This is not an affiliate program so nothing but savings straight to you. It's a great way to challenge yourself and get ideas from others.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
ActBolder.com
This is not an affiliate program so nothing but savings straight to you. It's a great way to challenge yourself and get ideas from others.
Monday, May 30, 2011
BPA free receipts
You have probably heard of BPA (bisphenol A) and the dangers of it being a likely endocrine disruptor. It has been removed from the majority of baby bottles and many other plastic products. It is banned in Canada and some European countries. Recently, there was a lot of attention brought by the media to the BPA contained in cash register receipts. The concern is/was that you are handling these without washing your hands right away and potentially absorbing it directly through your skin. Lots and lots of companies are switching to BPA-free receipts, and the cool thing is that you can tell right away if the receipt is BPA free. The company that makes most receipt paper in America has put small red fibers in the BPA receipts. At first, I was really excited about this but I couldn't resist researching it a little further.
Apparently, these BPA free receipts contain bisphenol S, which is also a potential endocrine disruptor but even less is known about it than BPA.
Here are some tips from the EWG to reduce your exposure to BPA and potentially bisphenol S and other chemicals in receipt paper:
Apparently, these BPA free receipts contain bisphenol S, which is also a potential endocrine disruptor but even less is known about it than BPA.
Here are some tips from the EWG to reduce your exposure to BPA and potentially bisphenol S and other chemicals in receipt paper:
- Minimize receipt collection by declining receipts at gas pumps, ATMs and other machines when possible.
- Store receipts separately in an envelope in a wallet or purse.
- Never give a child a receipt to hold or play with.
- After handling a receipt, wash hands before preparing and eating food (a universally recommended practice even for those who have not handled receipts).
- Do not use alcohol-based hand cleaners after handling receipts. A recent study showed that these products can increase the skin's BPA absorption (Biedermann 2010).
- Take advantage of store services that email or archive paperless purchase records.
- Do not recycle receipts and other thermal paper. BPA residues from receipts will contaminate recycled paper.
- If you are unsure, check whether paper is thermally treated by rubbing it with a coin. Thermal paper discolors with the friction; conventional paper does not.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Pangea
Do you know about Pangea Free Fridays? Every Friday Pangea gives away a free product. Last Friday they gave away a year's supply of Pangea products. I couldn't get it posted in time but check back this Friday to see what's next. You do have to enter the contest through Facebook but prizes range from a free product to many free products to lots of free samples to share with your friends. If you haven't heard of Pangea but are looking for a great organic skincare company, check them out!
ALWAYS
nurturing
handcrafted
organic & fair trade
cruelty-free
NEVER
petroleum-based ingredients
sulfates or detergents
synthetic preservatives
artificial colors or fragrances
GMOs
Pangea Organics has received 50 awards for everything from Best Product Performance (29 awards), to Environmental & Social Responsibility (10 awards), to Innovation in Packaging & Design (7 awards). Most of their products are packaged in plantable packaging that contains flower or plant seeds. Very cool!
ALWAYS
nurturing
handcrafted
organic & fair trade
cruelty-free
NEVER
petroleum-based ingredients
sulfates or detergents
synthetic preservatives
artificial colors or fragrances
GMOs
Pangea Organics has received 50 awards for everything from Best Product Performance (29 awards), to Environmental & Social Responsibility (10 awards), to Innovation in Packaging & Design (7 awards). Most of their products are packaged in plantable packaging that contains flower or plant seeds. Very cool!
Monday, May 23, 2011
We have tomatoes!!
One of my dreams/goals is to have a food garden. Well, I'd love a rose and flower garden, too, but I really want to grown my own fruit and vegetables. We started to plan it out this spring but decided to wait until the fall and give ourselves enough time to plan. I decided to go ahead and start little by little so we started with tomatoes. Kai helped me plant them, and his job is to remind Daddy to water the "matos" while I am out of town this week.
I am so excited about feeding my family and growing whole food!!
Friday, May 20, 2011
Homemade chicken nuggets
My kids are pretty good eaters. They go through phases but other times they out eat me. Lee often prefers quantity of food over quality so when he compliments one of my meals I know it is good. Recently, all three of them have raved over a new recipe I tried…chicken nuggets.
This is a breeze. I have a few chicken recipes that Lee has liked (and he does not really like chicken) but he prefers this hands down. He gives me a hard time if I fix it on a night he is not there to enjoy it. My kids clean their plates!
Cut up 2-3 chicken breasts into bite size pieces (2 should be plenty but I feel like I feed an army and need 3 to have any leftovers. I use a pair of kitchen sheers to speed it up).
