California’s Prop 37 Likely to Pass With Majority of Voters Supporting Mandatory GMO Labeling

According to the L.A. times, a recent poll finds that California’s Proposition 37 requiring mandatory labeling of all foods containing GMOs sold in the state will pass with 61% of voters in favor of the bill.  This is despite huge food corporations spending well over 30 million dollars in their fight against labeling GMOs.  In recent years, once massive anecdotal evidence of human illnesses such as digestive conditions, cancers, and food allergies have been justified with animal studies showing the harmful effects of GMO feed causing systemic organ failure, infertility, tumors, and premature death.  Genetically modified crops are found littered on grocery store shelves, mainly in processed foods, all major fast food locations, most chain restaurants, and pretty much any where food is sold that is not 100% organic or non-GMO tested.

Recent public attention from the media about genetically modified food is shifting consumer awareness and causing folks to educate themselves and learn more about what’s on their plate.  🙂

FDA decides that High Fructose Corn Syrup is not Corn Sugar

In a bold decision to not publicly defy that which is logic, the FDA decided to deny the request by the Corn Refiner’s Association to rename high-fructose corn syrup “corn sugar”, the reason being that by definition HFCS is a syrup and not a sugar substance. Sugar is defined as a solid, dried, and crystallized food product according to the FDA.  Kudos to them for letting this sugar-on-crack keep its original name.

Simultaneously, the California Right to Know initiative is working to label genetically modified ingredients on grocery-store shelves.  If national demand for labeling of genetically modified ingredients persists as fervently as it has over the past few years, companies that sell high-fructose corn syrup may have to also label their product as including genetically modified ingredients.

Consumption of high-fructose corn syrup has been linked to obesity, diabetes, and most recently to deterioration of proper brain functioning.  Yikes! So much for the idea that the Corn Refiners association is trying to push that “sugar is sugar”.

Speaking of which, I wonder what will happen to those wonderfully deceptive “Sugar is Sugar” commercials that have been bombarding us through the media?  Shall I suggest “high-fructose corn syrup is high-fructose corn syrup”?  Doesn’t have the same ring to it. . .

SOURCES

Washington Post May 31, 2012 “Corn sugar? FDA says no to new name for high fructose corn syrup”

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/fda-rejects-corn-sugar-label-for-high-fructose-corn-syrup-that-industry-group-had-sought/2012/05/30/gJQAZTKg2U_story.html

Huffington Post May 31, 2012 article “High Fructose Corn Syrup: FDA Rejects ‘Corn Sugar’ as New Name

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/31/high-fructose-corn-syrup-corn-sugar_n_1558615.html

Naturalnews.com May 22, 2012 “Drinking high fructose corn syrup really does make you stupid”

http://www.naturalnews.com/035935_HFCS_stupid_memory.html

Diabetesdaily.com 2009 “Chart: Obesity and High Fructose Corn Syrup” by David Edelman

http://www.diabetesdaily.com/voices/2009/05/chart-obesity-high-fructose-corn-syrup/

Sciencedaily.com August 23, 2007  “Soda Warning? High-Fructose Corn Syrup Linked to Diabetes, New Study Suggests”

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070823094819.htm

Getting to Know Aha! Food: MedicsAlert Twitterview

 

Below is a transcript of the Aha! Food Twitterview with Jasmine from MedicsAlertBracelets, originally Tweeted Monday May 28th 2pm EST #healthtips

Please feel free to add your thoughts in the comments section below.

 

@MedicsAlert:  Hi Esther! Thanks so much for being here. Can you tell us a little more about yourself?

@AhaFood:  Hi Jasmine! Thanks for having me! I’m thrilled to be here to discuss Aha! Food and my goals with you!

@MedicsAlert:  What inspired you to start Aha! Food?

@AhaFood:  I spent my twenties being sick, developing food and respiratory allergies, GERD, , and poor immunity due to an unhealthy diet. The doctors I went to didn’t help much,prescribing me a lot of antibiotics and giving me medications to block or mask symptoms. After 10 years of shuffling from doctor to doctor, and getting sicker, I realized I had to take matters into my own hands.

@AhaFood:  I started researching health and nutrition, and natural healing through proper eating. I found shocking and disappointing information on our food supply, things I had no clue existed like GMOs were in our food.  I had a really hard time cleaning up my diet because American society kind of revolves around unhealthy eating.

@AhaFood:  I wanted to make it easier for people to see the big picture when it comes to our food supply, so I created Aha! Food.  As an information network portal that not only provides answers but makes clean eating accessible, convenient, and more.

@Medicsalert:  What’s been your biggest surprise with running your business?

@AhaFood:  How responsive and positive my followers are. It’s impressive! I have followers from all walks of life. Mothers with children who have food allergies, athletes, health experts, folks in the organic industry. Aha! Food is attracting a great diverse group of people. So I know we’re all in it together. 

@MedicsAlert:  Where do you see your company going in the future?

@AhaFood:  I dream of having a major consumer advocate organization focused on cleaning up the American food supply plate by plate.  And I’d kill to see an Aha! Food bumper sticker on the road someday and wear my own Aha! Food t-shirt. Could I end up on Oprah? Right now, I’m focused on creating a great blog and network for Aha! Food to see where it leads me.

@MedicsAlert:  What’s been the most challenging part of running your business?

@AhaFood:  Unfortch it’s a lack of revenue that makes it difficult to grow my brand. Running a blog takes a surprising amount of work! Let alone starting a movement. Luckily, my friends and family have all been supportive of my grassroots effort. I figure if I keep putting my heart into it, good things will happen.

@MedicsAlert:  What’s wrong with the state of food today?

@Ahafood:  People are completely disconnected from their food choices and are making bad decisions. The HBO documentary Weight of the Nation points out how unhealthy eating correlates with big companies making food for profit.  Food corporations will market pretty much any toxic food to anyone, including children. And government regulation is lacking.

@Ahafood:  Most people do not know how their food is made, where it comes from, and the effect on their health is not on the packaging. People are eating food that is devoid of nutrition. Without proper nutrition, our bodies can’t thrive. Lack of information about our food supply is in my opinion poisoning America one bite at a time.

@MedicsAlert:  Is there a solution for these problems?

@AhaFood:  There are a series of changes that need to happen over time to fix our food supply. There is an urgent need for government legislation on how companies market foods and what they need to disclose on packaging. We need the food labeling laws to benefit the consumer rather than big corporations. We need to make sure everyone in the country has access to fresh, healthy food including school cafeterias.

@AhaFood:  People need to make the better, healthier food choices. Families should make an effort to cook meals at home. When demand changes, supply will shift. Like removal of pink slime in ground beef, and foods being labeled non-GMO.

@MedicsAlert:  What motivates you?

@AhaFood:  Knowing that I can make a huge difference with enough elbow grease. Promoting clean, sustainable, healthy eating for all Americans is my mission.I take it with me in my pocket everywhere I go 

@MedicsAlert:  Who’s your biggest inspiration?

@AhaFood:  My husband. He pushes me in the right direction every day. Without him, I would never have started Aha! Food. I am also inspired by Michelle Obama, the Non-GMO project, Jeffrey Smith, Dr. Oz, Dr. Mercola and Oprah.

@MedicsAlert:  What’s your best health tip for others?

@AhaFood:  That’s an easy one. KNOW WHAT’S ON YOUR PLATE! Educate yourself on the food choices you make.

@MedicsAlert:  Thanks so much for joining me today, Esther! Is there anything else you’d like to share?

@AhaFood:  Take care of your health. Be your own doctor.

Sunday Round-Up! Best Organic and Natural Deals on the Web

HAVE A HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!

• Recyclebank is offering 20 points for signing up with the EbayGreen Team!  Recyclebank offers a great rewards program where you earn points for taking green actions. You can exchange points for coupons on groceries, magazine subscriptions and more!
• Organic Valley has some high-value coupons on organic milk, eggs, and butter
• Plum District is striking a killer deal with 20% off when you use promo code: MEMORIALDAY20  till May 28th. Maximize savings on natural and organic snacks, personal care, and more at Ecomom when you get a $40 for just 16 bucks!
• Did you say Ecomom? If you’re not done yet, they are running a separate promotion offering $10-$30 off your order when you use a special promo code for Memorial Day.  Cannot be combined with Plum District voucher.
• Looking for an organic cleanse to wipe those toxins out?  Eversave is offering over 50% off a two or four-week cleanse from Raw Green Organics
• Totsy has some amazing flash deals for serving ware, dinnerware and lots of fun stuff to make serving meals at home a breeze and much more!
• Fab.com has an AMAZING kitchen and pantry section with everything you need to cook, entertain guests, and some great natural/organic treats and snacks.  Plus they have an awesome referral program.

Fun Food Facts! Updated every Saturday

• Contrary to popular belief, beef can be healthy.  If it’s raised the right way, which is grass-fed.  Grass-fed beef is full of healthy omega 3 fats, and is an excellent source of protein and iron. Just take Dr. Oz’s tip to the Orlando Sentinel  and go for a leaner cut.

• Blackberries contain quercetin, an antioxidant that acts like a natural antihistamine to reduce allergic inflammation. (from Every Day with Rachael Ray June 2012 issue, p61)

• Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fat, which is easily burned for energy. An avocado actually has more than twice the potassium of a banana. They may even help to protect the liver from damage.  (from Dr.Mercola’s Facebook page 5/11/2012)

• Did you know that the skin on kiwi fruit is edible?  Just wipe the fuzz off and you’re good to go! Kiwi has more vitamin C than an orange and eating it with the skin gets you a total of four grams of fiber.  Not bad for a strangle little brown thing with fleshy green insides!  (from Redbook June 2012 p170)

Easy-to-Make Organic Sauteed Spinach

Everyone knows spinach is good for you.  But do you know how easy it is to make sauteed spinach?  It takes little preparation and  budget-friendly at less than $2 per serving using organic spinach. Best of all, it takes just a few minutes to get this tasty superfood on your plate!

Yep, this is all it takes to make sauteed spinach!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• 4 oz organic spinach, washed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• salt and garlic from a grinder to taste

Stir to keep leaves from sticking to pot.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• add ingredients to a medium-sized pot
• stir spinach, olive oil, and spices well so that all leaves are moist from the olive oil
• heat on high until you hear it start crackling for a few seconds
• lower heat to medium and heat for five minutes or until desired texture is achieved, stirring occasionally

Voila!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Great, super-healthy side dish!  You can mix it into pasta or eat alongside your favorite entree.

By Request! Food Allergy Friendly Condiment Recipes and Tips

Some food allergies are easier to cope with than others in terms of avoidance.  Those who are allergic to corn often have a really hard time finding foods that are safe to eat because our food supply is saturated with corn ingredients.  Finding sauces, condiments, and dressings can be extremely challenging, and many who are corn allergic are leery of lengthy ingredient statements that don’t tend to indicate use of corn, which is why they may opt for making these from scratch.  So I’ve compiled a list of recipes that are made with food allergy-friendly ingredients found throughout the Web.

Please note I am not a doctor or registered dietician, although I like to call myself a “common practitioner”. 🙂  I was diagnosed with food allergies about three years ago and follow a strict diet avoiding corn, soy, peanut, and walnut (in addition to avoidance of sugar and yeast). Corn is used in many company’s processing of foods and it is recommended that you contact companies directly if you are concerned about individual ingredients.

When avoidance of a food makes you feel helpless in your quest for good health, don’t let it.  Be inventive, take your time and Google!  There’s a growing community of food allergic people and demand is growing for foods that are free of allergens or made specifically with allergen-avoidance in mind.  Like my favorite Beanitos, who are proud of their corn-free label!

Hope my folks find these resources helpful and please feel free to share the list!

KETCHUP

• Foodnetwork.com, Homemade Tomato Ketchup recipe by Jamie Oliver : according to my food allergy radar, this one is free of the big 8 in addition to corn
• Ketchuprecipe.com, Low Sodium Ketchup Recipe This site is awesome.  A thousand ways to make your own ketchup, even if you want it TOMATO-free 🙂

MUSTARD

• Myrecipes.com: Rosemary Thyme Mustard byJoan Weird, Sunset  The author of this recipe recommends it in vinaigrettes or on cooked meat
• Is the above recipe a little fancy?  The difficulty in finding a ballpark mustard recipe that is corn-free is the use of cornstarch as a thickener.  The good news is tapioca starch is a great thickener you can use as a substitute.  Thickeners do not affect taste, but if you don’t use one your mustard will probably be mustard-soupy.  Here’s a great list that explains which thickeners are best for your recipe.  So if you see the dreaded cornstarch as an ingredient- fear not! There are other thickeners. The Cook’s Thesaurus: Thickeners

MAYONNAISE

• Alton Brown’s Food.com mayonnaise recipe suggests safflower oil instead of corn
• GlutenFreeGoddess shares a recipe that uses olive oil instead of egg for those who have an egg allergy

SALAD DRESSING

• Adventures of a Gluten-Free Mom is a great site packed with allergy-friendly recipes for making dressings and condiments from scratch!
• You can make a great salad dressing using olive oil plus your favorite herbs and spices!  I make one with olive oil, lemon, salt, pepper, garlic and parsley.  Prep time is like a minute 🙂  Here’s another olive-oil based vegan dressing from Healthyblenderrecipes.com

Got a topic you want to see covered?  Send it BY REQUEST! to ahafood@aol.com with “BY REQUEST!” in the subject line. Or Tweet it to @ahafood #byrequest

Meatless Monday: Have Some Quinoa for Lunch!

Quinoa is a great, gluten-free grain with a slightly nutty taste that is packed with protein; in fact, it’s the only grain that is a perfect protein.  Sick of eating rice? There are lots of great  dishes you can make with quinoa.  Here’s my meatless Monday version.  It’s easy to prepare, perfect for taking to work or school in your lunchbag and the ingredients are inexpensive. This recipe serves four at a cost of  less than two dollars per person.

1 cup organic quinoa

2 1/4 cups water

2 tbsp dried onion

salt, turmeric, parsley and basil for seasoning (I use four shakes of salt, six shakes of turmeric and pile on the parsley and basil)

1/2 cup organic raisins

10-12 pieces marinated artichokes

 

• add quinoa to pot
• shake on seasonings and mix evenly
• add 2 1/4 cups water
• bring to a full boil for 1 minute
• cover and set to medium for 15 minutes or until quinoa is tender and chewy

Sprinkle on raisins and serve alongside marinated artichokes.  Can be eaten hot or cold 🙂

Sunday Round-Up: Best Organic and Natural Grocery Deals from the Web

 

Stonyfield Rewards: Great rewards program for serial yogurt eaters where you can cash in for free groceries and other fun stuff like magazine subscriptions and donations to sustainable causes.  Stonyfield also has a monthly coupons page and fun ways to interact with the brand that makes the tastiest organic yogurt and healthier frozen treat options.

Common Kindness: Lots of coupons for your favorite organic and natural brands.  Share the love by providing a non-profit with proceeds from each coupon you use.  Can it get any better?

Drugstore.com: In addition to the usual free shipping with $25 purchase, Drugstore.com is offering 20% off all vitamins and supplements which includes cleanses, probiotics, enzymes, and more! Offer ends May 26^th. Pair it up with a shopping rewards program like ebates.com or upromise.com and you’ve got a killer discount.

I Heart Fab.com with a Passion.  They have an excellent incentive program that provides you $5 each month you allow your purchases to go Social on Facebook.  So be mindful about what you are letting your friends peep at, but reap the benefits!  They have awesome kitchen stuff to keep you inspired to make meals from scratch, great salvaged art pieces, and much, much more.  Coolest web shop ever!

Fun Food Facts! Updated every Saturday

• Contrary to popular belief, beef can be healthy.  If it’s raised the right way, which is grassfed.  Grassfed beef is full of healthy omega 3 fats, and is an excellent source of protein and iron. Just take Dr. Oz’s tip to the Orlando Sentinel  and go for a leaner cut.

• Blackberries contain quercetin, an antioxidant that acts like a natural antihistamine to reduce allergic inflammation. (from Every Day with Rachael Ray June 2012 issue, p61)

• Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fat, which is easily burned for energy. An avocado actually has more than twice the potassium of a banana. They may even help to protect the liver from damage.  (from Dr.Mercola’s Facebook page 5/11/2012)

• Did you know that the skin on kiwi fruit is edible?  Just wipe the fuzz off and you’re good to go! Kiwi has more vitamin C than an orange and eating it with the skin gets you a total of four grams of fiber.  Not bad for a strangle little brown thing with fleshy green insides!  (from Redbook June 2012 p170)