What's in that Water?

 

When one thinks of the word "water", what often comes to mind is "refreshing" and "healthy".  Although, unfortunately in our modern age of pollutants, the water you drink may be anything but...


Bottled Water
On October 15th, the Environmental Working Group (E.W.G.) released an industry-rattling report that reveals the dirty truth about bottled water. Read the complete report. The E.W.G.'s comprehensive testing on 10 brands of US bottled water and found the following alarming contaminants: 

• Cancer-causing Byproducts of Chlorination
• Fertilizer Residue like Nitrate and Ammonia
• Industrial Solvents
• Caffeine
• Pharmaceuticals drugs
• Heavy Metals and Minerals Including Arsenic and Radioactive Isotopes
• A Broad Range of Other, Tentatively Identified Industrial Chemicals
• Overall the bottled water tested contained 38 chemical pollutants altogether, with an average of 8 contaminants in each brand. More than one-third of the chemicals found, are not regulated in bottled water.

Tap Water
Unfortunately, tap water often isn't any better... as typically, over 260 contaminants are found in our public water supplies.

What is Safe to Drink?:  Thankfully, there is an affordable option out there that uses regular tap water.  Quality reverse osmosis systems filter tap water on a the leval of an ion, at 0.0009.  The system my family got at a local wholesale club provides up to 24 gallons of water a day and only cost about $100, plus new filters every few months. Before purchasing our reverse osmosis system, we used hassle with filling up reverse osmosis water from our local grocery store in three gallon water containers. Our new, easy to install home unit paid for itself in just three months!

Natural Recipe of the Week:
Peanut Butter Fruit Dip
This is a tasty dip for serving at parties as well as in kid's lunches.

Ingredients:
1/2 Cup Peanut Butter or Substitute Another Nut Butter (use all-natural, without high fructose corn syrup)
1/4 Cup Unsweetened, 100% Orange Juice Concentrate, Thawed
1/2 Cup Plain Yogurt (Use Organic, full fat yogurt for best results)
Optional:  Dash of cinnamon for flavor and drizzle of raw honey for extra sweetness


Directions:

Beat together all ingredients until fluffy. Cover and chill. Serve with assorted fresh fruit.

Back to School: Healthy Kids Lunches

Not only is it ideal to serve wholesome, all-natural foods to your family at home, but you'll want to continue that at school as well. Unfortunately, just the like average Amercian diet, the majority of school's lunches include processed foods full of transfats, msg and other artificial chemicals and dyes. Although, don't be daunted by the idea of packing lunches every day as healthy, homemade lunches that your kids will want to eat are actually easier than you might think.

Selected Quality Containers:

As you start to think about healthy meals, take a moment to consider what you're packaging your kids' meals in. Many parents still use disposable bags and plastic wraps, but it's a total waste of money and it produces unnecessary waste. A reusable container is the way to go, but not all containers are created equally.

Studies have shown plastics can leech chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA) and antimony, but if you're set on using plastic containers, look for polypropylene, designated by the number 5, as it is one of the most stable options. If possible health concerns have you worried about using any plastic, there are more stainless steel lunch containers on the market every year, so they shouldn't be hard to find.
When it comes to drink containers, it's important to remember that what you put in the container can have an effect on the quantity of chemicals that leech into the drink. Studies have shown that heat and acidic drinks such as juices can increase the rate at which chemicals leech into the beverage.Stainless steel bottles can be safer, but only if you choose the right one. Many stainless steel drinking containers are treated with a coating on the inside, and some of these coatings also contain BPA. Also keep in mind that many come with a plastic cap or spout, which could come in contact with the drink. If your search has been fruitless, Kleen Kanteen's bottles are BPA-free, and they make a bottle with a stainless steel screw cap.

Think "Simple"

Simple preparation, and simple all-natural ingredients. Just as you would avoid processed foods, choose organic fruits and vegetables and other natural foods to prevent your child from ingesting pesticide residue.

Make the most of the previous night's leftovers. Use strips of steak, lean ground beef, or beans to fill a whole grain wrap or pita, topping things off with fresh, organic vegetables and a sprinkling of cheese. If everyone was hungry the night before, pop open a can of wild (not farmed) salmon for a nutrient-rich protein. Making homemade pizza for dinner? Make extra personal pizzas for the kids' lunches.

Natural Recipes of the Week:
Back to School Recipes

Almond Butter with Slivered Almonds and Dried Cranberries

Do a different and healthier spin on the traditional P&J sandwich with this hearty combination that will pack protein and a smile. Keep it natural by using plain dried cranberries (not the high fructose corn syrup variety found at traditional grocery stores), select your bread with care as well for all-natural ingredients.

Black Bean & Corn Salad 
This is a protein packed salad brimming with color and nutrients.  Mix it up according to your child's tastes. When I make this, I use more lime juice and seasoning than called for and add cumin as well. Have left over corn on the cob from dinner? Shave off the kernels and as use it up in this dish instead of frozen corn - you'll find it adds a nice sweetness.

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels
   1 avocado - peeled, pitted and diced
   1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 6 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantr

Directions

1. Place lime juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and cayenne pepper in a small jar. Cover with lid, and shake until ingredients are well mixed.
2. In a salad bowl, combine beans, corn, avocado, bell pepper, tomatoes, green onions, and cilantro. Shake lime dressing, and pour it over the salad. Stir salad to coat vegetables and beans with dressing, and serve.

Maple-Date Bars
This dessert gets much of sweetness from maple syrup and dates. Notes, when you spread the flour mixture onto the bottom of the pan, it will still be sort of crumbly. So don't worry, you haven't left out any ingredients.

