Posts for nutrition
Posted by Rachel on: November 19 2008
I often go to the Vons grocery store on my way home from work... to pick up the odd item or two. I have to say though, that I do most of my shopping at Trader Joe's or Mesa Produce. When I go to Vons, I am always amazed at what people buy! Everyone falls victim to the "buy one, get one free" problem. I say its a problem because do you really need that extra gallon of 'Coke' or two bags of 'Lays' potato chips? I see the logic at times, but by saving money your not always saving your health.
*This is my first official post about various nutrition information. I am a Certified Nutritionist and currently working towards a B.S. in Holistic Nutrition. I am here for only eduction purposes and for the odd laugh. I am in no way a substitute for your regular doctor.
Photo Credit: kozumel
Posted by Rachel on: December 11 2008
Last night I was at the grocery store and when I got to the check out counter, I noticed a shopper had "Lite Cranberry Juice" in among her other items of food. A lot of people think they're being healthier if they buy "lite, fat free or trans fat free" products (and they are in a way). However, it is still good to read the nutrition facts and ingredient labels because often it's full of junk. Often there are more sugars, preservatives, artificial ingredients and sodium in these products - and that ain't good.
For example: A 8 fl oz. of "Lite Cranberry Juice" has 75mg of sodium. The RDA recommends that you consume no more than 2400 mg of sodium per day, which is roughly about a teaspoon of table salt.
What if you have two glasses of juice, like most people do? With all the other food and beverages a person consumes in a day, that sodium intake can increases quite quickly. Too much sodium can cause some biggies like high blood pressure, dehydration, and heart disease.
And of course then there is the sugar problem... Too much sugar can cause some of the same problems, and some great 'extras' like diabetes, and obesity.
The RDA recommends 40g. of refined sugar per day. One can consume 1/2 that amount in one glass of cranberry juice. Not to mention, it's not just straight sugar, but high fructose corn syrup...which is even worse!
Until next time...try to get in the habit of reading any product that has a label. You will be surprised in what you will find.
Be careful what you buy, for I may be be there with my undercover eye! (It's cheesy but it works, right?!)
Posted by Rachel on: December 28 2008
We're living in some challenging times, and for those of us who have to watch our pennies, the 99¢ store is a frugal girl's heaven. There is nothing organic or remotely healthy for you here at the dollar store. You can buy some produce but it's limited and the dairy and meat section is really quite depressing. For me, it makes sense to buy items like toilet paper, batteries, and cleaning supplies. Sometimes the items you get are less than optimal. The pack of sponges, 3 for a 99¢ are useable, but fall apart much faster than the "Scotch-Brite" brand found at 'normal' stores.
Anyway, I understand why so many of us choose to shop cheap - and I generally don't see much of a problem if your getting the odd household items. The 'food' you will find is mostly canned, processed and fantastically unhealthy. Most of it is high in sodium, refined sugars, flavorings, MSG, nitrites, EDTA, nitrates, hormones, pesticides, gases, colors, and chemicals sprays.
When economic hardships come along, we tend to rationalize purchasing crappy food, not realizing that they put their long-term health at risk. This is especially true for folks who have existing health problems. Do you really think a bunch of cheap Top Ramen will give you the nutrients you need to function at the level you body needs? I know you may think you don't have a much of a choice financially, but you do!
My advice during these tough times would be this: Skip the junk food and buy whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds at the Farmers Market, Mesa Produce or Tri-County Produce. Even the expensive food stores will have a bulk section where brown rice, oats, whole wheat flour etc. can be bought for around 99¢. Buy foods that have had the least amount of tampering with, and you will feel, look and be much better off in the long-run. Plus, think of the (future) medical savings!
By the way.. I am in no way perfect when it comes to eating healthy. My vices include Coke, Hard Candies, Sour Patch Kids (OMG), and Kraft Ranch Dressing (waaay processed). So 'Everything in moderation' is a rule that I find helpful when I'm craving a junk fix. For me, it's about putting the money and time into your health now, not when you have Type 2 Diabetes or Obesity.
Of course, there is no guarantee to a long and healthy life, but you can feel good now and have a better chance at living a longer and healthier full life. Plus, now that I've undermined the whole 'crappy food is always cheaper' myth, what excuse to you have?
Posted by Rachel on: December 31 2008
..nutrition is probably the answer"- Abram Hoffer, M.D., Ph. D.
Here is some information on foods associated with allergies. Elson M Haas, MD and Buck Levin, PhD, RD- are truly inspirational to me. Here is what they say....
