Eat These Healthy Foods And Fight Those Rude Wrinkles


A good friend of mine called me last week to tell me she had gotten botox and was really happy with the results. Of course I was curious and couldn't wait to see how she looked (okay she looked fabulous but for now I will stick to the below ideas). I decided to take a different route and to instead see how I can fight wrinkles by changing my diet and eating certain healthy foods.

Healthy Foods That Will Help Keep Those Nasty Wrinkles Away

**Olives-In 2001 Australian scientists discovered that the more olive oil people had in their diets, the less wrinkles they had. The oleic acid found in olives and virgin olive oil is the key here. Oleic acid actually soaks through the membranes of skin cells plumping them up, which then makes fine lines and wrinkles less noticeable. Organic extra virgin olive oil contains high levels of antioxidants like phenols, and vitamins E and A, which fight free radicals and thus prevent premature aging. Those antioxidants help neutralize the oxidation process, which is common to all fats, and preserve the properties of olive oil too.I know this may sound crazy but I take a teaspoon of extra virgin oil everyday. Make sure it is the extra virgin olive oil as it is the best for the skin.

**Tomatoes-Tomatoes contain lycopene, a skin-friendly antioxidant which is also 100 times more powerful than Vitamin E, which is known by many cosmetologists to be a vitamin for the skin. Don't forget about all the powerful antioxidants in tomatoes that promote healthy skin as well.

**Kale- Rich in antioxidants and contains iron that helps bring oxygen to the skin and vitamin A that wards off premature aging.

**Salmon- Salmon and other cold-water fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which hold off wrinkles by preventing inflammation and lubricating your skin.

**Spinach-Spinach is full of the substance known as lutein. Recent French research has shown that lutein helps skin hydration and elasticity, which in the end helps get rid and prevent wrinkles. You will need at least 10mg of lutein for it to have any effect, which is roughly a 4oz serving of spinach. More here.

**Goji Berries-Are packed with vitamin C as well as vitamins B1, B2, B6 and E. They also contain linoleic acid, an essential fat that plumps up the skin and makes it look smoother and younger.

**Beans-Beans are really, really good for your skin. They help your body create hyaluronic acid which plumps and smooths the skin.

**Dark Chocolate-Yes!!! I can absolutely do this one daily (I know, I know-moderation is the key). Studies have shown that after drinking a cocoa-packed drink, blood flow to the skin was boosted (meaning it gets higher levels of nutrients and moisture). It also seemed to be more protected against UV damage - the number-one skin ager.

**Prunes-Are the fruit that contain the highest level of anti-oxidants which are essential to anti-aging in the skin (blueberries are a close second).

**Turkey-Okay, being a vegetarian I hate to even mention this ( I think Turkey's are cute) but fair is fair and I can't be biased so I will begrudgingly tell you that turkey has a protein called carnosine that slows down the cross-linking process in the skin thus helping with wrinkles.

I also found several articles linking consuming too much sugar to causing wrinkles . I suppose that laying off the sugar would be a good idea. Never fear though, because if you read my blog you know that you can use Stevia as an option (check older posts).

Good luck with those wrinkles!

Chocolate To Help You Feel Better When A Cold Hits-My Dream Come True

For those of you who read my blog on a regular basis you know that I have an obsession and deep love for chocolate!! It is only with an extreme amount of willpower (that fails more often than not) that I do not eat it morning, noon and night. Well, I have had my dreams come true! One of my all time favorite bloggers, Liza at Moms....... Check nyo wrote the one of the best posts that I have ever read!!! Thank you, Thank you Liza for making this a great winter! I am posting it here so that all you chocoholics like me can rejoice and do your best chocolate dance.

Choco for Sniffles

by Liza at Moms....check nyo


This post is lovingly dedicated to Heidi, the author of Health Nut Wannabee Mom. She loves chocolate as much as I do and I'm sure she's going to love this yummy way of treating a cold.

With the cold months coming, here's a sweet way of relieving nasal congestion: A cup of delicious, decadent hot chocolate spiced with cayenne pepper. Now, who wouldn't love that? That's a great way to treat a cold!

