XO- Mandy
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Paleo chocolate chip cookies
I got the recipe from slim palate he has a website, Instagram, and cook book. All his recipes I've tried have been amazing
Picture of the cookie
Ingredients for the recipe
You can find the full recipe on his website. The cookies cook for apx10 minutes and they still look a little gooey when you pull them out but let them cool apx5-7 minutes and they're perfect!
Pictures from Africa
A village next to where our well was built. This is the water they drink.
Some of the meals I ate: a lot of bananas and banana products, rice, a lot of corn and variations of it, a lot of goat (which I refrained from consuming)
My journey to Africa
Sorry I have not been posting my workouts and meals all summer. The beginning of June my mother and sister and I went to Africa. My father passed away in March 2012,and prior to his passing my parents had a charitable lead trust set up. In memory of my father we donated a well in Uganda, which was the reason for our trip. We started our trip in Rwanda and did a week of excursions before traveling to Uganda to spend time with the village where the well was donated. Traveling to a third world country was the most eye opening experience of my life.
Rwanda was a great country filled with wonderful people. The amount of people prior to my departure that told me to be safe with the most urgent of tones is not measureable. Many people because of the Rwandan genocide in 1994 thought that it was not a safe place to travel to; that the possibility of something happening to us was very high. Once I got to Rwanda I realized it was much to the contrary. The country was one of the cleanest countries I have ever been to, the people were all so friendly, there were constantly people walking, there were open air markets everywhere, and a large amount of people there spoke English. We joked that we couldn't drive a mile without seeing someone walking, even children under 5 years old. We asked our guide Sam "Are their parents not afraid of them getting kidnapped?" and Sam said "no that does not happen". The part that made me feel the safest, is that their country believes that they pay their military, even when they are not "at war" so everyday at 4pm until the the sun comes up in the morning the military walk around and patrol the towns to make sure everyone is safe. The neatest part for me was learning that every month the last Saturday the entire country, even the president, go out and clean the country.
Our first day in Kigali, Rwanda we went to the genocide memorial museum, which enlightened me more then I could've imagined. After hearing the history of what exactly happened (which is contrary to what most of the world thinks occurred), my mom, sister and I began asking our guides and people around us about it. Both of our tour guides had family that died in the genocide, and so did the museum guide. No one we talked to seemed bitter about it. It seems as though the country has come to this understanding that it was an awful thing and that they never want it to be repeated. All those that suffered loss from it seem very forgiving and ready to rebuild their country. I thought that the unity I witnessed between the Rwandans just 20 short years later was astounding. I would highly urge anyone wanting to travel to Africa to travel to Rwanda, it is a very safe, clean and friendly country.
Rwanda was eye opening because even though they do not have all the resources necessary to live, they are still the most friendly upbeat people. Uganda was very different from Rwanda, it was not as safe, not as clean, and the people were not as friendly. I am so thankful that we had a chance to experience both countries, and have a chance to help try and enrich the Ugandan's lives. It was the most humbling experience of my life, it made me appreciate having the opportunity to be born and raised in America where I don't have to worry about the simplest and most vital resource to life, clean water. I now wake up everyday and thank God for my life. No matter what challenges and tragedies happen in my life, it could always be far worse. I pray that the people in those countries can be helped and their standard of living can be raised. It sounds weird to say but I am so grateful for experiencing the unexpected loss of my father, because it helped me gain a new outlook on life, what is important, and it has lead me to experiences such as these, being able to help others. After being in the accident with my father, where I could easily not be alive right now, I truly believe a God does exist, and that I was saved for a reason. I am grateful for these experiences because they take me one step closer to truly realizing what my purpose in this life is. I am the most grateful to my mother for giving us the opportunity to experience the trip and everything that came with it.
At the end of the day, be grateful for your life and the chances you have been given, if your experiencing a low in your life know it will get better, and never miss a chance to tell the ones you love that you love them.
Love,
Mandy
Rwanda was a great country filled with wonderful people. The amount of people prior to my departure that told me to be safe with the most urgent of tones is not measureable. Many people because of the Rwandan genocide in 1994 thought that it was not a safe place to travel to; that the possibility of something happening to us was very high. Once I got to Rwanda I realized it was much to the contrary. The country was one of the cleanest countries I have ever been to, the people were all so friendly, there were constantly people walking, there were open air markets everywhere, and a large amount of people there spoke English. We joked that we couldn't drive a mile without seeing someone walking, even children under 5 years old. We asked our guide Sam "Are their parents not afraid of them getting kidnapped?" and Sam said "no that does not happen". The part that made me feel the safest, is that their country believes that they pay their military, even when they are not "at war" so everyday at 4pm until the the sun comes up in the morning the military walk around and patrol the towns to make sure everyone is safe. The neatest part for me was learning that every month the last Saturday the entire country, even the president, go out and clean the country.
