Organic Foods Worth the Price?

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Little by little we have made changes in were we shop, and the foods we buy. I have heard others complain that organic food is more expensive, yes it is, but it is worth it for various reasons.

First off organic food is more natural, and contains the vitamins and nutrients our bodies need. I found before we started eating organic that even after I ate I was still hungry, or was I? No, I wasn't hungry for food, but for the vitamins, and nutrients our food no longer contains. Since I have started eating more organic foods I am no longer feeling like I need to eat all day. As a matter of fact the whole family is experiencing this.

Secondly because organic foods contain the vitamins and nutrients our bodies need we don't need to eat as much. I used to allow the boys one bag of chips a month, they would last a couple of days and be gone. We have started buying rice chips from the local health store, and they are lasting a longer time. I also want to mention that the bag is smaller than one we used to buy. My 16 year old, who has had a hard time with the changes, loves them and commented on how he likes them better because not only do they taste good they fill him up.

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Another point is how organic foods effect your body. Before we changed to organic foods I would never eat bread, for the first time in years I have eaten bread. Why didn't I eat bread? Because it would plaster it self around my abs like paper mache, how unattractive is that, plus I always put on weight. Well for the first time in years I ate bread yesterday, we picked up some raisin bread from the health store that is awesome, and contains no flour.

 I had the same problem with mayonnaise, and very little of it, I mean I love egg salad, deviled eggs, and other dishes that are made with mayonnaise, but really had to limit my self.  Now with the organic mayonnaise I don't have dread what it will do to my body because it does nothing but nurture it now.


One last point to make, my husband drives a truck three days a week for 12 1/2 hours. He used to take a granola bar, and crackers with him, one day he stopped in the health store for some snacks instead. Turns out he was full faster, and did not get hungry for a longer period of time. 

In conclusion buying organic may cost more, but you don't eat as much, so are you really spending more?  I don't think so, here are some of the organic products we have been eating and love.

Lundberg Rice Chips wheat and gluten free my husband loves the sea salt, while my 16 year old prefers the sesame & seaweed, and I use the Santa Fe barbecue in my taco salad replacing the Doritos Nacho Cheese.

Ezekiel 4:9 Cinnamon Raisin bread from Food for Life100% whole grain bread, low glycemic, and complete protein. Be aware that this bread is pricy, we paid just over $7 for a loaf, but I will buy it again.

Spectrum Organic Mayonnaise from Spectrum Organic Products made with cage free eggs gluten free, other types of mayonnaise also available.

There is also an organic mix my husband loves for energy, but it is all gone, and health store was all out. So, these are some of the organic products we are buying and love.

Yes!!!! Organic foods are worth the price for our health. 

Do you have a favorite organic food? I would love to hear about it.

Sharing at Wildcrafting Wednesday and here.

Scary Things Contaminating Our Food

We have learned somehow, probably lead by the Lord, to not trust mainstream media. Going off the beaten path for news turns up news that "they" don't want us to know. Well this morning going through my emails I opened up my daily email from Natural News, and I am so happy we have changed where we buy our food, and what we eat. Also glad I had already finished eating my breakfast because what I read made me sick, and I probably would have either thrown up what I already ate, or stopped eating. I am not going to rewrite the article, but just copy and paste it.

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Scary Things Contaminating our Food

(NaturalNews) Before you read this article, be warned: you may never want to eat again.

You probably already know that our food supply is contaminated. But did you know that the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) allows a certain amount of rat excrement, insect heads and maggots in the food supply, along with a number of other contaminants?

The FDA published a pamphlet, "Levels of Natural or Unavoidable Defects in Foods That Present No Health Hazards to Humans," instructing food producers as to what is allowable. They claim that "defect levels do not represent an average of the defects that occur in any of the products -- the averages are actually much lower." Examples of what is allowed under these "regulations," would include: five fly eggs per 250 ml or one or more maggots per 250 ml in canned orange juice; 30 fly eggs per 100 grams in tomato paste, pizza and other sauces; nine milligrams or more of rodent excreta pellets per kilogram in wheat; and an average mold count of 15 percent in cranberry sauce. How does the FDA consider this acceptable? Aren't they supposed to be looking out for the interests of the consumer by aiming for purity in the food supply?

In addition to the presence of insect parts, fly eggs and fecal matter, our food supply is threatened by bacteria (such as those that cause botulism and e. coli) and parasites (such as the type that causes dysentery). Water contamination and unsanitary conditions in which the food is raised and processed are often the culprits.

A new study also reveals that high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) - already an unsafe sweetener used in most processed foods - contains significant levels of mercury. Mercury was identified in almost a third of 55 brand names foods and beverages where HFCS is indicated as a first or second ingredient. Mercury, as we know, is highly toxic and could lead to brain damage, blindness and deafness.