Studies show that the capsaicin in cayenne has powerful antibacterial properties that can relieve nasal congestion, while the theobromine found in chocolate proves to be an effective cough treatment. Cayenne, by the way are made from ground pods and seeds of pungent red peppers of the genus Capsicum.

If you feel a cold coming on, melt a few ounces of chocolate [ the dark ones are better] in a cup of fat-free/low-fat milk, sprinkle with cayenne pepper. Then snuggle up with a good book or put on a good movie and sip away the sniffles.

No Brainer Ways To Keep Cancer At Bay


I really try to keep an optimistic outlook on life but every once in awhile you hear a story about someone or you know someone who has had cancer and it is very scary. As I do this blog and find more information on health and diet I am seeing a clearer picture between disease and how what we put in our bodies can either hurt or help us. I found the below information in the mysteriously appearing Good Housekeeping that has my name on it and comes to me in the mail each month but that I did not order. Strange but I like the magazine and glad I'm getting it.

Try These Tips To Keep Cancer Away-Plus You'll Probably Feel Better!


Obesity is a risk factor in six types of cancer. Consuming alcohol, red meat and processed meats like ham, sausage and bacon also raises your odds, while eating more fruits and non-starchy vegetables and getting more exercise lower your risk. Apparently these findings are noteworthy because a team of international experts spent five years reviewing all the evidence.

1.) Eat vegetables like baby carrots, a refreshing leafy green salad with some broccoli, tomatoes or cauliflower thrown in, red pepper slices and snap peas instead of eating chips, zebra cakes, and other fun yet not so healthy snacks.

2.) Eat more fruit- freeze grapes, make fruit salsa, warm up an apple with cinnamon and a bit of sugar. Add some berries to your diet-The anthocyanosides in blueberries are currently the most powerful antioxidants known to scientists and are beneficial in the prevention of all types of cancer.

3.) Have a nice relaxing cup of Green tea-Green tea is a rich source of a class of flavonoids known as catechins. Studies have shown that the catechins present in green tea are able to slow or prevent the development of cancer in colon, liver, breast, and prostate cells.

4.) Have whole grains whenever possible-Whole grains contain a variety of anti-cancer compounds, including fiber, antioxidants, and phytoestrogens. When eaten as part of a balanced diet, whole grains can help decrease the risk of developing most types of cancer. More here.

5.)Don't count on vitamin supplements to protect you against cancer; in some cases, they may even increase your risk. Visit http://www.howsafeisyourvitamin.com/ for a free report on what really is in vitamins.
-
6.) Don't Smoke- "The single most important agent that has been unequivocally linked to cancer is cigarette smoking." It is very ,very compelling:lung cancer, cancer of the throat, tongue,bladder,stomach and lips. I want to thank Mcneri who is an authoritative blogger and also an MD for reminding me of this.

Once again many of the same foods keep recurring for good health, burning fat, helping you sleep, and now fighting diseases. Thanks for stopping by.

P.S. To all my regular readers-I am sorry for the delay in getting the posts out and to my entrecard droppers I will be dropping more again next week.

Eat Shrink And Be Merry-Cookbook Of Food That Won't Go From Your Lips To Hips!

Whenever I find something that I really, really like (or really, really dislike) I love to tell you about it. I love to tell everyone about it to the point where I am sure that many people wish I would just be quiet (that is putting it nicely). So, recently when I read the cookbook-"Eat Shrink And Be Merry" by Janet and Greta Podleski, I had to write about it here because I loved it! Now, to say that I am not a cook is putting it mildly and on those rare attempts that I try to cook and it looks even remotely complicated I run in the other direction (I like my daughter's easy bake oven and that is about as good as it gets). I actually started reading this cookbook with a scowl, fearing the worst but was pleasantly surprised at the simplicity and weight and health conscious recipes it had. I actually made several of the recipes and my family was astounded and suspicious of me at first and then overjoyed to have something not canned or frozen (I know, I know but we do eat healthy believe it or not). The motto of this cookbook is for -"Great tasting food that won't go from your lips to your hips" so for anyone looking to eat delicious, healthy and filling foods you will be very pleased.

