Thursday, April 29, 2010

Turkey Con Chili

I have a new love in my life - Jamie Oliver. ;) Seriously, he is doing great things with food and nutrition, not to mention has great tips, ideas, money saving suggestions and recipes - all with the center theory of basing our meals around natural foods! Love it. Tried one of his recipe's last night. I had to make a few adjustments due to the ingredients we had on hand so i will give it to you as I made it, but also give you the link to his original.

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF.

2. Heat a few "lugs" of olive oil in a skillet on stove top at a medium heat.
Add:
2 peeled onions - roughly cut
1-2 carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
2 peppers (we had an orange and green), deseeded and roughly chopped
1 green chili pepper, deseeded and chopped - It made this chili B.I.L.M.S. for us (Brother in Law Marcus Style) which is spicy hot for Adam liking, hot enough for me as long as served with milk, but had to crack open an emergency can of chicken noodle soup for Emma! :) So use this ingredient to your family likin'!
Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Add:
diced celery (around two stalks)
1 tsp. Cumin
1 heaping tsp of Paprika
Let it cook another 10 minutes until soft and delicious. Jamie also says, "Sometimes I like to add some honey and white wine vinegar at this point and let it cook for a couple of minutes. I find this adds a wonderful sheen and enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables." So I did... add 1 heaping tsp of "runny" honey and 3 TBSP white wine vinegar (well, I used apple cider because that is all we had)

4. Take this awesome veggie mixture and put in deep casserole/cooking dish along with:
600 grams (according to google 400 grams is 14 oz.) of shredded turkey, roughly chopped
Good pinch of Sea Salt and fresh cracked peppercorns
3 cans (14 oz) chopped tomatoes
1 can (14 oz) butter beans or chickpeas, drained - we had neither so I used black beans

5. Stir it baby. Admire the colors. Smell the goodness.

6. Pop it in the hot oven to blip away for 2 hours. Check on it after an hour, and add a splash of water if it looks a bit dry. (Which I did....used the tomato can, so about 14 oz)

This was SOOO GOOD! Even Adam, the worlds biggest chili lover was totally satisfied.

Here are some more save money and time tips to make this dish -
- Make it ahead of time and crock pot it all day.
- Instead of canned tomatoes, use those chopped fresh tomatoes you gather last summer and have in the freezer (don't forget to plant your tomato plant this summer!)
- Use that left over Thanksgiving turkey you put in a ziplock in the freezer
- We actually used 1 lb. ground turkey I had got on sale a while back - worked perfect!
- Instead of canned beans, use the long soaking beans that you made up awhile back and froze
- Use this recipe as a just a base...to quote Jamie, "Try to think of this recipe as a principle, rather than something you have to follow really strictly. I want you to embrace your own leftovers so adjust the recipe accordingly. If you need to swap out some of the vegetables that’s fine, and different tinned or jarred beans will all work well too. I’ve given you a weight of turkey here, but you can use whatever you’ve got left over. It’s all about building up layers of flavour with the sweet vegetable base then turning whatever you add to it into a beautiful meal with great spice and attitude. It’s brilliant with steamed rice, or rolled up in warmed tortillas."
To see his actuall recipe go to: http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/turkey-recipes/turkey-con-chilli

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Orange Chicken with Bulgur Pilaf

I have no idea what Bulgur Pilaf is, but this is a good healthy recipe, plus the leftover (if any) can make for a fun lunch the next day....keep reading - heck, print it out!

4 6oz organic boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 tsp. finely grater orange zest - right off the orange itself! (I used a cheese grater) :)
1/4 cup FRESH orange juice (took me around three oranges?)
6 scallions (or one diced onion)
3 TBSP chopped fresh oregano
3 TBSP plus 1 tsp olive oil
Sea Salt and ground black peppercorn
1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup pitted olives, halved (we didn't have any so ours was oliveless - still good though!)
1 cup bulgur wheat....ok so no idea what this is, so I used my brown rice in place of! :) (which was already made and taken out of freezer to unthaw in micro in matter of minutes!)

