If you are not using natural products than what are you using? Most people don’t know what is in the products they use. I feel it is important to know what goes into your body and on your skin. Awareness is the whole point of living green! Once you really know what you're using and how hazardous they are, you can make the positive changes needed to live a healthy, green life.
Here are some ingredients you should be highly on the lookout for. They are toxic and dangerous to your health. After you read this go into your bathroom and take a look at your hair products, face wash, soap, etc... and your cleaning products to see where you stand on the toxic scale. If your numbers run high I suggest you avoid being a toxic avenger and crusade your way towards the healthy path of natural living!
COAL TAR
This is a well know carcinogen (an agent directly involved in the promotion of cancer) and is used in most dandruff shampoos, anti-itch creams and dyes such as FD&C Blue 1 and 3. You can find these dyes in toothpastes and mouthwash.
FRAGRANCE
Be weary of this word. It is rarely natural and is used to cover up hundreds of toxic ingredients. One of which is phthalates which can cause reproductive and developmental harm as well as disrupting the endocrine system.
HYDROQUINONE
This ingredient is commonly used to whiten and lighten skin as well as used in facial moisturizers.
It is considered a neurotoxin which affects the nervous system and is also allergenic.
ALUMINUM
Stay away from this one! Not only is it a carcinogenic but mutagenic (agent that changes the genetic material of an organism and may cause mutations) as well. This is often found in deodorants and makeup such as eye shadow and is used as a color additive. It is said that the amount of aluminum found in antiperspirants may increase the risk of breast cancer and has also been a factor in Alzheimer’s disease.
TRICLOSAN
You will find this chemical in almost all antibacterial products such as soap, toothpaste and makeup. It is often mixed with dioxins (highly unstable organic compounds) which have many health risks. Not only are they highly carcinogenic but they can also decrease fertility, weaken your immune system and cause birth defects. Stay clear of Clearasil, Dial, Right Guard, Old Spice and Colgate to name a few. These all contain this chemical.
P-PHENYLENEDIAMINE
How the hell do you even pronounce that! This chemical can damage your nervous system and cause many other health risks such as lung irritation and severe allergic reactions. It is often found in hair dyes so beware! For something voted Allergen of the Year by the American Contact Dermatitis Society I would stay clear of this one. Keep your eyes open for these as well: 1,4-Benzenediamine, p-Phenyldiamine and 4-Phenylenediamine.
LEAD & MERCURY
Lead is a neurotoxin that can be found in men’s hair dye and could also end up in toothpaste as a natural contaminant of hydrated silica. It has also been used in paint pigments and thank god there are companies who are changing that. We all know it is poisonous! It can damage the nervous system and cause blood and brain disorders.
Mercury can be found in thimerosol which is often in cosmetics, especially mascara. A gold star to Minnesota for being the first state in the US to ban it in cosmetics! There has been big controversy over the risks of this preservative in vaccines and has been connected to autism. Its main use is to prevent bacterial contamination, hence being used in vaccines. There are concerns about the amount of exposure a child has to thimerosol so companies have been asked to eliminate it from vaccines.
So you got through the bad ones. Good for you! Now here are a couple more to look out for:
Cocamide DEH, Lauramide DEA, Cocamide MEA, Triethanolamine (TEA) and Diethanolamine (DEA).
All these chemicals have the ability to form into nitrosamines which can be found in tobacco and latex products as well as beer and fish. They can cause cancers in animals and are also carcinogenic in humans.
Ok...last but not least I want to briefly explain what some other chemicals are so you know why to stay away from them. You’ve heard them before but may not really know what they are. Now you do!
MINERAL OILS
You will see these as petroleum or liquid paraffin on labels. Do not be misguided people. These oils can slow down your skin’s natural function and cell development and coats it so it cannot breathe. The result? Premature aging! Yikes...who the hell wants that. They are found in many products including mascara.
PARABENS
These have been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer! They have been considered estrogenic chemicals which mimic the natural function of estrogen. Anything that can disrupt my normal hormone behavior is checked off my list. My hormones are crazy enough. No thank you!
SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE (SLS) & SODIUM LAURYL ETHER SULFATE (SLES)
These are both foaming agents derived from coconut oil and used in a variety of products from brake fluid to skin care products such as toothpaste and bubble bath. It is proven to irritate skin and is considered a carcinogenic by The Environmental Working Group.
