What Are Genetically Modified Foods?

And why should we be concerned?


Well, even if you don't know much about the topic of GMOs, you are probably ingesting them everyday, several times a day.


To get a better understanding, we ask, 
What are genetically modified foods? GMOs are food sources that are non-organically grown

• Using pesticides and herbicide properties in plants
• Mixing and adding of different plant genes to make them hardier
• Cloning of genes
• Hormone-injected livestock

 

The very abundant BT Corn (GMO corn) used in the US is modified with a bacteria to fight off one of corn’s biggest pests, the corn borer; but this bacteria also kills off other insects; like the Monarch Butterfly and the Lacewing. 

GMOs create other adverse effects in the entire ecosystem; there is no way to contain these crops and their seeds, as pollen drifts in the wind and is mobilized through birds and other insects.  Cross- contamination between crops and fields with and without GMO crops is almost inevitable. 

Some of the most common GMO crops are:

• soybeans 
• maize 
• cotton 
• rapeseed

The United States is one of the countries who have not adopted mandatory labeling of all available genetically modified foods. Check this info-graphic here.

To read more, here is an in-depth information on the specific genes and pesticides used in Genetically modified food.

http://www.ourfood.com/Genetic_Modification_Food.html

 

 

NIFTY TRICK #20


Check out this comprehensive GMO labeling guide. Next time you visit the grocery store you will realize how tainted our domestic food supply really is.  Most of the non-GMO products can be found at Whole Foods Market or similar health food stores.
GreenPeaceGMOshoppers Guide

Veggie Jackpot!

Check this load of fruits and veggies I got for only $10.68!!

Smoothie Recipe For The Summer!

A smoothies is a sure-fire way to stay cool in the hot South Florida heat. There's unlimited possibilities! One of my favorite combinations has to be Pina-Colada inspired though. Check out the recipe below.

Check out the health benefits of a Pinapple here and how to choose the perfect fruit!

• 1 Banana
• 1 cup fresh cut Pinapple
• 1 cup cold Soymilk (Almond or Coconut Milk work perfect too!)
• A splash of Apple Juice
• A few dashes of Cinnamon

Blend all ingredients in a blender or food processor and enjoy!

NIFTY TRICK #18

To give your smoothie a protein boost, add some protein powder into the mix. Also, try freezing your fruit, so when you blend them they make a super thick and ice cold treat! Let them thaw out about 10 minutes before blending though.

Re-think Your Transportation!

Biking is the way to go! Riding a bicycle for transportation has immense benefits, for you and the environment!


It is estimated that only about 10% of the world's population can afford a car, but 80% have sufficient funds to buy a bicycle. Unfortunately, the United States has the lowest number of cyclists compared to many populations across the globe, yet we maintain the highest amount of petroleum consumption, perhaps a connection?


The below picture speaks volumes about our current state of affairs as it comes to transportation, why waste the time, gas, money, and pollution sitting in our cars?

Engaging in bike riding can:

• Give you the excerise you need daily (30 minutes.) "If you cycle 6 miles to and from work instead of driving, taking about 30 minutes each way, you could burn 15 to 20 lb. of fat each year."  Check out this Calorie Calculator 
• Save you $$$
• Reduce Carbon Monoxide emissions; check out this Environmental Impact Calculator
• A faster commute
• Lessen Roadway Congestion, imagine if "parking lots" were for bicycles, how much land would be saved!
• Releases endorphins, mood elevation.

"Every transit commuter who bikes to the station instead of driving saves an average 150 gallons of gasoline a year. Every car commuter who switches to biking and transit can save 400 gallons of gas a year, on average. While walking a mile uses 100 calories, bicycling a mile uses only 35. " -Source

Looking for a bike? There's plenty of places to snag one for cheap new or used. Of course there's Craigslist, also, Local Bike Trader is another great spot to find local deals. You can support your local bike shop too by checking out what deals they have to offer.

Some enthusiasts even recycle old bicycle frames and completely refurbish them with new parts, which can get you a new and great bicycle for under $100. How's that for recycling. 


If you do choose to ride for you main mode of commuting, check out this Bicycle Traffic Safety Guide.


Check out these super cool eco-friendly Bamboo Bicycles! 