Our first day in Kigali, Rwanda we went to the genocide memorial museum, which enlightened me more then I could've imagined. After hearing the history of what exactly happened (which is contrary to what most of the world thinks occurred), my mom, sister and I began asking our guides and people around us about it. Both of our tour guides had family that died in the genocide, and so did the museum guide. No one we talked to seemed bitter about it. It seems as though the country has come to this understanding that it was an awful thing and that they never want it to be repeated. All those that suffered loss from it seem very forgiving and ready to rebuild their country. I thought that the unity I witnessed between the Rwandans just 20 short years later was astounding. I would highly urge anyone wanting to travel to Africa to travel to Rwanda, it is a very safe, clean and friendly country.
Rwanda was eye opening because even though they do not have all the resources necessary to live, they are still the most friendly upbeat people. Uganda was very different from Rwanda, it was not as safe, not as clean, and the people were not as friendly. I am so thankful that we had a chance to experience both countries, and have a chance to help try and enrich the Ugandan's lives. It was the most humbling experience of my life, it made me appreciate having the opportunity to be born and raised in America where I don't have to worry about the simplest and most vital resource to life, clean water. I now wake up everyday and thank God for my life. No matter what challenges and tragedies happen in my life, it could always be far worse. I pray that the people in those countries can be helped and their standard of living can be raised. It sounds weird to say but I am so grateful for experiencing the unexpected loss of my father, because it helped me gain a new outlook on life, what is important, and it has lead me to experiences such as these, being able to help others. After being in the accident with my father, where I could easily not be alive right now, I truly believe a God does exist, and that I was saved for a reason. I am grateful for these experiences because they take me one step closer to truly realizing what my purpose in this life is. I am the most grateful to my mother for giving us the opportunity to experience the trip and everything that came with it.
At the end of the day, be grateful for your life and the chances you have been given, if your experiencing a low in your life know it will get better, and never miss a chance to tell the ones you love that you love them.
Love,
Mandy
Monday, July 28, 2014
High Fructose Corn Syrup, Corn and all of its offspring
With this post I don't not intend to offend anyone who farms, has family that farms, or loves corn. My grandfather has grown corn his whole life and that's how he has supported our family. The issue with corn is that the corn grown in America is field corn, i.e. inedible corn. So the question my fellow American's is, why are the majority of fields across the country, especially throughout the Midwest covered by a food we cannot even consume? This corn then is turned into many products that the food and drug individuals can slip into our diet. Corn can be turned into feed, which when fed to cows instead of grass, is cheaper, and it makes the cows grow fat more than twice as fast as normal. Then those cows are butchered and that is the meat we consume. Which one would think would have the same effects on humans as it does on the cows (growing fat twice as fast).
The issue becomes that corn isn't just in our meats (cows, chickens, fish, pigs, etc. anything fed with feed) but the American everyday foods; ketchup, pickles, milk, bread, cereal, juices, chips, sodas, canned veggies, and even on the coating of pills such as motrin. If the corn is making the cows over two times as fat in less time, what is it doing to humans? Obesity. The way to avoid corn in your meats and dairy products, is to buy grass fed meats, grass fed eggs, and grass fed butter (believe it or not it exists and its called kerrigold and its amazing). The second issue that comes into play with corn and all its byproducts in our food, is GMO, which I go into in my article published about a week ago, if you want more info on GMOs scroll down. The biggest turning point for me in realizing the effects of corn and all its strands, was when I watched King Corn. I would strongly urge you to go watch the video. Whether you agree with my stance or not, next time your in a grocery store, I highly urge you to turn around the products that you are buying and look at the food labels.
Now for a more informed opinion:
The current media debate about the benefits (or lack of harm) of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in our diet misses the obvious. The average American increased their consumption of HFCS (mostly from sugar sweetened drinks and processed food) from zero to over 60 pounds per person per year.
During that time period, obesity rates have more than tripled and diabetes incidence has increased more than seven fold. Not perhaps the only cause, but a fact that cannot be ignored.
