Why I Gave Organic Candy on Halloween

This post is in response to the many questions, side-eyes, eye-rolls, names (ehhem "food snob") and backhanded compliments that come my way on most holidays that involve food. Easter, Thanksgiving, Fourth of July, birthdays, Christmas - many more in between - and of course, Halloween. If you're reading this, it's likely because you too have made the decision to detoxify or optimize your body, your life, the lives of your friends and family and ultimately the world we live in and you seek to support progress in our food culture. Because of that, I'm sure you've been on the receiving end of sometimes negative or passive aggressive comments and body language too.


I believe most people dish out these reactions, not because they are rude or disrespectful, but instead because they do not understand why I choose to buy and cook and bring and serve what I do. I can understand that. We've all cast judgement on someone at some point in our lives instead of seeking to understand. So, for anyone who wishes to better understand why I and others like me make some of the choices that we do, here is the #1 reason I handed out organic Halloween candy last week.

Mini Golf + Sweet and Salty Banana Nut Ice Cream

Check Out That Form!

Tuesdays are typically my rest days, days off from intense exercise , when I can head straight home after work, do things I've been meaning to do, sit by the pool and read, cook dinner early and just relax.  It's important to give your body a break on a regular basis. Doing so allows your muscles to repair and gives your bones, joints, and nerves a needed rest. Yesterday, Jon and I cooked a casual dinner consisting of Bacon & Blue Turkey Burgers, Grilled Local Sweet Corn and Summer Squash and a Black Bean Quinoa Recipe I was trying out.  After that we had the rest of the night to do what we wished and we wished for - Mini Golf!

We are both extremely competitive people. Jon can and will turn anything into a race, game, test or bet. Mini Golf is no exception - when we play, it's reminiscent of a greek olympic tournament - an absolutely merciless, winner takes all showdown. We always go when we're down the shore but since we've yet to take our vacation this year, we were long overdue for hitting the miniature links and - IT WAS ON! We had a great time goofing off between holes and being fiercely competitive on the greens for an hour or so. Naturally, I won. No surprise there! He didn't bring his A game. Or his B game. I still love him though. 

The Final Score Card

The course is attached to a dairy farm-esque establishment. Not one I would ever purchase dairy products from, but nonetheless one that remains very popular with the local high school crowd and families with children. It is known mostly for the milkshakes and ice cream seen being consumed after bouts in the batting cages and games of mini golf. However, our visit would not take on that same ending. To do my due diligence, I went into the dairy building and read the labels on their milk products, ice cream cakes and other similar items. Jon could tell I wasn't happy with what I saw. In the past, he would have been all over those milkshakes - in the largest cup size possible. Last night, though, he said he wasn't even tempted. I don't know if all of my blabbering has really sunk in or if he's just a really great guy. But we left with nothing but our scorecard in hand. I new deep down he would have really liked a treat, especially since he just LOST. (haha) I felt bad, so as soon as we got home, while he was outside with our dog, Olive, I whipped up my better-than-that-hormone-laden-crap, Sweet and Salty Banana Nut Ice Cream treat! Does that sound delicious to you? Does it sound even better when I tell you it takes less than 5 minutes to whip up? 

Veggie Chronicles: Apples

It's time for a brand new edition of the Veggie Chronicles! Today we look at apples! They might be my most frequently consumed fruit. According to the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center, Americans have been consuming roughly 48 pounds of apples and apple products each, per year. And why not! "An Apple A Day Keeps the Doctor Away", Right? I'd argue that the old adage ought to be updated:

"An Organic Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away... " 

Now, that is much more appropriate for modern times! In fact, if you aren't eating organic apples you may find yourself at the doctor's on account of your daily apple intake. Let me explain. Apples hold the number one spot on the Environmental Working Group's "Dirty Dozen" List. If you're not familiar with the list, it is a ranking of the most pesticide laden produce based on the USDA's and FDA's own pesticide residue data. 


A sampling of the conventional apple crop nation-wide found 42 different pesticides. Of these 42, 7 are known or probable carcinogens, 19 are suspected hormone disruptors, and 10 are neurotoxins, 6 are developmental or reproductive toxins. Now, we've looked at carrots and peaches before which were contaminated with 26 and 62 pesticides respectively. Quantity wise that puts apples somewhere between the two. Why then are apples #1 on the dirty list? 

Grain Free Gourmet

I don't believe there is a single perfect diet that will yield optimal health and results for everyone. We are each genetically, psychologically and biologically unique. What works for me may not work or be best for you, and what works for you may not work for your husband. However, one element of the Standard American Diet (SAD) that has been proven time and again to be very bad for all of us is the over consumption of sugar. Whether its cheerios, coffee creamer, baking flour, bread crumbs, pasta, potatoes or icing on the cake - it is all converted to sugar in our bodies, resulting in sugar overload of epic proportions. 