In large bowl toss chicken with the zest , half the scallions, 2 TBSP of the oregano, 1 TBSP of the oil and 1/2 tsp each of salt and pepper. Can marinate up to 1 day in advance.

In another bowl, combine the tomatoes, olives, 2 TBSP of oil, remaining scallions, remaining 1 TBSP of oregano, 1/2 salt and 1/4 tsp of pepper. This too can be made 1 day in advance.

Heat remaining olive oil in nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden, 8-10 minutes per side, adding orange juice during LAST minute.

Meanwhile, cook bulgur (or rice) as directed...toss with tomatoes mixure serve with chicken.

YUM!

Ok so here is how it really went down for the Phipps family. I didn't read allllll the instructions first and combined everything in the chicken marinade including the orange juice. So when it came time to cook, I just had Adam grill it. Still good! However would really like to do the stove top way sometime again...think the orange flavor would come out more.
We also did not have the pint of tomatoes, so I used some frozen tomatoes that i had diced from last years garden tomatoes. See where that tomato plant comes in handy!!! Still good.

For a left over idea:
Take ground turkey and brown. Drain and put back in skillet....add "rice" mixtures along with diced peppers. Warm flavors. Open up whole grain wraps and sprinkle with torn up green lettuce pieces, add some scoops of the turkey/rice mixture, top with a TAD of cheese if your husband is Adam and can't live without, wrap it up, pin with toothpick and bake at 350 degrees for about 10-12 minutes. VERY fulfilling!!!!

We only had a 1/2 chicken breast left over from the top recipe, so Emma and I diced it up the next day, added some halved grapes, diced celery, cut up fresh oranges, tad of mayo, and pinch of cinnamon for a great tasting chicken salad....served on our green leafy lettuce and whole grain wrap.

Good recipe - its a keeper for us, hope you enjoy too. Love simple things....especially if they can be made ahead of time for those evenings you need to pull out something quick and easy!

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Concerning what our kids drink.

If anyone caught the last half of Jamie Oliver's show last Friday, you heard him go bananas over the posters in one school cafeteria. They were advertising and promoting chocolate and flavored milks. His comment was that chocolate and flavored milks (such as strawberry) have just as much sugar in them as soda, so why not put up posters promoting to our youth to drink up the soda! Good point, and in the end the cafeteria ladies took down the signs....they didn't think about the sugar content or put two and two together. See what education can do?!

Anyhow, on that note I am sitting here looking at the ingredients in McDonald's chocolate milk, there are in order: lowfat milk, HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, SUGAR, cocoa, PROCESSED WITH ALKALI, skim milk, CARRAGEENAN, SALT, ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR, Vit A PALMITATE, vitamin D3.

YAK! That is some nasty stuff going into our kids!
I have to brag on my water drinking daughter. When at McDonalds, she even request it with her meal. How cool. So the question is, did we beat her? Of course not, we just never gave her the option when she was younger. We don't encourage it, or give it as an option to pick from. She doesn't care. She doesn't even ask for it. I love that. She is so awesome.
Read your ingredients my friends because we ARE what we eat,
Jill

Monday, April 26, 2010

Same info, different source....educate.

Today's Small Change: Get to know your ingredients.
Be Smart About What Goes In Your Cart


When you shop for groceries, you may consider health claims on the packages, like "fat free" or "sugar free." You may even look at the Nutrition Facts panel to see how many calories are in a serving. But most of the time, we tend to overlook a critical question about a particular food: What's in it? This week, make a small change in your grocery-shopping routine and read the ingredients lists on food labels to help yourself make educated decisions about what goes in your cart.

Many food products sold today are full of additives that can contribute to poor nutrition. For example, refined sugar is packed into many "healthy" foods, like cereals and flavored yogurts, providing empty calories with no nutritional benefits. So do yourself a favor and watch out for it on the ingredients list, where ingredients are listed in order of quantity, from most to least. Avoid products in which added sugar (also called high-fructose corn syrup, dextrose, glucose, cane sugar, and corn syrup) is one of the first ingredients. Also watch out for artificial sweeteners, which are not necessarily safe in excessive amounts.

