Lucid Nutrition

King Corn, A Conversation with the Filmmaker

"The following clips are from a conversation with filmmaker Curt Ellis brought to us by Cooking Up A Story. It is about his documentary "King Corn", the film that may open eyes across America. Surprisingly, corn is present in some form or another, in almost everything on the American plate. And, none more so, than through the food ingredient "high fructose corn syrup" (HFCS). Is it a good idea to have "HFCS" present in so many of our foods without prior public debate, or adequate science to measure its impact on the long-term health of adults, and especially our children? Should our standard meals be unnaturally skewed toward a corn based diet, in the first place? This interview, along with video clips from the documentary, may not provide the answers here, but it's a good beginning for further thought and reflection."

What do you think? Were you even aware that corn is in just about everything that is processed? That typically means all the food that comes out of a box or a bag or picked up from a drive thru. Everything from the Oreo's, to the spaghetti sauce, to most loaves of bread. You wouldn't pour sugar on spaghetti naturally, would you? So why have so many of our diets become so much sweeter than they used to be? How can we find solutions that make healthy food available to everyone and not just the wealthy?

If you're concerned about the amount of high-fructose corn syrup or other sweeteners in your diet, consider these tips:

• Limit processed foods.
• Avoid foods that contain added sugar.
• Choose fresh fruit rather than fruit juice or fruit-flavored drinks. Even 100 percent fruit juice has a high concentration of sugar.
• Go Raw.
• Go Vegan.
• Don't get your nourishment out of a box.
• Don't get your fix out of a bag.
• Don't expect healthy food from a drive-thru window.
• Do not drink soda.
• Don't allow sweetened beverages to replace milk, especially for children.

More Info:
High Fructose Corn Syrup: Not so Good for the Planet.
Double Danger of High Fructose Corn Syrup.

"We may have to learn again the mystery of the garden: how its external characteristics model the heart itself, and how the soul is a garden enclosed, our own perpetual paradise where we can be refreshed and restored." ~Thomas Moore

Not the Tomatoes!!

The FDA is alerting consumers nationwide, a move that ups the alert from just Texas and New Mexico, that a salmonellosis outbreak appears to be linked to consumption of certain types of raw red tomatoes and products containing raw red tomatoes. The bacteria causing the illnesses are Salmonella serotype Saintpaul, an uncommon type of Salmonella.

The specific type and source of tomatoes are under investigation. However, preliminary data suggest that raw red plum, raw red Roma, or raw round red tomatoes are the cause. At this time, FDA is advising U.S. consumers to limit their tomato consumption to those that are not the likely source of this outbreak.

Still deemed safe for consumption are cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, tomatoes sold with the vine still attached, and tomatoes grown at home. (Yay! We have some growing in our garden)

Customers everywhere are advised to: Refrigerate within 2 hours or discard cut, peeled, or cooked tomatoes. Avoid purchasing bruised or damaged tomatoes and discard any that appear spoiled. Thoroughly wash all tomatoes under running water. Keep tomatoes that will be consumed raw separate from raw meats, raw seafood, and raw produce items. Wash cutting boards, dishes, utensils, and counter tops with hot water and soap when switching between types of food products.

Consumers should also be aware that raw tomatoes are often used in the preparation of fresh salsa, guacamole, and pico de gallo, are part of fillings for tortillas, and are used in other dishes.                                    

Restaurants, grocery stores, and food service operators have been advised by the FDA not to offer for sale or service raw red plum, Roma, or red tomatoes and products made from these types of tomatoes unless they are certainly NOT contaminated.

Since mid April, there have been 145 reported cases of salmonellosis nationwide caused by Salmonella Saintpaul, this uncommon form of Salmonella.  At least 23 hospitalizations have been reported. Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections particularly in young children, frail or elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems. Healthy people often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, the organism can get into the bloodstream and produce more severe illnesses.