Sugar and grain consumption has increased drastically over the last 40-50 years. And as this study by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows, while consumption has climbed, the nutritional quality, most notably the amount of fiber, has severely decreased. What this means is

Almond Pumpkin Muffins

I make a lot of almond milk. Every 5 days or so I'm whipping up another batch and as a result I have A LOT of almond pulp hanging out (a.k.a. hogging all of the space) in my freezer. So, last night I decided to do something about it - Behold: Almond Pumpkin Muffins.

Deliciousness far outweighs difficulty with these darling little treats. They are completely wheat free and contain zero added sugar. My body is sensitive to blood sugar spikes, so I don't usually get to enjoy something this decadent tasting. Thanks though to things like almond meal, chia and flax seeds, and natural sweeteners like bananas and apple sauce, I have been able to treat myself more often. And who can argue with that!?

Ku-Ku for Cacao

My CocoaWell Bar

I ran to the Whole Foods near my office today on lunch to pick up some tea. I was waiting in line and happened upon a candy bar. Now, if you're a Whole Foods regular, you know that they aren't like other grocery stores with rows of candy in every check out lane, so, I was intrigued. There were still two women ahead of me so i picked up the candy bar and read. CocoaWell is the brand and this particular bar was called CocoaScience: Organic Fair Trade Dark Chocolate Supplement with PPF Complex. I was immediately turned off, as I usually am by anything attempting to combine too many elements into one. It reminds me of junky granola bars making aggressive health claims because they've managed to squeeze in trace amounts of cocoa, acai, pomegranate, flax, and god knows what else just to use some gimicky label - and it just leaves a bad taste in my mouth! But, for curiosity's sake, I turned the bar over to read the label:

GMO-Free Pets

GMO corn and soy show up in a lot of dog food. These GMO crops have either been genetically modified to produce insecticide within the organism or to withstand the spraying of toxic pesticides and herbicides. As a result, we and our four legged friends ingest not only the poorly-understood genetically modified products but also the chemicals which they absorb.

Farm Focus: Longview Farm & Market

What - A - Gem!
If you know me personally, you know that I talk, or dream really, at length about my vision for our country: where you can identify the farm your milk came from, you know your farmer by name, where fruits and vegetables and herbs and animals are left to grow at their natural pace to their natural size eating their natural diet and therefore don't pollute our bodies when we eat them, where you know what you are feeding your body because you made it, or you can name who made it, and because you, or they, can not only pronounce  but produce every ingredient.I was born in the 1980's, so this, sadly, is a dream. But for many who still call our country home, this is not a dream, but a description of how life once was, not all that long ago.

When I visit places like Longview Farm & Market, I feel extremely hopeful that my dream will become reality in my lifetime. Longview and its team have maintained what it has always meant to farm

Veggie Chronicles: Peaches

Its Peach Season, Baby!  But before bopping on over to your local stop-n-shop to pick up a pound of these perfectly juicy pickins', there are some pretty serious statistics I need to share with you! 

Carrots kicked off the Veggie Chronicles, shedding light on 26 pesticides that, I hope, have lead you to choose organic carrots, maybe even those grown by your local organic farmers. The reason I began with carrots was purely personal; I eat a lot of carrots. Having hit so close to home - I had to share my findings with you guys!

5 Things the Media Ought to be Reporting on Today Instead of Twinkies

Did you hear? Twinkies return to supermarket shelves today! What a sad, sad day for America's health and obesity rates. Don't get too comfortable Mexico, you might not hold that #1 spot for long!

Morning news shows everywhere are reporting on this spongey creme-filled treat's return, as though it is something to be celebrated. Concerned, I feel it is necessary for us to stop and ask ourselves:  What's wrong with this picture?

Why did the mere possibility of the Twinkie's extinction from the American diet cause such an outburst from media, and consumers? What has happened to us? With 31.8% of Americans being obese, surely we don't think we NEED Twinkies in our grocery stores, do we? Come on guys, we discovered the world was round, founded our great nation, invented the lightbulb - all without the Twinkie, which didn't come on the scene until the 1930's! 

Meanwhile, our rights are being compromised; corn, cotton soy and, as a result, the world's fertile land are being destroyed; our country is getting fatter and sicker every single day - and no one is talking about it. 

Instead of promoting a product that has done nothing but help perpetuate our health problems, perhaps our local and national news stations out to spread the word about:

Support Local Farmers

Some Goodies I Picked Up Last Night at My Local Farm

Each time you choose organic you move the dial of the American food system away from toxic factory farms and toward safe sustainable local organic farming!

