Eco.Logical.Mom

Awesome Tips to Make Foods Healthier and Delicious

2012-01-31T07:52:00.000-08:00

Are you always trying to make dishes healthier without compromising flavor? Here are 4 awesome tips to "healthyfy" foods, from Reader's Digest:
Use carrot juice in salad dressings
For low-fat salad dressings with tons of flavor, replace one-fourth of the oil with carrot juice.
Bananas are the secret to complex-tasting muffins
For complex-tasting blueberry muffins with less fat, replace the butter in your favorite recipe with a mixture of mashed bananas and vegetable oil.
Use yogurt for tender low-fat muffins
Replace half of the liquid in the batter with yogurt. The acidity of yogurt helps to enhance tenderness in the absence of fat.
Use mustard instead of egg to bread
Mustard's claim to fame is as a condiment, usually on hot dogs, hamburgers, and sandwiches. But many chefs, when preparing lower-cholesterol breaded cutlets, replace egg with mustard, since bread crumbs adhere to mustard even better than they do to beaten egg. Plus, mustard's fat and cholesterol counts are virtually nil. Use this technique anytime you make cutlets, stronger-flavored fish, and even fried eggplant.

Source: Yahoo, Readers' Digest

RECALL ALERT: Johnson & Johnson Aveeno Baby Lotion

2012-01-30T04:52:00.000-08:00

Johnson & Johnson is recalling more than 2,000 tubes of its Aveeno Baby Calming Comfort Lotion after a U.S. Food and Drug Administration test indicated levels of the bacteria exceeded specifications.

The bacteria, called coagulase-negative staphylococci, is naturally occurring and common to the scalp and skin.

The recall is from retailers in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas. Consumers who would like a refund or coupon or who have questions about the recall can call a company customer center at 1-877-298-2525.

J&J said the product was being voluntarily withdrawn in Kansas and eight Southern states out of "an abundance of caution" and that its potential for harm was "remote."

Sources: Reuters and Dow Jones/Fox News

RECALL ALERT: Britax Chaperone

2012-01-28T11:17:00.000-08:00

Britax is recalling certain Chaperone infant child restraint systems produced from September 1, 2010, through April 30, 2011. The harness adjuster can detach from the seat shell. Should the harness adjuster detach from the seat, the child will not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury or death. Britax will notify owners and provide repair kits free of charge. The safety recall and mailing of the kits is expected to begin on or about February 6, 2012. Until then, any seats on which the harness adjuster has detached will be replaced.
Owners may contact Britax at 1-888-427-4829 or visit www.BritaxUSA.com.

Source: NHTSA.gov

Ten Cosmetic Chemicals to Avoid

2012-01-26T18:47:00.000-08:00

Many of you may know this already, but popular cosmetics can carry nasty chemicals resulting in long term residues in our bodies. A great source of information is the cosmetics database from the Environmental Working Group. You can consult it before buying new products!

Here is a list of the most common chemicals to avoid, from Live Renewed:

1. Parabens – Including methly, propyl, butlyl and ethyl paraben (anything ending in paraben), these are preservatives that have been linked to hormone disruption and infertility, and may increase the risk of certain cancers.

2. Fragrances – These can contain hundreds of different chemicals that are not required to be listed on the ingredients. So fragrance just means that there’s lots of stuff it in that you have no idea what it is, and can cause headaches, dizziness, rashes and allergic skin reactions.

3. Phthalates (DEHP, BBP, DBP, DMP, DEP) – these chemicals, that have been linked to sperm damage and infertility, they can also be hidden within the label fragrance (see above). Phthalates and fragrances are both banned from personal care products in Europe.

4. DMDM hydantoin – A preservative that releases formaldehyde which is linked to asthma, skin conditions, chronic fatiugue, headaches, dizziness and other respiratory problems.

5. Mineral Oil – A derivative of petroleum this coats the skin like plastic wrap and keeps the skin from being able to breathe and absorb moisture as well as release toxins.

6. Propylene Glycol – Derived from natural gas this ingredient has been known to cause allergic reactions, hives and eczema. My sister is allergic to propylene glycol and found that it is hard to find conventional products that don’t contain this nasty ingredient.

7. Triclosan – An antibacterial agent commonly used in soap.

8. Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate - A detergent and foaming agent, it’s hard to find shampoo or toothpaste without SLS. Because it’s derived from coconut, some manufacturers or labels may claim that it is a natural ingredient, but it is the processing used to create SLS that makes this a toxic ingredient. It can cause malformation to children’s eyes, skin irritation, and is damaging to the immune system.

9. PEG’s – Polyehylene Glycol – PEG’s are used to help cleansers dissolve oil and grease and can be found in caustic oven cleaners – enough said – not something I want to be using on my skin. They strip away natural moisture and can damage the immune system.

10. Any ingredient with “glycol” or “methyl” - There are a whole lot of other chemicals out there that should be avoided, and many of the above ingredients also have other names, so a good rule of thumb is to avoid anything with these two terms in the ingredient label."

Source: EWG, Live Renewed

2012 Eco-Giveaway: gDiapers and gRefills!!!

2012-01-26T07:17:00.000-08:00

We're thrilled!