Since mid-April, 145 persons infected with Salmonella
Saintpaul with the same genetic fingerprint have been identified in 16 states: Arizona (12 persons), California (1), Colorado (1), Connecticut (1), Idaho (2), Illinois (17), Indiana (1), Kansas (3), New Mexico (39), Oklahoma (3), Oregon (2), Texas (56 persons), Utah (1), Virginia (2), Washington (1), and Wisconsin (3). These were identified because clinical laboratories in all states send Salmonella strains from ill persons to their State public health laboratory for characterization. Among the 73 persons who have been interviewed, illnesses began between April 16 and May 27, 2008. Patients range in age from 1 to 82 years; 49% are female. At least 23 persons were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. Page last modified: June 7, 2008

Content Source: National Center for Zoonotic, Vector-Borne, and Enteric Diseases (ZVED)

What is salmonella really?? Salmonella is a gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria, they are microscopic living creatures that pass from the feces of people or animals to other people or other animals. Yuck. Scary. Careful Eating People.

 

15+ Tips for Dealing with Rising Food Costs

How will a country with astounding rates of obesity deal with rising food costs? I just read about a woman who can no longer afford milk but has decided to give her children soda to drink instead? I personally do not think either one of those options is good for a child. Can we as a nation (taxpaying) even afford for health to worsen? Of course not.

So why are food prices soaring?

• Ethanol. The ethanol boom has driven corn prices up 70% in a year. Now more land is planted in corn, and soybeans, wheat, oats, and barley are all up from 5% to 35%. Plus, higher corn prices mean higher prices for animals in the food chain that eat it - such as chickens, cows, and hogs. Corn is also a key ingredient in a long list of processed foods like breakfast cereal, and so far, producers have been able to pass these cost increases on - another sign of a fundamentally inflationary environment.

• Higher distribution costs. Energy hits on two fronts: It costs more to process food and it costs more to move it all to market.

• World demand. The "China effect" on energy prices has been well documented. But it also affects food. Food exports have grown as living standards in China, India and other growing economies have risen. That's good for the economy but not for prices.

How to deal with rising food costs: (in any order)

1. Don't be embarrassed to use coupons. Find them, Clip them, Save them, Share them. 

2. Leave the junk food on the shelf. It makes no sense whatsoever to buy food that will not nourish you. Limit your caffeine and muffins, doughnuts and candy.

3. Learn the shelf life of the foods you buy. Pick out the healthier stuff that can last. The shelf-life of food will depend upon the food itself, packaging, temperature, and humidity. Some examples:

Veggies:
Most fresh vegetables may be stored up to 5 days in the refrigerator wrapped or covered in moisture-proof bags. Root vegetables (potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions, etc.) and squashes, eggplant should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated place between 50°F and 60°F. Tomatoes continue to ripen after harvesting and should be stored at room temperature. Removing the tops of carrots, radishes, and beets prior to refrigerator storage will reduce loss of moisture and extend shelf-life. Lettuce should be rinsed under cold running water, drained, packaged in plastic bags, and refrigerated. Proper storage of fresh vegetables will maintain quality and nutritive value.

Fruits:
Ripe eating apples should be stored separately from other foods in the refrigerator and eaten within one month. Apples stored at room temperature will soften rapidly within a few days. Remember to remove apples that are bruised or decayed prior to storage in the refrigerator. Do not wash apples prior to storage.

Green pears and apricots should be ripened at room temperature and then stored in the refrigerator. Expect a 5-day refrigerated shelf-life for these fruits. Unripe peaches may be ripened at room temperature and eaten after 2 days. Store ripe peaches in the refrigerator but consume at room temperature. Grapes and plums should be stored in the refrigerator and eaten fresh within 5 days of purchase. Store unwashed grapes separately from other foods in the refrigerator and wash prior to consumption. Ripe strawberries can be stored in the refrigerator separately from other foods for approximately 3 days. Strawberries should be washed and stemmed prior to consumption.

