kristenshealthylife.com

Sampling Raw, NON-GMO, Organic, Vegan Smoothies !

noreply@blogger.com (kristen colello) — Tue, 28 May 2013 21:14:00 +0000

Recently, I spent the day teaching a great group of elementary school students about eating healthier. I mentioned the benefits of eating a "dirt" diet. If "it" grows from the ground it is healthier! Do cheese doodles grow from the ground? vs. Do green beans grow from the ground? I told them that the body is made up of trillions of cells and that is their responsibility to keep the cells nourished and healthy. We then sampled a couple of raw, vegan, NON-GMO, organic smoothies!

Honey

noreply@blogger.com (kristen colello) — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 16:03:00 +0000

I have been told that you cannot be allergic to honey. Yet, I have met a few people who are allergic to it. Luckily, I am not. I take 1 teaspoon of honey a day. It really combats my allergies, too. I do not have to take an over-the-counter allergy drug. The delicious honey I consume comes from Huntington, CT. Ol' Geezeer's Liquid Gold is the name of the business. Support your local honey makers. If bees die off...NO FOOD ! ***DO NOT FEED HONEY TO INFANTS UNDER 1 YEAR.

Local in CT

noreply@blogger.com (kristen colello) — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 15:53:00 +0000

It's nice to buy locally. My husband just brought a bag of clementines home. They are from Chile. How fresh could they actually be? How many chemicals have they been sprayed with to keep them fresh during transport? In CT, you can discover all of the local products via buylocallyct.com.

GMO's are Hidden

noreply@blogger.com (kristen colello) — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 18:50:00 +0000

I am constantly checking labels to see if the food ingredients contain GMO's. I certainly avoid foods with genetically engineered ingredients. Yet, I keep wondering when non-GMO labels will appear throughout the US. This November, California voters will find Proposition 37 on their ballots. If it passes, residents of California will find such non-GMO labels on a wide range of foods containing genetically engineered ingredients. California will be the first state to be so lucky ! In my opinion, this vote (Proposition 37-a citizen's initiative) is so important. It's mandatory in Europe for the food products containing genetically modified organisms be labeled. It should be mandatory in the US, too. Read more @ Cornucopia.org/2012/08/prop37. I'm keeping my fingers crossed !

Genetically Modified Foods

noreply@blogger.com (kristen colello) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 19:56:00 +0000

Concerned about your health? Genetic Engineering, or biotechnology, raises complex and difficult questions.

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Quote of the Week from OCA.com

Vandana Shiva: Monsanto's Great Seed Robbery

"The seed, the source of life, the embodiment of our biological and cultural diversity, the link between the past and the future of evolution, the common property of past, present and future generations of farming communities who have been seed breeders, is today being stolen from the farmers and being sold back to us as 'propriety seed' owned by corporations like the US-headquartered Monsanto."

- Vandana Shiva, "Great Seed Robbery," Deccan Chronicle, April 27, 2011

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Learn how the biotech industry hijacked the FDA and regulators worldwide and ignored the warnings of their own scientists about GMO health risks.

To learn more about the health dangers of GMO's, visit www.ResponsibleTechnology.org.

Eczema

noreply@blogger.com (kristen colello) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 19:42:00 +0000

I have eczema on my hands. Eczema is a type of skin allergy/sensitivity.

According to research, scientists have found that there is a link between low levels of vitamin D and eczema.

Low levels of vitamin D may result in depression, too.

Check with a medical advisor to see if Vitamin D testing would be helpful.

Eggs

noreply@blogger.com (kristen colello) — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 01:13:00 +0000

I have to admit that I do not eat eggs. I do not like scrambled eggs. I would never dive into a bowl of egg salad. I just don't like the taste of eggs.

Yet, my family likes eggs. So, I purchase eggs that come from organic farms.

Conventional chicken "farms" do not allow the birds to roam free. The chickens are housed in dirty, cramped and restrictive conditions. These conditions can cause infection to spread more readily. The hens are fed "meals" based on corn and soy (both contain GMO's) After the chickens produce eggs, they are slaughtered for canned chicken.