Not only are their great recipes but super health tips and funny cartoons. This is a health and weight conscious recipe cookbook with a unique sense of humor (I am getting hungry looking at it). They have everything from Yummus (Hummus), Dumplings, Thai, Poultry, Nachos (my favorite! I could live on a desert island with only these nachos),beef, seafood, Italian, you name it and the best part is that these are weight conscious recipes without all the fat and calories. Each recipe tells you exactly how many carbs, calories, fat, sodium, cholesterol , protein and fiber are in each one.

There were so many recipes that I wanted to share with you but I had to only choose one so here is one of my favorites that I tried (keep in mind that I am a vegetarian so this is meat free but there are a lot of recipes for you carnivores too). I highly recommend this cookbook as for me it was not complicated (that is saying a lot), had healthy and weight conscious recipes and made me laugh. There is nothing worse than not having a sense of humor when cooking. You can visit the website at http://www.eatshrinkandbemerry.com and you will see why I enjoy this cookbook so much I think.

Holy Guacamole!

2 medium avocados, halved, seeded, and diced
2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice
1/2 cup minced red onions
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1 tbsp minced fresh cilantro
1 to 2 tsp minced garlic
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded, and minced, or a couple shakes of hot pepper sauce.

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Cover and refrigerate until serving time. Guacamole will keep for about 3 days in the fridge.

per serving (2 tbsp)
calories 55
carbs 4g
fiber 1.8 g
total fat 4.7 g
protein 1 g
sodium 62 mg
cholesterol 0 mg
sat fat 0.7 g

This is truly the best guacamole dip I have ever had! Give it a try!

P.S. To everyone who has commented on my blog I want to apologize for not returning comments quicker but I promise to get to everyone's blogs this week and comment as I just love reading each of your blogs and love your comments.

Nothing About Health But What Is Going On With Me-I Have A Job

I wanted to update everyone on what will be going on with Healthnutwannabemom's blog. I have had several very positive changes happen recently so I am sad to say that I will only be able to post 2-3 times a week now. In an effort to catch up on all our bills and try to get ahead I have decided to go back to work ( I am a little nervous as I have been a stay at home mom for 6 years now). I am going to be working at Macy's and as a Provider Relations Consultant (ooohhhh I love that title) at a private managed health care provider. I originally was only going to take a small part time job at Macy's but then things kind of fell in my lap with this other job and it is a phenomenal opportunity with a great company and great people.

My mother is going to watch my girls while I work my day job (it is only 24 hours a week ) and my husband will watch our girls while I work my night/weekend job so my girls will be with family and no daycare which was my hesitation (nothing wrong with daycare I just prefer my mom and husband). I am excited to be working and earning money again (feels good to see my name on a check!) but a little nervous about everything.

I am sure that I will have lots of interesting new posts about health/dieting while in a new environment and some great tips (I better b/c I have to figure it all out). I of course have some anxiety of what am I doing? Have I lost my mind? What if I can't figure it all out? I always get this way before I start something new but then things always work out so I understand these are just jitters.

I love my blogging, commenting, receiving comments and visiting other blogs so I am going to fit all this in but for awhile it will be on a smaller scale (at least until I just have one job). Blogging is really very good for me as I feel so connected and have met so many wonderful friends/bloggers. So, I am not going away just going to be trying to fit it all in. Wish me luck!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Part Deux (Two)-My Take On Dieting And How I Stay Thin And Satisfied

Now, I am sure you have been racing wildly back and forth just waiting for me to post part 2 of my diet tips (just kidding). I am going to get to them but first I want to say thank you to all of you who left comments because not only did you make my day but I realized there are a lot of us out there who do the nut thing to help control weight! I really thought I was on to something with the NUT DIET and had visions of the all the fame and happiness the nut diet book, the nut diet movie, the nut diet brand nuts, and an appearance on the Oprah show would bring. But, it is not to be as it seems the nut diet secret really is no secret so I will have to content myself with just watching the Oprah show (if the kids will let me) instead of being on it-C'est la vie. Alright, lets get down to diet business-drum roll please!