Our first Eco-Giveaway of 2012 celebrates our new year's resolution: raising kids with an Eco-friendly attitude!

Yes, we're all about starting 2012 in an environmentally conscious way. Over 18 billion disposable diapers are sold in the US every year, and over 90% of those end up in landfills, where it can take them up to 500 years to decompose!
So there's nothing more appropriate than a biodegradable product like gDiapers to support our new year's resolution!

We're giving away a 2pack of little gPants and a package of biodegradable gRefills.

"Like" our EcoLogical Mom page on Facebook by February 2, 2012 and be entered to win this fantastic gDiaper set! The winner will be drawn at random on February 3, 2012.

Multiply your chances to Win!

You can dramatically increase your chances to win by inviting your friends to "Like" our Facebook page. You'll be entered to win once again each time one of the friends you invite "Likes" our page. Simply send an e-mail to EcoLogicalMom@ymail.com with the names of the friends.

Good Luck!

gDiapers are breathable and combines the best features of cloth and disposable diapers.

All participants and friends must "Like" the page until the end of the Eco-Giveaway.

Open to both US and Canada!

"gPants" and "gRefills" provided by gDiapers.

Berrylicious Instant Mug Muffin

2012-01-25T08:09:00.000-08:00

How gorgeous is this individual mug cake? So easy to make ...seriously!
I love mug cakes because they are fun, and you don't get stuck with leftovers.

Berrylicious Instant Mug Muffin
Servings: 1 portion

Take a little less than a quarter cup of quick oats, 1 egg, a small handful of blueberries, and some brown sugar or Stevia if you like things sweet, and mix it all up in a coffee mug. If you want your muffin a little moist a tablespoon of plain soymilk or almond milk will do it. Then place in the microwave for 1 min. Watch it carefully! This could overflow! If the muffin top does not look firm, place back in 30 sec at a time.
Once ready, flip mug upside down onto a plate and slice some fresh strawberries to decorate.

Source: Blogilates

Fabulous Homemade Stick Deodorant

2012-01-24T08:29:00.000-08:00

We've learned from our fabulous readers about this amazing homemade stick deodorant. We love it!! Thank you readers, and also Little House in the Suburbs for posting this:

1. Put 1/4 cup each of baking soda and cornstarch** in a bowl with 10+ drops tea tree oil. (I like 20 drops, but I’m a tea tree oil nut. I hear lavender oil will work as well.)

2. This deodorant can be used as a powder, but if you want a stick, go to the shortening section of the store and buy this solid-at-room-temperature-awesome stuff:

3. Stir 2+ TBSP in until it’s the consistency you like.

4. Smash into empty deodorant container. (Will be a bit sturdier once it sets a day or so.)

When applying this deodorant, use a lighter hand than you would with normal stick deodorant, especially the first couple of days or it’ll drop little balls on your bathroom rug.

Used correctly, this stuff is invisible and lasts for ages, as it works with a very light layer. You should not be able to SEE it once applied.

**If you have especially sensitive skin, increase the amount of cornstarch to 6T and decrease the baking soda to 2T.

Source: littlehouseinthesuburbs.com

The Healthiest and Worst Fish to Eat: A Guide

2012-01-18T08:42:00.000-08:00

Are you often confused by which types of fish are healthier and less toxic? I definitely am.
After doing some research I found this fabulous guide from blueocean.org. It also highlights how to protect the environment by choosing the right species. Click on the link below to access the pdf file. It is very useful!
Click here to access the Blue Ocean Fish Guide

5 Foods That Help You Sleep Better

2012-01-18T08:33:00.000-08:00

Do you have trouble falling asleep? "Adding certain foods to your diet may help to increase your odds of a successful slumber, as reported in EatingWell Magazine. (Though these foods won't answer e-mails, clean your house or complete whatever to-do item is keeping you up late.) Here's what you can eat for a better night's sleep:

Fish-Most fish-and especially salmon, halibut and tuna-boast vitamin B6, which is needed to make melatonin (a sleep-inducing hormone triggered by darkness), according to an article published in theAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences. Other B6-rich foods include chickpeas, bananas and fortified cereals.

Jasmine rice-When healthy sleepers ate carbohydrate-rich suppers of veggies and tomato sauce over rice, they fell asleep significantly faster at bedtime if the meal included high-glycemic-index (GI) jasmine rice rather than lower-GI long-grain rice, in a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. While the authors aren't sure how it happened, they speculated that the greater amounts of insulin triggered by the high-GI meals increased the ratio of sleep-inducing tryptophan relative to other amino acids in the blood, allowing proportionately more to get into the brain.

Tart cherry juice-In a small study, melatonin-rich tart cherry juice was shown to aid sleep. When adults with chronic insomnia drank a cup of tart cherry juice twice a day they experienced some relief in the severity of their insomnia.

Yogurt-Dairy products like yogurt and milk boast healthy doses of calcium-and there's research that suggests being calcium-deficient may make it difficult to fall asleep. Other calcium-rich foods to try: leafy green vegetables like kale and collards.

Whole grains-Bulgur, barley and other whole grains are rich in magnesium-and consuming too little magnesium may make it harder to stay asleep, reported the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine."