Chickens raised on organic farms are not caged, are given outdoor access and engage in natural behaviors such as dust bathing and perching. The hens are given organic feed. The organic feed doesn't contain GMO's, slaughter-house by-products (from mammals or poultry), toxic pesticides, fugicides or herbicides. Organic farmers do not use antibiotics to treat flocks.

If you are lucky enough to live near a farmer that raises chickens on a green pasture
with grasses and clover, then, skip the purchase of conventional eggs at the supermarket.

Strawberries !

noreply@blogger.com (kristen colello) — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 19:35:00 +0000

Strawberries are one of the fruits I like to eat when the season comes around.

Strawberries do not continue to ripen after they are picked. Yet, keep in mind that strawberries retain a very high level of pesticide residue. In fact, they are like little "sponges" to those nasty pesticides. Therefore, choose organic strawberries or ask the farmer if they were grown organically.

Many local farms do not use pesticides. Ask your local farmer.

Wet strawberries spoil faster. So, wash them just before you dig in!

Berries keep your skin looking young, too !

Thirst

noreply@blogger.com (kristen colello) — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 02:30:00 +0000

Did you know that sometimes your hunger may simply be - thirst for water?

I continually have to watch my weight, excercise and continue to drink water.

Oftentimes, I find myself reaching for an extra snack when I'm not really hungry.

Most of the time, it's more water that my body is craving.

Do not substitute diet sodas or drinks with artificial sweeteners for water. They are not the same.

The chemicals ( and they are artificial chemicals) increase cravings by altering your body's blood sugar.

In fact, the one time I drank diet soda with aspartame (poision)I got a headache, dizziness, felt lethargic and wanted to sleep. Luckily, it only takes a few days to detox from that horrible drug. That one can of diet soda put me in a terrible state of "depression".

Aspartame and artificial sweeteners are toxic. Do not feed them to children !

Baked Goods Free from Common Allergens

noreply@blogger.com (kristen colello) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 23:12:00 +0000

Oftentimes, I am asked where gluten-free or nut-free items can be found online.

Babycakes offers and ships organic, all-natural and delicious goodies free from the common allergens: casein, dairy, eggs, gluten and wheat.

If you do not live in NYC or LA, they will ship the baked goods to your door.

Their website is: www.babycakesnyc.com

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

My brother, Glen, has ordered from Babycakes. He was very satisfied with the quality of the baked goods he has ordered in the past.

Have a great day !
Kristen
www.organicfeelsbest.com

Portion of my ebook Cover

noreply@blogger.com (kristen colello) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 20:59:00 +0000

*Fast answers...grocery shop more consciously
*Know what produce is best-especially for young children
*Find out everything you want to know about meat, but were afraid to ask
*How many genetically modified foods are you eating? Are they safe?
*Which fats are truly healthy-and which are definitely not?
*Gain valuable insight through website links

...An eye-opening guide to eating with clarity, passion, and hope for the future

"Kristens book should be the first step in a healthy diet. It's quick, simple, and informative. This book could save your life and someone you love."
Howard F. Lyman
Author/Speaker/Former Cattle Rancher
Appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show

www.organicfeelsbest.com

Harmful Food Ingredients

noreply@blogger.com (kristen colello) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 11:24:00 +0000

Dear readers,

Our food supply has changed. Some for the better, yet, some changes continue to put profits and the interests of industries in the way of our health.

Last week, I found out that two more people I know have cancer. Is the food we eat the cause? Research says that the foods we eat may contribute to cancer.

More and more research reports that commercial agriculture, the depletion of vital nutrients in our soil, processed foods, microwaving and genetically modified foods do not promote good health. In turn, over time, these processes rob us of ultimate health.