Many processed foods on the market today also contain way too much added salt, which can lead to high blood pressure and other health problems. So read labels before you buy canned, frozen, and packaged goods, and look for lower-sodium varieties.
Another ingredient to watch out for is "hydrogenated" or "partially hydrogenated" oil, which signifies the presence of trans fat, the worst type of fat for your heart. Look for products with zero grams of trans fat on the Nutrition Facts panel.

In fact, when shopping, a good rule of thumb is to go for the food products with the fewest ingredients — and ideally, only ingredients that you recognize and can pronounce!

From today's newletter at Healthy Living with Elli Krieger - Sign up for helpful tips at: http://www.healthylivingwithellie.com/online-program/customized-plan.aspx

Saturday, April 24, 2010

It only takes 30 Seconds - PLEASE.

http://abc.go.com/shows/jamie-olivers-food-revolution/take-action

Click. Go. Add your name. That simple.

Also check out the full episodes, recipes, facts, and how you can make a difference.
It's a revolution, baby.

Now what are you waiting for?

Friday, April 23, 2010

Fun Fact Friday already?!

Where did the week go?

1. Next week will be recipe week - keep posted for some good ones I've been collecting!

2. Trader Joe Organic Frozen Super Sweet Cut Corn update - LOVE IT! Seriously, this is the BEST corn we have ever had next to getting it straight out of the garden. Even my husband announced at supper it was way better than any can of corn. It is super sweet just as if it came right off the cob.....but with no added sugar or anything. We love it. Reminds me of the corn we ate during the winter time growing up (my mom and grandma spent their summers cutting off the garden sweet corn into baggies and freezing - but they added sugar and butter!)

3. Feeling sluggish? Did you know that can be a sign you need more water. Good 'ol water. So go grab a glass and fuel up!

4. And the fabulous Friday fact.....I have hit the third trimester with the baby. WOO-HOO! Amazing. Totally amazing.

Congrats to Robert, Carrie and big brother Jackson in CA on the arrival of Katelynn Rose....all are healthy and doing well. Safe travels to proud grandparents, Kaye and George!!

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Congrats and Thanks Dr. Moore

A big congrats to Dr. Moore of Amerihealth Chiropractic in Polaris Center, OH - He ran the BOSTON MARATHON yesterday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! http://www.bostonmarathon.org/2010/cf/public/ResultsSearch.cfm?mode=results to see his finishing time!

Dr. Moore has been such a big inspiration for me the past year. I was truly blessed to have called his office "to see if the accepted our insurance". With the wonderful plans God has for us, they did. Only going there was I able to get the encouragement and tools I needed to be were I am today. Thank you so much Dr. Moore for giving me hope.

Check out http://www.dr4health.com/bio.php to get a glimpse of his beliefs. This is not your typical "back cracker idea" that most have of chiropractic care. So much more. I wish so bad he would move his office to Zionsville, IN!!!!! :) If you live in Ohio, I HIGHLY recommend you get a free consult with him to talk health vision. He is a wonderful resource and encourager....and a runner. Wow. He is also a man that serves his Lord first and foremost....how can you beat that resume?

Congrats again, Dr. Moore.....and to all your office - you ARE changing the lives of people.
Jill

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Save some money and try something new....

No secret my feelings on organic milk....I have made a vow to my family to not let conventional milk in our fridge as long as I can prevent it. Also no secret organic milk is quite a bit more expensive. This is where as a family we have made the choice to give up other processed food items and rather use the money towards something we strongly believe will help our health.

Annnnnyhow, as I checked out of Kroger the other week, I was checking out the printed out coupons that came with my receipt. There was a FREE 1/2 gallon of Almond Milk. Cool. I love free. So I tried it. Here is what I found out.....

