Category Archives: BPA

August 28, 2012 · 9:28 am

Cutting Corners

It’s best to eat whole foods, which are foods in their natural state. I’m talking about fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, meat, fish, eggs…foods like that. These are foods that have not been processed beyond recognition. These are foods with one ingredient, that come from nature.

But we all have a lot going on. Sometimes it’s just too much work to cook up a fresh meal every time. Am I right?

This is why so many people turn to packaged foods. They’re easy, ready-to-go, and last an eternity in your car or bag. Of course, that “lasting an eternity” thing is the problem – they’ve got all kinds of scary chemicals in there that allow them to do that. Don’t even get me started on what those chemicals are doing to your body…

I get that we only have 24 hours in the day. And if there’s too much prep involved, we’re less likely to eat that particular food. So here’s the healthy way I cut corners so that I eat the right foods:

1. Kale Salad

Buying local is best, and cutting your veggies on the spot is best, but with this pre-cut bag of organic kale, I’m getting kale that’s ready to go, along with carrots and cabbage. Saves me a lot of time in prep + 3 whole ingredients in one = Very Helpful.

2. Quick Oats

Sure, steel cut oats are best, but like many of you, I need to expedite my breakfast, so quick oats it is for me. Whole Foods 365 brand makes a great organic option that is ready to go in just a few minutes – cooking isn’t even necessary! Make cold or hot and let them sit for a couple of minutes to let them soak and you’re good to go.

3. Coleman Naturals The Original Brat Hans Cooked Chicken Breast Strips

Now, I don’t know how many places are carrying this – could be a very new product – but I just found it at my local Whole Foods in Silicon Valley and it’s great. This is a package of pre-cooked organic chicken breast with a bit of salt, pepper, and onion and garlic powders. That’s it. No preservatives. Throw ’em on salads, sandwiches, or eat right out of the package. Easy. Tasty.

4. Eden Organics Canned Beans

Ideally, you want to buy dried (not canned) beans and soak them. It’s healthier because they’re fresher, cans have BPA, and the contents of cans typically contain a lot of additives. There are some exceptions, like Eden Organics. Their cans are bpa-free and there are no nasty ingredients. GMO-free since 1993, and one of the last independently owned organic companies, this is one company I’m happy to support.

For snack ideas (not exactly 1 ingredient whole foods, but healthy packaged options for on-the-go, quick refueling), check out some of my older posts:

Food Finds, Part 1 and Part 2
In a Pinch
“I Think There’s Something To This Whole Organic Thing…”

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Filed under BPA, Chicken, GMO-free, Health, Organic, Product Review, Products, Snacks, Tips and Tricks, Vegetables

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August 7, 2012 · 8:24 am

Do Your Part

This video is awesome and only takes 2 1/2 minutes to watch.

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Filed under BPA, Chemicals, Health

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May 31, 2012 · 8:07 am

The Sitch In The Kitch

I’m always tweaking recipes to make them healthier. I love a challenge like that.

So it seems we’re always talking about healthy ingredients, and that’s great, but what about the health and safety of the the cookware we’re using?

Ah…perhaps you didn’t think of that?

Perhaps you did?

Well, if you’re anything like me, you’ve wondered what’s best to use. And I have asked around and done my research, so now I’m sharing with you my picks for best performance and safest cookware. That’s right. No nasty chemicals getting into your food from plastic or non-stick coating or other suspect materials. No impossible cleanup. And all are extremely affordable.

Let’s get to it, then!

1. Bialetti Cookware

This is one kickass line of cookware, people. I’m not going to lie…I’m a lotta bit in love. This thing cooks in a non-stick way and cleans up like a dream but doesn’t have the chemicals that are in that non-stick coating. It’s eco-friendly and because it’s ceramic, it’s free of PFOA, PTFE, and Cadmium. Those chemicals are bad. But the Aeternum line is so good.

2. Stoneware

My awesome study group steered me to unfinished stoneware for all of my baking needs. I love my group and I love baking, and now I love my stoneware, too.