Melt 1 TBS butter for every chicken breast you use
Coat the chicken pieces with the melted butter
Mix 1 cup of bread crumbs, 1 cup of parmesan cheese, and 1 tsp garlic salt
Coat the chicken with the bread/cheese mixture
Place chicken pieces on a baking sheet (they can be pretty close together)
Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 min
*I like 409 brand bread crumbs and parmesan cheese. The cheese has no fillers or binders (ala Kraft) and the bread crumbs were the least processed that I could find at my chain grocery store.
This is a breeze. I have a few chicken recipes that Lee has liked (and he does not really like chicken) but he prefers this hands down. He gives me a hard time if I fix it on a night he is not there to enjoy it. My kids clean their plates!
Cut up 2-3 chicken breasts into bite size pieces (2 should be plenty but I feel like I feed an army and need 3 to have any leftovers. I use a pair of kitchen sheers to speed it up).
Melt 1 TBS butter for every chicken breast you use
Coat the chicken pieces with the melted butter
Mix 1 cup of bread crumbs, 1 cup of parmesan cheese, and 1 tsp garlic salt
Coat the chicken with the bread/cheese mixture
Place chicken pieces on a baking sheet (they can be pretty close together)
Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 min
*I like 409 brand bread crumbs and parmesan cheese. The cheese has no fillers or binders (ala Kraft) and the bread crumbs were the least processed that I could find at my chain grocery store.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Bacteria on surfaces: Steering wheel
Ok, you probably think I went off the deep end or have become a germaphobe. I assure you that my home is neither spotless nor my floors mopped in a very improper amount of time. I made this discovery by accident. I accidently got something sticky on my hand while I was driving and then touched my steering wheel. When I got home I grabbed a wet wipe and wiped everything off...much to my horror...the wipe was almost black. I am very strict about washing my hands when I get home from work [the hospital], but I realized I don't always wash my hands after driving home from Target, or the local growers group, or the grocery store. Sometimes I do...but not always.
Here's your challenge: wipe your steering wheel. It doesn't matter if it's a clorox wipe, wet wipe, or baby wipe...I bet you're going to be surprised.
Here is my second attempt just a couple of weeks later...
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Bacteria on surfaces: Shopping Bags
I love, love, love my reusable Environsax shopping bags. I see lots of people with reusable shopping bags now! It is so much easier to carry in 4-5 large bags vs. 12 small bags with 1-2 items. I have a pretty good systems of taking my bags to the laundry room as soon as I am done with them and then back out to my car the next morning.
It wasn't until I did my last post on bacteria on purses that I started thinking about my shopping bags. They go from the floorboard of my passenger side in the car to the shopping cart to the grocery store belt to the shopping cart to the back of the car to the floor of my kitchen. On the inside is unwashed produce, bags of meat, wrappers, boxes...and then all of that goes to shelves of my refrigerator, pantry, cupboards, or counters.
If you want to reduce bacteria in your home and reduce your exposure to infection, make sure that you aren't setting your shopping bags on your counter...and make sure that you wash them regularly. Another great feature of Environsax is that they are extemely easy to wash and clean!
It wasn't until I did my last post on bacteria on purses that I started thinking about my shopping bags. They go from the floorboard of my passenger side in the car to the shopping cart to the grocery store belt to the shopping cart to the back of the car to the floor of my kitchen. On the inside is unwashed produce, bags of meat, wrappers, boxes...and then all of that goes to shelves of my refrigerator, pantry, cupboards, or counters.
If you want to reduce bacteria in your home and reduce your exposure to infection, make sure that you aren't setting your shopping bags on your counter...and make sure that you wash them regularly. Another great feature of Environsax is that they are extemely easy to wash and clean!
Monday, May 9, 2011
Bacteria on surfaces: Purses
Due to the number of colds we have had this reason I have been paying careful attention to bacteria-prone items and natural disinfectants.
A few years ago, ABC reported on the bacteria found on purses. A microbiologist tested the bottoms of purses and found hundreds of thousands of bacteria present on the bags. Every single purse tested had some bacteria, most had tens of thousands, and a few had millions. Half of the purses were positive for coliform bacteria (indicating the possible presence of human/animal waste). Another sample of 50 purses confirmed that 1 in 4 were positive for E. coli.You may not think you touch the bottom of your purse often or could get sick from it but think about where it has been…into public restrooms, the floorboard of your car, at your feet in a restaurant, in the shopping cart at the grocery store…and most likely then set on your counter.