**EAT FAT BURNING FOODS-Here are some that will help you burn off that booty (or stomach in my case)

**CITRUS FRUITS-Citrus fruits like, oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, lemons, and limes contain high concentrations of Vitamin C (this is also called ascorbic acid). This Vitamin C has a fat burning quality. Vitamin C reduces the effectiveness of fat. It reduces its content and can liquefy or dilute fat. By diluting the fat, it makes it less effective, and easier to flush out of your system. Vitamin C also works on cholesterol deposits. Vitamin C can help burn out the cholesterol, hence, making it difficult for cholesterol deposits to form in blood vessels.
By adding Citrus Fruits to your daily diet, try every meal and also a snack, you will great increase your metabolism, increase your ability to get rid of fat, and also help you to control your cholesterol levels.

**GARLIC-
Garlic is one of the most effective fat burning foods.It contains the compound allicin which has anti bacterial effects and helps reduce cholesterol and unhealthy fats. The juice of garlic or the oil of garlic catalyses the action of getting rid of body fat.

**CARROTS-
Adding a carrot to the beginning of every meal is a very effective way to lose weight. Why do you ask? The carrot leaves no room in the stomach for the dessert. When using this trick you should been able to lose about a pound in one week. I have not personally tried this but I will and let you know if you are interested.

**SPICY FOODS (RED CHILE PEPPERS)-
When we eat foods that are really spicy, we tend to eat less. Some studies suggest that appetite suppression is due to capsaicin, a chemical found in many spicy foods. The capsaicin present in peppers induces the body to produce more stress hormones which in turn revs the metabolic rate burning more calories in the process.

**APPLES
-Apple is quite difficult to digest therefore making it a great food to burn off calories. Your body will work hard to digest the apple and with only 81 calories in a standard apple you will be in those new jeans in no time.

**OATMEAL-Oatmeal will fill you up, stick to your ribs and give your body a much needed dose of fiber. Just stay away from the flavored instant oatmeal that is usually loaded with sugar (it sure tastes good, I know). Buy the tub of Quaker Oats (it is much cheaper than packaged instant oatmeal) and try adding a fresh, chopped apple, some cinnamon and a bit of Stevia (similar to Splenda but I like its natural properties better) to it.


**BRUSH YOUR TEETH AS SOON AS YOUR DONE WITH YOUR PORTIONS. It’s a psychological thing. The mint reminds you food is done, teeth are clean, and it reduces the want to snack or go back for seconds. When I first heard this I thought uh,uh but you know my teeth are much cleaner and it really works for me.

**WHOLE FOOD MULTI'S-I take Whole food multi supplements everyday (in case you have not heard of them they are fruits, veggies, spices and herbs in a capsule-you get the benefits of all the foods put in the supplement. Think of taking broccoli and putting it in a powder form in a capsule). The ones I take have natural metabolic boosters in them that naturally speed up my metabolism and I get the health benefits of the fruits and veggies. They also give me energy to keep going . On days when I eat too much I just take a couple extra and that helps balance me out.**NUTS-Okay, if you read my blog on a somewhat consistent basis you knew I was going to say it again. Nuts, nuts and more nuts. Nuts are truly my #1 diet secret. Without them I would never feel full or satisfied and would give up and eat everything in sight. Willpower is not my strong point but with those nuts I can do it. Crazy I know but hey, it works for me!

Again, much to my mother's dismay I am not a doctor, nutritionist or anything of the sort but have been obsessed with weight always so I hope this helps you. Also, I recommend speaking with your doctor before starting a weight loss program.

Heidi


My Take On Dieting And How I Stay Thin And Satisfied

I am going on vacation to Costa Rica in a couple months so need to makes sure I am really sticking to my eating well plan before I get into a bikini so I thought that I would share this again for myself and anyone else who might enjoy it.

