to bring in some cattle on forklifts and inloaders because the cattle can't walk due to congentials defects, illness, etc. This is the beef that McDonald's generally buys. She said that they, more than anyone else, buy the worse cattle at the cattle auctions. As for the fast food restaurants, the Hardees/Carl Jrs. parent company buys mid-range cattle. They don't buy the cattle that has to be brought in on forklifts, but they will buy the commercial cattle beef. The same goes for most of the beef you get in your local grocery store. That is primarily commercial beef. But of course, don't forget how much beef is also imported as well!

Unfortunately, organizations like the Cattleman's Association is really out to protect the big commercial ranchers rather than the small ranchers like my sister. I am lucky, because she will send me sides of beef, so I can count on prime beef and KNOW I am getting top notch quality beef. Believe me, American ranchers would be just as happy to be behind this effort to have back their ranges as would anyone else, because they detest the whole commercialization of ranching as well. In fact, her husband's family comes from a long history of ranching and they are constantly getting pressured from a commercial ranching company to try and sell their land. They are even fighting a court battle right now because that commercial company is trying an emminent domain thing now!

Anyway, that's just a small glance at what my sister told what it's like when she goes to her cattle auctions. I tell you one thing. I haven't ever gone to a McDonald's since I heard that!"

Thank you- my friend- for enlightening all of us and confirming our suspicions!!

Some MUST SEE MOVIES!!

The Future of Food-
Watch all 7 parts on You Tube for free! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvLBMXC_D0Q
By Deborah Garcia
http://www.thefutureoffood.com/AboutFOF.htm

Supersize Me -
Watch intro on You Tube- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V168xofxgu0

The Smoking Fry - A must see! (ever wonder what nature can, or shall we say, CANT do to a McDonalds French fry ??? Find out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEM0T1Ar5Qo

Fast Food Nation- the Book is much better, but You Tube has a bunch of clips

One good one is a meat packers take on the film: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-u38qywhxBA


The Meatrix - Watch all of them for Free! Cute cartoon spoof on the Matrix, but has a good point, esp. for younger ones....

http://www.themeatrix.com/

What the Heck are you Eating??? ............Are GMO's Safe? SCARY STUFF!!!

Part I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQKHhcayup4

Part II
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldKVT4r3Vmw

Should we watch our carbs?..

As you know I am an advocate for healthy eating, which to me means many things that the Atkins diet also means. I believe in eating Less of the following when trying to slim down and improve health: Sugar, White carbs, Starch and More of the following: healthy Fats, Fiber, Fruits/Veggies. So- where is the big discrepancy? I feel its due to Atkins lackadaisical attitude about Fat, and possibly Protein. It is questionable and debatable... how much saturated fat we are supposed to eat, in combination with or excluded from lots of carbs, etc. Maybe he was vague on purpose- for simplicities sake. That could be why the diet is (in some aspects) easy to follow. Many who follow Paleo/Neatherthal diets feel as long as the carbs stay low, the saturated fat doesnt matter. Many of the paleo dieters that i know are really healthy, and at ideal weights. However, many on the other end say fat contains toxins from animals, it clogs arteries (Im not so sure if that is true). Personally, I have done great on low carbing, and I think i eat less fat on Atkins then if im not on Atkins, b/c i have very little control once i start eating snacky bad foods (which are modified to hook and keep us addicted combining the brain stimulating fats, sugars, salts etc). Then again, i have vegetarin friends who are also pretty healthy looking- so whose to say? Just as I have frieds on nutrisystem that appear healthy (even though they are eating pre-packaged crap...loaded w/ additives which would give me a headache).

So back to the point- many people do well on Atkins for the mere reason that it gets rid of many bad foods in our diets. Its debatable if what we replace them with are really that bad because somehow magically our bodies respond by shedding excess weight. Not an all around bad thing.
People can bash Atkins all day and night, but people dont realize that he paved the way for many people to finally see what being thin feels like. I know he did for me. I admit going on and off the wagon, and feel a lot is due to media, monster fast food chains etc. Its all in our heads and our taste buds.... speaking of taste buds.......

I do know that since going organic, even when i go off low carbing, and still maintin the organic lifestyle, I dont get the cravings like i did eating fast food. I just watched FAST FOOD NATION (dont waste your time on the movie-the book is much better), but it does show that not only is there quite literally $hit in the meat (yes gross, but im actually more concerned about mad cow/diseased prions... but i digress), there is unhealthy, unnatural flavorings in test tubes that get our senses going. Were all a bunch of addicted rats to them wearing with the words "FEED ME" smacked on our foreheads.