To decrease spreading illness: clean your purse or tote bag (including briefcases and backpacks) regularly, don’t set it down on any surface where food will be prepared or eaten (this means tables, kitchen/breakroom counters, desks), wash your hands after handling your purse.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Kids lunches
Earlier this week I posted about being “that mom” and sending unusually healthy lunches to “school” with Kai. I say unusually healthy because of what I noticed most of the other kids eating. I only have to send lunch two days a week for Mothers Morning Out, and half the time Lee ends up having to pack it because I am too tired to pack it the night before. I completely understand packing an “easy lunch.” However, we have really tried to put a little more effort into it. Here are some ways you can quickly swap out some of the easy foods for healthier alternatives:
Containers: Find a good reusable lunch container. There are some really great options out there. Everything from BPA free to insulated to separate containers. Another option is reusable sandwich and snack bags. They range quite a bit in price but usually one bag costs the same as a months’ worth of plastic bags. I am trying to buy one each month instead of buying another box of Ziploc bags.
Bread: We have always used whole wheat but I am still amazed at how many grownups prefer white. Kids eat what they are taught. Make sure you buy bread made from “whole grains” not just wheat. Look for brands that contain no high fructose corn syrup and contain little or no added sugar. Better yet, make your own!
Juice: If you are going to send juice, send a thermos of 100% fruit juice instead of sugar-filled, expensive juice boxes.
Fruit: Instead of fruit snacks, send real fruit. It tastes better, is more nutritious, is more filling, and does not contain artificial colors and flavors. Produce like grapes, apples, and oranges have a longer shelf life so they can be bought ahead of time for lunches.
Snacks: Send crackers for chips. Look for whole grain baked crackers. Goldfish and Pepperidge Farm both have whole grain, healthier choices. Goldfish rainbow colors now uses all natural fruit and vegetable extracts for their colors.
PBJ: Almond, pecan, and cashew are great alternatives to peanut butter and less allergenic. Watch the sugar content of jellies.
Vegetables: There often are not any in most kids’ lunches! Add tomato and spinach leaves to turkey sandwiches. Send carrot sticks and hummus (Kai requests this often!). We love putting sweet cherry tomatoes in his lunch…and they never come back uneaten.
Dessert: Store-bought, processed snack cakes and pastries are full of some of the worst ingredients. I honestly do not send a dessert. Some healthier suggestions are JellO pudding cups or Greek yogurt with fruit. However, pudding cups are filled with preservatives and alternative sweeteners. Yogurt often contains tons of added sugar. I do not think Kai even knows what the word dessert means. Occasionally he wakes up asking for ice cream!! but that is about the only dessert he knows…and he usually only gets it for snacktime on the weekends.
Adapted from: Healthy Lunch Box Swaps that are Good for Your Kids
Containers: Find a good reusable lunch container. There are some really great options out there. Everything from BPA free to insulated to separate containers. Another option is reusable sandwich and snack bags. They range quite a bit in price but usually one bag costs the same as a months’ worth of plastic bags. I am trying to buy one each month instead of buying another box of Ziploc bags.
Bread: We have always used whole wheat but I am still amazed at how many grownups prefer white. Kids eat what they are taught. Make sure you buy bread made from “whole grains” not just wheat. Look for brands that contain no high fructose corn syrup and contain little or no added sugar. Better yet, make your own!
Juice: If you are going to send juice, send a thermos of 100% fruit juice instead of sugar-filled, expensive juice boxes.
Fruit: Instead of fruit snacks, send real fruit. It tastes better, is more nutritious, is more filling, and does not contain artificial colors and flavors. Produce like grapes, apples, and oranges have a longer shelf life so they can be bought ahead of time for lunches.
Snacks: Send crackers for chips. Look for whole grain baked crackers. Goldfish and Pepperidge Farm both have whole grain, healthier choices. Goldfish rainbow colors now uses all natural fruit and vegetable extracts for their colors.
PBJ: Almond, pecan, and cashew are great alternatives to peanut butter and less allergenic. Watch the sugar content of jellies.
Vegetables: There often are not any in most kids’ lunches! Add tomato and spinach leaves to turkey sandwiches. Send carrot sticks and hummus (Kai requests this often!). We love putting sweet cherry tomatoes in his lunch…and they never come back uneaten.