Two kinds, regular and vanilla. I got vanilla. Taste was very sweet, somewhat different than milk, so would not just want to drink it alone in a glass - BUT we LOVE LOVE it on our cereal or in our smoothies! It is very low in calories, just as much calcium and vit. D as milk, plus it has NO saturated fat, NO cholesterol and NO lactose or soy. It really agrees with my body!

So in the end the price of this Pure Almond Milk (which by the way is loaded with antioxidants) is cheaper than organic regular milk....so my thought - buy this to use on cereal and smoothies, and just buy the organic milk to use as drinking. Every little cut in change makes a difference in our monthly envelopes - hope this can help you.
Plus it sounds pretty nutritious!
Jill

CA Baby girl arrived yesterday evening!!!! No name yet, but all sounds healthy - praise God!

Monday, April 19, 2010

Keep it up!

Kudos to Adam's cousin Julie here in Zionsville. I just saw her toady and we were chatting about the joys of eating healthy. She has become a fan of eating healthy, more natural, no preservatives, and gave up soda.....in return she looks fab! Since Jan, 17 pounds GONE, sleeping better, more energy, and other health issues G-O-N-E. I love hearing these testimonies! She is introducing her new life to her family too, wonderful!

Way to go Julie - thanks for being my inspiration and encouragement today (and thanks for watching Emma this morning too)!

Who's next with a wonderful story like this????
:)
PS - Our Wienbach Girl, Carrie is officially in labor in CA - water broke earlier this morning....awaiting the news! YEAH!

Friday, April 16, 2010

Fun Fact Friday

Environmental toxins are often bad news for your liver. But you could safeguard your health by eating spinach. Chlorophyll and chlorophyllin, two substances found in spinach and other leafy greens, may help reduce the body's absorption of aflatoxin, a common but potentially harmful type of environmental toxin.
http://www.realage.com/tips/use-this-veggie-to-safeguard-your-liver

Studies have shown organic produce to be higher in anti-oxidants; vitamins and minerals (thank you to The Organic Center for your vigilant scientific research) and organic diary, meat and eggs have fewer hormones, antibiotics and pesticide residues (yes, pesticides are found in meat because cattle are eating feed laden with them).

Eating healthy doesn't have to be expensive...check out "Healthy Cooking on the Cheap: Springtime Split Pea Soup, Egg Salad With Carrot Fries, and Health(ier) Brownies
Grocery lists and easy weeknight recipes from a culinary pro" http://eating.health.com/2010/04/14/split-pea-soup-with-egg/

And Friday's most Fantastic Fact MANGOES....did you know mangoes are the world's number one consumed fruit and are gaining popularity in the USA? Oh yes! There are over 41 species and 1,100 varieties - so eat up my friends - these things are G-O-O-D and an excellent source of vitamins A & C!

Aren't Friday's Fabulous?
Jill

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Yoga...

...don't know much about it, but learning the great value it has. And who doesn't have ten minutes before bed for a few poses that could make life so much better?!!?
Check out:
http://living.health.com/tag/sara-ivanhoe/

Thanks Mel for this link!
Jill

Trader Joe findings...

Ok, friends. I did some more research and have a few new finding to share.
Sunday I was able to spend over an hour at our Trader Joe grocery and then the next two hours at Kroger - comparing prices, checking out selection, etc. Here is what I found hope it can help you.

1. Yogurt. This is something I now like to buy organic knowing what I know about dairy products. Trader Joes has a MUCH bigger selection/flavors (and by flavor, i mean real fruit, not the kid's Dora explorer add dye/sugar and call it cotton candy). When it came to price Trader Joes small individual cups were 80-90cents each, keep in mind they were organic. Kroger's regular ones cost less than 40 cents. However, when it came to the 32 oz. tub, TJ had more variety and price was $2.99. Kroger has two flavors of organic in a tub and it is $3.99. I go with TJ tubs, and when home put them in individual serving size containers - easy for Adam to grab for lunch, and Emma and I to grab for a snack.