Three food ingredients I steer clear of:

Excitoxins- Artificial sweeteners such as MSG or monosodium glutamate, Splenda and aspartame contain these harmful excitotoxins. These chemical additives can cause cell death. They are found in diet sodas, other diet beverages, breakfast sausages, canned soups and many other overprocessed foods.

Sodium Nitrate-It's found in most proceesed meats like hot dogs, bacon and sausage. Sodium nitrate not only contributes to cancer; it's also a color fixer chemical added to make meats appear red.

Hydrogenated oils- If you see the words "partially hydrogenated oil"
in the ingredients of the food you're about to purchase, put it back on the shelf. This "plastic fat" causes heart disease and nutritional deficiencies. Food companies use it in foods like chips, pies, cakes, cookies, crackers and many more to extend shelf life.

Check labels, especially if you have children. Ideally, it would be wonderful to avoid checking labels. In today's day and age, it is definitely the time pay attention to food ingredients.

Kristen
www.organicfeels best.com...for more information on food !!

High-Fructose Corn Syrup

noreply@blogger.com (kristen colello) — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 21:03:00 +0000

Sadly, HFCS is used to replace cane sugar in many foods and beverages. Today, it's hard to find a processed food product that doesn't contain HFCS.

HFCS is cheap, processed, genetically modified and cost-effective to mass produce. It's makes us fat, too.

Unfortunately, HFCS is found in a wide range of foods and drinks including ketchup, fruit juice, yogurt, candy, bread, cereal, hot chocolate and mayonnaise...

Then, there's that commercial that says HFCS is "natural". Oh, how we are hoodwinked...

In fact, most of the corn grown today in the USA is genetically modified. Corn (soy, cottonseed and canola) are the major genetically modified foods. And corn is on the very top of the list. Why is this so scary for our health and the environment? GM foods are gene-spliced to either tolerate chemical herbicides or produce chemical insecticides. How can this be natural? Food and food products made with corn and the other 3 foods mentioned above are genetically modified unless they are labeled certified organic or non-GMO. I write more about GMO foods in my ebook.

For good health, it's important to buy organic foods, eat more raw fruits and veggies, purchase unpackaged or minimally packaged foods, grow your own garden and choose whole grain foods. Why? The more "alive" your food is, the better it will nourish you.

And I can guarantee that HFCS is not "alive". In fact, it's so highly processed that it has been called a "dead" filler.

Therfore, check labels, don't serve it to your kids and don't let yourself become hookwinked into believing that it's natural.

There is a growing body of evidence which pute HFCS on the list of additives which contributes to obesity and food addition. HFCS is not like natural corn. We are being manipulated by the media.

Science Daily reports (March 22, 2010): A Princeton University research team has demonstrated that all sweeteners are not equal when it comes to weight gain: Rats with access to high fructose corn syrup gained significantly more weight than those with access to table sugar, even when their caloric intake was the same.

High fructose corn syrup is an unhealthy additive.

My ebook can be downloaded on: organicfeelsbest.com

Green Products On-line

noreply@blogger.com (kristen colello) — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 20:54:00 +0000

Shop on-line for eco/green building materials, organic gardening supplies and sustainable agriculture products.

A great website: www.environmentalgreenproducts.com

My Ebook

noreply@blogger.com (kristen colello) — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 19:16:00 +0000

My ebook's price has been reduced (which was originally $19.95) to a lower rate for this upcoming Spring.

Most parents do not have time to sit down and read book after book about what you need to know about the foods eaten daily by the majority of us.

While, it's easy to tun an eye and just toss a food item in your cart, it may or may not be all that "clean" or healthy for you, your child or a friend.

Do you find yourself walking around the supermarket knowing that a few foods should be in your cart and certain ones should be put back on the shelves? Or, do you get flustered when you go to someone else's house and wonder why they eat certain foods that are "healthier"? How do they know what happens behind the scenes? Are you thinking that you should probably stop procrastinating and catch up on the the information that has been researched? If you can't afford to but organic foods every day, then find out which ones you can skip out on buying. Plus, several facts about about foods from each food group are mentioned in my ebook.

