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 13^th

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

Avoid GMOs! >_<

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.

• Rice, Pasta, Bread- Nova's Bakery
• Eggs, Dairy and Meat Products, 
• The Healthy Home Market, Earth Fare, The Fresh Market, Whole Foods Market, The Baby Grocery Store, or The Farmer's Market
• Smoothie King (Only Fruits are Non-GMO)
• Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream is now GMO-free
• Upstream: Uses grass-fed cattle and some non-GMO dishes, ask upon ordering.
• Zada Jane's Corner Cafe- Use organic produce and feed! Breakfast All Day!
• Pure Pizza- 100% organic
• Jason's Deli (not all, but a lot of options)
• Papi Queso Food Truck- Yummy!
• Luna's Living Kitchen: Juice and Smoothie Bar
• The Fern
• The Bean
• Veggie Stix

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

Shhh...I think I Smell A Vegan!!! AAAHHHHH

I Definitely Hear Something...

*Cough* Vegan

Oh No, did you say it was Vegan?? Anything but that...

Vegan HAHA

I was racking my brain for the scariest topic I could find in honor of Halloween, and I decided on...wait for it, "Cue the Scary Music"....VEGANSSS!!!! When, I initially learned of the Vegan lifestyle, the terms that came to mind...WEIRD, Hippie, Mal-Nutrition, GROSS and the list goes on.

For some reason, our society instantly negatively judges those looking to maintain healthy lifestyles with the amazing foods given to us...Fresh Fruits, Vegetables, Oils, Grains, Alt Milk Options, Soups, Nuts, Beans, Legumes, Breads, Pastas, etc. can all be prepared and taste even better. It is just a slight switch in your recipes, but most of all, a switch in your attitude and willingness to rid old ways making way for the new...that's all folks!! If not Vegan, shoot for Vegetarian...you'll be surprised at how much your body will crave these alternate options over meats and dairy, and how well, your body will respond to your changing diet.

I used to be one of those terrified people but not anymore. Why not cut back on meats and dairy while diving into a healthy pool of vitamins and minerals by simply substituting with extra F&V, whole grains, oils, & alternative milk benefits?? Sounds good to me...I am going to tell you how, and you'll be how amazed at how easy it is to incorporate Vegan and Vegetarian principles into your diet! It doesn't have to be all or nothing with personal health, a little bit of healthy goes a long way! A lotta bit goes even farther...

If you haven't check this booked out, it's a must have, Skinny B**** and changed my life and lifestyle with facts and funny-get-to-the-point writing! 

Skinny Bitch

Like documentaries better?? Check out this great one on Netflix, Vegucated.

Get Vegucated!

I am creating this post to discuss the Vegan diet and offer great easy substitute taking away that instant paralyzing fear that grabs a hold of you every time you hear the word, VEEGGGAAANNN!!! Pinterest and Vegweb are 2 Amazing Sites providing Vegan and Vegetarian dishes and information...my pinning is getting out of control!! Check out my Veggie Head and Vegan Head Pinterest Boards...

I won't give up cheese fully, but I have found some great subs sans Tofu...ewwwww-HA! Check out this awesome Rice Cheese by Go Veggie that I purchased at the Healthy Home Market, it tastes great!!

Current Sandwich of Choice: Bakery Bread (Nova Bakery has a bunch of breads no egg or milk), Tomatoes, Rice Mozzarella, Basil, Cayenne, S&P with any Hummus Spread!! And the ever so awesome, homemade PB and Banana Sandwich, make your own PB and Cashew Butter at The Healthy Home Market!

Yummy Homemade Peanut Butter from The Healthy Home Market!

Charlotte Vegan Restaurants:

Check out these great Vegan restaurants right in the Queen City!

The Bean

The Fern

Luna's Living Kitchen- Check out their Menu!

The Common Market- lots of Vegan options.

Check out my review of The Common Market!

