Vaccines are something that really scare me. I think we should all be questioning them rather than accepting them as the norm.
Entries tagged with “Smart consumer”.
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Wed 24 Oct 2012
Questioning vaccines – A must see video
Posted by Danielle under For Parents and Families, New and Events, Other Health
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Tue 3 Jul 2012
Is gluten free always healthy?
Posted by Danielle under Food and Nutrition
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Gluten free is the latest health buzz going around. You may have noticed more and more items at the grocery store touting themselves to be gluten free. So, is gluten free always healthy?
First, I do believe that most people are sensitive to gluten. I have seen it first hand in myself and my family and just about all of my clients. Unless you have a severe allergy, in most cases, a typical doctor will not test you and determine that you have a gluten intolerance. For many, the awareness comes when they eliminate gluten from their diet and see the difference. For some it means that their children’s behaviors change and tantrums occur less frequently, for others it may mean that gastrointestinal issues cease, or perhaps weight loss. (more…)
Mon 25 Jun 2012
Healthy eating on a budget
Posted by Danielle under Food and Nutrition, For Parents and Families, Tips and Tricks
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Eating nutritious, whole foods is an important part of our lifestyle. Sometimes though, healthy food options seem to cost more than junk. So, how do we manage to eat healthy AND stay on a budget?
- Grow a garden. During the summer, our grocery bill drops significantly. We grow most of our produce right in the backyard. Yes, there is work upfront that needs to be done but, the time spent pays off ten fold. If you can not grow a garden, try shopping at Farmer’s Markets or joining a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program.
- Buy in season. Foods that are in season are less expensive. They also tend to be the foods that our bodies need and craves during specific seasons. Just think about how your mouth waters at the thought of watermelon on a hot summer day. Of course though, there are times when we want strawberries in January. In this case, the freezer works wonders. We typically freeze fresh produce we purchase or grow in season or purchase out of season produce from the freezer section of the grocery store (if we can use it in a frozen state).
- Join a buying club. There are many co-ops and other buying club options. We love The Green PolkaDot Box. They are a new online buying club (like a Costco) for natural and organic products (produce, pantry items, spices, teas, household cleaners, supplements, etc.) with wholesale prices. The annual membership fee is $50(basic level) but it is quickly recuperated with all of the savings. You can get a free 30-day membership for the Green PolkaDot Box at www.GreenPolkaDotBox.com/freemembership. If you want to see some of my last order, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3kU20Oi7Yo (more…)
Mon 9 Jan 2012
What is the “Dirty Dozen”?
Posted by Danielle under Food and Nutrition
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The “Dirty Dozen” and the “Clean 15″ are the names of lists of fruits and veggies that have been ranked according to their pesticide levels. These lists, put out by the Environmental Working Group indicate those fruits and veggies that should ideally be eaten organic and those that do not always have to be. According to the Environmental Working Group, if people consumed their five servings of fruits and vegetables each day from the “Clean 15″ list instead of the “Dirty Dozen”, they would reduce their exposure to pesticides by 92%.
So, what are on the lists? Here they are:
- The Dirty Dozen
- Apples
- Celery
- Strawberries
- Peaches
- Spinach
- Nectarines– imported
- Grapes – imported
- Red Pepper – Sweet bell peppers
- Potatoes
- Blueberries– domestic
- Lettuce
- Kale/collard greens
The Clean Fifteen
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Onions
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Sweet Corn
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Pineapples
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Avocado
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Asparagus
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Sweet peas
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Mangoes
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Eggplant
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Cantaloupe – domestic
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Kiwi
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Cabbage
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Watermelon
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Sweet potatoes
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Grapefruit
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Mushrooms
To learn more about these lists and the methodologies used to create them, please visit the Environmental Working Group’s Shopper’s Guide.
Tue 27 Sep 2011
Discount Organic and Natural Products
Posted by Danielle under Food and Nutrition, For Parents and Families, Going Green, New and Events, Reviews, Uncategorized
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I am super excited about the Green PolkaDot Box. The Green PolkaDot Box is an online discounted organic and natural product buying club. For many people, the Green PolkaDot Box is exactly what they have been looking for.
So, naturally, I interviewed Rod Smith, CEO of the Green PolkaDot Box so you can learn more!
Tue 27 Sep 2011
What is a VitaMix?
Posted by Danielle under Food and Nutrition, Other Health, Recipes, Reviews
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I get this question a lot so, I figured I would address it.
In essence, the VitaMix is a super-duper blender and then some. I use the VitaMix and LOVE it! Literally, I use it several times a day. Not only is it fantastic for making smoothies, soups, stews, purees, nut butters, salad drrssings and flours, but it is also great for finely chopping veggies. It saves me a ton of time, a ton of money and makes healthy eating simple. I often joke with friends that I would be lost without it. (more…)
Thu 18 Aug 2011
The Story of Stuff
Posted by Danielle under Going Green, Other Health, Personal Growth, Tips and Tricks
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In a recent interview with RM Allen, she talked about how The Story of Stuff had a major influence on her life. I, too, believe it is a must-see for everyone and wanted to post it! Allow it to impact your life. (Click to watch)
Fri 1 Jul 2011
Don’t be afraid of the sun… be smart
Posted by Danielle under Other Health, Tips and Tricks
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Summer is finally here! Most people spend the winter months simply waiting to get outdoors. Once summer arrives though, they find themselves indoors to avoid the heat and to avoid the sun. Ironic huh.
Mainstream media does have us very scared of the sun. While the sun should certainly be respected (we all know what sunburn feels like), it certainly should not be feared. (more…)
Wed 15 Jun 2011
Holy Cow! (No pun intended)
Posted by Danielle under New and Events, Other Health, Uncategorized
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OK, I was hardly able to believe this when I saw it… but here it is! I would love to hear your thoughts on this! Please be sure to comment.
Sun 12 Jun 2011
What is GMO?
Posted by Danielle under Food and Nutrition, New and Events, Tips and Tricks
[5] Comments
What is GMO exactly? Well, GMO stands for “Genetically Modified Organism.” To create a genetically modified organism, the genes of a plant or animal are literally altered. In a laboratory, the genes of a completely unrelated organism are inserted into the genes of the plant or animal (i.e. like fish genes inserted into tomato genes… and yes this has been done). (more…)