Source: Eating Well, Yahoo

20 Useful (Unusual) Ways to Use Lemon

2012-01-17T07:36:00.000-08:00

Ecosalon created this very interesting list of 20 unusual uses for lemon juice to make your home look and smell fresh, brighten your laundry, and improve your hair, nails and skin.
Check it out:

Fingernail Brightener
Nails looking dull and yellowed after a long period covered in dark polish? Just squeeze a lemon into a small dish, clean your nails and soak them in the lemon juice for a minute or two. Some women claim that this treatment will also make nails stronger, particularly when adding a tablespoon or so of olive oil to the dish.

Food Preservative
Keep cut fruit and vegetables like apples, pears, avocados and potatoes from turning brown by squeezing on a little bit of lemon juice. You can also perk up droopy lettuce by soaking it for an hour in a bowl of cold water and the juice of one lemon.

Emergency Deodorant
Caught smelling less-than-fresh, with no deodorant around to save the day? Cut a lemon in half (or snag a wedge from your drinking glass) and rub it under your arms. The citric acid in lemon juice will reportedly kill odor-causing bacteria. In fact, you could use this trick to ditch conventional deodorants altogether.

Odor Destroyer
Even garlic, fish, mothballs and that disgusting gunk in your garbage disposal can't stand up to lemon juice's odor-eliminating power. Use a cut lemon or fresh-squeezed lemon juice to remove bad smells from your refrigerator, cutting board, microwave or practically any other surface. You can even add it to the cooking water of stinky foods like cabbage, or just simmer lemon peel in water on the stovetop as a natural air freshener.

Insect Deterrent
Many insects are highly sensitive to smell, including spiders, ants, fleas and typically so-hardy-they're-almost-alien cockroaches. Squirt lemon juice in windowsills, the thresholds of doors, along baseboards and into any cracks where insects might get into the house. Add lemon juice to your floor wash for even more insect-repelling action.

Lighten Age Spots and Freckles
There's some debate as to whether this actually works, but if you're desperate to reduce the appearance of freckles or dreaded age spots, lemon juice might be worth a try. Apply lemon juice with a cotton ball once per day and over time - we're talking months - they may lighten a little bit.

Glass Cleaner
Lemon juice will make hard water stains, debris and other marks on glass disappear. Use straight lemon juice on a sponge for tough jobs, or dilute a few tablespoons in a cup of water and spray it on. Wipe it off with newspaper for totally transparent windows (that might just kill a bird or two.)

Stain Remover
Sweat, mildew, berries, wine, oil - pretty much any substance that leaves a stain on fabric can be removed with good old lemon juice. Durable fabrics can be rubbed with a paste of lemon juice and salt while more delicate fabrics might require a gentler touch, saturating the stain with lemon juice and then washing it out.

Sore Throat Soother
Gargle with a teaspoon of lemon juice in 1/8 cup of warm water to help shrink swollen throat tissue and kill bacteria. Frequent cups of hot tea made with a tablespoon of honey and a tablespoon of lemon juice will also do the trick.

Toilet Cleaner
When mixed with household borax (not the insecticide kind), lemon juice can remove even those stubborn rust stains from the toilet bowl. Make a paste of borax and lemon juice and apply it to the stain with a scrub brush or sponge. Let it sit for up to two hours, then scrub away.
Metabolism Booster
Does lemon juice really boost metabolism? Some of the claims raise red flags as being a bit too enthusiastic, and most of these lemon-based "metabolism boosters" are recommended as food replacements in starvation diets. But hey, adding a little lemon juice to your water every day will make it taste better, and drinking more water can definitely help you lose weight. So, there's that!

Dandruff Treatment
Lemon juice may not cure dandruff or prevent it from occurring in the first place, but it can remove flakes that are already present so you don't have to worry about them making an appearance on your clothing. Massage lemon juice into your scalp, leave it on for ten minutes and shampoo as usual.

Metal Polish
Slice a lemon in half, dip it in salt and rub it onto metal surfaces like stainless steel ranges and copper pots to eliminate grime and make them gleam.

Rice De-Sticker
A few drops of lemon juice added to simmering rice will keep it from sticking to the pot, making clean-up a lot easier.

Hair Highlighter
You can achieve natural-looking highlights at home with nothing more than a little lemon juice, a sunny day and something to occupy your hands for an hour or two. Either apply it directly to the strands you want to highlight or get an overall lightening effect by spraying on a diluted mixture of 1/2 cup lemon juice to 1/2 cup of water. The intensity of the lightening will vary depending on your hair type and texture.
Laundry Brightener
Just as it removes stains, lemon juice can act as a natural, non-toxic alternative to bleach. Add a quarter cup of juice to the washing machine to brighten whites. Lemon juice's stain-removing power is further heightened by hanging the treated laundry up to dry in the sun.

Heartburn Relief
The efficacy of this trick depends on whether your heartburn is caused by too much acid in your stomach, or not enough. If it's the latter, drinking a little lemon juice in water can quickly relieve discomfort.

Facial Treatment
Applied with a cotton ball, a little lemon juice acts as an astringent, eliminating oil and tightening pores for a smoother look. Mix salt and lemon juice into a paste for an all-natural exfoliant.