VegWeb:

This website is amazing and really provides all of the facts and answers a lot of questions about Veganism...since, they can explain it wayyyy better...check out the following:

• Vegan 101 An article explaining what a Vegan is and info about Veganism.
• Vegan Milk Options: Hemp, Soy, Coconut, & Almond...I only use Coconut & Almond
• Almond Milk: Unsweetened Silk (it's sweeter than Coconut Milk) I use this for smoothies, with granola, casseroles, mashed potatoes, etc.
• Coconut Milk: Soooooooooo good, I pour some in for a creamier smoothie, add the almond too, because it's sweeter. I use Coconut Milk for my coffee, because it's a  little bit thicker and doesn't have the "nutty" taste that the Almond Milk has. It's GREAT as a cream, butter, and milk substitute. Don't forget, you can use this in "cream-based" soups, dressings, and as a yogurt substitute. Thirsty?? Chug some, it's super light and refreshing.

It really is SOOOOO Delicious!

• Protein and Calcium: every time I hear this questions, I giggle inside HAHA..please read this article and put me out of my misery!

The following chart has been directly copied from Vegweb, and it is a Vegweb Substitution Chart which, I have linked and take NO credit for...please refer to this amazing substitute guide, it's super-easy to make these lifestyle changes...

Ener-G Egg Replacer

This long-time baking favorite is a simple way to replace eggs in your recipes. Made from potato starch, tapioca flour, and leavening agents, it helps to bind and leaven baked goods. Whisk together 1-1/2 teaspoons with 2 tablespoons warm water until frothy!

Ground flax seeds

Egg replacing in baking can be a lot more creative than relying on boxed egg replacer. When veganizing muffins, cookies, and cakes, a good go-to egg substitute is ground flax seeds. Cheap and nutritious, when blended with a little bit of water—three tablespoons of water to one tablespoon of ground flax yields about one “egg”—flax creates a mixture that binds baking ingredients together.

Bananas 

This is an amazing substitute, and I frequently use this option!! 

When making banana bread and other cakes containing bananas, the fruit itself has binding qualities and can stand in as an egg replacer. For every egg you need, simply mash or purée 1/2 banana.

Baking powder & baking soda

1 egg = 1-1/2 tablespoons baking powder + 1-1/2 tablespoons warm water + 1-1/2 tablespoons oil (use = leavening)
1 egg = 1-1/2 tablespoons baking powder + 1 tablespoon warm water + 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (use = leavening)
1 egg = 2 teaspoons baking soda + 2 tablespoons warm water (use = leavening)
1 egg = 2 teaspoons baking soda + 2 tablespoons warm water + 1/2 teaspoon oil (use = leavening)
1 egg = 1 teaspoon baking powder + 1 teaspoon vinegar (use = leavening)

Flour

1 egg = 1 teaspoon soy flour + 1 tablespoon water (use = binding + moisture)
1 egg = 3 tablespoons water + 3 tablespoons flour + 1-1/2 teaspoons vegetable shortening, + 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (use = leavening)

Fruit I have used all of these options and recommend all...double your batch and have some applesauce for dessert

1 egg = 1/4 cup applesauce or purée fruit (use = binding and moisture)
1 egg = 1/4 cup pumpkin purée or squash purée (use = binding and moisture)
1 egg = 1/4 cup apricot or prune purée (use = binding and moisture)

Nuts & seeds

1 egg = 3 tablespoons nut butter
1 egg = 1 teaspoon psyllium seed husk + 1/4 cup water (let stand 5 mintues; use = binding and moisture)

Soy-I do not use Soy Products...

1 egg = 1-1/2 tablespoons lecithin granules + 1-1/2 tablespoons water + 1 teaspoon baking powder (use = leavening)
1 egg = 1/4 cup silken tofu (use = binding and moisture)

Starch

1 egg = 2 tablespoons arrowroot + 1 tablespoon water (use: binding and moisture)
1 egg = 2 tablespoons corn starch + 1 tablespoon water (use: binding and moisture)
1 egg = 2 tablespoons potato starch + 1 tablespoon water (use: binding and moisture)
1 egg = 1-1/2 teaspoon tapioca/corn starch + 1-1/2 teaspoon potato starch + 1/8 teaspoon baking powder + pinch xanthan gum + 3-1/2 tablespoons water + 1 teaspoon oil (whisk to froth; use = leavening)

Other I have use the Mashed Potatoes and Yeast Subs which were great!