Foods Commonly Associated with Specific Allergies:
Asthma: wheat, eggs
Cerebral symptoms: corn, wheat, milk, soybeans
Childhood allergies: milk, wheat, eggs, artificial colors/flavorings, salicylates, peanuts (less common: rye, beef, fish)
Eczema: eggs, citrus fruits, tomatoes
Hay fever: milk, wheat, nuts, chocolate, colas and sulfites
Headaches: wheat, chocolate
Hives: strawberries, tomatoes, chocolate, eggs, shellfish, mangoes, pork, nuts
Migraine headaches: alcoholic beverages, cheese, chocolate, nuts, wheat, citrus fruits, tomatoes, MSG, nitrates, eggs, and milk
Posted by Rachel on: February 12 2009
My mission to capture sneaky shots of food items that are less than healthy are proving to be difficult, probably because I shop at Trader Joe's. Most of the purchases customers toss in to their trolley are generally healthy and nutritious. Yet rest assured, as always, I can still find something to rip on!
The picture I have covertly snapped of some unsuspecting shopper's check-out items for you are of mostly packaged veggies. Good right? Well, yes...generally speaking, veggies are exactly what you should be eating. But, these plastic packages are often wrapped in polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which unfortunately, is a potentially carcinogenic chemical. There have been studies suggesting that the prepackaged plastic leach PVC and other chemicals into our food when heat is used to seal a product. Ick.
When buying; meats, poultry, fish and other foods be aware that PVC is present in all these foods. You may have heard of PVC in the form of pipes, films, toys and so on. Though it is a stable material and is used in many house hold items, it's probably not good to take the risk. Research has linked PVC to increased risks of cancer in people who work in manufacturing and industrial professions. The data on whether food based products with PVC causes cancer has not been well studied yet, but the toxic potential is probably still worth avoiding - don't ya think?
My advice....would be to buy fewer packaged and plastic-wrapped foods. Local and organic foods are always best!
How do you feel about this? Do you think your prepackaged plastic-wrapped foods should mention PVC in food labels?
For example:
"Ingredients: Polyvinyl chloride and Broccoli "
* Thanks to my Boyfriend for the help on the title!
Posted by Rachel on: March 03 2009
So, I have a confession to make.... I love sweets! I can still remember pulling a piece of already chewed gum that someone had thrown to the ground, right into my mouth. Mmmmmm! Yea, pretty disgusting! Not my proudest moment as a four year old. But sometimes I still feel that same powerful 'urge' to find the nearest source of sugar, and eat it!
I took this picture at Fresco - one of my favorite (healthy and affordable) places to eat. Like every restaurant they have these mysterious little paper sugar packets, and it reminded me of how many kinds of sugar are available to us. So, I thought it would be good to chat a little about a few of them here. It's hard to know which ones are ok to eat, and which ones to avoid.
White refined table sugar
Vegans (or anyone else for that matter) take note: white refined table sugar goes through an elaborate process of filtration often using bone char, which is an animal charcoal. This type of sugar is also modified from it's natural composition when it becomes bleached with sulphur dioxide (an allergen for some people). The reason this sucks is because the process strips away all of the good nutrients.
Evaporated cane sugar
Evaporated Cane Sugar is type of raw sugar that is less processed, and has kept it's nutrient integrity. I usually pick this up at Trader Joe's and use it my morning English tea. It's a beautiful color and it's organic!
Raw cane sugar
This sweetener are in those cute little brown packets! It is a natural and unrefined sugar that uses no animal by-products during its manufacturing. If you are at a restaurant and you have 3 choices, Equal, Refined, Raw...choose this kind for your coffee.
Splenda
This is a chlorinated sugar (I say no more!). bleah. Don't.
High-fructose corn syrup
This is basically a corn starch that is highly processed. Sometimes the corn used for corn syrup is is genetically modified, which is another discussion in itself. I would avoid this sugar as much as possible.
Sweet 'N Low
This one has a warning printed on the packet, "may cause cancer in laboratory animals" because it contains 'saccharin'. A food additive, which is also in many diet sodas. A cause for concern in humans too - if you ask me. I'd leave it in it's cute little paper packet.
Nutrasweet or Equal
Contains 'aspartame' an artificial chemical that can be a neurological irritant, that affects mood and energy levels. Also may trigger a case of the Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Mmmm, how lovely is that?!