Ever since I can remember I have been obsessed with my weight and have tried just about every pill, fad diet, and exercise program. I even went to a lecture on how to lose weight through breathing once (of course I ate Now and Later candy the whole time because I figured if I could get the breathing thing down well I could eat what I wanted. Right? Well, not exactly). The irony to all this is that I am thin and small boned. I have some weird issue with thinking I'm not even when my size and the scale say I am (I will delve into that another time). The good thing is that I have figured out how to be healthy about this bizarre weight issue I have and not succumb to being overweight or underweight. After trying truly everything under the sun to find a happy balance of being happy with my body size and weight I have also found several ways to be healthy at the same time. I like to eat and I like filling food so I have to be able to feel satisfied or any weight loss tip or plan just won't work for me.

Also, keep in mind that with my last child I gained about 70 pounds and was back to my pre-baby weight within 4 months (it was not easy or fun but I did it) and I did it with the help of some of these tips below (no, I did not exercise but I should have-nobody's perfect) .


You may think you have heard it all about dieting but here is my spin on it!

**As I said in an earlier post, EAT NUTS if you are hungry and need to feel full. I usually combine the nuts with low carb foods and do this for a couple to a few days in a row to lose weight quickly. I would not do this everyday for a long period of time but by eating foods such as nuts, cheese, salads, low carb veggies (edame/soybeans, and green beans are a couple of my favorites and Soybeans contain lecithin, a chemical that will shield your cells from accumulating fat. This chemical prevents, like a shield, fat from forming on your cells. It will also break down fatty deposits in your body.

Eat soybeans at least 3 times a week and you'll be boosting your bodies ability to get rid of fat. You can find soybeans at most grocery stores in the frozen veggie area)and other low carb items combined really pull the weight off me quick (2-4 lbs in 3-5 days)

**DON'T DRINK AWAY ALL YOUR CALORIES. I used to drink a lot of juices more than anything else and I found that I was probably consuming a minimum of 500 calories just in juice. I would rather eat 500 calories wouldn't you?

**If you like sweets a lot like I do then GO FOR THE LOW CARB PROTEIN BARS. I love them and found that many of them were actually like having a candy bar too. I really enjoyed the Atkins brand bars the best myself and still do grab one of those instead of a regular candy bar.

**NEVER LET YOURSELF GET TOO HUNGRY. This is an absolute must for me! If I allow myself to get to the point of really, really hungry then I will eat whatever I want regardless of my good intentions of the day. To combat this I recommend eating several small meals a day instead of three big ones. I usually carry string cheese (organic if you can), nuts, or protein bars with me at all times so that I am constantly full. Being hungry is no fun and there is no reason you cannot lose weight and feel full all the time.

**IF YOU MUST HAVE IT THEN GO AHEAD AND EAT IT. There is nothing worse than depriving yourself. If you want a cookie, chocolate or whatever, then have it. Just make sure you do it in moderation so that you don't feel completely remorseful after consuming an entire pan of brownies (I've done that). It never works to deprive yourself. It's like the person who never wanted to date you and you probably never wanted to date them except for the fact that they didn't want you and that made them desirable (more on that later) to you. It is human nature to want what you can't have, so have it.


I am going to do a part 2 either tomorrow or Thursday so pls. be sure to check back. I may include some foods that actually burn fat and am going to tell you about how I fit in the health part. Below is a recipe I love for those low carb days. It fills you up and is very good . From http://www.seeveggiesdifferently.com/recipe_detail.aspx?id=7888



Santa Fe Breakfast Frittata
Ingredients
6 eggs
1/4 cup milk
2 Morningstar Farms® Veggie Sausage Patties (you can substitute meat if you are not vegetarian)
1 cup julienne-cut red bell pepper, green bell pepper or combination
4 teaspoons vegetable oil, divided
1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, Pepper Jack cheese or Cheddar cheese (2 ounces)
sliced avocado, lime wedges, sour cream, salsa or sliced green onions (optional)

Directions
1. In medium bowl beat together eggs and milk. Set aside.2. In large oven-safe nonstick skillet cook MORNINGSTAR FARMS VEGGIE SAUSAGE PATTIES and bell pepper in 2 teaspoons of the oil over medium heat about 3 minutes or until pepper is crisp-tender. Stir in beans and remaining 2 teaspoons oil.3. Pour egg mixture over vegetables in skillet. Cook, uncovered, over medium heat. As mixture sets, run spatula around edge of skillet, allowing uncooked portions of eggs to flow underneath. Continue cooking and lifting until mixture is almost set and surface is moist.4. Sprinkle cheese over top. Broil 4- to 5-inches from the heat for 2 to 3 minutes or until top is just set and cheese is melted. Cut into wedges. Serve with avocado, lime wedges, sour cream, salsa or green onions, if desired.NOTE: To thaw, place in microwave and heat for 30 seconds.