Joe Garguillo, inventor and business owner from CT said, "It's a fabulous, no-nonsense, well-written ebook for a person who needs to know about choosing healthier foods."

Download your ebook in your home or office: www.organicfeelsbest.com

This ebook was written with the assistance of Glen Colello, co-owner of Catch a Healthy Habit Cafe and graduate of NYC's Integrative Institute of Nutrition.

"Alice and Wonderland"

noreply@blogger.com (kristen colello) — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 22:33:00 +0000

I rarely ever go to see a movie outside my home. I wait for them to arrive at Blockbuster. Even then, I fall asleep during most of the movies I watch at home.

Today, sadly, I saw "Alice in Wonderland" at the movies. I saw it once and I will never see it again. From a parenting prospective it was downright not acceptable for an elementary student to see. And there were so many kids there to see it.

Yes, another violent movie from none other than Walt Disney, and this time, with director Tom Burton.

This is what I saw during "Alice and Wonderland":
*Constant sense of horror
*Mad Hatter awaits getting his head chopped off execution style (A horrifying scene)
*The dog gets his eye plucked out with a sword
*There's a smoking caterpillar character
*Brother in law of Alice gets caught cheating on his wife by Alice
*Alice's clothes fall off every time she grows or shrinks
*The Mad Hatter tries to pin Alice against the wall to "pick her up" and Bad Queen goes bolistic when she finds out (And I don't mean "lift" her)
*Rotting dead heads float in the water and Alice walks on them
*Alice is told she has to slay the dragon whether she wants to or not
*Alice slays the head off the dragon and the audience watches the head bounce down the stairs
*Alice drinks the dragon's blood

No wonder kids are more violent today than ever before. They are certainly being desensitzed from violence. It's very sad, horrifying and scary at the same time!

After that, I won't be going back to the movies any time soon.

Organic Milk

noreply@blogger.com (kristen colello) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 02:17:00 +0000

Most of my family and friends drink milk. Major changes in the production of milk have occurred since I was a kid. I give my kids organic milk. The better choice would be organic almond milk. Yet, they love a cold glass of organic milk every so often.

Organic milk:

*The cows graze on grass that has not been sprayed with harmful pesticides
*Organic regulations require the humane treatment of the cows
*No antibiotics, added growth hormones or cloning
*No artificial flavors, colors or preservatives
*Respect for the animals and the environment
*Support of organic farms through the purchase of their product(s)

Even better: Buy from a local dairy farmer at organic farmers' markets. Then family farms are supported !

On the flip side, this makes conventional milk seem pretty undesirable...

Blueberries!

noreply@blogger.com (kristen colello) — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 23:19:00 +0000

Want to improve health, eat a food that Grandma recognizes and eat a fruit that helps one to look and feel younger without breaking the budget?

Blueberries are one of the best whole foods to counter aging (wrinkles) and contain many nutritional properties- including antioxidants. Read more about blueberies...

According to the Journal of Neuroscience studies suggest that bluberries help to increase brain function, assist the health of all body tissues, neutralize free radical damage, keep the cardiovascular system in check and guard the brain against oxidative stress.

According to even newer research, choose wild blueberries as they are extremely powerful in their abundance of antioxidants called anthocyanins.

Making New Year's Resolutions?

noreply@blogger.com (kristen colello) — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 01:43:00 +0000

I am not tempted to start the New Year with a bunch of resolutions. Instead, I'll be writing out a New Year's plan to keep healthy and sensible. While working toward my successes, I can re-read this list at any time to stay or get back on track !

*Know that life is not "without challenges" every day. If things get out of control, know that within a few hours or days, there will be light at the end of the tunnel. This is easier said than done!

*Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher daily and year-round. See the dermalogist this year for a thorough skin check.

*While I'm grateful for food, I have to eat until I'm almost full. In Japan, this principle is called hara hachi bunme.