TALC
You will find talc in most baby products, deodorants and powder products. I know it may come as a surprise but it contains a chemical that is similar to asbestos. Yuck! Stay clear of this one ladies because it can increase the risk of certain ovarian cancers.
ACRYLATES & METHACRYLATES
Think about this the next time you are getting your nails done. Found in most nail products both of these can cause dermatitis.
ALCOHOL & ISOPROPYL
Found in most cosmetics this additive dries the skin and strips it of its outer layers. Thus, exposing you to bacteria and tons of other toxins. Not to mention, brown spots and premature aging!
Good Luck on your mission to rid these chemicals out of your life for good! I hope I have made it a little easier. You are getting closer to best life you can live :)
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Friday, November 12, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Go Nuts
Nuts are really a superfood. Not only are they delicious, they offer tons of health benefits as well. Packed with protein and healthy fats, nuts make a great snack on their own or when added to a recipe. You just need to be careful not to eat too much because they are high in calories. Remember, everything in moderation!
Walnuts help boost brain power and have tons of protein and fiber. For a handful of 14 halves you are getting 185 calories.
Almonds lower cholesterol and pack more fiber and calcium than most other nuts. They also have fewer calories and are an excellent source of vitamin E. For 163 calories you can eat 23 of these bad boys.
Pistachios have a special antioxidant called lutein that helps with your vision and skin. If you don't like bananas you can get your potassium from these guys instead. One serving size gives you almost as much as a small banana. They also have fewer calories than most other nuts. For only 162 calories you can snack on a whopping 49 nuts. Sounds good to me!
Cashews contain iron, folate and vitamin K. They help keep your bones strong and give you almost 10% of your daily iron. Move over Popeye! With 18 nuts per serving you get 163 calories.
Pecans help lower cholesterol as well and they help prostates stay healthy. Eat up men! You will get 196 calories for 19 halves.
Pine Nuts are good for the blood. They help metabolize carbs and protein and keep sugar levels at a normal rate. In addition, they help you feel full. By eating 167 nuts you will get 191 calories.
Walnuts help boost brain power and have tons of protein and fiber. For a handful of 14 halves you are getting 185 calories.
Almonds lower cholesterol and pack more fiber and calcium than most other nuts. They also have fewer calories and are an excellent source of vitamin E. For 163 calories you can eat 23 of these bad boys.
Pistachios have a special antioxidant called lutein that helps with your vision and skin. If you don't like bananas you can get your potassium from these guys instead. One serving size gives you almost as much as a small banana. They also have fewer calories than most other nuts. For only 162 calories you can snack on a whopping 49 nuts. Sounds good to me!
Cashews contain iron, folate and vitamin K. They help keep your bones strong and give you almost 10% of your daily iron. Move over Popeye! With 18 nuts per serving you get 163 calories.
Pecans help lower cholesterol as well and they help prostates stay healthy. Eat up men! You will get 196 calories for 19 halves.
Pine Nuts are good for the blood. They help metabolize carbs and protein and keep sugar levels at a normal rate. In addition, they help you feel full. By eating 167 nuts you will get 191 calories.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Nature's Goodies
I read a lot of magazines so I can get as much information as I can about everything. Besides books they are a great way to gain knowledge about healthy living and a green lifestyle. Here are some cool facts I came across. Just some great things that natures gifts keep on giving.
Olive Oil is great for your skin as well as being a healthy fat for your body. It's said that women who include olive oil in their diets have less skin damage and wrinkles. Sounds good to me! I actually use an olive oil lotion and I love it. Here are some products that use the ingredient wisely.
Thymes Olive Leaf Triple-Milled Bar Soap
Kiss My Face Olive/Aloe Natural Moisturizer
L'Occitane Organic Olive Tree Moisturizing Face Lotion
Creme d'Olives
Pears are not only delicious, they are packed with fiber and vitamin C. Both are great for your body and your skin. Here are some products that highlight the powers of the pear.
100% Pure - Organic Honey and Pear Nourishing Body Cream
B. Witching Bath Co. - Golden Pear Liquid Soap
Naturopathica - Pear and Fig Polishing Enzyme Peel
Aloe is an amazing plant. It can do more than soothe sunburn. Check out these other great things aloe can do.