Citrus fruits, such as lemons, limes, and ripened oranges, can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 weeks. Grapefruit may be stored at a slightly higher temperature of 50°F. Melons, such as the honeydew melon, cantaloupe, and watermelon, may be ripened at room temperature for 2, 3, and 7 days, respectively. Store ripe melons in the refrigerator. Avocados and bananas should be ripened at room temperature for 3 to 5 days. Never store unripe bananas in the refrigerator, since cold temperatures will cause the bananas to rapidly darken.

4. Cook the food you purchase. If you don't think you and your family will really eat something before it spoils, don't buy it. Research shows the average family wastes nearly $600 a year on food. Don't buy and cook food for the garbage can.

5. Learn to grow your own fruits and veggies. What a great hobby it could be and also it's good for the body. Learn your Plant Hardiness Zone to know what to plant and when to plant in your area.

6. Find your local farmers market in town. There, you can typically find fresher produce at better prices and you might even be able to negotiate for those apples. Find or add a place to The Eat Well Guide.

 

7. Take turns and share costs. Host Healthy Dinner Night parties with family and friends. Well, maybe its not such a good idea as people tend to eat more food in the relaxed company of others. What do you think?

8. Ditch the alcohol. It lowers your inhibition and makes you eat more, talk funny, and will eventually lead to some serious problems mentally and physically.

9. Quit smoking. Save your money, you might need it.  I'm not trying to wag my finger at anybody here. Just a friendly lil' reminder that we quit and haven't given up on you.

10. Ride a bike. It's liberating and somehow and in someway, it will make a big difference.

11. Forget drive-thrus. Detox from fast food. I remember when Happy Meals used to cost $1.99. Who knows how much they are now? And you've heard the story, it makes you fat.

12. Become a Vegetarian and I guarantee you can save some bucks. Unless of course, you go splurging in the tofujerky, tofuturkey, meal replacement bar industries. Don't fall for it.

(Pictured below is a delicious vegetable medley of sweet potato, black beans, and zuchinni cooked over fresh diced onion and minced garlic and spiced with a bit of cumin, pepper, and curry powder. It was served with warm pita bread and quite delicious. Try it.   

13. Understand the Nutrition Facts Labels and make it a habit to read them.

14. Eat Enough, But Less and live longer. Try using smaller plates. Eat slower. And get your fork into something green. Anything with a high fiber content is a great way to fill up and be sustained throughout your days. Tips: Oatmeal for breakfast. An apple as a snack. Spinach in your salad. A handful of mixed nuts.  Whole grain breads and pastas.

15. Money left over? Not worried about the rising food cost phenomenon. Congrats! Can you please consider chipping into to your local food banks? There are hungry people (and don't forget the children) all over the world. Riots and instability are spreading as food prices skyrocket.

Second Thoughts:
Read Some Good News on Food Prices
Listen to NPR: World Bank Chief says Biofuels are Boosting Food Prices.

The Homely Potato as Part of the Solution
AGFLATION: The Real Cost of Food Prices- MAP

Drugs in Our Drinking Water

"We know we are being exposed to other people's drugs through our drinking water, and that can't be good," says Dr. David Carpenter, who directs the Institute for Health and the Environment of the State University of New York at Albany.

Why are there drugs in our water?

Prescription drug use is on the rise!!

Seems like everyone is "on" something these days. From your typical ADHD child to the all to common "depressed" adult. There is a name for every lil' symptom we have and certainly the "perfect pill" to treat us. Between 2000 through 2004, the number of pharmaceutical prescriptions increased 109% (source). On average, each American was given 10.9 prescriptions per year. This increasing reliance on pharmaceuticals suggests a growing number of unused drugs in households across the U.S. This inevitably leads to traces of drugs in our water and in our food.

Drugs most commonly enter the environment in two ways:

• Humans pass medicines and supplements through their system.
• Unwanted drugs are improperly disposed of in the toilet or trash.