Ingredients:
1 3/4 cups finely chopped pitted dates (about 12 ounces)
3/4 cup water
1/3 cup maple syrup
1 tsp grated lemon rind
2/3 cup evaporated cane juice (can replace with sugar or all-natural sugar substitute)
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup regular oats
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt

 Directions:

1. Heat a heavy pot up to medium high heat and add in dates and maple syrup. Bring to a soft boil and stir constantly for about 12 minutes, until all the water cooks off. Stir in the lemon rind.
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
3. Add softened butter to a standing mixer or use a hand mixer and add in sugar. Beat until smooth. In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, baking soda, and salt. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and combine well.
4. In a greased 9 x 13 inch pan, spread 2 cups of the butter mixture evenly. Top with date mixture. Sprinkle remaining butter mixture on top and bake for 20 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack.

Sports Drinks - Healthy Hydration or Junk Food?

What are electrolytes?

Electrolytes are minerals that are in the body as well as present in the food we eat and the fluids we drink. They are crucial for nerve and muscle function and these essential nutrients can be lost from our system through perspiration or illness (vomiting and diarrhea).

When the Body Needs More than Water

Regardless of what the commercials and athletic sponsorships tell us, the question is "Does the body need more than water for proper hydration when exercising?"  During your typical day to day activities, water is the best thing for you. If you exercise for 30 minutes a day, at a moderate intensity, water is definitely adequate, affirms Dr. Mercola. It’s only when you’ve been exercising for longer periods, such as 60 minutes or more, or at an extreme intensity, such as on a very hot day or at your full exertion level, that you may need something more than water to replenish your body.

Why Sports Drinks are Not a Healthy Choice

What they don’t advertise is that sports drinks are up to 30 times more erosive to your teeth than water. And as a recent study revealed, brushing your teeth won’t help because the citric acid in the sports drink will soften your tooth enamel so much it could be damaged by brushing. Sports drinks have these high acidity levels to extend their shelf life (soft drinks do as well).

In addition, the leading brands of sports drinks on the market typically contain as much as two-thirds the sugar of pop and three times the sodium! Because of this, many public health official are pushing for a ban on the sale of sports drinks and flavored waters at schools.  Sports drinks also often contain high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), artificial flavors and food coloring, none of which belong in your body. If your sports drink is low calorie and sugar-free, be warned that it likely contains an artificial sweetener, which is even worse for you than high-fructose corn syrup or sugar.  Most also contain loads of processed salt, which is there to replenish the electrolytes you lose while sweating. However, unless you’re sweating profusely and for a prolonged period, that extra salt is simply unnecessary, and possibly harmful. Additionally, because salt intake typically increases your thirst, drinking most sports drinks will not quench your thirst while you exercise. It will instead make you want to drink more.

What to Use for Proper Hydration

Thankfully, there are better options than artificial sports drinks to rehydrate you and your family.  Fresh coconut water is all-natural and actually has the the same electrolytic balance as human blood.  In fact, during World War II, medics in the Pacific even used it successfully as an emergency, intravenous substitute for plasma!  You can drink the liquid from a coconut or "coconut milk" straight or buy an all-natural commercial product such as "Vita Coco -Coconut Water Natural Electrolyte Drink". I personally love this drink for it's light refreshing taste that does not taste strongly of coconut (in case it's not a favorite of yours).

Something else I like to have on hand for my family hydration - especially the little ones is "PediaVance". This is an all-natural electrolyte drink for children (yet great for everyone). It is the only commercial electrolyte solution made with organic ingredients and it also avoids the artificial sweeteners, colors and flavors that brands such as Pedialyte contain.

Note: As with any serious medical condition, visit the emergency room if you're experiencing  extreme dehydration, vomiting or diarrhea.  Be especially cautious of small children and the elderly.

Natural Recipe of the Week:  Green Tea Skin Toner

Skin toners help to lift dirt, oils, or dead skin cells that
cleansers leave behind. The green tea in
this recipe tightens pores and calms skin as well as containing strong antioxidant substances that may fight signs of aging.
This product works for all skin types.  It is especially good for

soothing aggravated or sunburned skin. Apply it before a moisturizer.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup pure spring water or
•   distilled water
• 2 teaspoons green tea leaves
•   or 1 bag green tea

Directions:

1. Bring the water to a boil.
2. Place the tea leaves or tea bag in a clean glass or ceramic bowl.
3. Pour the boiling water over the leaves or bag and allow to steep for 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Strain the green tea into a bottle and allow it to cool.
5. Apply it to cleansed skin

Oven Baked Pancake Recipe

Natural Recipe of the Week:  Oven Baked Pancake
(similar to a popover)
This is an easy and impressive recipe, especially for kids - they love the fact that it "puffs" and it is perfect for topping with cut-up fresh fruit or a homemade fruit sauce or jam.  My hubby loves dribbling it with his homemade maple syrup.

Puffs up high around the edges when it’s done.  Serve it quickly before it sinks.  Prep 10 min.  Bake 30 min. 4 to 8 servings.

Ingredients: 
4 TBS butter
4 Large Eggs
1Cup All-Purpose Flour (Do not use self-rising flour.  For a healthier option, choose 100% Whole Wheat Pastry Flour that is whole grain, yet a fine texture.)
1 Cup Milk
1/2 tsp sea salt 

Directions: 

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees F.  In two, 9-inch pie plates, melt butter in oven (2 TBS each); brush or swirl butter over bottom and side of pie plate
2. In medium bowl, beat eggs slightly with hand beater.  Beat in flour, milk and salt just until smooth and ingredients are incorporated (do not overbeat or pancake may not puff).  Pour into pie plate.
3. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until puffy and deep golden brown.  Serve immediately.