Remember-I am not a nutritionist, doctor or anything of the sort (as much as my mother would have liked that) just someone who wants to share what has worked for her as I know the ups and downs of body weight issues. Also, I recommend talking to your doctor before starting any diet program.

The Worlds Best Water Bottle-I Am Never Without It! Filters As You Drink!

I am always looking for ways to be healthier, and earth conscious at the same time so when I tried the Back To The Tap filtered water bottle (An affordable, safe, and environmentally friendly alternative to disposable plastic bottles
that will conserve approximately 1000 plastic containers a year per average consumer). I was excited at the prospect of having clean water but even more excited at not contributing to what I am now hearing is a problem with plastic bottled water bottles (I will get into that in a minute).

I tried my water bottle and I must admit felt very cool the first day at the gym (it is very cute too) drinking out of it and refilling it at the water fountain. Now I take it everywhere and I mean everywhere! Do you have any idea how much money I have saved? I don't either but it must be a lot because prior to getting my Back To The Tap water bottle I was drinking 6 plastic bottled waters a day (yes I pee a lot)!!! So that is 42 a week at least and the cost is not even the issue for me now but knowing what plastic really does to us and the environment is really upsetting.

I just want to say that if you are interested in helping the earth and doing a good thing for your body by drinking lots of delicious water then I recommend this bottle. I am going to buy one for my kids,husband and friends. This is probably one of the best things I have seen yet (no, I am not getting paid or anything to say this-just love the idea).

THE BOTTLED WATER FACTS:
Bottled water costs hundreds or thousands of times more than tap water.
Most tap water is just as clean and safe as bottled water.

The idea that all bottled water is "pure" is a marketing myth.

Plastic bottles can leach chemicals into the water.

The Food and Drug Administration regulates only the 30 to 40 percent of bottled water sold across state lines - meaning most of the product you are drinking has not been inspected
U.S. plastic bottle production requires more than 1.5 million barrels of oil, enough to fuel 100,000 cars.
About 86 percent of the empty plastic water bottles in the United States land in the garbage instead of being recycled.
Disposable plastic bottles can leach a chemical known as Bisphenol 3 into the water, the environment, and our own bloodstreams. In fact, evidence of BPA, which is known to disrupt the hormone system of humans, can now be found in approximately 95% of Americans!

source
http://www.backtothetap.com

More Info

THE BACK TO THE TAP SOLUTION

Even though most citizens make the effort to recycle, drinking water is usually consumed “on the go”. A BACK TO THE TAP filtered water system is the perfect alternative for responsible disposing of mounting plastic waste.
The patented filtering system that is provided with every BACK TO THE TAP Sports Bottle, offers the highest standard in its class - outperforming any other portable water filtration process.

The superb quality of water that is produced from a BACK TO THE TAP portable water system will provide up to 3 months of great tasting water for each member of your family, group, or organization.

With a BACK TO THE TAP Portable Filtered Water system you can be assured that you are drinking your water from a reliable plastic container that meets both environmental health and safety standards.

With every purchase of a BACK TO THE TAP portable filtered water product, you are contributing to both the Earth Share Organization and the wellness of our planet


This is a very affordable alternative that will save you lots of money and help planet earth.

Check it out and let me know what you think. I learn something new everyday.

www.backtothetap.com

And The Winners From The Juicing, Fasting, And Detoxing For Life Book Contest Are


On my post reviewing the book Juicing, Fasting, And Detoxing For Life by Cherie Calbom I promised that there would be three lucky winners and I finally have them for you (Sorry it took so long). My six year old daughter Ava had a great time putting in the names and drawing the three winners so thank you everyone who showed interest. I wish that I could give everyone a book but I only have three to pass on. So, without further ado the winners are-

Sara from My life as it is, Was and Will be

Sherer from Living Infinitely
and

Beaded Tail

I hope that you will love it as much as I did and let me know what you think. Thanks again everyone and congratulations.