Besides insect parts, maggots, excrement, parasites, bacteria and mercury, our food supply can be contaminated with agrochemicals, lead and other heavy metals, animal and drug hormone residue and GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms).

The time has come where the only way to protect yourself is to buy organic or, if possible, to grow your own food.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.diet.com/g/food-contamination

http://organichealthadviser.com

http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation

About the author:
M. K. Daugaard is a writer and musician with an interest in natural health and freedom issues.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/038819_food_contamination_mouse_dropping_fly_eggs.html#ixzz2J0MQV2PS

1. Canned pineapple can pack in up to 20% moldy fruit.
2. Frozen broccoli must have an average of no more than 60 aphids or thrips or mites per 100 grams.
3. Oregano can legally contain up to 1,250 insect fragments per 10 grams.
4. Peanut butter can contain one rodent hair per 100 grams.
5. Cinnamon can carry up to 1 milligram of animal excrement per pound.
6. Berries can harbor up to 4 larvae per 100 grams.
7. Up to 10 percent of canned asparagus can harbor asparagus beetles or egg sacs.
8. As much as five percent of your maraschino cherries can legally contain maggots.
9. Tomato paste is considered bad only if more than 45 percent contains mold.
10. Chocolate is tainted when it averages 60 or more insect fragments per 100 grams.

Okay I'm done searching, sorry to have to share more bad news. 

Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil

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I love Hemp seed oil, it is great on veggies, and I love what it does for my skin in my homemade body lotion. First Hemp oil needs to be kept in the fridge, and second do not use it to fry foods as it reduces the health properties. It has been said that you should not use anything on your body you can not eat which makes Hemp oil a big winner. Both beneficial to the external body as well as the internal body.

 The external benefits are as follows:

• All 20 known amino acids which includes the 9 essential amino acids our bodies can not produce.
•  Omegas 3, 6 and 9
• Most balanced, and richest resource of essential oils.
• The only thing plant that contains vitamin D.
• Essential fatty acids our bodies do not produce. 
• A great amount of vitamin E.

 While I can go on about how each of the items mentioned above benefit you I am not. However, what I am going to tell you next is how Hemp seed oil benefits you due to the items listed above.

• Aids in the relief of premenstrual stress
• Contains anti-inflammatory properties other oils do not contain.
• Improves symptoms of eczema.
• Excellent replacement for fish oil, and safe for pregnant/nursing woman.
• Can help to prevent the following high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, cancer, arthritis, and more.
• Aids in the development and function of the brain, nervous system, and healthy cell membranes.
• It also increases stamina, speeds healing, increases vitality, promotes calmness, reduces inflammation, diuretic, treats bacterial infections, and more.
• Great for nails, hair, and skin.
• Great source of vitamins and nutrients for vegans.
• I love this it is a natural sun blocker.

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Ways to use Hemp seed oil includes in dips, on salads, or any veggie dish, in pesto, homemade body lotions, or facial scrubs. It is said that Hemp seed oil has a nutty taste, but I think it has a unique taste it would not compare to nutty. However I have never tasted it on its own, but just saying.

Because the lipids contained in Hemp seed oil are nearly identical to ours it penetrates and lubricates our skin with no oily feeling, or build up. It also said to aid with skin conditions such as ache, eczema, and psoriasis. The great thing about using Hemp oil on your skin is that it will clog your pores like other oils. Hemp seed oil also helps to even out skin tone, along with detoxifying your skin as well. 

If you make homemade skin products of any type consider adding Hemp seed oil. However, like essential oils you need to add when the product has cooled off.

Sorry about the poor photo I could not find an image of the one I use which is from Mountain Rose Herbs, and organic, anyway wanted to finish this blog before I need to run off. If you would like to purchase some please consider using the affiliate link on the right, just type in Hemp seed oil in the search box.

Related blog Hemp vs Marijuana

This post was shared at Wildcrafting Wednesday

BPA Not Just in Plastics

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Many people associate BPAs  (Bisphenol A) with just items made of  plastic, this is not the case. BPA is contained in plastics labeled PC ( polycarbonate) which is the #7 plastics. Not all #7 plastics contain BPA, but it is better to be safe then sorry. So, now on to the long list of products you should avoid.

• Canned foods, the lining inside contains BPA which leach into the foods contained in them.
• Beverage cans
• Some metal water bottles are lined with plastics that contain BPA, choose stainless steel.
• PVC water pipes
• Dental sealants and white fillings
• Water coolers
• Plastic tableware
• Food storage containers 
• The lids of baby food jars
• Containers of baby formula
• Baby bottles and sippy cups

The list go on from sunglasses to CDs, and DVDs, while it is said that BPA is released under heat, studies have found food being contained in products including BPA do become contaminated.  Also while doing research it turns out that some products claiming to be BPA free actually tested positive for BPA.