- Use a dab on canker sores and cold sores. It will help fight the pain and also make the sores heal faster.
- Do you swim a lot? Chlorine is not that great for your skin or your hair, which I am sure you already know. Well aloe has vitamin C and E that helps nourish damaged hair chlorine can cause. Try this concoction once a week and you should see a diference: Combine 1/2 cup of aloe vera gel, 1/2 cup castile soap and 1/2 tsp of jojoba oil. Leave in for 10 minutes and use as a pre-shampoo treatment. You can find more awesome tricks like this in Lina Hanson's book, Eco-Beautiful-The Ultimate Guide to Natural Beauty and Wellness.
- Use aloe on cuts and burns after you've washed them with soap and water. The aloe will help to stimulate growth which will help it heal faster. It can also help prevent future scarring. Check out more handy tips in The Clear Diet by Alan Logan.
Not only is cilantro great in Mexican food, its other uses really come in handy. It helps bloating and can help ease sore joints and muscles. Just rub 2 tsbp of chopped fresh cilantro and 1/4 cup of aloe vera gel on the spot and you're good to go. This yummy herb can also kill salmonella and E. coli so use it in a marinade come dinner time. Surprisingly, it can calm irritated skin too.
You see, nature's goodies can do amazing things. Do your research and get the facts. Not everything needs chemicals, medicine or a doctor. Nature's remedies are safe and worth trying. Good Luck!
Olive Oil is great for your skin as well as being a healthy fat for your body. It's said that women who include olive oil in their diets have less skin damage and wrinkles. Sounds good to me! I actually use an olive oil lotion and I love it. Here are some products that use the ingredient wisely.
Thymes Olive Leaf Triple-Milled Bar Soap
Kiss My Face Olive/Aloe Natural Moisturizer
L'Occitane Organic Olive Tree Moisturizing Face Lotion
Creme d'Olives
Pears are not only delicious, they are packed with fiber and vitamin C. Both are great for your body and your skin. Here are some products that highlight the powers of the pear.
100% Pure - Organic Honey and Pear Nourishing Body Cream
B. Witching Bath Co. - Golden Pear Liquid Soap
Naturopathica - Pear and Fig Polishing Enzyme Peel
Aloe is an amazing plant. It can do more than soothe sunburn. Check out these other great things aloe can do.
- Use a dab on canker sores and cold sores. It will help fight the pain and also make the sores heal faster.
- Do you swim a lot? Chlorine is not that great for your skin or your hair, which I am sure you already know. Well aloe has vitamin C and E that helps nourish damaged hair chlorine can cause. Try this concoction once a week and you should see a diference: Combine 1/2 cup of aloe vera gel, 1/2 cup castile soap and 1/2 tsp of jojoba oil. Leave in for 10 minutes and use as a pre-shampoo treatment. You can find more awesome tricks like this in Lina Hanson's book, Eco-Beautiful-The Ultimate Guide to Natural Beauty and Wellness.
- Use aloe on cuts and burns after you've washed them with soap and water. The aloe will help to stimulate growth which will help it heal faster. It can also help prevent future scarring. Check out more handy tips in The Clear Diet by Alan Logan.
Not only is cilantro great in Mexican food, its other uses really come in handy. It helps bloating and can help ease sore joints and muscles. Just rub 2 tsbp of chopped fresh cilantro and 1/4 cup of aloe vera gel on the spot and you're good to go. This yummy herb can also kill salmonella and E. coli so use it in a marinade come dinner time. Surprisingly, it can calm irritated skin too.
You see, nature's goodies can do amazing things. Do your research and get the facts. Not everything needs chemicals, medicine or a doctor. Nature's remedies are safe and worth trying. Good Luck!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Lunchtime!
A lot of people tend to forget that lunch should be the second best meal of the day. What else is going to get you moving till its time to clock out! If you sit in an office all day, lunchtime is your chance to pick up some extra energy and stay productive. If you are out and about all day then a hearty, healthy lunch is vital to keep moving at a productive pace. I work mostly from home and when lunch time comes around I get excited. Not only because I am hungry but the food I have been eating lately really satisfies my taste buds. Choosing foods that have a generous amount of protein and grains will get you through the day with ease.
