The Healthy Journal

In the short time I've been writing this blog, I'm thrilled to say the tide is turning. Manufacturers have seen a shrinking of their bottom line because YOU have voted with your shopping dollars and shunned foods that contain artificial ingredients (preservatives, coloring, etc) and too much sugar. Last month an article in the New York Times reported that a seismic shift in how people eat has caused big food companies to scramble. Manufacturers are responding by changing their ingredients to reflect the demand for healthier food. I originally wrote about the dangers of manufactured food, particularly in breakfast cereals, back in 2011 called The (Mad) Science of Food Packaging . Let's look at what is coming out of the research labs of the food companies and celebrate the victories consumers have achieved. In Food Makers Try to Paint With Nature's Palette , the Wall Street Journal reported how food companies were replacing artificial ingredients with real food alternati...

Recently we stopped for lunch at Chipotle. I knew Chipotle has healthy choices AND they were the first food chain to announce they had GMOs in some menu items, but were busily trying to source all non-GMO ingredients. Well, I'm happy to say, they have achieved what they said they would do. I give them huge props for sticking out their necks and listening to consumers who know what GMO foods are and their danger to health. What Did I Eat at Chipotle? I had a bowl (a burrito without the wrap) with the following ingredients: Sofritas—cooked organic, crumpled and seasoned tofu Cilantro-Lime Brown Rice (half of normal serving) Black Beans Fajita Veggies (lots of them) Topped with— Mild Fresh Tomato Salsa Medium Hot Tomatillo Green Chili Salsa Medium Hot Roasted Chili-Corn Salsa Lettuce It was YUM. What do you think?

Tip: The Environmental Working Group (ewg.org) recently released their Dirty Dozen (TM) —fruits and vegetables tested to contain unacceptable amounts of pesticides. One the other end of the scale, the Clean 15 (TM) lists produce having the least amount of detected pesticides that would be considered acceptable for your family to eat. Make a note.

When mentioning a wonderful smoothie I just blended using my Vitamix , I might hear a sigh from someone who doesn't have a  Vitamix  of their own. I've had one for about thirty years now. It's that good and well-built. I think everyone should have one. It's an investment in your health. The Vitamix makes it easy to mix up a fresh veggie and fruit smoothie chock full of nutrients (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, enzymes and more). Now is a good time to get a Vitamix blender on your Christmas list. Wouldn't you like to wake up on Christmas Day, unwrap it then put it to work making a Pumpkin Pie Smoothie ? Yum! From December 2nd to December 31st 2014, when you purchase any model Vitamix , not only do you receive FREE shipping, but you also get a set of 3 spatulas specially designed to fit into every corner of the  Vitamix container. These spatulas are slim and lightweight for easy handling and removing thick mixtures from the blades. Click Here to Place Your Order...