Dessert: Store-bought, processed snack cakes and pastries are full of some of the worst ingredients. I honestly do not send a dessert. Some healthier suggestions are JellO pudding cups or Greek yogurt with fruit. However, pudding cups are filled with preservatives and alternative sweeteners. Yogurt often contains tons of added sugar. I do not think Kai even knows what the word dessert means. Occasionally he wakes up asking for ice cream!! but that is about the only dessert he knows…and he usually only gets it for snacktime on the weekends.
Adapted from: Healthy Lunch Box Swaps that are Good for Your Kids
Monday, May 2, 2011
"That Mom"
I know Kai’s teachers at Mothers Morning Out think that I am a fruit loop. I am THAT MOM. The mom that does not send juice or candy or much processed food for lunch. The mom that sends small toys for Valentine’s Day instead of candy. His teachers have even asked what some of the things are…like kale chips. They are super nice about it and rave about wishing it was their lunch…but I know they are teasing me.
I am that mom that sends fruit and vegetables. He might get a sandwich or crackers but over half of his lunch consists of whole foods like tomatoes, clementines, carrots. The best part is that he eats it! He does not know any different and those are actually some of his favorite foods. He has even turned down cookies before, and he would eat several clementines every day if I let him.
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| Photo credit |
They were so anxious to see what I was going to bring for his birthday lunch. Most parents bring cupcakes or cake, and I can always tell because Kai never naps. I did break down and bring Rice Krispy Treats, which is one of Kai (and Lee’s) favorites. I think his teacher’s were shocked that I brought a “dessert.” I think the other kids thought they were boring but it was definitely a treat for Kai. As I looked around, every single kid had juice boxes and most had highly processed foods.
I am the mom that has never even given him a sip of Coke. For that matter we do not even keep it in our house. The choices are milk or water, and occasionally he gets organic juice for a snack if he needs more hydration. Orange juice for breakfast is a very special treat. Caitlin is 15 months and still not had juice (that I know of).
So yeah, I am that mom. I may very well be a fruit loop but I am so glad to have kids that eat healthy and love it.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Myths about organic food
Organic farming is not as productive as conventional farming and requires more land to produce the same amount of food. If the world switched to organic farming, 10 million square miles of forest would need to be cut down.
A few studies have shown more nutrients in organic food. In actuality, what makes the biggest difference in nutrients is how long it sits on the shelf. After one week, spinach has lost about half of its
folate.
Organic food may not always taste better…if it’s flown halfway around the world. Locally grown produce in season probably has fuller taste.
You still need to wash organic produce thoroughly under running water. All produce is susceptible to bacteria. Soil and runoff water can be contaminated with E.coli, as well as the transportation and storage of produce.
Organic companies are not necessarily small farms or eco-companies. General Mills owns Cascadian Farms, Kraft owns Back to Nature and Boca Burger, Kellogg’s owns Morningstar Farms. Whole Foods sold roughly $1 billion in produce last year; only about 16% was grown locally.
A few studies have shown more nutrients in organic food. In actuality, what makes the biggest difference in nutrients is how long it sits on the shelf. After one week, spinach has lost about half of its
folate.Organic food may not always taste better…if it’s flown halfway around the world. Locally grown produce in season probably has fuller taste.
You still need to wash organic produce thoroughly under running water. All produce is susceptible to bacteria. Soil and runoff water can be contaminated with E.coli, as well as the transportation and storage of produce.
Organic companies are not necessarily small farms or eco-companies. General Mills owns Cascadian Farms, Kraft owns Back to Nature and Boca Burger, Kellogg’s owns Morningstar Farms. Whole Foods sold roughly $1 billion in produce last year; only about 16% was grown locally.
Organic is not necessarily better for you…not if it is organic chips, organic soda, or organic cookies Cane sugar is still sugar and fried chips are still fried. I have even seen organic poptarts!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Ugh...sick again
You know when you all have of these plans...all of these intentions...all of these goals...and then you get sick...again. I have not had this many colds or sinus infections in such a short amount of time in a very, very long time.
I have so many things I want to write about. I've started an Etsy business, I even have a couple of posts already written. However, as soon as the kids are in bed, we crash. Everyone's sick...again.
I think the most frustrating thing is that we're supposed to be living healthier, greener, cleaner...and it just is not foolproof. Do you ever feel like you find something that works...but then you skip one time and you are back to square one? Honestly, ever time someone in our family gets sick, I run through a few things that I think make a difference...vitamin D drops, probiotic, vitamins, etc...and there is always one I have forgetting for 1-2 days...but it is not always the same thing. Boy, talk about frustrating. It is just hard wondering what is really working, making a difference...and what is just a placebo or lacking "clinical" difference.