Doubt and confusion are the currency of deception, and they sow the seeds of complacency. These are used skillfully through massive print and television advertising campaigns by the Corn Refiners Association’s attempt to dispel the “myth” that HFCS is harmful and assert through the opinion of “medical and nutrition experts” that it is no different than cane sugar. It is a “natural” product that is a healthy part of our diet when used in moderation.
Except for one problem. When used in moderation it is a major cause of heart disease, obesity, cancer, dementia, liver failure, tooth decay, and more.
Source: http://drhyman.com/blog/2011/05/13/5-reasons-high-fructose-corn-syrup-will-kill-you/#close
Realizing I had to eliminate corn, and HFCS from my diet, was the turning point in my health and I saw results in the way I felt and appearance within weeks. Less cellulite, better workout performance, more energy, and less overall body fat. At the end of the day, the question with corn is, why is it necessary to be in almost all of the food that we eat, what is it adding to our overall health?
I hope to help you with your health journey,
Love Mandy
The issue becomes that corn isn't just in our meats (cows, chickens, fish, pigs, etc. anything fed with feed) but the American everyday foods; ketchup, pickles, milk, bread, cereal, juices, chips, sodas, canned veggies, and even on the coating of pills such as motrin. If the corn is making the cows over two times as fat in less time, what is it doing to humans? Obesity. The way to avoid corn in your meats and dairy products, is to buy grass fed meats, grass fed eggs, and grass fed butter (believe it or not it exists and its called kerrigold and its amazing). The second issue that comes into play with corn and all its byproducts in our food, is GMO, which I go into in my article published about a week ago, if you want more info on GMOs scroll down. The biggest turning point for me in realizing the effects of corn and all its strands, was when I watched King Corn. I would strongly urge you to go watch the video. Whether you agree with my stance or not, next time your in a grocery store, I highly urge you to turn around the products that you are buying and look at the food labels.
Now for a more informed opinion:
The current media debate about the benefits (or lack of harm) of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in our diet misses the obvious. The average American increased their consumption of HFCS (mostly from sugar sweetened drinks and processed food) from zero to over 60 pounds per person per year.
During that time period, obesity rates have more than tripled and diabetes incidence has increased more than seven fold. Not perhaps the only cause, but a fact that cannot be ignored.
Doubt and confusion are the currency of deception, and they sow the seeds of complacency. These are used skillfully through massive print and television advertising campaigns by the Corn Refiners Association’s attempt to dispel the “myth” that HFCS is harmful and assert through the opinion of “medical and nutrition experts” that it is no different than cane sugar. It is a “natural” product that is a healthy part of our diet when used in moderation.
Except for one problem. When used in moderation it is a major cause of heart disease, obesity, cancer, dementia, liver failure, tooth decay, and more.
Source: http://drhyman.com/blog/2011/05/13/5-reasons-high-fructose-corn-syrup-will-kill-you/#close
Realizing I had to eliminate corn, and HFCS from my diet, was the turning point in my health and I saw results in the way I felt and appearance within weeks. Less cellulite, better workout performance, more energy, and less overall body fat. At the end of the day, the question with corn is, why is it necessary to be in almost all of the food that we eat, what is it adding to our overall health?
I hope to help you with your health journey,
Love Mandy
Lettuce Turnip the BEET
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
GMO Genetically Modified Organism
Within the last year I have taken my eating, and health to another level. I have become more aware of what I am eating, and through that I have learned many things to avoid. A couple semesters ago I took a Human Nutrition class, many of the topics peaked my interest so I would research topics like GMOs, and through that I have gained knowledge. When I write these articles I am not trying to sway anyone in any certain way I just want to put the knowledge out there that I have learned to help people on a healthy and informed track in life.
What is GMO? "GMOs, or “genetically modified organisms,” are plants or animals that have been genetically engineered with DNA from bacteria, viruses or other plants and animals. These experimental combinations of genes from different species cannot occur in nature or in traditional crossbreeding.
Virtually all commercial GMOs are engineered to withstand direct application of herbicide and/or to produce an insecticide. Despite biotech industry promises, none of the GMO traits currently on the market offer increased yield, drought tolerance, enhanced nutrition, or any other consumer benefit.