Itchy Skin Soother
Apply full-strength lemon juice to unbearably itchy skin rashes like poison ivy to soothe them and keep them from spreading.

Hangover Help
The next time you're groaning in pain the morning after enjoying just a tad too much alcohol, try drinking a little lemon juice squeezed into warm water or tea. Not only does it help you re-hydrate, but the lemon juice can reportedly help balance the pH levels in your body and replace the vitamin C lost in the binge.

Source: EcoSalon, Yahoo

Top "Germy" Places in School

2012-01-16T07:07:00.000-08:00

Check out the most germy places in school according to a report released by Yahoo. In fact, bathrooms may be one of the cleanest areas because schools prioritize daily cleaning. Due to budget cuts, many school custodians are sweeping, vacuuming and taking out the trash but rarely have the time or the tools to clean other important areas.
The places that should be cleaned often, but aren't, include:

Water fountains. They can harbor as many as 2.7 million bacteria per square inch on the spigot --
and, apparently, the water in them isn't always clean either.
Manual pencil sharpeners. Most classrooms still have them -- and most kids don't wash their hands before or after using them.
Computer keyboards and mice. These frequently used tools can have 200 times as muchbacteria on them as a toilet seat.
Sink faucet handles. The thing that most people touch right before they wash their hands.
Tabletops, like classroom desks and the tables in school cafeterias. According to Dr. Charles Gerba, a University of Arizona microbiologist whose work has earned him the nickname "Dr. Germ," the average desk harbors 400 times more bacteria than the average toilet seat.
Source: Yahoo

Free eBook....Hurry Up!

2012-01-15T17:34:00.000-08:00

Sign up to our eNewsletter and get an awesome eBook, with wholesome recipes including meals and dessert, and an easy shopping list. You'll love it!
Don't miss it! Just click here and you'll receive your eBook with the first issue on Tuesday. But hurry up!!

Receipts Tested: Mind-Blowing Amounts of BPA

2012-01-13T11:25:00.000-08:00

This release from the Environmental Working Group is mind-blowing! Check it out:

"WASHINGTON, DC – Laboratory tests commissioned by Environmental Working Group (EWG) have found high levels of the endocrine-disrupting chemical bisphenol A (BPA) on 40 percent of receipts sampled from major U.S. businesses and services, including outlets of McDonald's, CVS, KFC, Whole Foods, WalMart, Safeway and the U.S. Postal Service. Receipts from Target, Starbucks, Bank of America ATMs and other important enterprises were BPA-free or contained only trace amounts.

The total amounts of BPA on receipts tested were 250 to 1,000 times greater than other, more widely discussed sources of BPA exposure, including canned foods, baby bottles and infant formula...

...Environmental Working Group (EWG) collected receipts from various locations in seven states and the District of Columbia and had them tested by the University of Missouri Division of Biological Sciences laboratory, one of the world's foremost research facilities in its capability to detect environmentally relevant amounts of BPA.

Wipe tests conducted by the lab easily removed BPA, indicating that the chemical could rub off on the hands of a person handling the receipt."

Source: ewg.gov

Spiced Pumpkin Hot Chocolate

2012-01-11T07:51:00.000-08:00

Are you a fan of spiced pumpkin lattes? Try this spiced pumpkin hot chocolate....your kids will love it too!

Spiced Pumpkin Hot Chocolate

2 cups of milk
2 tablespoons hot cocoa mix
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (optional)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons pumpkin puree (if you can't find it, try acorn squash!)

Combine the milk, hot cocoa mix and pureed pumpkin into a saucepan and place on medium heat. Stir the contents of the saucepan until it begins to steam, then remove it from the stove and add the spice and vanilla. Pour the mixture into a blender and blend for 15-20 seconds. Once the content has been blended, pour it into a cup.

Source: based on recipe from Babble.com

6 Ways Not to Use Baking Soda

2012-01-11T07:33:00.000-08:00

"Baking soda is a great and versatile tool around the home, and there are dozens of ways it can be put to use. It can cut grease, absorb odors and clean body parts, among its many other applications.

However, as handy as it is, this wonder substance does have it's limitations. Here are a few ways not to use baking soda.

Antacid: Suffering from heartburn? Baking soda is highly effective antacid. However, sodium bicarbonate is, well, sodium. So if your doctor has told you to cut down on the salt, don't reach for this household cure for indigestion. Ask your doctor to recommend a safer alternative.

Cleaning Aluminum: While a quick scrubs with a bit of baking soda is a great way to clean your pots and pans, you should never use it on aluminum cookware. The alkaline sodium bicarbonate reacts with the aluminum and can cause your pots and pans to discolor.

Fridge Freshener: Because it reacts with odor-causing acids, baking soda will make your fridge smell a little fresher. But only a little. The problem is that that tiny box has a an even tinier opening, which offers up only a few square inches of surface area for smell-causing compounds to react with. For baking soda to be a truly effective odor-fighting substance, you'd have to place large trays of it in the bottom of your fridge. If you're in the market for a cheap fridge-freshening substance, try activated charcoal, an incredibly porous substance that offers maximum surface area to grab hold of those smelly molecules.