Ok, done venting. I am just sorry I did not have more to update. I will really be back up and running soon!
I have so many things I want to write about. I've started an Etsy business, I even have a couple of posts already written. However, as soon as the kids are in bed, we crash. Everyone's sick...again.
I think the most frustrating thing is that we're supposed to be living healthier, greener, cleaner...and it just is not foolproof. Do you ever feel like you find something that works...but then you skip one time and you are back to square one? Honestly, ever time someone in our family gets sick, I run through a few things that I think make a difference...vitamin D drops, probiotic, vitamins, etc...and there is always one I have forgetting for 1-2 days...but it is not always the same thing. Boy, talk about frustrating. It is just hard wondering what is really working, making a difference...and what is just a placebo or lacking "clinical" difference.
Ok, done venting. I am just sorry I did not have more to update. I will really be back up and running soon!
Friday, April 22, 2011
Earth Day
Earth Day is one of my favorite new holidays!! I know that sounds very "tree-hugger-ish." I love that there is a day that pushes change and eco-friendly options...and sales. One of my favorite cloth diaper (and MUCH MORE) retailers, Cotton Babies, is giving $10 off $50 for four days with everyday free shipping...and no, Lee, I didn't order anything. I just love that eating organic, buying healthy products, and living better is more affordable at least one day out of the year.
The hospital where I work has decided that now they are a "green" employer because "it's the right thing to do." While I do have issues with their reasons, I am very exited that there may be some opportunities to be more involved in living "greener" at my place of employment...to make an impact on patients...little babies...and the community we serve. We had an Earth Day fair and it was quite successful. I hope to be more involved next year, but I was so very excited to see my local growers group there!!!
I copied this idea from Mommy is Green, but here are some of the changes you can make today to celebreate Earth Day:
1. Using essential oils to freshen the air instead of candles or products that contain synthetic fragrances (phthalates). I don't use essential oils but only use clean burning candles and absolutely no synthetic fragrances.
2. Swapping traditional soaps that contain synthetic ingredients like triclosan for castile soap. I re-use foam soap pumps from organic hand soaps that I've bought (Jason Kids Foaming Soap and Clean Well orange foaming soap) and then refill with 1/4 castile soap and 3/4 water.
3. Giving up store-bought bottled water for filtered water in a reusable bottle. We've done this for almost 10 years, but have avoided all bottled water for about 2 years....although I still swear Dasani puts something irresistable in their water.
4. Bringing reusable (washable too) bags shopping. I love, love, love my Environsax bags. Some stores like Target have started giving 5 cents for each bag you bring, but I really try to always use mostly reusable bags and reuse any plastic bags in bathroom trash cans or to collect recycling to take out to the recycling bins. Some stores like EarthFare have completely abandoned using plastic bags.
5. Cloth diapering for the majority. We use cloth diapers 100% of the time at home, 75% of the time running errands, and 50% of the time travelling.
6. Using soap nuts to wash my laundry. Ok, so I would love to be on board with a more natural laundry detergent but I tried one and was NOT impressed. Nothing like Tide to get out stains...seriously, it is the only thing that worked with our cloth diapers.
7. Replacing paper towels with washable rags most of the time. I need to be better at this. With kids it is so irresistable to grab a paper towel.
8. Switching my toxic cleaners for more natural ones (e.i., using oxygen bleach in place of chlorine bleach). I use chlorine bleach for only two purposes: sanitizing cloth diapers once every 1-3 months only if I have ammonia issues and to clean the jet system in our bathtub. Other than that I only use baking soda and vinegar to clean...except for Clorox wipes (gasp) and Scrubbing Bubbles flushable toilet bowl pads. Toilet bowl brushes with the bristles just sitting by the toilet simply disgust me.
9. Consuming and buying less. If I don't really need it I don't take it home. Amen. Lee would disagree with this, but I really, really have done well with only buying things that I really, really like. He doesn't know how much I do pass up :)
10. Buying stainless steel, glass, or wood instead of plastic whenever possible when a new item is needed. This isn't always feasible but I love using these materials over plastic. Honestly, I can't remember the last time I opted for plastic except for popsicle trays for the freezer.