This was my lunch today. Quorn nuggets and brown rice. It's one of my favorite lunches! Packed with a total of 18 grams of protein and only 10 grams of fat this meal is great for lunchtime. Not only is it filling but super easy to make. I usually make a big portion of rice ahead of time so I have it for the week. ( I eat a lot of brown rice) Then just heat it up when I want to. I even eat it for breakfast. Don't be a prisoner to the breakfast food norm. It should be the biggest meal of your day and that doesn't mean you should load eggs, bacon, sausage and pancakes on to your plate. I can see you getting fatter by the minute if you do! You want to eat something that has nutrients and protein but not a lot of fat and cholesterol. Also, don't run from carbs. You need them just as much as protein. If you have a nice even mix you should be fine.
Here are some more lunch ideas for you or anyone in your family.
- Burritos: I combine brown rice, corn, peppers, onions, tomato sauce, Quorn veggie crumbles and cheese. Sometimes I add black beans to maximize the protein. Amy's and Evol make awesome burritos so check them out!
- Sandwich: Quorn chik'n patty on a whole wheat bun with lettuce and a little mayonnaise. You can also put some mozzarella cheese on it and its a whole different sandwich. Another great idea is to roast up some veggies in the oven or on the grill and place them on some italian bread or a whole wheat roll. I would suggest peppers, onions, broccoli, mushrooms and asparagus. Yummo! You can use the Quorn Chik'n Tenders to make an alternative chicken salad too. Just saute them, chop them all up and mix in some mayonnaise, salt & pepper, some fresh herbs and your good to go!
- Soup: You can make a soup out of anything! Get creative and get cooking. Make it on a Sunday and have a couple of lunches for the week. I love vegetable soup, tomato soup and broccoli and cheese soup.
- Pizza: Pizza comes in all different styles so you will definitely find one you like. Don't get stuck in traditional thinking! You can put anything on dough. I like to use whole wheat flatbread and add ricotta, mozzarella, peppers and onions. Yum! The best frozen pizza I have ever ate is Amy's. They sell for under $6 at Target and are worth every penny! I like the cheese pizza with organic flour and tomatoes.
- Salad: I love salad. My favorite is a simple house salad with feta cheese but there are tons of different ways to put together a salad. Whatever you like to eat, throw it in. Add nuts, fruits, veggies...the list can go on and on. Stay away from pre-bagged lettuce and go for the fresh romaine or iceberg.
These are just a few things you can eat for lunch. Don't forget the classics: PB & J and Macaroni & Cheese are always good. Amy's makes a great mac n cheese you should try. My boyfriend loves them. You can always eat leftovers too. When I cook (which is all the time!) I try to make more than we need so I have something to eat for breakfast or lunch the next day. It makes my day a whole lot easier! So eat a healthy lunch and I promise your day will run a little smoother. Snacks always come in handy too so add a couple of nutritious treats to your day and you will have a reason to smile.
This was my lunch today. Quorn nuggets and brown rice. It's one of my favorite lunches! Packed with a total of 18 grams of protein and only 10 grams of fat this meal is great for lunchtime. Not only is it filling but super easy to make. I usually make a big portion of rice ahead of time so I have it for the week. ( I eat a lot of brown rice) Then just heat it up when I want to. I even eat it for breakfast. Don't be a prisoner to the breakfast food norm. It should be the biggest meal of your day and that doesn't mean you should load eggs, bacon, sausage and pancakes on to your plate. I can see you getting fatter by the minute if you do! You want to eat something that has nutrients and protein but not a lot of fat and cholesterol. Also, don't run from carbs. You need them just as much as protein. If you have a nice even mix you should be fine.
Here are some more lunch ideas for you or anyone in your family.
- Burritos: I combine brown rice, corn, peppers, onions, tomato sauce, Quorn veggie crumbles and cheese. Sometimes I add black beans to maximize the protein. Amy's and Evol make awesome burritos so check them out!
- Sandwich: Quorn chik'n patty on a whole wheat bun with lettuce and a little mayonnaise. You can also put some mozzarella cheese on it and its a whole different sandwich. Another great idea is to roast up some veggies in the oven or on the grill and place them on some italian bread or a whole wheat roll. I would suggest peppers, onions, broccoli, mushrooms and asparagus. Yummo! You can use the Quorn Chik'n Tenders to make an alternative chicken salad too. Just saute them, chop them all up and mix in some mayonnaise, salt & pepper, some fresh herbs and your good to go!