What do you do with your old medicines? Roughly 54% of consumers dispose of their unused pharmaceuticals in the trash, and 35% flush them down the toilet (source). "Even users of bottled water and home filtration systems don't necessarily avoid exposure. Bottlers, some of which simply repackage tap water, do not typically treat or test for pharmaceuticals, according to the industry's main trade group. The same goes for the makers of home filtration systems".*

In the U.S. there is a lack of safe drug disposal programs, therefore most residents throw their unwanted medicines in the toilet or trash where they contaminate our waterways. Did you know 40% of medicines prescribed and purchased in the U.S. have never been used! In 2007, the elderly population alone wasted over $1 billion on unused drugs (source). 

Why do drugs go unused?

• Drugs expire or are outdated
• Doctor discontinues drug
• Doctor orders new drug
• Patients feel better
• Adverse or allergic reaction
• Patient dies or moves away
• Patients stop taking it
• Doctors prescribe too many pills

How does this affect human health?

The evidence for the direct consequences of PPCPs on humans is only beginning to be investigated. (But it can't be good, can it?) A landmark study in 2006 found that a mix of 13 common medications common to drinking water inhibits cell growth in human embryonic cells. This is one of the few studies that looks looks at how mixtures of prevalent medications can affect biological activity even at low concentrations. The affects on aquatic life suggest we take precaution and prevent pharmaceutical pollution from further damaging our environment.

What Consumers Can Do Now

(Because the government is known to act and implement policy far too slow and way too late)

• Dispose of unused or unwanted medications at take-back sites or events. 
• Contact your pharmacist for drug recycling programs
• Contact hazardous wast facility to see its recommendations
• Do NOT dispose of any medication down the toilet or in the trash
• Purchase drugs in small amounts, limiting expired medications
• Ask for medications with low environmental impact
• Encourage your provider to take-back unwanted drugs
• Share the message of safe disposal with family and friends
• Commit to wellness strategies to reduce your reliance on medications
• Practice healthy product stewardship

What Pharmacists and Health Providers Can Do

• Do not prescribe more medications than can be used
• Prescribe starter packs and refill packs
• Review and regularly reassess the patient's total consumption of medication
• Consider environmental impact when prescribing medications
• Learn more about which drugs have large environmental impacts
• Educate consumers about the importance of proper disposal of pharmaceutical waste
• Host a take-back site. 

How do drugs affect our environment?

If the picture of the angry lil' tree doesn't answer that question, try taking a deep breath. Ten times. Can you? How does it feel? Is it easy for you? Well, it's not for me. We have all been chemically altered against our wills in one way or another. It's in our psychology and written all over our skin. What should we do? At least...talk about it:

Varying concentrations of drugs have been found in nearly every water source in the U.S. and Canada. The EPA has compiled a growing body of evidence demonstrating how Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) affect aquatic life.

Here are some key test results obtained by the AP:

_Officials in Philadelphia said testing there discovered 56 pharmaceuticals or byproducts in
treated drinking water, including medicines for pain, infection, high cholesterol, asthma, epilepsy, mental illness and heart problems. Sixty-three pharmaceuticals or byproducts were found in the city's watersheds.

_Anti-epileptic and anti-anxiety medications were detected in a portion of the treated drinking water for 18.5 million people in Southern California.

_Researchers at the U.S. Geological Survey analyzed a Passaic Valley Water Commission drinking water treatment plant, which serves 850,000 people in Northern New Jersey, and found a metabolized angina medicine and the mood-stabilizing carbamazepine in drinking water.

_A sex hormone was detected in San Francisco's drinking water.

_The drinking water for Washington, D.C., and surrounding areas tested positive for six pharmaceuticals.

_Three medications, including an antibiotic, were found in drinking water supplied to Tucson, Ariz.

The situation is undoubtedly worse than suggested by the positive test results in the major population centers documented by the AP. The federal government doesn't require any testing and hasn't set safety limits for drugs in water. Of the 62 major water providers contacted, the drinking water for only 28 was tested. Among the 34 that haven't: Houston, Chicago, Miami, Baltimore, Phoenix, Boston and New York City's Department of Environmental Protection, which delivers water to 9 million people.

For more information:

AP probe finds drugs in drinking water
Symbiosis, The Journal of Ecologically Sustianable Medicine
One Earth: Drugs in our Drinking Water
The Teleosis Institute's Green Pharmacy Program

What do you do with your old batteries?