Here are some of my own changes:
--slowly increasing stash of reusable sandwich/snack bags for lunches
--using wool dryer balls
--recycling usually 2 bins of items every 1-1.5 weeks
--trying to limit garbage to 1-2 bags a week
--donating toys
--buying 25-50% of our groceries from a local growers group
--using cloth trainers in addition to cloth diapers
--using leftover drinking water for plants
--avoiding artificial dyes and preservatives
--growing vegetables
--couponing
The hospital where I work has decided that now they are a "green" employer because "it's the right thing to do." While I do have issues with their reasons, I am very exited that there may be some opportunities to be more involved in living "greener" at my place of employment...to make an impact on patients...little babies...and the community we serve. We had an Earth Day fair and it was quite successful. I hope to be more involved next year, but I was so very excited to see my local growers group there!!!
I copied this idea from Mommy is Green, but here are some of the changes you can make today to celebreate Earth Day:
1. Using essential oils to freshen the air instead of candles or products that contain synthetic fragrances (phthalates). I don't use essential oils but only use clean burning candles and absolutely no synthetic fragrances.
2. Swapping traditional soaps that contain synthetic ingredients like triclosan for castile soap. I re-use foam soap pumps from organic hand soaps that I've bought (Jason Kids Foaming Soap and Clean Well orange foaming soap) and then refill with 1/4 castile soap and 3/4 water.
3. Giving up store-bought bottled water for filtered water in a reusable bottle. We've done this for almost 10 years, but have avoided all bottled water for about 2 years....although I still swear Dasani puts something irresistable in their water.
4. Bringing reusable (washable too) bags shopping. I love, love, love my Environsax bags. Some stores like Target have started giving 5 cents for each bag you bring, but I really try to always use mostly reusable bags and reuse any plastic bags in bathroom trash cans or to collect recycling to take out to the recycling bins. Some stores like EarthFare have completely abandoned using plastic bags.
5. Cloth diapering for the majority. We use cloth diapers 100% of the time at home, 75% of the time running errands, and 50% of the time travelling.
6. Using soap nuts to wash my laundry. Ok, so I would love to be on board with a more natural laundry detergent but I tried one and was NOT impressed. Nothing like Tide to get out stains...seriously, it is the only thing that worked with our cloth diapers.
7. Replacing paper towels with washable rags most of the time. I need to be better at this. With kids it is so irresistable to grab a paper towel.
8. Switching my toxic cleaners for more natural ones (e.i., using oxygen bleach in place of chlorine bleach). I use chlorine bleach for only two purposes: sanitizing cloth diapers once every 1-3 months only if I have ammonia issues and to clean the jet system in our bathtub. Other than that I only use baking soda and vinegar to clean...except for Clorox wipes (gasp) and Scrubbing Bubbles flushable toilet bowl pads. Toilet bowl brushes with the bristles just sitting by the toilet simply disgust me.
9. Consuming and buying less. If I don't really need it I don't take it home. Amen. Lee would disagree with this, but I really, really have done well with only buying things that I really, really like. He doesn't know how much I do pass up :)
10. Buying stainless steel, glass, or wood instead of plastic whenever possible when a new item is needed. This isn't always feasible but I love using these materials over plastic. Honestly, I can't remember the last time I opted for plastic except for popsicle trays for the freezer.
--slowly increasing stash of reusable sandwich/snack bags for lunches
--using wool dryer balls
--recycling usually 2 bins of items every 1-1.5 weeks
--trying to limit garbage to 1-2 bags a week
--donating toys
--buying 25-50% of our groceries from a local growers group
--using cloth trainers in addition to cloth diapers
--using leftover drinking water for plants
--avoiding artificial dyes and preservatives
--growing vegetables
--couponing
BACK!!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
On break
Sorry...I've been meaning to come on here and let everyone know I would be back shortly. It looks like it might be a little longer than I expected. I have quite a few work projects and now need to find a new nanny. Be back soon!!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Diet Coke dangers
There is a new study being released by the NIH and Purdue University that suggests that aspartame actually leads to weight gain! It's all over the news and health websites this morning. Everyone eating a salad and diet coke or sugar-free aspartame flavored yogurt needs to reconsider that they may be shooting themselves in the foot. They may actually be worsening their plight to lose or maintain weight.
I can safely say that this is one ingredient that is 100% absent from our house. We do not consume soft drinks. Neither child has had so much as a sip (that I am aware of). We do not use any sugar-free foods. I limit the amount of sugar they eat but when they do consume it I avoid alternative sweeteners. We opt for unsweetened products like full-fat organic yogurt (or homemade) and sweeten with honey or fruit. Sometimes you really have to read labels closely to see what sweetners it contains. Notice the popular vitamins in the picture. Here are a few articles that give the details of the NIH study results:
Dr. Mercola's article
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Cloth diapers: $$$$
Monday, February 28, 2011
McDonald's Oatmeal
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| Photo credit |
Have you heard about the newest item on McDonald's menu? Oatmeal. With maple syrup and fruit. Thankfully it has finally started to get some attention. I am entirely in favor of McDonald's adding healthier items. McDonald's is the only food option available in the hospital on the weekends, except for a small cafe across the street that charges $8 for a salad or sandwich. I think McDonalds got this one wrong.