*Eat less pasta. I loved the heaping bowls of pasta I ate as a kid. When things get hectic, I crave one of those heaping bowls of pasta (And research backs this emotional pattern from your childhood). Instead, shop and allow myself to eat a small bowl of Tinkyada brown rice pasta.

*Excercise at least 3 or 4 days a week. Not only will I maintain my current weight, I will decrease my odds of getting cancer, diabetes, flabby, etc...

*Avoid the excess sugar and calories in fruit drinks, coffee drinks and soda. Drink pure water when I want a beverage. Who needs the extra 400 or so calories most Americans gulp down daily when choosing these unhealthy, high-sugared drinks. During holiday time, these drinks are in excess. Avoid them.

*Take a minute or so to count my blessings. I'll simply state the following: "I love my 2 pups, my garden, the farmer's market I visit weekly, my old jeans I can still wear, my friends and my work-out buddies." Every day my blessings will be whatever comes to mind. It's definitley an uplifting "remedy" to avoid being ungrateful!

*And last, but not least, keep going green. I will continue to eat many organic foods. I will recycle. I will not use non-organic products or fertilizer on my lawn or garden. I will bring reusable cloth bags when shopping. I will still use make-up that is all-natural or organic and is made in the USA. I will continue to take very short showers and turn off the water when I lather up my hands before rinsing them. I will continue to use green house cleaners/laundry detergent and soy candles.

HAPPY NEW YEAR !

Meat-Free Meals

noreply@blogger.com (kristen colello) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 20:55:00 +0000

Today, more and more folks know that our meats aren't raised on traditional, grassy farms. Sadly, the animals raised on factory-farms are mis-treated, sick and drugged. And the words "natural" and "free-range" are so loosely monitored that that label could be useless, unless you know exactly where your food is coming from.

According to the American Dietetic Association, a very well-planned vegetarian diet is healthy for our young ones. As always, please ask a professional before choosing this route for your child so that s/he gets the appropriate daily protein and nutritional requirements.

I see that my kids get the following nutrients that can go missing from meatless diets: iron, protein, vitamin B12 and zinc.

The following foods contain the nutrients mentioned above: organic nut butters, white beans, kidney beans, organic spinach, whole-grain bread, sprouted bread, organic milk/cheese, raw, organic almonds, organic tofu and sunflower seeds.

Red meat is more likely to cause cancer if eaten in excess. And kids who are vegetarians tend to eat more fruits and vegetables.

If you want to eat less meat and need to know "meat" facts, check out: www.madcowboy.com

Happy Thanksgiving!
Sincerely,
Kristen
www.organicfeelsbest.com

Let's "Face" It

noreply@blogger.com (kristen colello) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:42:00 +0000

Summer is a thing of the past here in New England. While I adore my flower gardens in June, July and August...I love Autumn even more.

Thinking back to summer, did you protect your skin by staying out of the sun, excercising, keeping hydrated and eating well ?

Even though it's Autumn, it's still very important to apply sunscreen to your face, neck and hands daily. There's even more that you can do to keep your skin glowing, healthy and firm.

An exciting study that I like to refer back to is by researchers from Monash University, Melbourne, Australia that came out in 2001.

Researchers analyzed the diets of 453 people (aged 70 and older from Australia, Sweden and Greece) to determine whether a correlation existed between certain foods and skin wrinkling.

Reseasrchers discovered that a low-glycemic diet high in varied fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes and fish was associated with less skin wrinkling.

What I do and eat better skin and less wrinkling:
No smoking /alcohol
Excercise at least 3x a week
Avoid sun bathing and tanning booths

Foods I eat almost daily for healthy skin:

Organic leafy greens and raw veggies/fruit
Homemade vegetable soups (Avoid most chain restaurant soups because they are processed, shipped in a plastic bag and microwaved)
Organic cooked tomatoes
Raw, organic almonds
Sweet potatoes
Flaxseeds
Two or three cups of green tea (Releases catechin, an antioxidant with proven anticancer properties)
Raw, organic cacoa (pure dark chocolate)
Organic beans
Fresh water
Wild salmon (a couple times a week)

Changing School Menus

noreply@blogger.com (kristen colello) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 19:37:00 +0000

I saw Amy Kalafa's 2006 film entitled, Two Angry Moms. Amy is the founder of Angrymoms.org.