2. Frozen fruit. My main find was blueberries. I prefer the organic wild berries (smaller size berry and packed with more nutritional punch). They are $2.99 at TJ for a pound. Per ounce this has been the cheapest i have found in any grocery store including Meijers, Marsh and Giant Eagle. The other frozen fruits seemed to nickle and dime it against Krogers, however there was a bigger selection of organic at TJ.

3. Frozen veggies. Didn't spend a whole lot of time in this section just because it wasn't on my list of needs this time around. but i did pick up a couple bags of organic corn at TJ $1.69....Kroger had it on sale for a dine cheaper. Some veggies I don't go organic on do to the pesticides usage such as broccoli, so definitely cheaper at Kroger when the 10 for $10 sale comes around.

4. Fresh fruit/veggies. This was a toughie. Being my first time to really check out TJ, I was a little confused on the way their signs were marked. They do carry conventional produce as well as organic. A bigger selection of organic when it comes to comparison to Kroger (unless you live in Powell OH - that Kroger rocks the world on organic produce!) TJ did have organic carrots for 89 cents/lb...i liked the idea of that and red bell peppers 2 pack for $2.99. I did pick up a bag of organic pears at TJ for $2.29 for 2 lbs....Kroger regular pears were $3.38 for 2 lbs! I got a pineapple at TJ for $3.99, Krogers was $4.19.
Overall observation - TJ has more organic selections and the organic prices seem comparable if not cheaper than regular grocery. However when it comes to regular conventional produce SOME of Kroger seemed to win on price.....I'll keep my broccoli buying there. :)

5. Milk. You know my feeling on organic milk! I know those signs they have now in the grocery say the FDA has no found evidence that the hormone added makes a difference, but the FDA hasn't meet me, now have they! ;) Anyhow, a big encourager of ALL organic dairy, this is what I found. TJ's gallons are $6, which is exactly what Kroger will run sales for. Kroger will also put their 1/2 gallons down to $2.50 many times as well. I also have found myself finding coupons for the brands that Kroger carries. TJ is their own brand so no coupon madness there.

6. BRAWK! Chicken time. Well kids, I must admit, I find nothing but disappointment here after living in OH. Kroger in OH carries its own brand of locally grown chicken and many times would put it on manager's special near exp. date for $3.50 lb. That is when I would buy it ALL and freeze. I can not find that here - ANYWHERE. i have been to two Marsh's, three different Krogers, and Meijers. All have the wimpest (if any) selection of organic chicken and it is all expensive - like $6-7 lb. TJ did have a nice selection....$7 lb which didn't float my boat, but it just means I must manage my other purchases better to compensate. TJ did have "natural" chick breast indivual wrapped for $5.49 lb. Now, still learning, but I am not a fan of "natural" chicken. The packaging claims no MSGs or hormones added to the animals. That is good, but it still doesn't take out the bad estrogen and hormones in grain given to the chickens. However TJ's "natural" chicken did say it was vegetarian feed - so that made me feel better and I bought it. I will not buy the Perdue/Tyson all natural in regular stores. Personal opinion, I guess. Just a HUGE advocate of organic....totally worth the price for my family.

7. Misc. Overall, TJ seemed like a small store, but was packed with selection. I picked up some brown rice spaghetti ($1.99) just out of curiosity and a switch from our Kroger Whole grain spaghetti ($1.45). TJ has a very wide variety of organics and all natural items where Kroger is limited.....but then again, it would depend how much organic you buy to make the $$ worth it.

Overall price - I think there are definite items I will stop at TJ to buy, however it is conveniently located next to my Kroger. If it is out of your way, you may want to consider the worth/value of driving there. Prices did seem cheaper at TJ's, however I am a HUGE coupon fan of Kroger and you just can't beat that many times on conventional items. (not to mention Kroger send you free coupons quarterly for regular purchased items - they are the only store that tracks what you buy)

Hope this can help some of you busy moms (or dads) and give you an insight. Please comment any additional info that we can all share!
Whole foods is my next investigation - CAN'T WAIT!!! They are huge!!!! I will take full notes and report back - let me know if there is a specific item you want me to check out - I'll do it!
Jill

This week's small change...