To locate farmers and markets near you and show your support, utilize one of these great sites:

• LocalHarvest.org
• EatWellGuide.com
• FarmersMarket.com 

Keep it Real & Get Out to the Farmers Markets This Weekend!

LVO

Pushing Back on the Perception of Organic Snobbery

Another Great Response for Those Casting Judgement

Unless you're surrounded by friends and family who follow the same organic lifestyle, sooner or later you will find yourself in a sticky spot between maintaing your path and imposing your path on others. I always preach proactivity- Read your labels. Pack your lunches. Ask your questions - because the moment you take back control of your food, you regain control of your body, your happiness and your life. 

However, unfortunately, many people remain in the dark when it comes to the toxicity of the typical American diet and therefore regard those of us who reject their lifestyle as  crazy hempseed freaks or organic snobs with "all of this extra money" who stick their noses up at anything that isn't OrGaNiC...  It's sad, really. You've made the decision to protect your body from the toxins, chemicals, scary genetically modified Frankenfoods, and lies ubiquitous in the American diet and food supply - and yes, to be skeptical of anything that isn't organic. And at times it feels like everyone and their brother want to steer you off path and away from the organic life that has corrupted you (or however it is they perceive it). The worst is when its your own family or

Go From Chip-aholic to Veg-aholic

Sometimes you just need a little CRUNCH, am I right? You're leading an organic lifestyle now though, and a bag of potato chips just isn't an option because you don't want to feed your body toxic, addictive chemicals and preservatives - especially not the ubiquitous MSG! (Side note: there can actually be MULTIPLE forms of MSG in a single bag of potato chips, in addition to thing like citric acid and gum arabic [used in printing, paint production, glue, cosmetics...YUM?] ) Fear not! The snack food aisle shall be your weakness no longer and arabic gum shall forever be removed from your diet and bloodstream (thank goodness!) - I'm going to hook you up with some divine alternatives to give you that crunch without navigating off-track!

Your New Go-To for CRUNCH!

Carrot, Kale, Sweet Potato, Seaweed & Cauliflower "Chips"
Served With A Diced Farmer's Salsa
All Homemade, All Organic

Today's Challenge: Eat Your Colors

This post is less informational and more inspirational.. motivational.

A simple mission for today, a step in a life-changing direction: Leave the food choices of the past in the past. Today, you're going to

Children and MSG

Fast food, potato chips, frozen meals, Chinese takeout, fruit roll ups - YES fruit roll ups - are slowly killing children's brain cells and having adverse affects on their development.

Evidence suggest that a child's brain is 4 times more

MSG

Monosodium Glutemate (MSG) is a food and drink additive intended to enhance flavor. MSG is a known excitotoxin, a type of neurotoxin that causes brain cells to be overly-excited resulting in a breif sort of "high" but  ultimately causing the cells to die. It's what causes you to become "addicted" to or unable to stop eating certain foods and/or drinks. MSG has been known to cause headaches, fluttering heartbeat, mood swings, gastrointestinal issues, weight gain, and more. (See a full list of symptoms here.) In fact,  scientists studying obesity, inject mice and other animals with MSG to MAKE them gain weight in order to study obesity's effects on a body. That should be a huge red flag right there! What's more is that continued exposure to excitotoxins like MSG can ultimately result in neurological damage, including but not limited to, depression, hyperactivity, numbness and anxiety, which I struggled with daily before eliminating MSG from my diet.

You want to avoid MSG at all costs! So, you need to know that MSG has a laundry list of different names and ingredients that it is hidden in. This makes reading labels VERY important. This stuff is in EVERYTHING, guys: salad dressings, soy milks, chips, popcorns, cookies, frozen dinners, chinese food, pizza sauce, and on and on and on.

To help you locate and avoid MSG while you're shopping or dining, here are some tips:

• ALWAYS read your labels
• Learn to identify MSG's many aliases
• Print and carry with you the reference guide below
• NEVER be afraid to ask questions - its your body, you deserve to know what you're feeding it!

Take these steps to avoid this terribly damaging substance and your body will most certainly thank you!

Keep it Real,

LVO

Red Beet Jalapeño Hummus

I absolutely adore hummus! And what's not to love? It's creamy, rich in fiber and some protein and its completely customizable to your tastebuds! 

Tonight I made one of my absolute favorites - Red Beet Jalapeño Hummus - and I just know you are going to love it! The red beet is jam packed with amazing natural antioxidants, polyphenol and betalain, that cleanse your cells with their anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties! The jalapeno pepper, contains a punch of Vitamin C as well as the naturally occurring chemical, capsaicin (this is what gives a pepper its heat!), which has been shown to kill cancer cells, reduce cellular inflammation, prevent sinus infections and even aid in some gastric issues.

