Yes on 37

If you've been reading this blog then you've heard me mention GMO's before, but finally the time has come for California to make history regarding this issue. We have the opportunity with the first proposition on a ballot to begin labeling genetically modified foods in this country.

This is about money for companies like Monsanto and Dow Chemical, but for us it's about health, nutrition and food freedom. The facts are already in, GMO's are highly inflammatory, linked to allergies and pose an even higher risk to your children. Animals don't even eat GMO foods when they are given a choice! The problem for us is that GMO foods are incredibly deceiving; they look the same, smell the same, and often most people can't taste the difference. So how do you know if they aren't being labeled? These foods are far from natural and the body can not recognize or metabolize them properly.

This proposition is a big deal, probably bigger than most of us even realize. Companies like Monsanto and Dow Chemical have controlled the food industry through fear because of their financial capabilities, threatening to sue the state or shut down businesses. But California is about to be able to make the biggest stance against them yet and give people back their basic right to know what's in their food.

We have a choice to vote for our right to know or to deny the millions of Americans the food freedom they deserve. Don't be confused by the misinformation about GMO's. Do the research yourself and vote Yes on 37.

To learn more visit the Right to Know website or even better watch the documentary "Genetic Roulette" here. Another great resource is the Say No to GMO's website. Tell your friends, family and coworkers about the importance of voting Yes on proposition 37 and hopefully on November 6th we'll find that California wants the right to know.

***Filmaker Deborah Koons Garcia has just made the film The Future of Food free for viewing until the election!! Watch it below!

 

It's Official!

After fifteen months of rigorous studies I have completed my certification from Bauman College and am now a licensed, certified Nutrition Consultant! Wholesome Practices is my own private nutrition practice where I consult individuals in the areas of food, lifestyle and nutrition. The business is further meant to be a bridge between what people know about nutrition and actually implementing all the right practices into their lifestyle. Like I have said before, transitioning to a healthier lifestyle can be challenging but it's worth it. Allow me to demonstrate why and to make the transition as smooth and enjoyable as possible. View the Services Tab on the top of the page to learn more about how I can help you begin living your healthy, wholesome lifestyle today. Look out for more information on the upcoming launch for Wholesome Practices which will be sponsored by Isla Vista Food Coop!

Cod Liver Oil

My grandmother turned 80 this year and still remembers her mother lining her and her brother up side by side for their spoonful of cod liver oil every night. This tried and true practice of giving our children and ourselves cod liver is invaluable. Especially during the winter season. Here's why.

Cod liver oil has been used for centuries for its health giving properties. Many cultures along the north Atlantic Ocean highly valued fish oils and seemed to understand them better than we do! Full of Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and essential fatty acids, cod liver oil enhances our immunity to infection, disease and the common cold. Several studies have found that cod liver oil can profoundly reduce the incidence of respiratory infections. While another study actually found that children who experienced frequent infections the prior year were completely infection free during a season with regular consumption of cod liver oil.

While Vitamin A deficiency is rare, that mighty D vitamin is something we Americans do not get enough of. This is actually considered to be a global issue as most people around the world don't have adequate amounts of Vitamin D. Yet, we know it's critical for development, growth and maintenance of a healthy body not just in childhood but throughout our lives.

Essential fatty acids are a vital part of a healthy immune system and crucial for preventing chronic inflammation. Historical trends however have seen deficiencies in the United States in these fatty acids since the 1900's. They are far and few in the Standard American Diet so supplementation is often necessary.

Unfortunately for my grandmother and many others the foul taste and texture of this fishy oil has turned them off. But this didn't keep mothers of the 1800's from making sure their child got that daily spoonful of cod liver oil. Today we are without excuse as well considering manufacturers have brought flavors and capsules to the market. Enhance your immune system and protect your body from the common cold or seasonal flu this year by taking cod liver oil just like your grandmother would have.

As usual be sure you're getting the highest quality cod live oil, to learn more about where to buy your cod liver oil contact Wholesome Practices at dani@wholesomepractices.com.

*Sources: Therapeutic Nutrition by Ed Bauman

Building a Partnership

Educating the community about real food, the importance of sustainability, and optimal nutrition is the purpose of Wholesome Practices. Finding others with this same goal and working together is part of fulfilling that purpose. While watching as people one by one begin to transform how they eat, shop and think about food is seeing it come to pass.

Wholesome Practices has partnered with Isla Vista Food Coop in this very endeavor. For those of you who don't know, Isla Vista Food Coop is a natural and organic foods cooperative that exists to provide reasonably priced foods, products and services to help promote a healthier lifestyle for the local community. The Coop is community owned meaning that you put forth a membership fee that becomes working capital for the coop to not only exist but to improve upon the services it offers you. When you move, you get your money back and can hopefully put it forth towards another coop. This market is different because it is bringing food to the community for you and not for profit.
I have personally been shopping the coop for five years now and have yet to be disappointed. The environment is friendly and you will find that there is always someone willing to help you. They carry the highest quality food at the most reasonable prices in town and are always willing to look into carrying new products if they don't have what you're looking for!

Please consider visiting the coop during my "Office Hours" on Fridays from 11am-12pm where I will be available to answer questions and offer introductory consultations. This is a unique opportunity for you to meet me and learn more about my practices, all complimentary! I can also direct you through the store to find exactly what you need. My "Office Hours" start this Friday, October 5th and will continue every Friday at the same time. Look for me sitting out front on the patio!