Pick three things on your normal grocery list and don't buy them. Examples: Mac n Cheese, crackers, chips, frozen pizza, pop tarts, anything in a jar or box! :) And instead take the extra money and put it towards some good fruit and veggies.

Try a plum, avocado, mango, pineapple, celery, pears, eggplant, etc.

Trying new things has been a hurdle for me to jump! Once I did, I am now addicted though. Who knew this stuff was GOOD! And now I love hearing my daughter say at 3:00 in the afternoon, "Mom, can I have pear for a snack?" I can not but help to think how different her life will be than the child that gets a prepackaged cheese and cracker snack. hmmmmmm........

Small changes make BIG differences,
Jill

Recap....

....so some new readers out there (go ahead sign up to be a follower - and all comments welcome!)
This blog was originally designed for five college roommates - aka Weinbach Girls - to encourage each other to run a 5K. Even though they are states aways, the connection between them is amazing.
Once fall passed, four of the five Weinbacher's became pregnant....including me, Jill. Even though the 5K was completed, being pregnant put a kink in continuing the running. That is when the blog became more of a resource to get healthy, how to do it, recipes, and tips to shopping/saving money for good healthy food.

I am a stay-at-home mom, who has been through A LOT with her health and am soooooo happy to share the results. I am not a doctor, and will never profess to be, but everything I post has a source to it.....and 99% of the time it is info that I have heard multiple places! i know my Weinbach girls are extremely busy with their jobs and kids, so this blog is quick info to help them lead a busy, but healthy, life. I hope it can help you too.

Just some things you might find:
1. Organic - what to buy, what not to buy
2. Healthy fast food places
3. Exercise tips
4. The healing power of food
5. Losing the weight and all the benefits
6. Encouragement, Encouragement, Encouragement

Enjoy. I try to post daily, but as you can see that doesn't happen....will work on that. ;)
LOVE YOU ALL.
Jill

Monday, April 12, 2010

And the preacher speaks.

In our church hopping days, this Sunday was "ok", however one point in the sermon did stick with me.
"Do not expect circumstantial changes as a Christian." This was proceeded with the explanation on how many times we ask Jesus to "help fix our circumstances" in life. Should we really expect or even dare ask Jesus to help us fix the problem? Further explained that we should take a hard core look in the mirror and take the energy to prevent the circumstances from accruing. Jesus doesn't work for us, we should work for Jesus......don't count on Jesus, He is counting on you!

Ok - so paraphrased a bit to shorten the point....and obviously can relate to the prevention of many of life's encounters.
For me - I see myself in that picture. Two years ago, I was desperately seeking Jesus to "fix me". It wasn't until this past year that the "look in the mirror" let me take the step to do something for myself. Today I can see my efforts have 100 times over paid off.
And in the end, I know without a doubt, that Jesus was coaching all the while.

Could there be some encouragement to know that we have the chioce - instead of praying for the health issues after we get them, but rather do the steps to prevent them from occuring.
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strenth.

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Going strong....

So today didn't exactly go as planned. The yard was desperately needing mowed and Adam had been getting the mower ready. Three, two, one....ewwwww, leaking gas...not good. So in the midst of getting everything fixed, more broke and the mower was on the truck bed headed to town with a very dirty Adam.
What to do, what to do? So I pulled out the push mower, checked the oil, filled it up with gas and was off. Started like a charm...well, a good few pulls, charm.

Now how lovely for all the passing neighbors to see the "newbies" mowing their 1.25 acre yard with a push mower....powered by a 6 month preggo lady! I am sure it was a sight to see!

By the time Adam got back home, I had almost competed the entire front and part of back....half the yard, I would say. Feeling good. I absolutely LOVE working in fresh air....always have. And what better way to get in that good 'ol exercise for the day. I am sure baby was lovin' it.