 Technorati Tags: drugs in drinking water, pharmaceuticals, drug disposal, medication deisposal, drinking water, Teleosis, Symbiosis, Green Pharmacy, One Earth Magazine, prescription drugs

2007 Farm Bill

Center For Food Safety: Consumer, Environmental, Farmer and Animal Welfare Groups Protest Clause that Wipes Out State and Local Authority on Meat, Poultry, Biotechnology

For Immediate Press Release
Washington, June 19, 2007 - Forty consumer, environmental, farmer and animal welfare groups today announced their opposition to a sweeping provision in the 2007 Farm Bill that wipes out critical state and local authority to protect food safety, the environment, and humane animal treatment.  The provision, Section 123 of Title I, was quietly inserted in the House bill several weeks ago by the Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Subcommittee.

Consumers Union, the Sierra Club, the Humane Society of the United States, the Center for Food Safety, the Union of Concerned Scientists and three dozen other organizations today called for deletion of Section 123, in a letter sent today to the House Agriculture Committee.  The full Committee will hold its mark up of the 2007 Farm Bill later this month.

"At a time when we have seen repeated food safety failures at FDA and USDA, we need more food safety protection, not less," states Jean Halloran, Director of Food Policy Initiatives at Consumers Union (publisher of Consumer Reports).  "This clause would tie the hands of states on meat, poultry and genetically engineered food," she said.

Section 123 would prevent states and localities from passing any laws prohibiting commercial use of USDA-inspected products.  "This could prevent a local health inspector at a supermarket from condemning rodent-contaminated meat or poultry that has begun to go bad," states Jean Halloran.

"Section 123 will subvert the principles of federalism and states' rights," states Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States.  "If this appalling and outrageous measure is approved, agribusiness will accomplish what it could not achieve in state legislatures - the evisceration of state laws to protect horses from slaughter and a raft of other democratically approved animal welfare reforms.

"Section 123 would also get in the way of state laws on biotechnology.  No state could prohibit use in commerce of a product that USDA has determined is "non-regulated."  Both supporters and opponents of the measure agree that this refers to genetically engineered crops, which USDA "deregulates" after considering whether they might be a plant pest.  "California, Arkansas and Missouri have passed laws creating state committees that review whether genetically engineered rice should be grown in the state," notes Joe Mendelson, Legal Director of the Center for Food Safety.    "These laws, which farmers support, would be preempted."

"This poorly conceived provision should be dropped immediately," states Mendelson.  "Just in the last several months we have seen problems with melamine in animal feed and ground beef contaminated with E. coli.   Section 123 takes us backwards by removing existing protections we have at the state and local level.  We need increased, not decreased food safety efforts," he said.

This dangerous attempt to radically alter doctrine would prevent states and communities from passing laws against some of the most cruel and inhumane factory farming practices, including confinement by crate in the veal and pork industry and foie gras production, as well as horse slaughter and other inhumane practices such as the mistreatment of animals at puppy mills.  Additionally, the policies will create an unfair playing field - one that works at the expense of local markets, family farmers, and the environment.

Learn More Here:

Food & Water Watch

Full Farm Bill Proposal in PDF

Farm Bill discussion drafts (prepared in anticipation of business meetings to be held by Subcommittees of the Committee regarding the 2007 Farm Bill)

And take Action by sending emails or making phone calls to your state reps and senators easily with:

Farm Sanctuary

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine

Action Farmland Trust

The Humane Society

The Consumers Union

Healthy Farm Bill (for every 100 messages sent from your state, The Farm & Food Project will hand deliver a package of healthy, local food to State Senators and Representatives:)

He who practices Ahimsa develops strong will-power. In his presence, enmity ceases. In his presence, cobra and frog, cow and tiger, cat and rat, wolf and lamb, will all live together in terms of intimate friendship. ~Swami Sivananda

Technorati Tags: Farm Bill 2007, animal treatment, organic food, farmers rights, environment, health, food safety, Wayne Pacelle, Farm Bill 101, PCRM, ahimsa, nonviolence, lucid nutrition

Why you should know the Health Ranger

Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, is serious about saving this world from ill health on all fronts. He is a man with a mission of teaching people how to be healthy; a holistic nutritionist who overcame obesity, crippling pain and chronic disease using natural health strategies he freely shares with others.