Honey
A flower pollen extract made by those hardworking bees. It's sweeter than sugar (so you need less of it!) and contains vitamins and traces of minerals. It's also a good energy food.
Agave nectar
A succulent plant sugar, that has many kitchen uses. A great substitute for your typical table sugar. Great in baking chocolate brownies, and it's healthier than a lot of other sugars!
Stevia
A natural herb sweetener, that can be used by diabetics or those who are hypoglycemic. Another good alternative.
Top 5 reasons to cut back on sugar:
1. It contributes to Obesity and Diabetes (junk food; cookies and soda etc.)
2. It causes tooth decay
3. PMS (refined sugar makes it even WORSE ladies!)
4. Heart disease
5. Mood swings, depression and anxiety
I should also mention that on the whole, sugar is not bad. We just need to keep a handle on how much we consume. It is best to have foods like; fruit, vegetables, and whole grains which are known for having a sweet flavor. Next time your feeling like a candy bar, have a juicy peach, some raw almonds or sliced carrot sticks, it will help satisfy that sweet tooth.
Question for my readers: what's your favorite tea sweetener, and why?
* The Undercover Nutritionist is not a Doctor, and maintains this blog for educational purposes only. It is always good to consult multiple sources of information about your diet and health before making any big changes to your diet or lifestyle. This is just one!
Posted by Rachel on: March 30 2009
It's not uncommon to see me in the grocery stores taking sneaky pictures of the public’s check-out items. I have always been fascinated by the choices people make, nutritionally speaking. I enjoy critiquing foods and drinks, like the ingredients in a box of ‘Lucky Charms’ or ‘Kraft’ Mac ‘n Cheese. What’s actually in there anyway…is it even real food? My mission is to get the people thinking about their health a bit more. So, the next time you throw a junk item in your trolly full of groceries, you might want to think twice - I could be watching..
Today, I am on break from my undercover duties, and am here to write about something that is often overlooked by most shoppers… Enzymes. Our organs produce around 24 different types of enzymes so that we can digest our food properly. They are also found in a variety of foods, like raw uncooked fruit, vegetables and meats - which are great, if we eat enough of them. But do we? Probably not. Most American diets are high in processed foods that destroy important enzymes due to cooking, canning and other methods of food processing. This could help explain why there are so many people with digestive health problems. If we’re not getting enough enzymes in our diets, then our bodies have trouble breaking down important nutrients.
I do my best to avoid most processed man-made foods and stick to eating nutrient-rich whole foods. These tend to give me the real nourishment that my body needs, instead of something I can only digest part of.
It’s not always easy to be healthy, especially if you have a busy schedule. Personally, I’m not much of a planner, so I often need my food to be fast and healthy. So, below you will find my yummy smoothie recipe which accomplishes just that. Plus, the raw fruit content will give you some of those helpful enzymes you may need for better digestion. I hope you enjoy it!
Rachel’s 2 Minute Smoothie
Blend together:
1 banana (Potassium, a good carbohydrate)
1/2 cup fresh blueberries (Phytonutrients, and Fiber)
2 cups organic almond milk (Vit. E and Calcium)
1 spoonful organic peanut butter (Protein)
Serves: 2 adults
Time: 2 minutes (including clean-up)
Posted by Rachel on: April 28 2009
I know something positive will come out of our global recession. Lotus flowers bloom right out of the mud, right?
Lately, it's been difficult keeping up with social dinners with friends and family. It can be quite costly, so sometimes it just makes more sense to stay home and eat-in. In my own family, I'm known to cook simple meals that are nutritionally healthy, but are not always exciting. Keeping it fresh has become a bit of a challenge since we no longer eat out as much as we did. Since I am not a gourmet chief, and often strapped for cash, I am forced to appreciate what I do have. I take this grateful attitude to my fridge, which lately looks like a college student just ransacked it.
I suggest you give that pantry of yours a good hard look because I can guarantee you will find something good and healthy to eat in there. Try combining foods that you normally wouldn't - and be creative! It's ok to not have the traditional three or four food items on your 12 inch dinner plate. It may actually be better for you not to. In the 40's and 50's a typical plate was only 8 inches in diameter! Keep it healthy and simple and you'll be just fine!
Here is nutritious and cost effective meal your family will love. If they don't, tell them to take it up with me.