Her film supports the idea that we could empower each other to change the local school menu.

Currently, the organization is launching: Angrymoms.Groupsite.com.

I don't know what you're thinking, but it bothers me that kids can have popsicles, slushies, ice-cream bars, cookies, and french fries with lunch at most local schools. Choices like these are very tempting and let's face it, they're not nutritious!. In plain english...They are junk foods!!

Check out this social networking site to see what other parents in Southern Connecticut are doing to make a difference when it comes to lunch at school.

When I think of...

noreply@blogger.com (kristen colello) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 14:37:00 +0000

When I think of genetically modified seeds and foods, factory farming and the awful treatment of those animals, crop dusters, the dwindling rainforest, lawn/grass fertilizers, the amount of garbage we throw out, and so on...This comes to mind:

"The major problems of the world are a result of the difference between how nature works and the way people think."

Gregory Bateson

Keeping Healthy

noreply@blogger.com (kristen colello) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 18:31:00 +0000

Do you wonder if your health habits need to be kick-started again? Are feeling sluggish, sick, fat or weak?

So many people I talk to admit this. Usually, and unfortunately, folks change their "bad" health habits when weight gain occurs, disease is diagnosed or pregnancy has been announced.

Let's face it, given the right nutrients, the body will restore it's health.

Soda, junk food, synthetic vitamins added into most foods such as cereals, breads, pastas, etc. found in conventional packaged foods (which also weaken the immune systen over time), genetically engineered foods, corn-syrup laden products are not "clean" or "strengthening". Yet, these food products take up most of the grocery store shelving.

In addition, the lack of excercise, stress, too much sun, lack of water, microwaving and a house full of toxic cleaners/laundry detergents are all part of a "lacking" lifestyle.

What to do? Spend time thinking about the mineral-depleted soils, the crowded and filthy feedlots our animal protein sources come from and the sedentary lifestyles that are very common today. Thank goodness non-toxic cleaners are being mainstreamed now. I've been ordering mine for years.

Good healthy education includes learning that locally grown, fresh eaten within a few hours or days of harvest and juicing organic or locally grown produce is the way to go.

Therefore, go very light on refined sugar, dairy, animal protein, excessive salt intake and caffeine (especially colas). We need to keep our bone mass from weakening.

Back to a healthy tip: Excercise at least 3x a week (aerobic and strengh training)and follow a plant-based diet. Add organic, raw fruits and veggies to your diet every day. Eat them raw or juice them. Even lightly cooked veggies (especially greens) are full of nutrients.

The other day, I juiced organic kale, strawberries and bananas! My friend, Nicole, sipped this combo "in amazement" and realized that this could be the answer to a superb breakfast. Make one with a friend. Having a support system will help just about every one.

A shortage of nutrients has been a reality. Let's educate ourselves about the serious drawbacks of the diminishing family farms and spread the word to be against gov't funding of pesticides and genetic engineering.

Goat Cheese

noreply@blogger.com (kristen colello) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:50:00 +0000

If you're a health nut like me, you've probably tried goat cheese. Goat's cheese is more nutrtious than cow's milk, contains less fat and less cholesterol. If your lactose intolerant, then, goat's cheese may very well be the cheese for you. Try goat's milk, too.

Goat's milk is alkaline and easily digestible, unlike cow's milk.

Today, I was grateful to have met the working owners of Beltane Farm in Lebanon, Connecticut. The farmers own several goats. In fact, all of the goats know their own names...and are treated like family!

I sampled several different varieties of their fine goat milk cheeses and purchased the herb-topped cheese.

To obtain more information and to view the actual cheesemaking process: www.beltanefarm.com