Hello Spring - glad you're back.
Jill

PS - You know your friends are golden, that when you have lunch with them at Subway and your daughter only eats half her tuna sandwich so you stick it in your purse to take home....and then at 6:30 that evening your friend text you to take it out and put in fridge. Love ya, Sham! :)

Thursday, April 8, 2010

grrrrrr.

So here I am, gas out the wa-zoo, constipated beyond belief, tired and just spent OVER and hour on the phone with *$#&!#* Verizon Internet customer service over our last and final bill from OH....you know the bill you pay and keep getting late statements for.
After six representatives that transferred me and an hour of their crappy elevator music (not to mention the annoying lady that kept telling me my call was important) I broke down in tears - apparently the non-English-speaking person felt sorry for me and told me in three seconds "uh, yes mam, you show zero balance, no more to pay."
Thank you non-English-speaking man. Thank you.

So is there any food/nutrition out there that can make me feel better at this moment. Doubt it. Crap and we are out of the chocolate Easter Candy.
Deep breath Jill, deep breath. So help me if we ever move again.

Lets hear it for the 1985 Barbie Patio and Pool set that I got for Christmas several years ago and my mom kept - pulled it out today for Emma's entertainment while I on the phone. She's so good.
And yes, just in case you are wondering, it is possible to hold a phone, press the "closely listened to menu options" numbers, AND dress a Barbie into her finest bathing suit.

Chocolate. I need chocolate. And probably some more plum juice.
-sigh-
J

Good stuff. Educate and spread the word.

Environmental Toxins & Your Health

Environmental toxins are everywhere and the majority of them are found in products that we come into contact with on a daily basis. It would be difficult to safe-guard ourselves against them all, but a good place to start would be to avoid consumer-based products that have been found to contain high levels of hormone-mimicking chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, PVC, and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB). Traces of these “hormone disruptors” have been found in a variety of products that many of us use on a frequent basis, such as plastic water bottles, chemical-based cosmetics, canned goods, household cleaning products and scented candles.

These toxins eventually build up within glandular tissues, and oftentimes interfere with the production and function of key hormones such as cortisol, insulin, testosterone, progesterone and estrogen. Many of these environmental toxins accelerate the body’s aging process and significantly increase the risk for a wide range of health challenges, including diabetes, adrenal fatigue, obesity, heart disease and macular degeneration.We’re not only polluting our environment with these toxins, we’re polluting our own bodies. I recommend limiting your exposure to the following products to avoid the negative impacts on your health:

Plastic Water Bottles – Plastic water bottles and other various soft plastics are manufactured using an organic compound known as bisphenol A (BPA). BPA acts as an estrogen in the human body and eventually disrupts the balance between estrogen, progesterone and testosterone in the body.

Scented Products – This isn’t limited to scented candles and aerosol air fresheners – we’re talking about laundry and dish washing detergents, deodorants, perfumes and colognes as well as many hair styling products such as gels, sprays and dyes. Many of these products contain phthalates – chemicals that disrupt the production and function of sex hormones, oftentimes leading to erectile dysfunction in men and low libido in women.

Antibacterial Products – Not all bacteria is bad. We rely on specific microorganisms – “good” bacteria – to ward off the bad. Using antibacterial and antimicrobial products on a regular basis can actually make us more susceptible to foreign pathogens and infection. Additionally, ingredients used in the manufacture of antibacterial products can disrupt hormonal balance.

Household Cleansers – The average household contains at least 20 toxic chemicals. In an overkill effort to rid our homes of dirt, grime and bacteria, we contaminate our homes and can make our families and ourselves sick. The Children’s Health Environmental Coalition has singled out bleach as the most harmful chemical lurking in our homes. When mixed with acidic cleansers, such as ammonia, bleach reacts violently, emitting toxic gas, similar to mustard gas.