Trader Joe's:
-1 bag of whole wheat pasta(complex carbohydrates provide more sustained energy, B-Vitamins)
-*1 can of white tuna (high protein, low in carbohydrates)
-1 T of Trader Joe's mayonnaise (cholesterol(we need some), also this brand is free from natural flavors and preservatives)
Vons:
Spike-seasoning (No MSG)
Add:
- tuna and mayonnaise in a separate bowl and mix with a dash of Spike
Boil:
- pasta and strain (15-20min)
Mix:
- pasta and tuna mixture into a bowl and serve (If it's just you and your husband, use the pan you already used-its less mess and he wont mind)
Optional: salt & pepper
* Tuna has mercury, eat in moderation.
Posted by Rachel on: May 06 2009
1. Sleep. Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep a night. Give your body a chance to rest and repair itself from various stresses from the day.
2. Eat at least 5 fruits and vegetables per day. They are excellent in providing essential nutrients, so our bodies have an easier time fighting disease and illness.
3. Limit processed foods. Anything in a package under goes a process and won’t give you enough or in some case any vitamins, minerals, and enzymes you need to be healthy.
4. Drink water. About 8 cups of purified drinking water per day is recommended in addition to having fruits and vegetables. This will help flush out toxins from chemicals found in food and the environment. Not having enough water durning the day can lead to a long list of chronic health problems, so keep hydrated even if your not thirsty.
5. Avoid refined sugars. In general, sugar lowers your immune system and so its best to limit it if possible. I recommend having honey, or agave nectar as a friendly compromise or none at all.
Immune System Smoothie
1 cup yogurt (Good bacteria for healthy immunity and gut)
1/2 pineapple (Anti-inflammatory enzymes that stimulate immunity)
1/2 cup papaya (Vitamin C and A)- both are needed for proper function of immune system
1 teaspoon of local raw honey (may stimulate antibodies)- use only if diet/health are not at risk
Posted by Rachel on: June 04 2009
Just because we live in paradise, doesn't mean we don't feel a bit tense and anxious sometimes. If the whole world is sitting on top of your shoulders, and life is just moving too fast, I may have a little glimmer of hope for you.
Many of us take daily prescriptions like xanax and paxill to calm down our anxiety and panic attacks, which seem to help many individuals. I'm not here to tell you to get off these meds or pass judgement on them, we all handle stress differently. But if you'd like to try something more 'natural' it just so happens that there is an amino acid called "theanine" that has a similar calming effect. Theanine can come in a supplement form at any health food store, but it can also be found in cancer-fighting green tea. This wonderful amino acid is known to promote relaxation, improve mood and releases dopamine, the feel good neurotransmitter that contributes to well-being.
The next time you having a bad day or you think your going to have a bad day... try a cup of green tea. If your Dr. or RD recommends theanine in supplemental form, even better....it might just take that edge off!
Posted by Rachel on: June 04 2009
Vitamin Water contains crystalline fructose, a processed sugar derived from corn. This particular sugar is 98% fructose and 2% other heavy metals like arsenic and lead.
I don't think I need to say more..
Posted by Rachel on: June 14 2009
This may sound silly, but I always wear my swimming goggles when chopping onions-it really helps! Onions are a wonderful cancer fighting food that taste great in almost every dish. They have powerful antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and antiviral benefits that are few reasons to include them in your diet. Another good thing to know is their least contaminated with pesticides, so it's not totally necessary to buy them organic. If you don't mind spending a little extra..... then by all means!
Posted by Rachel on: July 15 2009
There are many types of peanut butter and it's difficult to know which ones to buy. So, here are a few things to consider before buying your Jiffy or your Skippy.
Jif- contains the following ingredients:
Made from roast peanuts and sugar. Contains 2 percent or less of: molasses, partially hydrogenated vegetable oil(soybean), fully hydrogenated vegetable oils (rapeseed and soybean), mono-and diglycerides and salt.
Why is this brand not good for you?
Because if contains SUGAR and PARTIALLY HYDROGENATED OIL
So what?
Well, too much SUGAR special refined sugar can do many of the following:
-Depletes vital Vitamins and Minerals
-Suppress the Immune System
-Can cause Hypoglycemia and Candida (yeast overgrowth)
-Contributes to Obesity, Diabetes, insulin resistance, Gallstones, and Asthma
What are HYDROGENATED fats?
Hydrogenation is a mixture of polyunsaturated fats with hydrogen, changing their biochemical structure. Making it harder for your body to digest, absorb, transmit and utilize properly. They act like saturated fats in the body and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Skippy- contains the following ingredients:
Roasted peanuts, sugar, partially hydrogenated vegetable oils (cottonseed, soybean and rapeseed) to prevent separation, salt.