- Soup: You can make a soup out of anything! Get creative and get cooking. Make it on a Sunday and have a couple of lunches for the week. I love vegetable soup, tomato soup and broccoli and cheese soup.
- Pizza: Pizza comes in all different styles so you will definitely find one you like. Don't get stuck in traditional thinking! You can put anything on dough. I like to use whole wheat flatbread and add ricotta, mozzarella, peppers and onions. Yum! The best frozen pizza I have ever ate is Amy's. They sell for under $6 at Target and are worth every penny! I like the cheese pizza with organic flour and tomatoes.
- Salad: I love salad. My favorite is a simple house salad with feta cheese but there are tons of different ways to put together a salad. Whatever you like to eat, throw it in. Add nuts, fruits, veggies...the list can go on and on. Stay away from pre-bagged lettuce and go for the fresh romaine or iceberg.
These are just a few things you can eat for lunch. Don't forget the classics: PB & J and Macaroni & Cheese are always good. Amy's makes a great mac n cheese you should try. My boyfriend loves them. You can always eat leftovers too. When I cook (which is all the time!) I try to make more than we need so I have something to eat for breakfast or lunch the next day. It makes my day a whole lot easier! So eat a healthy lunch and I promise your day will run a little smoother. Snacks always come in handy too so add a couple of nutritious treats to your day and you will have a reason to smile.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Yoga in NYC
Attention all you yogis out there! There is a great event happening in NYC next month that you should all try to make. Summer Solstice in Times Square is a yoga event celebrating what else, the Summer Solstice. Just imagine being a part of something that is life changing for all to see. Yoga is awesome, period. It has so many great benefits and allows your inner you to shine more than ever. Thanks to the Times Square Alliance this event is made possible in one of the most hectic places in the country!
Registration is FREE but you have to sign up now! There are three sessions: morning, afternoon and evening and only two are available due to the amount of people getting involved. I am already registered for the 12:30 Bikram and can't wait. My mother and some friends are meeting me there so why not join me too! If you are interested in attending you can sign up at the website below. Don't forget to let me know so we can all stretch our way to a better body, mind and soul together!
Solstice in Times Square
Registration is FREE but you have to sign up now! There are three sessions: morning, afternoon and evening and only two are available due to the amount of people getting involved. I am already registered for the 12:30 Bikram and can't wait. My mother and some friends are meeting me there so why not join me too! If you are interested in attending you can sign up at the website below. Don't forget to let me know so we can all stretch our way to a better body, mind and soul together!
Solstice in Times Square
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Lean and Green
In the April issue of Vegetarian Times they have a Q&A with Mark Bittman, a food columnist for The New York Times. He also wrote a book, Food Matters: A Guide to Conscious Eating. In the interview Mark explains why people should move toward a vegetarian diet. He states that by eating less animal products one can lessen their carbon footprint and help the planet as well as get healthier. Bittman says that a non-vegetarian lifestyle is certainly not sustainable. If we keep this going, the world will be raising 120 billion animals a year by 2050. Hold crap! This cannot happen. Eventually, we would need more land that is actually available and our recourses would not be able to handle it. In simple terms, the planet will not be happy and neither will we.
Bittman also gives advice on other things you can do to better your life and I am not surprised that he said stay away from processed crap. This is what I say all the time people! Maybe when you hear professionals say it to you will listen. He recommends that people cook more and eat real food. Trusting the food industry to put healthy food in your family's mouths is stupid. Only you can provide what is best for you and your loved ones. By purchasing organic and natural fresh foods and cooking yourself you are a huge step ahead of the game.