Meanwhile, a growing body of evidence connects GMOs with health problems, environmental damage and violation of farmers’ and consumers’ rights" (Directly from the nongmoproject.org website)
The issue with GMO is that the foods that contain modified organisms have artificial ingredients, and there are no reported side effects for humans only lab rats. The United States is one of the few leading nations that doesn't have regulation or policies regarding GMOs.
Are GMOs safe?
Most developed nations do not consider GMOs to be safe. In more than 60 countries around the world, including Australia, Japan, and all of the countries in the European Union, there are significant restrictions or outright bans on the production and sale of GMOs. In the U.S., the government has approved GMOs based on studies conducted by the same corporations that created them and profit from their sale. Increasingly, Americans are taking matters into their own hands and choosing to opt out of the GMO experiment.
Are GMOs labeled?
Unfortunately, even though polls consistently show that a significant majority of Americans want to know if the food they’re purchasing contains GMOs, the powerful biotech lobby has succeeded in keeping this information from the public. In the absence of mandatory labeling, the Non-GMO Project was created to give consumers the informed choice they deserve. (Resource- nongmoproject.org)
Many US consumers say that they would like to know whether the foods they are consuming have Genetically Modified Organisms. The majority of laws on the ballot in the US regarding GMO, are merely requesting that companies have to label whether they have GMOs in their food. The main objections are that it will "cost too much money", but the organisms that make up GMOs are made in a lab, and the food producers, you would hope, know whether their ingredients have GMO in them. It should not have to be a costly expense for the companies.
If you want to avoid GMOs but are on a budget, the majority of Whole Foods 365 brands are a cheaper alternatives to everyday food needs, such as oatmeal, mustard, pizzas, etc. and they label whether those products are certified non GMO.
This will be the label you should see if a food is non-GMO.
If you would like a different take on the issue watch this Colbert Report video:
http://thecolbertreport.cc.com/videos/hdhamk/washington-state-s-gmo-labeling-initiative
Hopefully I can help you take one step closer to ultimate health,
Love, Mandy
What is GMO? "GMOs, or “genetically modified organisms,” are plants or animals that have been genetically engineered with DNA from bacteria, viruses or other plants and animals. These experimental combinations of genes from different species cannot occur in nature or in traditional crossbreeding.
Virtually all commercial GMOs are engineered to withstand direct application of herbicide and/or to produce an insecticide. Despite biotech industry promises, none of the GMO traits currently on the market offer increased yield, drought tolerance, enhanced nutrition, or any other consumer benefit.
Meanwhile, a growing body of evidence connects GMOs with health problems, environmental damage and violation of farmers’ and consumers’ rights" (Directly from the nongmoproject.org website)
The issue with GMO is that the foods that contain modified organisms have artificial ingredients, and there are no reported side effects for humans only lab rats. The United States is one of the few leading nations that doesn't have regulation or policies regarding GMOs.
Are GMOs safe?
Most developed nations do not consider GMOs to be safe. In more than 60 countries around the world, including Australia, Japan, and all of the countries in the European Union, there are significant restrictions or outright bans on the production and sale of GMOs. In the U.S., the government has approved GMOs based on studies conducted by the same corporations that created them and profit from their sale. Increasingly, Americans are taking matters into their own hands and choosing to opt out of the GMO experiment.
Are GMOs labeled?
Unfortunately, even though polls consistently show that a significant majority of Americans want to know if the food they’re purchasing contains GMOs, the powerful biotech lobby has succeeded in keeping this information from the public. In the absence of mandatory labeling, the Non-GMO Project was created to give consumers the informed choice they deserve. (Resource- nongmoproject.org)
Many US consumers say that they would like to know whether the foods they are consuming have Genetically Modified Organisms. The majority of laws on the ballot in the US regarding GMO, are merely requesting that companies have to label whether they have GMOs in their food. The main objections are that it will "cost too much money", but the organisms that make up GMOs are made in a lab, and the food producers, you would hope, know whether their ingredients have GMO in them. It should not have to be a costly expense for the companies.
If you want to avoid GMOs but are on a budget, the majority of Whole Foods 365 brands are a cheaper alternatives to everyday food needs, such as oatmeal, mustard, pizzas, etc. and they label whether those products are certified non GMO.
This will be the label you should see if a food is non-GMO. If you would like a different take on the issue watch this Colbert Report video:
http://thecolbertreport.cc.com/videos/hdhamk/washington-state-s-gmo-labeling-initiative
Hopefully I can help you take one step closer to ultimate health,
Love, Mandy
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