3. The Steamer Pot

This is just the best way to make asparagus I can’t even handle it. And if you know me, you know I love asparagus. I don’t love the aftermath of asparagus, but I’m willing to put up with it for a few reasons:
1) asparagus has a fantastic amount of protein for a veggie and I don’t know why people don’t talk about that more
2) asparagus is a great detoxifier (that gets back to the whole aftermath situation I was talking about), as it is an anti-inflammatory food and helps with digestion
3) it’s super quick and easy to make and take on the go or snack at home and if you know me at all, you know I love a quick and easy snack
4) and because it’s a green, it’s low in calories but high in antioxidants and nutrients and basically all the good things you want in a food

The steamer pot is ideal because when you boil veggies you lose a lot of the nutrients in the water. So with this steamer pot and basket, you’re keeping the veg out of the water and the nutrients in the veg!

4. The Wooden Spoon/Spatula

Toss the plastic, folks. You may recall that I am an anti-BPA crusader. I avoid plastic whenever and wherever possible. So you better believe I avoid it in my kitchen (the husband can attest to that). So thank goodness for the wooden utensil! Wooden spoons and spatulas won’t scratch your pans (you would NOT want to do that to your brand new Bialetti) or contaminate your food with BPA (you would NOT want to do that to your body). Wood and bamboo options are inexpensive, work great, and look great. And contrary to what some might think, wood does not harbor bacteria. Just clean it like anything else and you’re good to go.

5. The Chemex

This is simply my most favorite way to make coffee. No plastic. No contraptions. Just a glass pitcher type thing that looks like something out of a science lab (you’ll need filters and a kettle, too) that makes a fantastic, clean cup of Barefoot Coffee. Barefoot Coffee? Only the most delicious coffee around. How do I know? Oh, I know things.

So there you have it. I’ve just made your kitchen a whole lot healthier. Now I just have to post some more recipes so you can get cookin’!

Question of the Day:
What’s your favorite dish to cook? Let’s hear it!

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Filed under BPA, Product Review, Products, Tips and Tricks

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May 17, 2012 · 9:26 am

What About Water

Here’s something we hear all the time:

“Drink More Water!”

But how much? 8 glasses a day? More?

Well, here’s my answer. Everyone is different and your water requirements vary daily. It depends on:
*the weather (hot vs. cold, humid vs. dry, altitude)
*how much you exercise, how hard, and how much you sweat
*what you eat (salty foods vs. foods with high water content)
*how you feel

There really is no set amount for how much every person should drink. And if there was, we’d know what it is by now.

The best rule of thumb is to check your pee.

When your pee is bright yellow, that’s the best indicator that you need to drink more water. Once your pee is clear, you’re in the clear.

Now, it’s important to stay hydrated for a number of reasons:

  • Your body needs water to function properly
  • Water keeps you from getting sick or feeling lousy (when you’re dehydrated you can suffer from headaches, fatigue, and dizziness)
  • Water aids in weight loss because it keeps you full and because what feels like hunger or a craving might actually be your body telling you it’s dehydrated
  • It helps your skin look glowy (who doesn’t love glowy skin?!?)

Cue the whines (not the wines, because alcohol dehydrates you)…
“What if I don’t like water? Does anything else count?”

Here’s the deal. Listen to your body. Some people find that caffeine-free tea or sparkling water quenches their thirst. For me, only plain water really does the trick and anything else makes me even thirstier. That’s just me. It’s up to you to know what works best for you. If your pee is clear and you’re feeling hydrated, then I think that sparkling water you just drank worked great.

And if you don’t like plain water, I have some good news for you. Lemon in your water can have a lot of great benefits. It promotes digestion, works as a detoxifier, and can help stabilize blood sugar. Click here to learn more about the benefits of drinking lemon water.

And as you saw in my previous post about the evils of soda, any version of water is better than soda. So add in fruit, mint, or cucumbers.

Now, I am an anti-bpa crusader. You’ll hear more about that soon. But in the context of water, the bpa issue means that I avoid plastic bottles whenever possible because of the chemicals that leach from the plastic into the water. I know sometimes it’s unavoidable, but for the home, instead of stocking up on plastic bottles, which are bad for you AND the environment, invest in a purifier or filtration system like Brita, Everpure, reverse osmosis, or an alkalizing system like Kangen. I’m not going to get into the ph of water right now but that’s a hot topic at the moment and I’m sure I’ll revisit that in another post. 😉

Glass bottles are great – think Voss and Perrier. And you can purchase this fave of mine, fill it, and take it to go (it’ll also give you a little workout because it’s heavy!)

So, in summary, find what works best for you. We’re all different and that means we all have different needs.

Question of the Day:
What do you need today? A massage, a nap, a vacation, a big belly laugh, a piping hot mug of Barefoot Coffee? Something else? Let’s hear it!

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