When it comes to the taste of the absolutely beautiful mix (wait until you see the pictures!)

The Truth About Truvia

I know a lot of you are avoiding toxic, white, processed sugar at all costs. And you should be! But a question I'm asked a lot is what I recommend using instead - in your coffee or tea,  on a grapefruit - wherever. I typically suggest using Coconut Palm Sugar, Dates or Stevia (all organic, of course). Be aware though - not all stevia products are made equally. You'll find crystalized, liquified and powdered options, some involving more processing and chemicals (avoid these!) than others, but none should be avoided quite like Truvia.

rBGH - Putting PUS in Your Milk Since 1994

Recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST) or perhaps better known as recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH) is a manufactured version of the naturally occurring bovine somatotropin which is responsible for a cow's lactation. As a side note: our country was currently experiencing a surplus of cow milk; this was hormone was simply created as a way to make a profit by convincing farmers that forcing their cows to lactate longer would yield them larger cows faster, which meant more milk, faster. 

Here's the problem with that though: forcing a cow to lactate more than it naturally should or would, throws off it's body. As a result, cows injected with this hormone experience a swelling of their utters ( called mastitis ). This swelling results in extra white blood cells in the utters - a.k.a - milk full of pus. Yes, pus.  So what did Monsanto, the manufacturer of this dangerous hormone, do? I'll tell you what they didn't do. They didn't stop injecting cows with rBGH. No, because that would mean they wouldn't be selling any of their hormone. Instead, the farmers need to give the cows antibiotics - often times a number of different types. So now we have milk with unnaturally occurring hormone levels, pus, and antibiotic residue... Oh..and it's on our grocery store shelves. 

You're probably wondering, how is this possible? Once again, a biochemical company was able to pay scientists to skew results and conceal data in order to receive approval from our regulatory agencies who are pro-biochemical industry to begin with. What's more shocking is that even after a 1990 Milkweed article, outlined here, uncovering the real findings of the scientists' tests of the hormone, which include noticeably larger organs, significant reproductive issues, and inconsistent hormone levels, rBGH was still released, unbeknownst to the public, into our milk supply in 1994. 

Outraged? I don't blame you. What makes it almost unable to stomach though is that, when dairy farmers who resisted injecting their cows with rBGH labeled their milk as "Hormone- or rBGH- Free", Monsanto sued them for insinuating that their FDA-approved rBGH milk was somehow harmful! These guys will stop at nothing to protect their profits! They fought for years to keep clear labeling off of milk bottles because they didn't want us to know. And as a result, our nation's health has taken a serious hit. 

According a study conducted by Dr. Paris Reidhead and published in Milkweed, breast cancer rates for American women increased 55% between 1994, the year rBGH was released into our milk products, and 2002.  Since then, the rBGH milk has also been linked to increased level of prostate, breast and colon cancers. 

Whenever I discuss or read about Monsanto and rBGH, I'm sickened by one question: What if our government agency had upheld their end of the bargain....respected the trust we'd given them...done their job and protected us? What if they had put us before Monsanto? 

For me, one case of cancer on account of this recklessness is one case too many.

I hope my sharing this with you, I save one more person from faling victim to this mess. I encourage you to share it with your friends and your family as well. And them with theirs. Awareness is the only solution.

BOYCOTT rBGH HORMONAL MILK & DAIRY PRODUCTS IN FAVOR OF CERTIFIED ORGANIC MILK & DAIRY PRODUCTS

Keep it Real,

LVO

Locate Organic Resources and Restaurants Near You

I come from a fairly small town in Northeastern Pennsylvania void of any real "Organic Scene". When I moved to Philadelphia, I was overwhelmed with restaurant and market options - in a good way! For an East Coast city, it does an OK job keeping the organic spots in business. 

But when I moved to the suburbs this year, I was LOST. I needed help and FAST. I was now located within 5 minutes of a FANTASTIC Whole Foods (Shout-Out to Everyone who Makes Whole Foods Plymouth Meeting such a Great Shopping / Dining / Socializing Experience!!), but I needed to find my farmers, my restaurants, my coffee and tea spots. 

All my prayers were answered with EatWellGuide.Org. This website searches its database of local, organic, and sustainable establishments based on your location and specified criteria. Even in an east coast suburb I was able to find my Saturday Farmer's Market, Birthday Dinner Restaurant and even discovered a GREAT Coffee Spot that was right under my nose the whole time!

What's more - If you plan to do any traveling in the near future, they have a great tool that allows you to plan ahead by scoping our all of your organic options along your route! Pretty awesome, right!?

Thanks to EatWellGuide.Org for hooking all of us up with such a useful tool!

Keep It Real,

LVO