Their oatmeal contains 290 calories, 10 calories less than a cheeseburger or Egg McMuffin. Without the brown sugar it still contains more calories than a McDonalds hamburger. It contains as much sugar as a Snickers bar, and it has 21 ingredients, including natural flavor, barley malt extract and caramel color. It also comes with cream, which contains 7 of the ingredients (2 are dairy).
McDonalds argues that people add all sorts of stuff to their oatmeal at home and that most of the sugar is from brown sugar (duh) and fruit sugars. Still, I would much rather control the amount of brown sugar I am adding, and you specifically have to ask not to get it.
One of the babysteps we have made is making old fashioned oatmeal. It really does taste better, and I was shocked to see how much sugar was in Quaker Instant flavors. We just start it a few minutes before breakfast and everyone gets to add their own topics...with known ingredients and known amounts.
One of the babysteps we have made is making old fashioned oatmeal. It really does taste better, and I was shocked to see how much sugar was in Quaker Instant flavors. We just start it a few minutes before breakfast and everyone gets to add their own topics...with known ingredients and known amounts.
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/02/22/how-to-make-oatmeal-wrong/
Friday, February 25, 2011
Handwashing
This winter one of my greatest goals in life is to keep us healthy. Washing our hands is one of the very most, if not THE most, important way to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Antibacterial soap has soared in recent popularity. However, it is really a myth that you need a good antibacterial soap. For one reason, many infections are caused by viruses, which are immune to antibiotics and antibacterial soaps. Here are a few other myths about handwashing:
Soap isn't designed to kill bacteria. It acts as a surfactant to lift dirt off of surfaces so it can be rinsed away.
The efficacy of alcohol-based hand-hygiene products is affected by several factors, including the type of alcohol used, concentration of alcohol, contact time, volume of alcohol used and whether the hands are wet when the alcohol is applied. Applying small volumes (i.e., 0.2-0.5 mL) of alcohol to the hands is not more effective than washing hands with plain soap and water.
Source: www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5116a1.htm
Myth: Frequent handwashing or use of hand sanitizers promotes healthy skin.
Occupationally related contact dermatitis can develop from frequent and repeated use of hand hygiene products, exposure to chemicals and glove use.
Source: www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5217a1.htm
Myth: Wearing gloves replaces handwashing.
Wearing gloves does not eliminate the need for handwashing. Hand hygiene should be performed immediately before donning gloves. Gloves can have unapparent defects or can be torn during use, and hands can become contaminated during glove removal. In addition, bacteria can multiply rapidly in the moist environments underneath gloves.
Source: www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5217a1.htm
Myth: Alcohol gels are an effective means to reduce infection.
Alcohols have very poor activity against bacterial spores, protozoan oocysts and certain nonenveloped (nonlipophilic) viruses.
Source: www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/RetailFoodProtection/IndustryandRegulatoryAssistanceandTrainingResources/ucm135577.htm
Myth: Soap with triclosan is an effective antimicrobial for handwashing.
A recent study compared an antibacterial soap containing triclosan with a non-antibacterial soap and concluded that the former did not provide any additional benefit. Concerns have been raised about the use of triclosan, because of the development of bacterial resistance to low concentrations of biocide and cross-resistance to some antibiotics.
Source: http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2009/9789241597906_eng.pdf
One last mistake that the majority of people is not washing your hands long enough. You really need to wash and scrub for at least 20 sec. We are taught at the hospital I work at to sing Row Row Your Boat or Happy Birthday. You do not want to go overboard and become obsessive about washing your hands because that can actually strip the natural oils from your skin and actually destroy the protective barrier of your hands, leaving them dry and cracked and open to infection. However, you should wash your hands:
"when they look dirty, and prior to, or after, performing certain tasks that could spread infection, such as in these instances:
Before and after preparing food, especially when handling raw meat and poultry
Before eating
Before and after treating wounds or taking/giving medicine
Before touching a sick or injured person
Before inserting contact lenses
After using the toilet or changing a diaper
After touching an animal, its toys, leashes, or waste
Myth: The use of any soap is better than plain water in handwashing.