Grease Fires: Enough baking soda on a grease fire will smother the flames. But even if you happen to keep mountains of the stuff next to your stove, it's nearly impossible to maintain a safe distance from the fire while shoveling this powdery substance onto the flames. You're more likely to end up with a grease fire and a blinding cloud of airborne baking soda. So skip this makeshift solution and invest in a good fire extinguisher before an accident happens.

Acne: Baking soda is a powerful cleanser, and proponents use it for everything from deodorant to hair care. But because it is an alkaline substance, some people suggest that you shouldn't use it as a cure for acne. Baking soda neutralizes the body's natural acids, which help keep acne bacteria in check. Apply a little of it to your face, and you're giving pimples free reign to breakout across your brow.

Baking Powder: They might look the same, but baking soda and baking powder are not interchangeable. Both can produce carbon dioxide in the right conditions, giving pancakes and biscuits a light, airy texture. However, baking soda reacts with acids already found in foods, like buttermilk or yogurt. Baking powder, on the other hand, has a powdered acid in it, so it is self-leavening. Use the wrong one and your baked goods aren't going to have the right amount of rise and will have an off taste. "

Sources: Yahoo Green, Adam Verwymeren, Networx

Tips for Avoiding GMO When Eating Out

2012-01-09T08:56:00.000-08:00

Avoiding GMO foods when eating out is quite possible! Check out these tips from Healthy Child Healthy World.

Avoid high-risk ingredients: Avoid ordering meals that contain the most common genetically modified ingredients:

Soy: 94% of the soybeans planted in the US are genetically modified. Avoid ordering any tofu, miso, tempeh, soy sauce or meat/dairy substitutes.

Corn: 88% of the corn planted in the US is genetically modified. Avoid ordering any variety of corn including corn tortillas, tamales, grits, or polenta.

Hawaiian Papaya: According to True Food Network, half of Hawaii’s papayas are genetically modified.

Squash: Several varieties of summer squash have been genetically engineered to resist viruses.

Skip the soda: Avoid ordering soft drinks when eating out. Most sodas are sweetened with High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) and the diet versions are sweetened with aspartame, an artificial sweetener derived from genetically modified micro-organisms.

Go vegetarian: Unless the restaurant offers organic, skip the meat. Although the animal itself is not genetically modified it has most likely been eating GMOs. Look for restaurants that offer USDA Certified Organic meats. According to the Organic Trade Association, animals raised organically cannot have any genetically modified feed and cannot be fed antibiotics, the bovine human growth hormone (rbGH), or any other artificial drugs.

Ask for wild salmon: Although farm raised salmon are not genetically modified yet, they’re swimming in that direction. The US Food and Drug Association recently supported the commercialization of a genetically modified salmon, called AquAdvantage. Produced by AquaBounty Technologies, these genetically modified salmon will have a growth gene that allows them to grow twice as fast as natural born salmon. Since the FDA does not require labeling of genetically modified products, there is no way for you to separate the GM fish from a natural born farm raised fish.

Dine locally: Big chain restaurants tend to order their supplies wholesale from a central supplier. This means the foods that are delivered all over the country need a longer shelf live and have more additives that could be derived from GMOs. Though not all do, local restaurant owners are more likely to source their ingredients locally and they will be more open to discussing it with you. Another plus about eating at a local restaurant is that most will cook meals from scratch and not use packaged mixes or sauces that will be more likely to have GM ingredients. You can learn more about additives and processed foods that may have GMOs at Seeds of Deception. (beware: it’s kind of a depressingly long list.)

Source: Healthy Child Healthy World

5 Easy Organic Breakfast Options for On-The-Go Moms

2012-01-09T08:27:00.000-08:00

Check out these 5 organic recipes for on-the-go moms. They are wholesome, easy to make, and delicious. From EcoSalon:

Granola

In just an hour, you can make a tasty breakfast that will last for weeks to come. In a large bowl, mix a cup of organic honey and apple juice with 8 cups of oats and spread it out thinly on a cookie sheet. Cook it in the oven for 45 minutes at 350 degrees, let it cool completely, crumble your homemade granola and store it in an airtight container.

Oatmeal

If oatmeal sounds like a pretty bland meal, try this simple recipe. Boil 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Turn down the heat, add a cup of organic oats and stir until it absorbs the water. Mix in a tablespoon of flaxseeds, ¼ cup of chopped walnuts and dried cranberries, and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Shut the burner off, cover and wait 5 minutes. Stir in some molasses and soy milk to make this meal as good as gourmet.

Soy Smoothie

Boost your early morning energy level with this scrumptious organic smoothie recipe. Pour a teaspoon of almond extract, a cup of firm light tofu, 2 scoops of soy protein powder, 3/4 cup of blueberries and a cup of vanilla soy milk into a blender and press the button.

Cereal

Skip the processed, sugary boxed version and make your own. Mix a cup of unsweetened apple juice, 4 cups of applesauce, 2 cups of oats, a teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ cup of almond slivers and ¾ cup of raisins, and refrigerate this tasty concoction overnight. The best part is that you can store it in the fridge and enjoy your homemade cereal all week long.