Again, this brand is similar to Jif and it's not considered to be a healthy choice.
Why?
Because of the SUGAR, HYDROGENATED OILS and SOYBEAN OIL. Unless you know that soybeans are organic, they could be potentially GM (genetically modified).
Trader Joe's Creamy Salted(or Unsalted) Peanut Butter- contains the following ingredients:
Dry roasted peanuts, and salt
Why is this brand a better choice?
Because it goes through minimal processing. There are no additives, and no added sugar.
Raw Peanut Butter- contains the following ingredients:
Peanuts
Why is this good?
Because it is the freshest way to eat real peanut butter. It truly is a “whole food” when you eat it in this way. It can be made by using a food processor or buy them freshly ground at your local health food store.
*I would recommend that you take a look at the ingredients and the price of peanut butter then next time you go shopping. The popular name brands are often more expensive than a Trader Joe’s or a local health food store. Skippy is at $3.59 while Trader’s is $1.79 and if organic it’s $2.99.....your choice!
Posted by Rachel on: September 03 2009
I noticed the cancer screening article yesterday in the Daily Sound and thought of my mother in law who has a dear friend that is battling cancer (melanoma) right now.
She asked me what foods would help nourish her friend during this unimaginably rough time.
Here's a little list of stuff I've been working on.
Cancer Fighting Foods:
Posted by Rachel on: September 11 2009
This is one of my favorite hot-weather recipes. And very healthy. Enjoy!
Ceviche Tostadas
-Use a big pot of water to boil
-Add 3x Bay Leaves
-Add 4-6 cups of textured soymeat -buy at (Lassens)
-Reduce heat and cook/boil for 10-15mins
-Take off stove and strain, but then put the textured soy back in the pot with cold water to cool off
Cut up:
-1 red onion
-1 bunch of cilantro
-2-3 tomatoes
-1-2 avocados (goes on top)
Squeeze:
-2 lemons and sieve out pulp
*Put all the produce in a big bowl and put a side
*Now drain the pot of ceviche into a strainer and remove the bay leaves
Note: be careful this step may still be hot (its best to do this by getting a second sieve and place a little at a time in the sieve, using your fist to drain out the water)
*Add the dried mixture to your bowl and mix together
Sea salt to taste
-Place tostada on a plate and add the ceviche mixture, add a few slices of avocado on top
I'd like to thank ChazWags' for the photo. This picture of ceviche looks similar to the textured soy ceviche you will be making.
Posted by Rachel on: October 27 2009
Posted by Rachel on: November 21 2009
Yeah, the holidays suck! Wait, I sound like a 12 year old boy yelling at his parents because he has to sit next his grandma at Thanksgiving. The kind of grandma who tends to play with her food a little too much at the dinner table. Those darn sweet potatoes try so hard to escape the corners of her mouth, but never find refuge back on her plate. Needless to say we all have that person in the family that takes a little extra patience.
Of course I'm not here to talk about family dynamics (or am I?). I guess what I'm trying to say, and failing miserably, is that it's difficult resisting all the tempting foods durning the holidays. In my family, we have the usual fattening temptations; turkey, stuffing, potatoes, pumpkin pie, custards - and darn near everything else you can think of (and no, I wasn't meaning to channel Sarah Palin's voice there, sorry about that, it just came out.). Anyway, I'm sure you know these temptations all too well and perhaps fear the holidays because of it.
So I'm just going to say it. Eat whatever you want this holiday season. And don't feel guilty about it. Strange logic, I know, but sometimes it's healthier to avoid the emotional stress of eating well.
When you're stressing about food, you're essentially feeling fear. Fear of getting fat, fear of a heart attack or whatever. Fear triggers a chemical rush of adrenaline, which is good for when you need that flight-or-fight response to avoid a large predator (like those T-Rex's we have here in Santa Barbara), or a speeding motorcycle. But when your body undergoes stress as a constant part of our everyday life, it's not really good for our overall health. Our thoughts are powerful, and well connected to the body. Too much adrenaline can result in many symptoms and diseases. I know people who get insomnia from worrying that they don't do enough for their family, or diarrhea from worrying about a job interview.
There are a million thoughts that effect us mentally, physically, and spiritually everyday, so it is important to keep a healthy attitude towards those stressors. And sometimes, that means letting your hair down and just enjoying Thanksgiving.