A better watch is SUPERSIZE ME. That was great and if you get the DVD, you have to watch the extra footage with interview w/ the Author of FF Nation. That is better than FF Nation the movie.

So, while ATKINS remains controversial, it does work, and for that reason, I dont see it going anywhere. It is proven in the long term to not only work, but to reverse many of the bodies problems.

The main issues seem to be that Atkins is extrememly low low carb, high high unlimited saturated fats, unlimited calories, and no fiber. Well, while some people (ie: paleo dieters possibly) actually do well on this kind of diet (Eskimos), if it makes you feel better, change the rules so that they fit you. Thats what worked for me! OK- so your not comfortable eating all the saturated fat in the world- opt instead for a healthy cut of wild Salmon, vs a juicy steak (preferably grass fed hehe..), or if your concerned with fiber, sprinkle some of that powder on your food, or like me, eat a high fiber cereal for breakfast (try your local health food store. i get over 10 g's fiber each morning from my cereal, and it does have some carbs, i generally burn them off for the remainder of the day so as long as Im under appx 60-70 carbs/day, I tend to lose consistently). Try Stevia in your tea/coffee/recipes instead of sugar(substitutes)... (youll thank me when you dont grow a 3rd arm one day)..I like Sweatleaf brand, and it has fiber and health benefits also.

Eat more nuts/seeds (there are so many yummy kinds to try), and try to eat allot of fresh green veggies (especially in the beginning transition). Occasional organic cheeses on a cracker (WASA or other low carb cracker).

Eat lots of clear broth soups (i buy different organic kinds and thin then w/ organic chicken stock- there are some soups (veggie, chicken etc) that are OK on the carbs (<10g/serving) Snack on celery w/ P.butter or a nut butter, and when you are having a craving or for us ladies when its that time of the month- DARK CHOCOLATE to the rescue!! Yes, there is sugar, but (depending on the brand- READ Your LABELS) some brands are super low after netting the fiber, 1-2 squares will only add 3-4 carbs to your daily total, and satisfy that sweat tooth (better yet, smear some P.Butter or nut butter on the chocolate for a really satisfying treat). YUM.

OK, so while many say Low carb is a FAD- Im not convinced.

Lastly, to all those people who say Atkins dieters suffer from Bad breath, eat way too much fat, etc etc- You dont know dilly!! I saw there "expert nutritionists" today on the news- and they were basically name calling all us low carbers. I personally have never had worse breath in all my life then when i was eating out at fast food places, sugar, yeast etc. So- if it takes alittle bad breath to bring on some weight loss and healthy weight- i really dont care.

AND most importantly- low carbing is SUPPOSED TO BE A WAY OF LIFE!! NO ONE SEEMS TO GET THAT. THERE IS MORE THAN JUST PHASE I STUPID PEOPLE!!! (this is to all the idiots on the news who claim L/C is really really low/no carb). Its not no carb!! Its low in the beginning and you work your way back up to a comfortable level for maintenance. MANY people including myself for 4 years were able to EASILY and comfortably do this.

And according to a great book "Life without Bread" the key nubmer is 70 carbs or less/day.

A final note- You might wonder why after 6 years of low carb lifestyle did i switch off and end up gaining? Well, like a complete idiot, I turned to Weight Watchers - b/c i "missed" eating all teh crap again. Well, i made the switch, ate the CRAP, lost alittle weight, went off WW, still ate the crap, and well- you can guess how the cycle played itself out. I feel that was my own fault for falling for the Scam of the WW diet. While it has SOME good parts/benefits, i dont like the pricetag, or how they condone eating nasty food full of chemicals that are going to kill me.

All natural, organic and lowish carb. Thats what works for me. Bring it on media!!

and this...

too cool.....

oh and

i can do this with my computer

New MacBook

I got a new computer two days ago, after my (expensive) dell wouldnt charge its batteries and shorted out every new battery I would plug into it. I couldnt take any chances, so I went to Mac in the Westchester mall and had a really great experience. the sales guy spent over an hour talking, showing, demonstrating, teaching etc. It was a fabulous experience, and I LOVE my new computer. Its way cool. Lots of fun gizmos for when im bored, but enough other software etc for my business. GREAT. So far- I am in love. It wasnt extremely cheap (over 2k): 1200 for macbook, plus service plans, extras (office) etc came out to just over 2k. eek- oh well. My other computer was about the same price, and it was only a year or so old .... Im going to try to fix it or sell it as is ... anyone want a broken computer? Its a light skinny one (1-2 lbs). That was why I bought it.