Bittman also gives advice on other things you can do to better your life and I am not surprised that he said stay away from processed crap. This is what I say all the time people! Maybe when you hear professionals say it to you will listen. He recommends that people cook more and eat real food. Trusting the food industry to put healthy food in your family's mouths is stupid. Only you can provide what is best for you and your loved ones. By purchasing organic and natural fresh foods and cooking yourself you are a huge step ahead of the game.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Processed Foods - Then and Now
It's funny how today, most products you find in the supermarket are highly processed and full of crap. What the packaging says may not be the truth and a lot of advertising are just lies. This is upsetting because when these same products were first introduced they were amazing to everyone. People didn't realize how bad some of this stuff really was! Let's just take a small look back in time. Thanks to the April issue of Real Simple we can catch a glimpse of history way back when and see how things have changed for some of these products.
Kool-Aid (once known as Kool-Ade)
This powdered drink mix was invented by Edwin Perkins and his wife Kitty. They originally created Fruit Smack which was a liquid concentrate. Problems with the packaging and high production costs let to the idea of Kool-Aid. It was made a powder in 1927 and later sold to General Foods in 1953. Notice how the packaging changed once it went to a commercial company. That vintage appeal was lost. Ingredients that were once listed were no longer printed. In came the big fat Kool-Aid guy all happy like he smoked crack. Did they need to make him break through walls? Of course, the advertising was focused on children and after seeing the commercials what kid wouldn't want to drink it? The crap is pure sugar! Even the sugar-free versions are horrible considering they contain aspartame. Just another highly processed and toxic product for our kids. They even started to print labels that said "sensible selections" on the packaging. Are they crazy! You can't go wrong with cheap crap that makes your kids happy, right? Unfortunately, you can!
The original drawings of the Kool-Aid guy were cool. Being an artist I can appreciate that. But when you use something that is cool in a negative way its simply a waste of creativity.
Minute Rice
We all want to make dinner faster and easier right? Well, General Foods first introduced Minute Rice in 1949. It was pre-cooked, easy to make and ready fast. They have a lot of varieties which is good but I am just wondering where all their rice comes from. You see, I like to buy my rice in a bag that doesn't get boiled. A bag that tells me where it came from. I don't mind it taking 20 minutes or so to cook. Big deal! This was one of the products that slowly helped American families stop cooking real food and make dinner in 10 minutes. Something I do not support. The packaging sure as hell changed too.
Hamburger Helper
Another great friggin idea! Hamburger Helper is one of the worst products out there. The amount of crap in it is horrible. Created in 1971 it was intended to help stretch the amount of meat a family bought due to the escalated prices. What ever happened to just making real macaroni and cheese and adding meat? Oh I forgot, American families are lazy. And what's up with the hand dude? He doesn't even make sense. I get the whole "helping hand" idea but its still pretty lame. General Mills also sells frozen versions too. Yuck! They even have the nerve to put "home-cooked skillet meal" on the package!
Campbells Soup
Honestly, the first thing I think of when Campbell's comes to mind is Andy Warhol. Not how good the soup tastes. What does that say! First of all, the idea to condense soup might have been good at the moment but there really is nothing great about it. Of course, today they have normal soups as well. Sadly enough, most of them are high in sodium, contain msg and are really bad for you. In 2008, they started to make label changes so the packaging would appeal more to the public. Just last year the company finally lowered 50% of the salt content in their products. It took them that long! Geez, people have been complaining for years. Just so you know, they own a lot of other brands as well: Pace, Pepperidge Farm, Prego, Swanson and V8. Talk about big business. That doesn't include the brands they own from other countries.
Campbell's line of soups was introduced in 1897 with the original Tomato Soup. They added new flavors as the years passed. They started to add the Campbell's Kids to their ads in 1904 which are now collectors items. That ended in 1958 but showed up again in a 1990 commercial where the kids were rapping. Huh? Anything to get your children's attention. In all their ads they mention how cheap it was, how fast it was to cook and how healthy it is. Hmmm..I would rather make my soup from scratch.
If you want to check out all the products listed in the article then check out the Food section on page 251 of the April issue.
If you haven't noticed, a lot of products aim their advertising toward children. Parents really need to look out for this. Even when you go to the movies! A new study from Pediatrics found that 55% of all product placement in films rated PG and PG-13 are sugar-sweetened drinks. That is horrible! Your kids should not be drinking soda or any of that other crap. Why do think diabetes and obesity is such a big problem in the United States? This is why I support the NY drink tax. I think its a great idea and I hope that all states follow through. Its called "real" juice people, not powder!