P.S. I am going to do a review of an incredible filtered water bottle I received and that I am never without now. Trying to give up the plastic bottled water I love. Stay tuned!

How To Save Money And Go Organic! Great Choices On Buying Organic!

I will be the first to admit that I love to spend money. I love to shop and buying healthy organic food is no exception (who knew grocery shopping could be so fun-but hey it IS shopping). Unfortunately, I have to be on a budget in all areas and this includes my organic food choices. I looked around and found some helpful information on which are the top foods to buy organic if you are like me and on a budget ( I hate the word budget). Here we go-

Top Foods To Buy Organic-Worth The Money

**Peaches-In some studies, they’ve had up to 10 times as much pesticide on them as other fruits and vegetables.

**Apples-Apples may contain methyl parathion. Both fresh apples and baby food applesauce can also contain chlorpyrifos, an OP which has caused large bird kills. Doesn't sound good.

**Strawberries-Strawberries receive a dose of up to 500 pounds of pesticides per acre.Straw-berries and other produce bought out-of-season are the most likely to have been imported, possibly from a country with less-stringent pesticide regulations.

**Milk-While milk is a natural product, all the antibiotics and hormones that go into high-yield cows most certainly aren’t. Some studies on supplements like recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH) used in conventional milk production have suggested links to early puberty and other hormonal abnormalities. Danish studies have shown that not only does organic milk have less of the bad stuff, it has more of the good stuff. Specifically, organic milk has higher levels of vitamin E, omega-3 essential fatty acids and antioxidants. Did you know that Europe has banned U.S. Milk? I also make sure to buy organic cheese, yogurt and all dairy products when possible.

**Meat-. Contrary to a widely reported "fact," meat typically contains less pesticide residue than plant-based foods, according to Debra Edwards, the director of EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs. That said, raising animals with conventional modern methods often means using hormones to speed up growth, antibiotics to resist disease and pesticides to grow the grain fed to the animals (plus I think modern methods promote cruelty to animals-had to get that in there). As the EPA puts it in an Ag 101 feature, "Antibiotics, pesticides, and hormones are organic compounds which are used in animal feeding operations and may pose risks if they enter the environment." Consumers looking to avoid meats raised with these substances can seek out certified organic meat. To meet USDA standards, this meat can come only from animals fed organic feed and given no hormones or antibiotics.

**Coffee-Many of the beans you buy are grown in countries where pesticides and chemicals are not regulated. Look for the fair trade certified organic label on your coffee for assurance.
**Eggs-Though they are a terrific source of protein, most eggs are produced using a range of antibiotics and hormones on the chickens that bear them. Given this, the health gains of eating organic eggs are similar to those of drinking organic milk. Essentially, organic eggs mean fewer hormones in the chicken and fewer foreign hormones (or chemicals acting as hormones) in your body.
**Celery, Grapes and Sweet Bell Peppers-Peppers and grapes have thin skins and celery none which creates little and no barrier to pesticides.

**Potatoes-Chlorothalonil, often used on potatoes, can be particularly harmful to children. In Canada, potatoes have been linked to high rates of asthma and asthma-related deaths in farming communities.

**Lettuce And Spinach-Leafy greens are often contaminated with what are considered the most potent pesticides used on food.

Save Some Money And Probably Don't Need To Buy These Foods Organic-
**Broccoli,
**Bananas
**Frozen sweet peas
**Frozen corn
**Asparagus
**Avocados

**Onions:


Levels of pesticides are low even in conventional versions of these.

Now you are armed and ready to save money and go do some organic shopping!

Heidi

Fat, Fat I Ain't Down With That! Easy Tips To Revive Your Metabolism!

 I get a little lazy in winter since generally the swimsuit is many months away however this year I am determined to not let the holidays an...