Generally Mike Adams suggests avoiding the following:

• Sodium nitrite (causes cancer)
• MSG / monosodium glutamate / yeast extract (causes obesity and nerve damage)
• Hydrogenated oils (causes heart disease)
• High-fructose corn syrup / sugar / sucrose (causes diabetes and obesity)
• Artificial colors (causes behavioral disorders)
• Aspartame (causes brain damage, optic nerve damage)
• Homogenized milk fats (cause heart disease and cardiovascular disorders)
• Red meat (absolutely no beef, pork, or other red meat)
• Cows' milk, cheese and dairy products
• Soft drinks, junk foods, snack foods or fast foods
• Processed foods such as cookies, crackers, frozen dinners, etc.
• Fried foods
• White flour and any foods containing white flour
• Refined carbohydrates such as breads, cereals, pastries, pizza dough, etc.
• Fruit juice drinks
• Brand-name laundry detergents (loaded with toxic fragrance chemicals)
• Popular deodorants (contain aluminum)
• Fluoride toothpaste (fluoride is a dangerous ingredient)

And

• Absolutely no prescription drugs or pharmaceuticals whatsoever.
• No visits to M.D.s or western medical doctors (visits naturopathic physicians only)
• No following the USDA's ridiculous Food Guide Pyramid (Download the Honest Food Guide below)
  
• No steroids, andro supplements or other questionable bodybuilding supplements
• No diet pills, stimulants or fat burning pills
• No fad dieting

His recipe for Health Success includes:

• Quinoa (boiled, used as cereal or soup base)
• Tofu, soymilk and soy products
• Healthy oils from: avocados, extra virgin coconut oil, macedamia nuts, cashews, almonds, peanuts, flax oil, olive oil
• Daily breakfast with Jenny Lee Supergreens shake: 2 cups soymilk + 1 scoop supergreens powder + 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel + 1 tablespoon coconut oil + coral calcium powder + stevia + chocolate rice protein + natural peanut butter
• Superfoods such as chlorella, spirulina, sea vegetables, broccoli sprouts, sunflower sprouts, wheat grass, and various greens powders
• Massive quantities of vegetables: salad greens, cilantro, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, snow peas, okra, tomatoes, zucchini, etc.
• Raw, fresh fruits, especially berries (massive quantities of blueberries)
• Healing foods such as garlic, ginger, onions, etc.
• Daily doses of nutritional supplements: whole food supplements, organic vitamins, Standard Process tablets, Alive! supplements, vitamin C
• Daily doses of rainforest herbs: Amazon herbs, chanca piedra, etc.
• One hour of full exposure to intense natural sunlight on a near-daily basis with no sunscreen (important for vibrational nutrition and essential for mental health, bone density, vitamin D production, etc.)
• Other various nutritional and herbal supplements depending on need

Be sure to Download the Honest Food Guide.

At the end of the day, if we were to follow The Health Ranger's lead and guidelines for healthy living, we would see that his work is instrumental and healing (as extreme as it may seem). Mike Adams provides enlightenment in the form of digital books via Truth Publishing, his media company, with titles such as: The 7 Laws of Nutrition,The Five Soft Drink Monsters, Spam Filters for Your Brain, Grocery Warning: Avoid the Groceries that Cause Disease, and How to Halt Diabetes in 25 Days. These information packed titles are to be discovered through his website. There you will also find free e-books available for download such as, How to end Cruelty to Animals, People, and Nature; An Introduction to Cell Foods; Superfoods for Optimum Health: Chlorella and Spirulina; and the Healing Power of Sunlight & Vitamin D. Amazingly, he also has time to provide us with daily emails and 1500+ articles through News Target. Thanks Health Ranger!!