I just hope that everyone reads the ingredients of what they buy. I bet most of it has a huge list of things you can't pronounce. Thats bad! Put it back and stop buying it. Don't believe the packaging because its cute and don't buy into the lies the ads throw in your face. Be smarter and eat healthier! You are what you eat :)
Kool-Aid (once known as Kool-Ade)
This powdered drink mix was invented by Edwin Perkins and his wife Kitty. They originally created Fruit Smack which was a liquid concentrate. Problems with the packaging and high production costs let to the idea of Kool-Aid. It was made a powder in 1927 and later sold to General Foods in 1953. Notice how the packaging changed once it went to a commercial company. That vintage appeal was lost. Ingredients that were once listed were no longer printed. In came the big fat Kool-Aid guy all happy like he smoked crack. Did they need to make him break through walls? Of course, the advertising was focused on children and after seeing the commercials what kid wouldn't want to drink it? The crap is pure sugar! Even the sugar-free versions are horrible considering they contain aspartame. Just another highly processed and toxic product for our kids. They even started to print labels that said "sensible selections" on the packaging. Are they crazy! You can't go wrong with cheap crap that makes your kids happy, right? Unfortunately, you can!
The original drawings of the Kool-Aid guy were cool. Being an artist I can appreciate that. But when you use something that is cool in a negative way its simply a waste of creativity.
Minute Rice
We all want to make dinner faster and easier right? Well, General Foods first introduced Minute Rice in 1949. It was pre-cooked, easy to make and ready fast. They have a lot of varieties which is good but I am just wondering where all their rice comes from. You see, I like to buy my rice in a bag that doesn't get boiled. A bag that tells me where it came from. I don't mind it taking 20 minutes or so to cook. Big deal! This was one of the products that slowly helped American families stop cooking real food and make dinner in 10 minutes. Something I do not support. The packaging sure as hell changed too.
Hamburger Helper
Another great friggin idea! Hamburger Helper is one of the worst products out there. The amount of crap in it is horrible. Created in 1971 it was intended to help stretch the amount of meat a family bought due to the escalated prices. What ever happened to just making real macaroni and cheese and adding meat? Oh I forgot, American families are lazy. And what's up with the hand dude? He doesn't even make sense. I get the whole "helping hand" idea but its still pretty lame. General Mills also sells frozen versions too. Yuck! They even have the nerve to put "home-cooked skillet meal" on the package!
Campbells Soup
Honestly, the first thing I think of when Campbell's comes to mind is Andy Warhol. Not how good the soup tastes. What does that say! First of all, the idea to condense soup might have been good at the moment but there really is nothing great about it. Of course, today they have normal soups as well. Sadly enough, most of them are high in sodium, contain msg and are really bad for you. In 2008, they started to make label changes so the packaging would appeal more to the public. Just last year the company finally lowered 50% of the salt content in their products. It took them that long! Geez, people have been complaining for years. Just so you know, they own a lot of other brands as well: Pace, Pepperidge Farm, Prego, Swanson and V8. Talk about big business. That doesn't include the brands they own from other countries.
Campbell's line of soups was introduced in 1897 with the original Tomato Soup. They added new flavors as the years passed. They started to add the Campbell's Kids to their ads in 1904 which are now collectors items. That ended in 1958 but showed up again in a 1990 commercial where the kids were rapping. Huh? Anything to get your children's attention. In all their ads they mention how cheap it was, how fast it was to cook and how healthy it is. Hmmm..I would rather make my soup from scratch.
If you want to check out all the products listed in the article then check out the Food section on page 251 of the April issue.
If you haven't noticed, a lot of products aim their advertising toward children. Parents really need to look out for this. Even when you go to the movies! A new study from Pediatrics found that 55% of all product placement in films rated PG and PG-13 are sugar-sweetened drinks. That is horrible! Your kids should not be drinking soda or any of that other crap. Why do think diabetes and obesity is such a big problem in the United States? This is why I support the NY drink tax. I think its a great idea and I hope that all states follow through. Its called "real" juice people, not powder!
I just hope that everyone reads the ingredients of what they buy. I bet most of it has a huge list of things you can't pronounce. Thats bad! Put it back and stop buying it. Don't believe the packaging because its cute and don't buy into the lies the ads throw in your face. Be smarter and eat healthier! You are what you eat :)
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