Obviously, I'm not saying go ahead and eat unhealthily all the time, but if you are going to have something that you know is not nutritious for you, is it not better to really enjoy it and not feel guilty? Tell yourself you will do better tomorrow. I say, enjoy the holidays and be kind to yourself. Or a healthy looking Santa Claus will come a put your least favorite veggie in your stockings. Ho, ho, ho!
Posted by Rachel on: January 03 2010
Since it's a new year, I thought it would be a perfect time to start looking at what and how much food we eat. I'd like to share with you an alternative food pyramid I found recently.
Imagine the below content is shaped like a pyramid:
Clean Water 6-8 Glasses
Fats 2-3 TBS.
Calcium Foods 2-5 Servings
Whole Grains 2-5 Servings
Protein Foods 5-8 Ounces (1 cup)
Fruits 2-4 Servings & Vegetables 3-5 Servings
They USDA'S food pyramid has Bread, Cereal, Rice and Pasta as 6-11 servings, which is located at the bottom of their food pyramid. It seems a bit strange because most Americans consume bleached flour products, pastas and breads, white rice and highly processed sugared cereals all of which have very little if any, nutritional value. It's no wonder why 1 in 3 are over-weight or obese.
Anyway, it just makes me think a little more about what we're told to believe in. I think it's time to watch what we eat and start reading the ingredients in our food. By the way, if you don't know what 'enriched' flour or noodle means, then look it up because chances are the foods you consume are not nutrient dense and may cause illness in the future. Perhaps, use the above food pyramid as a guideline to healthier eating habits.
Good luck and be well!
Posted by Rachel on: January 03 2010
Just have to say this...please stop eating this garbage!
This customer was buying diet cherry 7-up and fudge brownies. Diet sodas in general crack me up. Don't fool yourself. Chances are you will end up getting cancer from the aspartame sweetener then loose weight. I probably mentioned this before, but soda leaches the calcium out of your bones too. Also, you would be better off having a drink that your body can recognize on a molecular level, as in 'real' sugar than a processed man made sweetener. Bad!
Posted by Rachel on: April 25 2010
I suggested to one of my friends that she try cutting milk from her diet, thinking that she might be lactose intolerant . She was having trouble with gas, bloating, digestion, and allergies - typical symptoms if sensitive to dairy products. Two weeks after giving it a go, her trouble happily stopped.
Of course, it's not always so simple, but it is true that over half of the adult population has difficulty digesting milk. As we age, our bodies lose the ability to produce the enzyme, lactase, which is needed to help break down the lactose (milk sugar) found in milk.
In the first part of the video below (Dr. Katherine Pollard) discusses how certain cultures developed (evolved) the enzyme that is needed to digest cow (and goat) milk. Her research has led her to believe that - depending on our genetic lineage - some of us have retained that ability. Those of us who aren't so lucky just have to be more selective about dairy products.
If you are a milk or dairy lover, I would recommend getting your dairy products at Trader Joe's, Whole Foods or Lazy Acres. They have a wide selection of organic brands. Or if you can't for whatever reason there are always alternatives; see below:
Yogurt and Kefir - the bacteria help digest the lactase enzyme in our bodies
Lactaid Milk - adds the lactase enzyme back in to milk
Lactase pills
Cheese - has only .5 grams of lactose ( in moderation it may be tolerated as a treat )
Soy Milk
Almond Milk
Rice Milk
Posted by Rachel on: May 02 2010
Here's a handy little chart you can take with you when you go grocery shopping. You can also give it to your kids and they can help you pick out produce.
Check out this site for a printable version: mypapercrane.com
Posted by Rachel on: June 14 2010
It might be a good idea to start squeezing some fresh organic oranges or juice some apples slices for your children. Read the link below to see why it would be safer and more nutritious.
It looks like the Environmental Law Foundation found small amount of lead in children's juice boxes. Find out which ones were not safe.
http://www.boingboing.net/2010/06/14/report-lead-in-popul.html
Here is a simple recipe you could use to replace your children's juice box.
Infused Juice
8oz of fresh water
1/2 cup berries or orange (can use, mango, grapefruit, lemon, lime)
1/2 teaspoon or less of agave sugar (optional)
-Smash the fruit into pieces to infuse the water. Let is sit for 5-10 mins or more and strain into a sippy cup or regular glass. (picture is not accurate-juice needs to be strained)
Personal tip: I always dilute my juice. I prefer to have less sugar and I save money since the juice lasts 10x as long!
Nutrition tips, recipes, and sneaky pictures from the check-out lane. I'm watching you, Santa Barbara.
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