Yogurt

Measure a cup of organic yogurt, ¼ cup of granola and a cup of seasonal fruit of your choice, and layer these ingredients in a bowl.

Source: EcoSalon

RECALL ALERT: Cheese with Listeria in California, Wisconsin and Minnesota

2012-01-05T10:31:00.000-08:00

Bekkum Family Farms LLC of Westby, WI, is recalling shredded cheese because it may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The cheese is labeled "Grumpy Goat Shreds" under the Nordic Creamery brand name, in eight-ounce bags with a code date of 10-MAR-12. It was sold in stores in Wisconsin, Minnesota and California beginning Nov. 11. The product should be thrown away or returned to place of purchase for a full refund.

Bekkum Family Farms was informed by Alpine Slicing & Cheese Conversion, Monroe, WI, that its cheese was shredded on the same equipment where other cheese had tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. Alpine processes and packages cheese for other companies.

Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal disease. Listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, and nausea. Listeriosis can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths. The very young, the pregnant, the elderly, and persons with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to infection. People experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.

Soure: fda.gov

US News & World Reports' Best Diets for 2012

2012-01-04T07:18:00.000-08:00

The best diet of 2012 is the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, according to new rankings released by U.S. News & World Report. The rankings were decided by a panel of 22 experts in diet, nutrition, obesity, food psychology, diabetes and heart disease, according to the magazine's website. The experts rated the 25 diets in seven categories: how easy they are to follow, their ability to produce short-term and long-term weight loss, nutritional completeness, safety and potential for preventing and managing diabetes and heart disease.

The top three diets for weight loss are the Weight Watchers Diet, the Biggest Loser Diet and the Jenny Craig Diet, according to the rankings.Weight Watchers won the category of best commercial diet plan, edging out the Jenny Craig diet, which relied too heavily on packaged meals and came with a high cost, according to the rankings.

The DASH and TLC diets topped the category of best diets for healthy eating, which emphasized nutrional completeness and safety. The Mediterranean diet ranked third.

The DASH diet prescribes the number of servings of grains, vegetables, dairy and other food types that a person should eat daily, based on their calorie needs. It suggests high amounts of fiber, potassium and magnesium, and keeps sweets to a minimum.

The data show that the DASH diet has the best overall nutrition, Enos said. "It has one of the highest levels of B-12 and potassium," she noted, whereas the Weight Watchers plan is low in those nutrients, and recommends that its followers take a multivitamin.

Click here to access a summary of the DASH diet (6 pages)

Click here to access a full DASH diet material (64 pages)

Sources: USNews Health, US Dept. of Health and Human Services

RECALL ALERT: Cheese and Milk with Listeria in Massachusetts and Canada

2012-01-03T08:31:00.001-08:00

The MA Department of Public Health (MDPH) is issuing a warning to consumers to avoid consumption of certain cheese and milk products because the products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes). The presence of L. monocytogenes in foods such as cheese and milk products represents a significant danger to public health.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued an 11/24/11 health alert notifying residents of Canada of a voluntary recall initiated by the dairy plant, 3903052 Canada Inc., Boisbriand, in Québec. This large recall followed two previous alerts, fairly extensive product testing and a clinical match to a case of listeriosis.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notified MDPH on 12/28/11 that product was distributed to Cedar Market located in Norwood, MA. Cedar Market is a retail establishment, which also sold the following products to Bahnan’s located in Worcester, MA.

The recalled products distributed in Massachusetts have the brand name “Fromagerie Marie Kade”. All cheese products involved bear establishment number 1874. Any Best Before dates up to and including those listed, are affected by the alert. The cheese products that are the subject of the consumer alert in Massachusetts include:

Akawi Cheese Best Before 08 MAR 2012
Baladi Cheese Best Before 08 FEB 2012.
Shinglish Cheese Best Before 07 NOV 2012
Tresse Cheese Best Before 10 NOV 2012
Vachekaval Cheese Best Before 10 MAR 2012
Halloom Best Before 01 MAY 2012
Moujadale Best Before 04 MAY 2012

L. monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms, such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, listeria infection can cause miscarriages and still births among pregnant women.

To date, no illnesses have been reported in MA. MDPH has worked with the US FDA and local officials to embargo and destroy these products and to review inventory records for distribution.

Since the recalled products have not expired, it is possible that consumers may have products in their home. For that reason, MDPH is advising consumers who have purchased products listed to discard them. Consumers with questions may call MDPH Food Protection Program at 617-983-6712.

Canadian notice: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/recarapp/2011/20111124be.shtml
The Canadian website may periodically list expanded products involved in this recall.

Source: fda.gov

Good Ol' Post-Holiday Blues!

2012-01-03T07:55:00.000-08:00

Are you having some post-holiday blues? If yes, you are definitely not alone. After so much fun with Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's, it is quite common to feel lonely and a bit depressed, specially in areas where winter is harsh in January.
Well, there is a lot to look forward to in 2012. Here are a few tips from GalTime to help you get back on track:

1.) Schedule events or outings to look forward to. Whether you enjoy going out with friends or engaging in your favorite hobby, pre-planning enjoyable events will give you something to get excited about.

2.) Seek support from your friends. Now is not the time for isolation. Call a trusted friend or family member. Just hearing their voice will help refocus you on all the wonderful people you have in your life.