1 egg = 1 teaspoon yeast dissolved in 1/4 cup warm water (use = leavening)
1 egg = 3 tablespoons vegetable oil + 1 tablespoon water (use = moisture and binding)
1 egg = 3 tablespoons vegan mayonnaise (use = moisture and binding)
1 egg = 3 tablespoons mashed beans (use = moisture and binding)
1 egg = 3 tablespoons mashed potatoes (use = moisture and binding)

Egg white substitution

1 egg white = 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum + 1/4 cup water (let stand 5 minutes, then whip; use = leavening)

Egg yolk substitution

1 egg = 1-1/2 tablespoons lecithin granules + 2 teaspoons water (use = moisture and binding)

Your Guide to Healthy Oils...

I have directly copied this oil chart from Vegweb Oils and take NO CREDIT, please review their webpage article.

Avocado oil- This pick, pressed from avocadoes, is nutty and smooth. It’s also one of the healthiest oils, as monosaturated fat makes up more than half of the content. It’s not great for frying, so mix in a salad dressing to make the most of the avocado flavor. 

Canola oil- Only consumed in its oil form, canola is a type of rapeseed, which is related to cabbage and Brussels sprouts. Canola is best used in baking or light cooking. It’s also good for cardiovascular health as it contains low amounts of saturated fats and has high omega-3 content.

Coconut oil- The New York Times dubbed coconut oil, which actually has more of a buttery consistency, the next biggest cooking ingredient due in part to being loved by vegans. Solid at room temperature and great as a butter replacement, coconut oil adds amazing flavor to baked goods. Drizzle it melted over popcorn and add sea salt for a delicious treat.

Corn oil- This is the most popular oil at fast food outlets for frying French fries, with nearly 70 percent of restaurant chains serving fries that contain corn oil. Though initially considered somewhat heart-healthy, researchers are now saying that corn oil’s comparatively high levels of harmful saturated fat make it one of the least healthiest oil choices.

Olive oil- The beloved Mediterranean liquid is one of the oldest culinary oils and is perfect for sautéeing, as a bread dip (with some balsamic vinegar), or in salad dressing. Extra virgin olive oil, made from the first olive pressing, is the most pure and least acidic version, while other olive oils tend to be refined or a blend of pomace oil and virgin olive oil. Packed with monounsaturated fats shown to lower cholesterol, olive oil has a relatively lower burning temperature, so don’t use it to fry on high heat. 

Peanut oil- One of the best oils for frying and sautéeing, because it stands well up to high heat. Made from one of America’s favorite nuts, this oil is relatively hearth-healthy, with its high monounsaturated fat content.

Safflower and Sunflower oil- The two flower oils are nutritionally similar, and both make for excellent baking fats as they are flavorless and colorless. They also stand up well to high heat, and are the most popular oils for making vegetable margarine. As for nutritional benefits, sunflower oil has high levels of vitamin E and some clinical studies have found safflower oil beneficial for coronary disease and cystic fibrosis.

Sesame oil- Holds well up to heat and is great for stir-fries. Sesame seeds are also full of antioxidants. While refined sesame oil is best for high-heat cooking, toasted sesame oil adds delicious flavor to Asian sauces and dips. Or pour it straight over edamame with soy sauce for a quick, nutritious snack. 

Wanna get some extra Energy?? Add a Juicing Option for a pep in your step!! Do some crunches while your at it!! And, My family recipe for amazing Spicy Roasted Tomato Red Pepper Soup Recipe and learn how to can it in Mason Jars for off-season, fresh eatin'!!