Soap isn't designed to kill bacteria. It acts as a surfactant to lift dirt off of surfaces so it can be rinsed away.Myth: Hot water is better than cold water for effective handwashing.
Scientists with the Joint Bank Group/Fund Health Services Department pointed out that various temperatures had "no effect on transient or resident bacterial reduction." They found no evidence that hot water had any benefit, and noted that it might increase the "irritant capacity" of some soaps, causing contact dermatitis.
Myth: Hand sanitizers kill germs more effectively than soap.
The efficacy of alcohol-based hand-hygiene products is affected by several factors, including the type of alcohol used, concentration of alcohol, contact time, volume of alcohol used and whether the hands are wet when the alcohol is applied. Applying small volumes (i.e., 0.2-0.5 mL) of alcohol to the hands is not more effective than washing hands with plain soap and water.
Source: www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5116a1.htm
Myth: Frequent handwashing or use of hand sanitizers promotes healthy skin.
Occupationally related contact dermatitis can develop from frequent and repeated use of hand hygiene products, exposure to chemicals and glove use.
Source: www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5217a1.htm
Myth: Wearing gloves replaces handwashing.
Wearing gloves does not eliminate the need for handwashing. Hand hygiene should be performed immediately before donning gloves. Gloves can have unapparent defects or can be torn during use, and hands can become contaminated during glove removal. In addition, bacteria can multiply rapidly in the moist environments underneath gloves.
Source: www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5217a1.htm
Myth: Alcohol gels are an effective means to reduce infection.
Alcohols have very poor activity against bacterial spores, protozoan oocysts and certain nonenveloped (nonlipophilic) viruses.
Source: www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/RetailFoodProtection/IndustryandRegulatoryAssistanceandTrainingResources/ucm135577.htm
Myth: Soap with triclosan is an effective antimicrobial for handwashing.
A recent study compared an antibacterial soap containing triclosan with a non-antibacterial soap and concluded that the former did not provide any additional benefit. Concerns have been raised about the use of triclosan, because of the development of bacterial resistance to low concentrations of biocide and cross-resistance to some antibiotics.
Source: http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2009/9789241597906_eng.pdf
One last mistake that the majority of people is not washing your hands long enough. You really need to wash and scrub for at least 20 sec. We are taught at the hospital I work at to sing Row Row Your Boat or Happy Birthday. You do not want to go overboard and become obsessive about washing your hands because that can actually strip the natural oils from your skin and actually destroy the protective barrier of your hands, leaving them dry and cracked and open to infection. However, you should wash your hands:
"when they look dirty, and prior to, or after, performing certain tasks that could spread infection, such as in these instances:
Before and after preparing food, especially when handling raw meat and poultry
Before eating
Before and after treating wounds or taking/giving medicine
Before touching a sick or injured person
Before inserting contact lenses
After using the toilet or changing a diaper
After touching an animal, its toys, leashes, or waste
After blowing your nose or coughing/sneezing into your hands
After handling garbage or potentially contaminated waste "
From Dr. Mercola's hand hygeine article 2/25/11 and Beckers ASC Review
Monday, February 21, 2011
Is organic worth it?
Do you ever get tired of trying to eat right, live right, be healthy?? Do you ever wonder if it really makes a difference? Honestly, I get so tired of trying to be healthy sometimes. I did not feel awful before. It was so easy to fix canned, frozen, microwavable foods. I could enjoy a Coke, mmmm.
Once you start cutting out processed foods and sugar, it makes it so hard to go back. Now when I eat sugar, I feel AWFUL. I feel like a gain a pound each time I eat a tiny piece of candy. I get a headache, sometimes for days. I do not sleep as well when I start eating less healthy. Sometimes it really does seem like it has to be all or none…forget the baby steps.
Once you start cutting out processed foods and sugar, it makes it so hard to go back. Now when I eat sugar, I feel AWFUL. I feel like a gain a pound each time I eat a tiny piece of candy. I get a headache, sometimes for days. I do not sleep as well when I start eating less healthy. Sometimes it really does seem like it has to be all or none…forget the baby steps.
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| Photo credit |
I am sometimes envious of people that can drink a cup of coffee at night and still sleep, or eat a 6 lb bag of gummy bears and not feel sick. I do think it is important not to be too legalistic about being healthy. However, I know I do truly feel better when I eat right, even if I cannot tell at the time. All it takes is one heavenly chocolate covered raspberry to remind me how little sugar I can tolerate anymore. While it is a pain, I am glad that my body can tell a difference. I am glad I do not tolerate junk food as well. Here are two more babysteps towards eating right regularly…
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