 

The Consumer Wellness Center.

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All About Spaghetti Squash

This vegetable is a dream. Even though it is a "winter squash" I can not help but to buy and prepare it all year long. I guess the reason for this is because it is so light, crisp, and refreshing after it is cooked which is perfect anytime.

When seeking a spaghetti squash at my local grocery store or farmer's market, I try to look for a firm, delicately yellow-colored beauty weighing about 4-8 pounds. When selecting, I choose those with smooth skins, avoiding those that over shine or have soft spots. The larger the squash, the thicker the strands will be. You can store the squash in a cool dry place and it will keep for at least a month. But you won't want to wait that long to have it.

Alright, so back at home you will need a lil arm power, a good knife and an open eye. Cut the squash length wise in half, remove the seeds with a spoon, and bake it face down for 45 minutes. If your squash is too hard to cut just pierce the skin in several places (with an ice pick or fork if necessary) and bake it whole at 375 degrees for 45 minutes, turning it once.

You can also microwave it for faster results by again cutting the squash in half lengthwise and removing the seeds. Place the squash cut sides up in a microwave dish with 1/4 cup water. Cover with plastic wrap and cook on high for 10 to 12 minutes, depending on size of squash. (I personally prefer the toasty taste after it is baked in the oven). Either way, it's ready when the skin gives easily under pressure and the meat is tender. That's right I said meat. Veggie Meat! The squash will fork loose from the shell and resemble spaghetti! How neat is that? The first time I made this I was amazed.

Tips for Preparing:
There are so many things you can do with this vegetable. Did you know that spaghetti squash contains a mere 25 calories per half cup? By replacing the pasta you would normally use when making spaghetti; this vegetable will not only lower calories and carbs drastically, but will also add to you & your family's intake of necessary nutrients. It is a good source of Dietary Fiber (our goal is 30-40 grams daily) Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Iron, and Potassium.

Do not limit your creativity with this veggie. There can't possibly be a way you can make this taste bad. Try it over sauteed onions in vegetable broth, with peas, corn, and chopped tomatoes. Add some curry powder and a dash of cinnamon. Have it cold in salads or my way: dressed simply with a lil soy butter, pepper, and basil. Next time, I am having it like this: Spaghetti Squash, Shitake, Arugula, and Pistachio Spring Roll. Those are my kind of my flavors:)

To conclude, I thought I should recommend Earth Balance Soy Garden; an all natural buttery spread made from whole soybeans. It's 100% vegan and melts, tastes, and smells strikingly like the real thing. Also it is perfect for that piece of lightly toasted whole grain bread I like to have with dinner. A guilt free indulgence. Yum.

Mindful cooking and eating is a nourishing dance.

Skin Deep Database Unleashed

Skin Deep is a safety guide to cosmetics and personal care products brought to you by researchers at the Environmental Working Group.

Skin Deep pairs ingredients in nearly 25,000 products against 50 definitive toxicity and regulatory databases, making it the largest integrated data resource of its kind. Why did a small nonprofit take on such a big project? Because the FDA doesn't require companies to test their own products for safety.

Now in its fourth year and third major update, the Skin Deep product safety database provides safety ratings for nearly 25,000 personal care products -almost a quarter of all products on the market - and the 7,000 ingredients they contain. Due to gaping loopholes in federal law, companies can put virtually any ingredient into personal care products. Even worse, the government does not require pre-market safety tests for any of them. Skin Deep aims to fill in where companies and the government left off.

Looking for safer sunscreen to protect the kids this summer? Or shampoos without dangerous preservatives?  Skin Deep helps you learn what not to buy, and helps you find safer options for you and your family.

Making "lucid" shopping decisions matters but the lack of safety testing reveals major gaps in our system of public health protections.  So how can you make a difference? Please visit Skin Deep and sign the EWG Action Fund petition to Congress demanding that manufacturers prove the safety of their products before they are allowed to sell them. Continue reading Press Release.

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