Smoking – Did you know that as little as one cigarette can raise your risk of developing lung cancer? It’s true. Just think what a pack a day could do to us in the long run. Smoking leads to the oxidization of the body’s cells and in addition to raising one’s risk of lung and throat cancer, smoking also increases the risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and heart disease. Smokers aren’t the only ones at risk either - the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 3,000 non-smokers die of lung cancer each year as a direct result of secondhand smoke.

The Organic DifferenceThe word “organic” refers to the agricultural methods that farmers use to cultivate fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products and meat. “Organic” practices are designed to conserve water and reduce environmental toxins and pollution. Not only do organic foods oftentimes taste better, they’re also a whole lot better for you – here are some reasons why:

Fertilization - Instead of using chemical-based fertilizers, organic agriculture uses manure or compost to enrich the plants and soil with their necessary nutrients. Many of the chemicals used for fertilization contain a variety of toxic substances that oftentimes end up contaminating the crops.

Synthetic Hormones – Conventional farmers use a long list of synthetic hormones to spur the growth of their livestock and expedite the animals’ development. Synthetic hormones disrupt the production and function of our natural hormones and on the long-term can cause hormonal imbalances, including thyroid disease and metabolic disorders.

Antibiotics – Farmers use antibiotics to ward off infection and disease in their livestock. The trouble is many of these antibiotics have a similar effect to that of synthetic hormones. Farmers need to use large quantities of antibiotics to offset the many health risks that oftentimes accompany the overcrowded living conditions that the animals are accustomed to.

Organic Certified Feed – The majority of cattle, chickens and other farm-raised animals are fed nothing but corn-based feed - which has little nutritional value. Organic farmers feed their animals only Organic Certified Feed – meaning that it contains at least 95 percent ORGANIC ingredients. Organic feed provides the animals with the nutrients and vitamins that they require for optimal development.

Source: BodyLogic MD
http://www.bodylogicmd.com/newsletters?utm_source=email&utm_medium=patient+services&tid=email.patient+services.patients.xxx.april+2010+newsletter.subscribe+to+our+newsletter+live+better+longer

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

The ever so loved, evil Easter Bunny

Can't resist chocolate anywhere, anyplace, anytime. Man, that stuff is just good. But man oh man am I feeling the effects of the weekend!

We were blessed to spend Sat. and Sun. with Adam's family and extended family. Many big meals that all had many desserts and candy awaiting. I always love a little indulgence once in awhile, but I think I over did it this time - I'm suffering from some low energy....gotta get back on track and eat what I have learned to love to get it back!

Hope all had a spectacular Easter. What a good feeling to hear my precious 4 year old ask me on Good Friday, "Mom, why would people be mean to Jesus?" Good question, Emma...good question.
God is good, all the time.
Jill

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Woo-Hoo! Momma and Baby just went joggin'!

That's right folks - 26 weeks into it and I finally got up to a joggin' speed this morning. Holy smokes the air was brisk and felt GREAT! Sun was a fireball, trees are budding and birds were singing - what better morning could you ask for????!!!!!

Hank was diggin' it too! ;)

Happy Easter weekend to all,
Jill

Thursday, April 1, 2010

VITAMIN D HERE WE COME!!!!!

No better way to get that vitamin D flowing through your body then soaking up the sun! And what a beautiful day to do so.

grab a walk with the kiddos, bike ride, zip over the park, or just relax in a comfy lawn chair - Vitamin D is a wonderful source or good stuff that will boost you immune system in several ways along with doing a whole other slew of great stuff for our bodies. LOVE IT!

Emma and I just cam in from pulling weeds - nothing like it.

........anddddddd.....today was my official "get up and get going" day. Oh yes. I made a commitment today to start getting up early before Adam leaves for work and go out for a walk/jog. A little out of shape, so just power walked today, but man oh man did it ever feel good. Came back to a wonderful blueberry smoothie. Sweet sweet. Doing it again tomorrow - who's with me??!!?
My life's so bright I gotta wear shades,
Jill