Apples to Apples... Intro

If you think the cost of eating organic is too high, I suggest you literally compare apples to apples. What are you paying for and what is the hidden cost. What is the true cost of the chemistry project most people are eating and drinking?

Easy No bake Peanut Butter Cup Bars

Easy No Bake Peanut Butter Cup Bars

1/2 cup salted butter

3/4 plus 2 Tbsp peanut butter

3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1 cup confectioner sugar

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

1/4 tsp pure vanilla

Lightly grease an 8x8 baking dish ( I prefer glass) with olive oil.

Melt butter ( I use the microwave) and pour into a mixing bowl with sugar and graham cracker crumbs and mix thoroughly.

Stir in the 3/4 cup peanut butter and mix well.

Stir in vanilla. 

Evenly spread the batter into the pan ( it has a gritty wet dough texture) and set aside.

Melt the chocolate chips and remaining peanut butter together. ( about a minute in the microwave ) stir until mixed well and smooth. 

Spread the melted chocolate mix evenly over the batter. 

Cover with plastic wrap or lid and chill at least 4 hours before serving.

Allow the pan to sit about 15 minutes at room temperature to make cutting easier.

Always refrigerate any uneaten bars or they will melt. 

http://ivahaas.blogspot.com/2014/09/my-neato-burrito-experience.html?m=1

Quick Kalamata Hummus

  I spend a lot of time in the kitchen, it seems i spend more time looking for and changing up some of the best recipes i can find. This Hummus recipe is one of my favorites.Quick, easy and delicious. ENJOY!

Kalamata Hummus

1 can garbanzo beans/chickpeas (15 oz) drained
1/2 cup kalamata olives
1/3 cup tahini
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon cumin
Put them all in the food processor and blend to a smooth paste.... How simple is that!
* Foodie Tip- Hummus is always better the next day.

Store refrigerated up to 3 days.

Yes... i said Hemp Milk

Total nutrition in a great alternative to Soy and Dairy milk and protein.... YES HEMP!

http://livingharvest.com/

Food Allergies in children can be confused with behavorial problems article 2... Focus on Food dye.

Some of the most common food additives are associated with Hyper activity an adults are food dyes. Food dye allergies often cause symptoms very similar to those we associate with Hyper activity of all types, Such as ADD, ADHD and Depression in children.

 Red food dye is the most common of culprits in undiagnosed food additive allergies in children. Commonly found in the candy and bottled juices we buy for our children. There are hidden dyes in so many products available on the store shelves.

The common symptoms associated with food additive allergies are Hyper activity, irritability, inability to concentrate and or focus, over sleeping and or inability to sleep, mood swings and sudden outbursts. The more hidden symptoms are digestive disorders, headache and dry skin.

The science of these allergies is rather simple. After ingesting food dyes the body experiences chemical changes similar to the changes in  the chemicals of those who experience many  behavioral disorders. Remember there is a proper balance of chemicals made in the body to keep us functioning normally in most settings. Our bodies try to use every part of the foods and drinks we ingest so it stands to reason that when you add chemicals to the mix there are likely to be consequences.

 Try to eliminate food dye for a while and see if you notice a difference. Though some symptoms may take days if not weeks to subside others such as hyper activity start to subside within 24 hours. Some great alternatives are things dyed with beet juice, grape juice and of course dye free and organic products. Become a label reader... if it is a chemical...try to avoid it.

The following link is a government list of Certified food dyes http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=3f6c9146ba54b1b84f17046e27197926&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title21/21cfr74_main_02.tpl

This is a link for Non- Certified dye products used in the US

. http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&rgn=div6&view=text&node=21:1.0.1.1.26.1&idno=21

   Above links may be copy pasted if links fail.

I urge you to follow the links below if you, your child or some one you love has a history of Behavioral disorders.


Resource information:

http://health.howstuffworks.com/diseases-conditions/allergies/food-allergy/other/what-are-food-dye-allergies.htm

http://www.allergicchild.com/food_dye_allergies.htm

http://www.organicitsworthit.org/learn/organic-foods-offer-alternative

http://www.organicitsworthit.org/learn/organic-foods-offer-alternative

Food Allergies in children can be confused with behavorial problems article 1

As an allergy sufferer diagnosed with MDD and a mother of a child with ADHD i have done plenty of research on food allergies and behavior in children and adults. Though there is a lot of information on the internet i find that most " good studies" are run by drug companies who of course will profit by telling you that you can fix it all with their wonder drugs. Yes some children and adults get great results from medications and behavioral modification, but in many cases a simple change in diet can do as much if not more. I take a daily MDD medication and an allergy medication as needed but have found food and chemicals are the trigger of my worst symptoms.

 Prior to my research and experimenting with medications, foods, chemicals commonly used in the home i suffered severe Migraines, ADHD , ODD, OCD and Bi Polar Depression through out my life. There are many other factors at play within my medical history but after doing the leg work myself and changing a few things i have relieved nearly all of my symptoms.I am in no way telling you to forgo medical help, Just offering some alternative information and some really healthy options.

 The first thing i did in my battle was to start a food diary, behavior log,symptom log, and a journal of my daily activities. Though it was very time consuming i began to see patterns within two weeks. I noticed little things like headaches after cleaning, digestive issues after eating, a cough after taking certain medications, even muscle and skin issues after all of the above. After seeking help from my doctor and pharmacist i eliminated and changed some of my medications. After some simple chemical research i started looking for and found some great alternatives.

 The next step was the hardest... food allergies! Since the 1970's there have been literally a million studies on food additives and their effects on humans and our environment. We have eliminated Lead, Mercury, MSG and a slew of other toxic chemicals from our homes and our food supply but there are still so many unseen and  under researched toxins and irritants. That is where we as the guinea pigs of our world must become pro active.

 Over the next few weeks i will be posting a series of blog articles about my research and personal findings. I hope that you will all check out the links i am going to give you here and add your questions comments and experiences.

http://www.nutramed.com/Foodallergy/fachildren.htm

http://www.totalwellnessnutrition.com/CS6_ADHD_DigestiveHealthSensoryIntegrationIssuesFoodSensitivities.htm

http://www.allergysmarts.com/food-intolerance-new-letters/food-intolerance-your-child.html

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/migraine-headache/DS00120/DSECTION=causes

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/allergy-medications/AA00037

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/allergies-and-asthma/AA00045