NIFTY TRICK #17


If you live relatively close to the places you work/ study/ shop, bike there instead! Or consider using public transit. Both of these methods contribute greatly to bettering the environment, your health, and the health of the community. 


Safe travels =)

Best Thrift Stores In Boca Raton

Thrifting is a great way to save money and find really special items, it's fun too even if you don't find anything to your liking! For thrift shopping in Boca Raton, make a trip to Plum Park shopping center where you can find 5 thrift stores all within walking distance! These stores are donated to by a local elderly community, thus you can find some really vintage stuff. It's also great for funky and unique furniture and cool kitchenware; like wine glasses and intricate glass cups. It's definitely worth the visit since you are getting basically 5-in-1!


View 5 Thrift Shops In Walking Distance! in a larger map


NIFTY TRICK #16
Incorporate thrifting into your shopping agenda. Whenever you find yourself 'needing' something new, think if you can find it at a thrift store. Like a purse, belt, and even jewelry accessories can all be found at any thrift store, for super cheap!! It is also a great spot to get one of a kind gifts.


Stay nifty and thrifty ;-)

Are You Eating Radioactive Seafood?

Last year, Japan exported over 2.3 billion worth of seafood worldwide, this is very unsettling news concerning the recent radioactive disaster that happened there recently. Samples of seafood taken from the seas of China have been found tainted with radioactive chemicals, read more here. It is also confirmed that samples from Sri Lanka are contaminated with high levels of radioactivity. 

Even more concerning, the leaks from the accident are consistent, and the radioactive chemicals have a half-life of 30 years! Check out this government site dedicated to monitoring the harmful radioactivity in regards to seafood. 

Radioactive contamination from Fukushima. 

"This report, published in Environmental Science & Technology, reveals that levels of radioactive cesium reached 50 million times normal levels in the ocean water off the coast of the Fukushima Dai-ichi facility. Even more concerning, the abstract of this paper concludes, "...the concentrations through the end of July remain higher than expected implying continued releases from the reactors or other contaminated sources, such as groundwater or coastal sediments." -Source

"Scientists have predicted that Fukushima’s longer living isotopes—such as cesium-137, with a half-life of 30 years—will reach Hawaii in about a year and the coast of California in two to three years." -Source

You can read more about seafood related contamination here and here. 

Pacific Ocean currents, perhaps radiation can literally radiate throughout the entire globe through these currents. 

NIFTY TRICK #15

Always be knowledgeable about where your seafood is from. Gather information about where it was caught, if it is farmed or wild, and fresh or frozen. Buying local can assure you that what you're eating is fresh and wild, and you are also helping the local fishing industry. Check out this guide for choosing sustainable seafood.

Is "The Dirty Dozen" Part Of Your Daily Diet?

Unfortunately, our fresh food supply is very contaminated by pesticides and chemicals. Some produce is very sensitive to holding these chemicals in their delicate skin. 


Surprisingly, APPLES are the number one dirtiest fruit. Almost 98% of all typical apples contain high amounts of pesticide. Over time, these can build up in your system. We are now not sure of the long term effects of ingesting pesticides. Perhaps the old phrase about apples isn't relevant anymore!

Here is a list of the most contaminated; widely known as The Dirty Dozen

• Apples
• Cherries
• Grapes, imported
• Nectarines
• Peaches
• Pears
• Raspberries
• Strawberries
• Bell peppers
• Celery
• Potatoes
• Spinach

Go here for a complete list of produce to avoid and produce that is OK as non-organic. 

Nowadays, besides produce, you can buy almost anything organic! From bread, to wine, even vodka distilled with organic potatoes! But before diving into the organic realm, try doing some research. Here's a great article all about Organic food and here's another source about how they are labeled and regulated.  

If you want to be really organic, you can do it yourself! Check out these guides for growing your own oganic vegetables.

Not a farmer, try keeping a compost, you can recycle all of your organic scraps and feed the soil!

NIFTY TRICK #14


Switch some of the dirty produce for organic options. Also, be weary when buying 'green' products, don't fall for things that appear too flashy or loud about their organic attributes, it is a trend that is highly profitable! 


Stay true and natural =-)