Rosie

If anyone is here and reading this, what do you think of Rosie on the view? Personally, I like her- I sent her some info (as well as Oprah and others) on CJD. She didnt answer my question yet- but i am not giving up. I will post the response I get here- If i do get one. Persistance!!

Why go 100% organic?

I feel that it is, somewhat even more so than calories, carbs or fat grams, "going organic" is not just a fad, trend or something that is going to disapear. If i had my money on something, I would invest in the many organic farms that are making it big now, and in the future. I personally have experienced a major health turn around in only 2 weeks from changing my diet to a 98.5% Organic diet (the other % allowed for the times that are out of my control). I have been interested in researching this, as from my recent experiences going into the health food stores (which btw, are now becomming larger and larger, and more and more mainstream, and are always seemingly busy). Off topic: I had a funny experience this week at the health food store, where i shop in CT. I saw a police car on outside, and to my surprise, two big cops were inside, talking about testing for this allergy and that, and eating organic beef, and ordering sandwiches with cucumber etc. LOL- my husband and I thought it was funny- but also- we were both very happy- and somewhat surprised... (I dont think that will happen in the future, now that it is so mainstream, and people are being enlightened to the hard facts about the poor quality on many levels available in our grocers shelves, and just about everyone and anyone is now focusing on their health).. Even those (and i can say this b/c i have a good friend who is a cop) who might be known to eat fluffy doughy things with holes in the center. Good for them, and for all those making the switch!! It is vital for us all, no matter who we are- if we can do so- to try to make smart food choices, which thanks to health food stores, internet, forums -and as i always say- basic Supply and demand- buying organic food is now becomming easier and easier. I am so happy about that!

On a more serious note- I found an interesting study on Organic diets effects on health, see: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/03/050328182123.htm. I havent been extreme about much of anything, except for making sure most everything I eat/drink is organic most, if not all of the time. I have lost 5 lbs, and feel tremendously better. Here is a typical menu for me: Breakfast: Organic Eggs, Organic Coffee, splash of O. (organic) cream, stevia. Lunch: O. beef hot dog, O. soup, Dinner: *Rice Pasta, Organic vodka sauce, and even 1/2 c. **organic ice cream. YUM btw ... (*note about rice pasta: *I have been trying to eliminate gluten from my diet somewhat due to my husband detecting he has celiac disease-as we know he has rye, barley, wheat and oat allergies from a blood test. I tried Rice pasta for the first time this week, and i have to say- it was pleasantly good. It had very little taste, it took twice as long to cook (a mild inconveniece at around 15 minutes after boiling the water), but the texture was good, and it was not "mushy" just as they claimed on the package. It does pack quite a bit of carbs, but we were craving something like pasta, and this really hit the spot.
**My thoughts on organic ice cream: YUM! I tried Stonyfield creme caramel (i believe) today, and it was delicious (not extremely low cal or low sugar) but sometimes you just need that something sweet. A few spoonfulls were enough, and it was great. My husband, on the other hand, tried Ben & Jerrys Organic Vanilla- which for me was a bit on the plain side, but it was full, creamy and had a smooth texture. If one expects more of a vanilla bean, this might not be the one. But for a nice base, maybe to top w/ some O. fruit, nuts etc, this is a good choice. I plan to try the cookies & cream next time i have a craving ( i try not to keep much of it in the house ).

One final note on organic beef. It is important- when choosing organic beef- to purchase "grass fed" beef, over "grain fed" beef, because grass is a natural food source for cows/cattle NOT grains, which affects the ratio of Omega 3 to Omega 6 fats. I will touch on that more at a later date. I had a delicious O. (grass fed) Rib Eye steak this evening actually, which was to die for.

The recipe:

1 good sized O. (grass fed) Rib eye steak with bone

Marinade:
Combine all in a small bowl:
a few bunches of fresh O. thyme (pulled from woody stems)
Sea Salt & Fresh ground black pepper
Favorite Extra Virgin Olive oil (i used a garlic infused kind) (2-3 tablespoons)
3 large, fresh garlic cloves, chopped

Open packaging for beef, and with a large spoon, slather the mixutre first on one side of beef, flip, coat 2nd side. Cover, and Chill for 30-40 minutes.

To prepare: Set oven to Broil.
Remove steak from fridge, and scrape most (not all) of marinade off of meat, leaving a few cloves of garlic to cook with the meat (if desired, for flavor). Cook according to size/thickness, at least 4 minutes/side (or to taste).

ENJOY with a nice bottle of organic wine (that is another topic.....stay tuned) :)