Americans not getting enough fruits and veggies...

Ultimately, we ought to be getting our vitamins and nutrients from our diet - so many people depend only upon that. But studies are showing more and more that we are not getting what we need from our diets. There are many reasons for this (ie fast food, processed meats, pesticides all over fresh food, hormones being pumped into our meat...) but the point is, our bodies are not getting what they need to function well or even function correctly.

Our body is an INCREDIBLE place! There is so much going on, and on such a microscopic level. But we do know that your body can go a long way to restoring itself if we take good care of it, and give it what it needs (good food, exercise, rest...). These are things we all know, right? But how many of us abide by that? Your body knows what to do with the nutrients, if it receives them.

I came across an article today that says:

"According to a new government study, only 14 percent of American adults are eating the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables, and less than 10 percent of high school students are getting the proper amounts of these wholesome foods."

The need for fresh foods is so great in our bodies, yet we are not eating them!

"Fruits and vegetables, in general, provide our bodies with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and loads of disease-fighting antioxidants. Almost all are naturally low in fat and calories and none have cholesterol. All of these healthful characteristics may help protect against cardiovascular disease,type 2 diabetes, and other chronic illnesses."

The study is calling for the desperate need for us to pay attention to what we eat, and start eating healthy. Their goal is to get "at least 75 percent of Americans to consume two or more daily servings of fruit and for at least 50 percent to consume three or more daily servings of vegetables." But they are not sure how quickly or efficiently it can be done.

I say they also start advocating natural supplements, which will go a long way to helping people get the necessary nutrients. But this has its own pool of confusion and controversy surrounding what to buy? What works? How much of what is stated on the bottle will really make it into my system? What's the difference between natural and synthetic, and should I care?

These are all fantastic questions, and ones you should be asking. I've done some research on the matter, and have been shocked with what I found. Many posts on this blog are dedicated to that topic. If you want to discuss the matter, or want to share your thoughts, please do! Comment or contact me with questions.

You can read the whole article HERE.

We are consuming what bugs won't?!

Fresh produce is subject to many forms of preservation - in order to ensure it is fresh and bug-free when it hits our grocery store shelves. You have probably noticed the 'wax' that covers some fruits (which is so difficult to get off!), or know of the high use of pesticides in the fields to keep pesty bugs from enjoying the produce before we get a chance to. This seems all fine and good, until we realize we are consuming something that even bugs won't!!!

Click HERE to watch a 2:30 minute video special from ABC News... An FDA Analysis found that 1/3 of our common fruits and vegetables contain pesticide residue, sometimes up to 9 different pesticides on a single serving! Even some that are washed and peeled are still contaminated with pesticides! Possible pesticide dangers include that they are carcinogenic, harmful to nervous systems, or may alter hormones. (Can you believe this? The healthiest freshest foods on the planet can now cause cancer?) