Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Silly Humans...Go Against the Grain!

Another GMO Bites the Dust...
Wonder What Kinda' Alien it's Gonna Grow?


Avoid these...Maintain Healthy Bod

The 2 week NO GMO Challenge is one of my faves and a big eye-opener. Generally, I eat pretty healthy but found some areas for improvement which is always nice. I found it really difficult in the beginning to find options outside of my own kitchen. My friends were really accommodating, but I definitely felt limited as most restaurants do not offer Non-GMO food options. On the bright side, I found a bunch of great food places that I will be supporting in the future...not a single complaint!

I did really well with only a couple of slip-ups...hey, no one's perfect, right?! As a result, I lost 4lbs without trying (WOW)! More importantly, I felt super-energized and reached an awakening. I am going to try my very best to spread the word and support places and foods that help us. I will continue my nutritional journey focused on constantly changing, restructuring, and finding better food options...GMOs no longer have a place in my diet, and I will avoid if possible. Now, am I going to live under a rock and never eat out with my friends and family again?? NO! Can I pick the better option?? YES!

The No GMO search helped me to find some really great products that I thought I would share! Sooooo, uhhhhh...where do I go?? I suggest checkin' out the following places: The Healthy Home Market, The Fresh Market, Whole Foods, Earth Fare, The Baby Grocery StoreThe Common Market, Salud, and Harris Teeter.

Down the Hatch






















Beer & Milk...bases are covered! BUT...NO MORE JACK DANIEL'S! SAY WHAT?! NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ANYTHING BUT THAT!!

It has been brought to my attention, they use GMO Corn....*insert boo here*
Woodford ReserveFour Roses, and Wild Turkey are alternative options. I am still waiting to hear back from Jameson, and Maker's Mark. Need a Vodka? Choose Rain, it's super delicious!

Get your drink on with Organic Bison Beer. Not enough?? Ya, me either...here's a organic beer list with 8 more choices! And, don't forget the ever-so-refreshing, Coconut Milk which is soooo good and doesn't taste like coconut (also used as a vegan substitute for cream). Need a wanna-stuff-your-face option?? Try the SO Delicious Coconut Milk Ice-cream and Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream (this is awesome-now GMO-free).

Adults like Snacks Too...


Wasabi Action!




Super Yummy Chocolate




















By far the best Veggie Stix ever! My parents even ate them- WOW!
They taste exactly like Potato Chips...for real, for real!


Organic Newman's Caramel and PB Cups! Yes Please!
Make Your Own Organic PB, Cashew Butter,
And Almond Butter at the Healthy Home Market.



NOM! NOM! NOM! Crunchy, Savory and Awesome!
Get In My Belly

Take advantage of the never-ending pasta options- try Jovial's Einkorn Pasta, it's absolutely delicious! Need a Dinner Idea?? Toss with olive oil, garlic and your favorite vegetables. Add a little hummus or pesto for extra flavor and nutritional goodness!




Geez...Still Need More?! FINE, I'll even throw in my bonus Soup Recipe...

Trendy Kendie Lentil-Chickpea-Black Bean-Veggie Soup Recipe 
WOAH WHAT...?? I'm outta' breath!


Oh that? Just throw it in too...
Prepare Zee Ingredients
  • 2 Containers of Organic Veggie Stock
  • Spices: 3/4-One Garlic Bulb, Salt & Pepper, 3-5 Bay Leaves, A Few Pinches of Rosemary, Oregano, Parsley, and Fennel Seed.
  • 2-3 Jalapenos (3 for super spicy...ohhhhh yaaaaa)!
  • 2-3 Yellow Squash
  • 2-3 Zucchini
  • A Container of Snap Peas (whole or Halve)
  • One Yellow or Purple Onion 
  • 1-2 Shallots (chop fine)
  • 1-2 Yellow Potatoes (dice)
  • 5-8 Red Skin Potatoes (dice)
  • 3/4 Bunch of Swiss Chard (chop whole leaves and stalk for texture). You may also substitute or add Spinach or Kale.
  • 3/4 Bunch of Carrots with the Greens (chop fine).
  • One Container of Cherry Tomatoes (whole or halve)
  • 1/2-3/4 Cup of French Lentils
  • 1/4 Cup of Chickpeas 
  • 1/2 Cup of Black Beans
Tip: Boil the Black Beans and Chickpeas separately for 10-20 minutes with salt and garlic to add some additional flavor and to make sure they have time to soften. Add to your soup pot.
Now What, Bro??
  • Fill up your large soup pot with the veggie stock and add water until about 3/4s of the pot is full. Next, add all of your spices and Jalapenos in order to allow time for soaking up the flavors. Bring to a boil and then lower to medium heat allowing your soup to cook all of the ingredients slowly.
  • Next, add the ingredients in the following order: Shallots, Onions, Black Beans, Chickpeas, Lentils, Potatoes, Carrots, Squash, Zucchini, Swiss Chard (Greens) and Tomatoes.
  • Give your soup time to simmer for 2-3 hours on low heat, re-salt, re-pepper, and add more spices as the ingredients begin to absorb the flavors.
  • If your pot is too full, remove but save some of the broth. As the ingredients cook, they will shrink and make room for your broth.
  • Have too much soup?? Store in individual or family Mason Jars for later.

And Voila...




Now, It's Your Turn! Get Out There and Be Somebody!
Spread the Word and Support Great Foods and Companies before it's too late!

Missed the No GMO Challenge?? 
I'm not your mom, you can do it on your own!! Like totally NOWWWWW! :)

Thursday, May 9, 2013

It's Time Fooooorrr...The N-O GMO Challenge!

You're Going Down Suckazzzzz...
Operation: Open Your Eyes! Close Your Mouth!



I am always down for a great personal health challenge, and I think you're gonna love this one! It will be tough, but you got this in the bag, sonnnn! I have created the NO GMO Challenge in order to open our eyes to the foods we are being served, the restaurants and grocery purchases that are harming us, and to better our overall health.

If you haven't had a chance to read it, check out my most recent blog, GMOs...It's What's For Dinner. Get up to speed really quick by learning what GMOs are, and how they are harmful to humans, animals, and our environment. This is how I will get you to take my challenge...sneaky, I know! 

Your Mission if You Choose to Accept...

Begins: Monday, May 13th
Ends: Monday, May 27th

You will pledge to consume only natural/organic, Non-GMO contaminated foods for Two Weeks...not a single bite, nibble, so much as an extended-glance at a food made with GMOs or a blend of their products. 

Sooo...uhhh, what does this mean I have to avoid??

The Meat Rules
Don't get scared, you can still chow down on your favorite meats. Just pay the price for good farming practices...you don't need 6 steaks/week, have some self-control!! Find restaurants, farmer's markets, and grocery stores (The Healthy Home Market, Earth Fare, Whole Foods Market, The Baby Grocery Store, or The Fresh Market) that use these practices and offer these food options.

Any Restaurant, Sandwich Shop, Pizza Place, Fast Food Joint, Bar, Burger Joint, Steak House, Sushi Place, Mexican Restaurant, etc. will serve meats that have been fed GMOs. You must search for places that do not have these or get in zee kitchen, lazzzy!!

It's possible and a great idea to find these places in your communities!! So, you can support places that feed you good things. You owe it to yourself to consume foods that are fresh and real.

Examples of Things to Avoid:

Meats that do not state organic Grain-fed or Grass-fed are not allowed. Cattle, Chickens, Pigs, Turkeys, Dogs, Monkeys, and Farm Seafood are ALL fed GMOs unless stated otherwise.

  • Deli Meats-Turkey, Ham, Roast Beef, Pepperoni, etc.
  • Steak, Ground Beef, Hamburger, etc.
  • Sausage, Pulled Pork, Bacon, etc.
  • Chicken Breast/Wings, Roasted Chicken, and Eggs.
  • Farm Fish and Seafood.
  • Canned Meats, Beef Jerky, Sushi, Meat-Topping Pizza, Frozen Dinners.

The Fruit and Veggie Rules


Lucky Numba 9
The fresher, the better! Purchasing organic fruits and veggies from your local farmer's market, food-exchanges, and grocery stores will ensure quality, farm fresh produce without the junk. Stay away from the crazy hybrid alien Melon-Apple, Melapple creation awaiting the next sucker at your local Wal-mart, and stuff your face with this stuff!! It's good for you!

Examples of Things to Avoid:


Safe vs Harmful Produce...Papayas?!
  • Canned or frozen corn
  • GM fruits and vegetables (GMO Papayas have been approved in the US, not Europe).
  • soy and soy-based products
  • Fruits preserved in corn-syrup

The Grain Rules
Allergy and health problems are on the rise due to the horrible ways we have split, genetically modified, and destroyed the precious nutritious grains that not only show up in the majority of our animal feed, but all of our cereals, pastas, cookies/crackers, packaged/frozen dinners, breads, bakery items, and the list goes on.

Examples of Things to Avoid:

Any foods that do not state organic...yup, a GMO product, ugghh!! Oh and, natural does NOT mean organic...those sneaky GMOs.

  • Cereal, Cereal Bars, Grits, and Cream of Wheat.
  • Crackers, Cookies, and Bakery Items.
  • Bread, Pizza Dough, (HT Subs, Panera Bread, Jersey Mikes).
  • Pasta, Dumplings, Rice, and Tortilla Chips & Shells.
Places Like Nova's Bakery, Papi Queso Truck, Zada Jane's, and Jason's Deli serve great brunchh and lunch options sans GMO-slop!

The Sugar Rules

Didn't think about the GM Sugarbeets and GM corn used in high fructose corn syrup found in everything these days?! Well, you should! You can find GM corn syrup in all artificially colored candy, chocolate, drinks/juices, sodas, breads, cereals, malt beverages, cookies and crackers, yogurt, ice-cream, frozen meals, baked goods, canned fruit, and to be honest, it'd probably be easier to list what it's not in....

Purchase products that use natural-sweeteners like honey, agave-syrup, molasses, and organic sugar-varieties that will not contain GMOs.

The Dairy Rules

Just like meat, only choose organic dairy and soy products or substitutes. Don't be scared, they taste great...EWW not tofu though-ha! I drink the unsweetened coconut and almond milk. I prefer coconut milk in my coffee, smoothies, soups, and as a milk/cream substitute. Coconut milk does not taste like coconut and is very light and refreshing. When mixed into dishes like mashed potatoes, cream-based soups, and smoothies, you will not taste a coconut-flavor. Need an alternative cheese option?? Go Veggie has great options, I love their Rice Milk Cheese, and it melts great!!



Examples of things to Avoid:

Any dairy products that do not state organic, are GMO-based products. Natural does NOT mean organic and will still contain GMOs.
  • Butter, Yogurt, Chocolate, and Ice-cream (Ben and Jerry's is now GMO-free).
  • Cheese, Cream Cheese, and Sour Cream.
  • Milk, Cream, Coffee Creamer, and Soy Milk.
The "Other Rules"
  • Boxed Dinners, Processed Foods, and Frozen Dinners- Lean Cuisine EW!
  • Chips, Crackers, Snack Foods not stating GMO-free, Fruit Snacks, Candy, inexpensive Chocolate, Pretzels, Popcorn, Bakery Items, Soups, Lunchables, Kraft Dinners, etc. are ALL GMOs!!
Places and Brands to Avoid
  • Restaurants
If they don't stay organic ingredients, bet your bottom dollar, they only use GMOs...I have written many places and will continue to add to my naughty or nice list.
  • All Fast Food Restaurants
  • Local Cafes and Sandwich Shops that aren't health conscious: Any companies that use Boar's Head Meats or Cheeses
  • Mexican, Italian, Greek, Asian Restaurants
  • The Majority of Corporate and Chain Restaurants
Places that use GMO Ingredients:
  • Panera Bread(GMO Food and Animal Feed)
  • The Melting Pot
  • Mortimers(GMO Food and Animal Feed)
  • Ducksworth's Grill & Taphouse (No organics)
  • Dean and Deluca (stated, they could not list whether or not there were GMOs)
  • The Cheesecake Factory: (GMO Food and Animal Feed)
  • Chipotle (uses GMO Food and Animal Feed)
  • Jersey Mikes, Subway, HT Subs (Boar's Head)(GMO Food and Animal Feed)
  • Boar's Head Meats and Cheeses (GMO Feed)
  • Maggiano's (GMO Food and Animal Feed)
  • Amelie's Bakery
Check out these Places and Brands that you can actually eat!! 
This List will provide all of the companies that do and do not use GMOs.


So many countries have banned the use of GMOs, and I think you owe it to yourself to know why. If other countries won't feed their people this garbage...why will America? If our government and nation leaders will not look out for us, we are responsible. As consumers, it is our duty to demand and only purchase fresh ingredients while supporting quality practices that will help our communities and our own personal health and well being.

Support Quality. Support Health. Support Truth.

TAKE MY CHALLENGE!

I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.” - Confucius


GMOs...It's What's for Dinner!

Hell No GMOs...Eww Gross, Monsanto!!
 Don't Eat Thattttt...It Ain't Real, Bro!


Wake up people!

Lately, I have been focusing on the different foods that I eat and how my eating habits affect my energy levels, overall physical appearance, and mental wellness.  I stopped and looked at all of the food options served on a daily basis and noticed that the the majority of things offered to us, aren't  "real" or meant for us to eat...Annnddd, I don't wanna eat or support that crappy garbage any longer!

I am a big advocate for heirloom seeds and organic farming practices. The GMO industry bully farmers looking out for their consumers, while hiding facts, creating superweeds, destroying our soil, and stuffing us full of chemicals and alien-food. If the GMO product is so wonderful, why are restaurants, markets, and companies afraid to advertise or label their GMO usage?

What in tarnation are GMOs?

GMOs are an alien species brought to earth, to destroy the human race one horribly disastrous meal at a time...! They are "Genetically Modified Organisms" and what I consider to be, a big problem. The GM seeds produce crops, fruits, and vegetables that are incredibly hazardous to our health, environment, animals, farms, and food industry.

A list of countries that have banned GMOs.


And, where did they come from?!

Monsanto is a biotechnology company responsible for producing GE seeds and a very hazardous chemical called Roundup. Prepare to be amazed and appalled when you find out that they produce the following crops: Wheat, Corn, Soybean, Alfalfa, Canola, Sorghum and Sugarbeets (check out the recent Maize battle)...Not bad enough?? They're messin' with our fruits and veggies too!! Check out all of the produce seeds created by  Seminis and De Ruiter.

Problems with GMOs
Where are GMOs hiding?


Yikes!
It is terrible that companies are not required to label their GMO products and animal feed. So, that makes it our responsibility to hold these companies responsible by purchasing solely organic products. If we do not support the GMO Industry, we will defeat it.

Any foods that do not state organic (fruits and veggies are still mostly okay and have a fewer chance of GMOs, but be careful, they are out there and will be on our market in full force soon), have high fructose corn syrup, MSG (corn-based), animals fed non-organic grains, or foods made with corn, vegetable, or canola oil...yup, prolly a GMO, ugghh!! Oh, and, natural does NOT mean organic, those sneaky GMOs.


Restaurants

If they don't say organic ingredients, you betcha'...they only use GMOs! I have written to so many places, with very little responses. I'm assuming they aren't proud of their products. I hope that my list will continue to grow and feel free to spread the word by giving a shout-out to your favorite No-GMO places!

To Avoid:
  • All Fast Food Restaurants
  • Sodas: Coca-Cola and Pepsi
  • Cafes and Sandwich Shops: If they aren't healthy places, they'll use GMO options. Any companies that use Boar's Head Meats or Cheeses.
  • Mexican, Italian, Greek, Asian Restaurants unless stating organic food options.
  • The Majority of Corporate and Chain Restaurants are all GMO lovers.
Places that use GMO Ingredients:
  • Panera Bread (uses GMO Food and Animal Feed)
  • Ducksworth's Grill & Taphouse
  • The Melting Pot
  • Dean and Deluca (stated, they could not list whether or not there were GMOs)
  • Chipotle (uses GMO Food and Animal Feed)
  • Jersey Mikes, Subway, HT Subs.
  • Boar's Head Meats and Cheeses (GMO Feed)
  • Maggiano's (GMO Food and Animal Feed)
  • The Cheesecake Factory: (GMO Food and Animal Feed)
  • Mortimers (Boar's Head products)
It's important for us to acknowledge and support the restaurants that focus on feeding us "real food" containing natural ingredients that help our bodies, not hinder. So, I have done some research  and also found a great list of brands that are okay to consume and some places in Charlotte that don't use GMOs...our body's will thank us later, and the list will get bigger!

Local Charlotte Joints that want to feed us real food



Starting on Monday, May 13th, take your hardest Trendy Kendie Challenge yet, The N-O GMO Challenge! No GMOs for 2 weeks...think you can handle it?!

Take The N-O GMO "2 week" Challenge!
Beginning: Monday, May 13-27

HAPPY EATING!