Friday, April 24, 2009

Pesticides in our Fruits and Vegetables...

Conventionally grown fruits and vegetables are sadly laden with pesticides.

Firstly, these pesticides apparently break down the nutrient content of the fruit or
vegetable. So we are getting much less of the nutritional value we are searching for in our
Greens.

Secondly, they just taste better! Try it yourself...do a taste test. The Organic (pesticide free) fruits and veggies are bursting with luscious flavor!

Finally, Pesticide ingestion is obviously not good for us. It has been known to cause mild symptoms like headaches and fatigue as well as being linked to cancer and parkinsons disease. Please pass me the Organic Fruits and Veggies!!

I have found the list below to be extremely helpful in shopping for my fruit and vegetables. You will find that some are listed with much lower levels of pesticides so it is ok to buy conventional in those cases.

Let's face it, organic is expensive so a list like this will help you navigate the produce department with ease and without crashing your budget.

1. I highly suggest trying out Trader Joe's for well priced organics. The package will clearly tell you if it is organic.

2. I know Costco sells organic spinach.

3. Your most interesting and fun option is to hit a farmers market in your area. The produce will be organic, plus it is usually local so your veggies were probably just plucked from the soil! Nothing taste better than fresh plucked veggies or fruit.

The full list is below...but, here is a link for a wallet version to take with you to the store!

http://www.foodnews.org/

RANK FRUIT OR VEGGIE SCORE
1 (worst)Peach100 (highest pesticide load)
2Apple93
3Sweet Bell Pepper83
4Celery82
5Nectarine81
6Strawberries80
7Cherries73
8Kale69
9Lettuce67
10Grapes - Imported66
11Carrot63
12Pear63
13Collard Greens60
14Spinach58
15Potato56
16Green Beans53
17Summer Squash53
18Pepper51
19Cucumber50
20Raspberries46
21Grapes - Domestic44
22Plum44
23Orange44
24Cauliflower39
25Tangerine37
26Mushrooms36
27Banana34
28Winter Squash34
29Cantaloupe33
30Cranberries33
31Honeydew Melon30
32Grapefruit29
33Sweet Potato29
34Tomato29
35Broccoli28
36Watermelon26
37Papaya20
38Eggplant20
39Cabbage17
40Kiwi13
41Sweet Peas - Frozen10
42Asparagus10
43Mango9
44Pineapple7
45Sweet Corn - Frozen2
46Avocado1
47 (best)Onion1 (lowest pesticide load)

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Earth Day! New ways to pack your lunch.

I made a few discoveries on Earth Day that I must share...

I often take my lunch or snacks with me to be certain I eat the food my body craves for energy. I just discovered two companies that make environmentally friendly lunch bags, utensils, and food carriers. The great thing about these products is the fact that they are free of plastic. Certain plastic containers contain possible carcinogens so it is best to avoid them. So, we are helping free our environment of excess plastic waste and avoiding the chemicals that have the potential to harm us.

Quick tip on plastic containers: Be sure to avoid placing hot food in them or using them in the microwave to heat your food... The heat releases the nasty chemicals that we should be avoiding. If you must use the microwave, switch to glass!

The two companies that make these fabulous products are:

www.to-goware.com

www.mysigg.com

They sell a
stainless steel straw!! This is great because I make smoothies every day and love using straws...this way I won't be constantly throwing away plastic straws! Very Cool! I feel better about the environment already!

PLUS: In honor of Earth Day.... go to Oprah.com to pick up 20% off coupons for both stores!

Sunday, April 19, 2009

A FRESH WAY TO EAT YOUR VEGGIES! Create a Dip.

I just made an incredibly tasty, and healthy, dip that is perfectly dairy free!

Try it with cut celery, carrots, or your favorite dipping cracker.


In a blender add:
1 package of silken Tofu (you can also sub with plain yogurt or Tofu Sour cream)
2 tablespoons chopped mint
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
1/4 cup chopped onions... that you have sauteed in olive oil to soften the flavor.
1/2 of a lemon... squeeze the juice into the mixture
salt
pepper - best to use fresh ground pepper

Whip it up in the blender until it is smooth.
Place it in your best looking small bowl serving bowl and refrigerate at least an hour.
It tastes best cold!

Enjoy.....and let me know what you think!

You will be enjoying a protein filled and tasty snack that is perfect
for parties or, just a special treat for yourself!

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

The JOY of Chocolate!

I LOVE Chocolate!!

Turns out that dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants!
The Cacao Plant
is a rich source of Flavonoids! Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants! Now we can enjoy the tasty goodness of chocolate every day...in moderation of course.

Your best bet is to choose a dark chocolate bar that contains at least 70% cocoa. If you like the taste of a higher percentage bar then go for it! The higher the percentage of cocoa the better. As a comparison, Milk chocolate contains only 20% cocoa. You will also find a much lower fat and sugar content in dark chocolate. This combo of lower sugar and fat makes dark chocolate the best choice overall.


In terms of moderation, keep in mind that your diet needs to mainly include fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grain carbs. You don't want to add a daily dose of chocolate if you are already consuming excess sugar and calories. By daily dose I mean.....just breaking off a square or two from that chocolate bar. I enjoy having it with a cup of Decaf Green Tea in the afternoon....this way you get double your load of flavinoids! more on green tea later.........


Choose the BEST chocolate bar you can find. I love Dagoba and Green & Black. Start taste testing. You will find that a little bit of chocolate goes a long way in fulfilling your sweet tooth!