3.) Get out of the house. Remember all those things you wanted to do but couldn't because you had too much going on…now is the time to go for it!

4.) Throw yourself into the next holiday (or sport, try basketball or hockey.)

5.) Remember, this too will pass. Before you know it the holidays will be upon you again. Live life in the present, don't pine away waiting for the time to pass, you may miss something you will regret later!

Source: GalTime, Yahoo

RECALL ALERT: Build-A-Bear Teddy Bears for Choking Hazard

2011-12-29T13:33:00.000-08:00

Build-A-Bear Workshop is recalling about 300,000 Colorful Hearts Teddy Bears sold in the United States and Canada because of a choking hazard, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said last week.

The CPSC said the bear's eyes could loosen and fall out, posing a choking hazard to children. No injuries have been reported.

The Colorful Hearts Teddy Bear is about 16 inches high with black plastic eyes. The body is covered in multi-colored heart shapes.

The bears were sold at Build-A-Bear Workshops and the company's website from April through December.

Consumers can return the Colorful Hearts Teddy Bear to any Build-A-Bear store for a coupon for any available stuffed animal.

For more information, consumers can call the company toll-free at 866-236-5683 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Saturday, and between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT Sunday.

source: msnbc.com

8 Way Not to Use Vinegar!

2011-12-28T08:51:00.000-08:00

"Common household vinegar is one of those wonder products that people are always discovering new uses for. Whether you want to drive away dandruff, eradicate mildew, or keep bugs at bay, vinegar has been proposed as a solution to just about every problem under the sun.

But while it has a number of uses, vinegar isn’t always the solution, and on occasion it can be downright dangerous. Here are the top 8 ways not to use vinegar at home.

1. While vinegar is good at cleaning many things, you shouldn’t confuse it with soap. Alkalinecleaners like dish detergent are ideally suited for lifting grease, whereas vinegar will have little effect on it. If you have a greasy cleaning job, reach for regular soap and leave the vinegar on the shelf.

2. You should never use vinegar on waxed surfaces. The vinegar will only strip the wax off, dulling the sheen on your nicely shined car. However, vinegar is a great option if you’re looking to remove an old coat of wax before you put down a fresh layer of polish.

3. Do not use vinegar on marble countertops or other stoneware, as it can cause the stone to pit and corrode, according to the Marble Institute.

4. Your smartphone and laptop monitor probably have a thin layer of oleophobic coating that limit fingerprints and smudges. Acidic vinegar can strip this off, so you should never use it to clean sensitive screens.

5. Cast iron and aluminum are reactive surfaces. If you want to use vinegar to clean pots and pans, use it exclusively on stainless steel and enameled cast iron cookware.

6. While both bleach and vinegar are powerful cleaning agents, when mixed together they make a powerful chemical weapon. Chlorine gas, the stuff used to clear the trenches in World War I, results when bleach is mixed with an acidic substance, so never mix them together.

7. While vinegar can be useful as an insecticide, you shouldn’t spray it directly on bug-infested plants as it can damage them. However, you can use vinegar’s plant-killing effect to your advantage by using it as a weed killer, as suggested by several people on Hometalk.

8. If you’re the victim of an egging, do not try to dissolve the remnants of this prank away with vinegar. Vinegar will cause the proteins in the egg to coagulate, creating a gluey substance that is even more impossible to clean up, says Popular Mechanics.

I also feel obligated to say that although vinegar is touted as a great way to remove mildew and mold, like bleach it only kills surface mold. Most mold problems are deeper than what you see on the surface, and your best bet is to kill them at their source (which is usually leaks and rotting drywall)."

Adam Verwymeren is a Networx - http://www.networx.com - writer. Get home & garden ideas like this- http://www.networx.com/article/8-ways-not-to-use-vinegar - on Networx.com.

RECALL ALERT: Limited Distribution of Spinach with Ecoli

2011-12-28T08:30:00.000-08:00

Avon Heights Mushrooms, in cooperation with the FDA is recalling certain packages of fresh packaged spinach. The brands include Krisp Pak 1 Ooz bags, Better Brand 10oz.bags, and Avon Heights 4-2.51b bags.

The implicated packages have a "best if used by" code of DEC16 and codes DP 340 and T691.

During routine surveillance sampling, one package of Better Brand 10oz spinach tested positive for ecoli 0157h. Out of a preponderance of caution the company is recalling all packages produced on the affected day.

NO ILLNESSES have been associated with this incident.

Consumers should discard the product with the specific codes and write to the company address on the package for a refund. Refunds will only be given for the product with the above specified codes.

Source: fda.gov

FOOD LABEL ALERT: Don't Fall for Label Lies!

2011-12-28T08:21:00.000-08:00

Here are a few common food label lies we often see at grocery stores. Check out these tips to help you distinguish them:

1. If the label says "0 Grams of trans fat..."
A mad-scientist project gone wrong, trans fatsare created in a lab by partially hydrogenating healthier oils. This process destroys the many good benefits of the original fats. What's worse, consuming trans fats ups your risk for heart disease and metabolic syndrome. Most nutritionists recommend avoiding them altogether, which doesn't sound so hard except current labeling guidelines allow manufacturers to round anything less than 0.5g/serving down to zero. Eat more than a few servings, and you've consumed a significant amount of the Frankenfood.