And now for the real kicker BPA is also being found in paper! Yes, that is right paper such as receipts, tickets, newspapers, toilet paper, paper towels, and business cards. The BPA contamination is suspected to come from the fact that BPA is used during the recycling process on some heat sensitive papers.

Some effects stemming from BPA include cancer, obesity, diabetes, low immune system, miscarriages, low sperm count, behavior issues, female reproductive system, sperm defects, chromosome issues, Downs, Turner, and Klinefelter Syndrome, early puberty, deforming of genitals, learning, memory, aggression, and more.

Some things you can do to avoid exposure to BPA include avoiding #7 plastics, never heat any food in plastic, do not put plastic tableware in the dishwasher, also watch for break down, and scratches in plastic tableware, and replace asap.

More bad plastics include #3, and #6, but not due to BPA, but other toxic chemicals. As I researched the topic of BPA I almost did not write this blog, but I feel everyone has the right to know what is in the products they use on a daily basis.


While I have been behind on blogging, I have other blogs in the works, and want to do a follow up on this blog. Research takes time, and I like to use various sources looking for similarities and constancy, this allows for more valuable, accurate information. I will be researching BPA products which actually are BPA free, but feel free to do the work your self.


Do you know of any products that are indeed BPA free?

Shared on Wildcrafting Wednesday


Update: I saw this article regarding BPA and have to share it please read important.

Cathe Friedrich Core Max

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 Cathe Friedrich's Core Max is one of my favorite DVD work outs for the core and abs I own. There are three 20 minute work outs, watch the intro, or just go on to the workouts.


The first work out consists of just you and a floor mat. You start out with a lower back exercise than work your way through all three ab sections twice ending with planks, you can watch the sample below.



The second workout adds a stability ball again starting out with a lower back work out on the ball. You will work all areas of the core and abs, there are no planks with this one, watch the sample below.



Finally the last work out uses both a stability ball and an eight lb medicine ball. Once again you start out with a lower back exercise before working the entire core/abs. This one also does not include any planks watch the sample below.



You can choose to play each work out in its entirety or click on chapters to chose which exercise you want to start with. The chapters option will play through from which ever exercise you decide to start however each 20 minute routine is separate. If you want to just choose various exercises from each of the three routines you can select mix and match however, once again each routine is separated and would require you to play each specific exercise separately. Lastly you can choose premix which is broken down into three separate work outs, and combines exercises from all three routines.

The first routine in the premix is 22 minutes and called Balanced Core, next is Complete Core for 21 minutes, and than Tough Core for 18 minutes. I have never used the premixes, honestly this is the first time I have looked at them. Buttttt after viewing them I like that she has taken various exercises from each of the main routines to create something new. The Tough Core looks pretty intense, adding that to my exercise list for the day.

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 I want to add one more important thing, the cover of the DVD has been redone the one pictured above is the new one and. However, the one pictured on the right is the cover I have, so if you see this one you will know it is the same DVD discussed here.


How many Cathe' fans are out there? 

Hemp vs Marijuana

When you hear the word hemp you probably think marijuana, but there is a difference. While both are part of the cannabis family the difference is one is used for industrial purposes, and the other for medicinal/recreational purposes.

The word hemp is derived from the English meaning cannabis, and is known as cannabis sativa sativa (no that is not a typo.) Hemp contains a very low amount of THC (Delta-9  tetrahydrocannabinol) and has been used through out history to make rope. However, it has been noted that hemp is also a great source for paper, and may be recycled up to seven times, other papers may only be recycled up to three. It can also be used to make clothes, fuel, beauty care product, and so much more. Hemp is also called ditch weed, and often mowed down at tax payers expense. In order to have the effect of smoking marijuana a person would need to smoke 11-12 hemp cigarettes, and even then chances are slim of getting high.

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The word marijuana comes from the Mexican/Spanish which is known as cannabis sativa indica.This is what has been used for medical and recreational uses for years. Records date back as early as 2900 B.C. to china, and from go on from there to show how various countries through out history used the herb for medicinal purposes. Unlike hemp marijuana plants can not be used for industrial purposes the stalk is not even strong enough to make a good strong rope, and this plant has a much higher THC level.

So, you see hemp and marijuana, while related are two different plants. Think how much better off our country would be if we were allowed to grow and use hemp. By the way hemp is very easy to grow, grows fast, and does not require the use of chemicals of any type. However, a lot of big industries would be out of business if it were legal to grow and use hemp.

Currently hemp is grown in over 30 nations for industrial use some include; China, France, Germany, Australia, Russia, Austria, Canada, England, and Spain. 

More on hemp coming soon. 

This post was shared on Wildcrafting Wednesday 

Do you use hemp?