Avoid it: Anything that says "partially hydrogenated oil," "hydrogenated vegetable oil," or "shortening" on the ingredients list contains trans fats, no matter what the label says. [

2. If the label says "100 percent natural" or "all natural..."
You may think buying an "all natural" chicken is better than buying its unlabeled counterpart, but the truth is that "natural" has no legal definition, meaning that companies can stick the phrase on anything they want.

Avoid it: Check the ingredients list and label for what you're most concerned about. "USDA-certified organic" means the food has met certain guidelines. You can also check for genetically modified ingredients (if it doesn't specifically say it's non-GMO and it's corn or soy, then it likely is), artificial colorings and flavors, or preservatives.

3. If the label says "made with real fruit..."

Everyone knows that fresh fruits and veggies are healthy. Sadly, manufacturers take advantage of that trust by slapping this label on anything with a fruit product in it. This may include fruit concentrates, which are essentially just sugar and things like beet juice for coloring. Many popular fruit roll ups are mostly high-fructose corn syrup and food coloring. Sure, some "real" fruit might be in there, but it certainly doesn't have the benefits of an actual piece of fruit.

Avoid it: Eat real, whole fruits and vegetables. They should have exactly one ingredient.

4. If the label says "made with whole grains..."
Whole grains are great for providing essential minerals, fiber, and energy, but all this label means is that there are some whole grains somewhere in the product with typical white flour-confusingly called "enriched wheat flour"-as the main ingredient.

Avoid it: Check the ingredients list . Whole wheat (or some other grain) should be listed first. Ideally it should be the only type of grain used. "100-percent whole grain" is defined by the USDA and means exactly what it says. Look for this label on foods and don't get confused by those that say "8g of whole grains per serving!"-they're just trying to distract you from the fact that it's not made with only whole grains.

5. If the label says "packed with antioxidants..."
Antioxidants, the latest health wunderkind, are amazing little nutrients and enzymes that inhibit the potentially harmful (but inevitable) process of cellular oxidation. You don't have to understand all the science to know they're incredibly good for you, with everything from anti-cancer to anti-aging benefits. The problem is that this label does not have a formal definition. When you see "packed with antioxidants," it usually means that the food was either made with something that once had antioxidants in it-like fruit juice used for coloring cereal-or that the food was fortified with some vitamins. Unfortunately nutrients extracted from food don't have all the health benefits of nutrients eaten in their natural state.

Avoid it: Whole fruits and vegetables are the best sources of antioxidants-and are easy to recognize.

6. If the label says "sugar-free..."

Sugar is fine in moderation, but many processed foods contain much more-and in different places than you'd expect. Since ingredients are required to be listed from most to least on food labels, manufacturers often break up the sugar into smaller amounts of lesser-known sugars , making the food appear healthier. Another issue is that real sugar is often replaced with artificial sweeteners, which can cause bloating and stomach discomfort.

Avoid it: Nutritionally speaking, there's not a huge difference between different types of sneaky sugars so knowing the pseudonyms is half the battle. While there are more than 50 names for the sweet stuff, common tricky ones include brown rice syrup, barley malt, caramel, fructose, fruit juice concentrate, and anything involving corn syrup.

7. If the label says "reduced-fat" or "fat-free"...

While fats aren't the dietary demon they were made out to be in the past, many health-conscious consumers still seek out lower-fat or fat-free options. But since removing fat also removes flavor, many companies replace fat with sugar. This label is often used as a smoke screen to give an otherwise unhealthy food, like gummy bears, an aura of health. Of course gummy bears have never been made with fat; they're pure sugar.

Avoid it: Don't be afraid to eat healthy fats in your diet. Even some saturate fats like those found in coconut oil and grass-fed dairy have significant health benefits. Plus, fat is satiating so in the end, you'll eat less and enjoy it more.

8. If the label says "free range or vegetarian fed eggs..."

Who doesn't prefer to think of happy chickens roaming merrily through a barnyard getting fed by a singing Snow White? The truth is that factory chickens are kept in very tight quarters and "free range" only means they had access to an open door, not that they ever used it. Also, "vegetarian fed" is not a good thing. Chickens are natural omnivores and when they are forced to eat a vegetarian diet (often consisting of processed soy) their eggs contain less nutrition.

Avoid it: If you are truly concerned about buying fresh, organic, natural, or free-range eggs, local farmers are your best bet. Look for them at farmer's markets or find one on LocalHarvest.org. Even if the farm isn't certified organic, many small farmers use the highest standards and are happy to have you come check out their farm.

9. If the label says "no nitrates..."

Nitrates, nitrites, and other artificial preservatives are definitely bad for you, increasing the risk of certain cancers by up to 50 percent. Unfortunately while consumers are getting wise to the evils of nitrates, they're still overlooking other problematic preservatives.

Avoid it: Check the labels, especially those of processed meats like lunch meats and sausages, for BHA, BHT, benzoates, sulfates, and sorbates, among others.

Sources: Shape Magazine, Yahoo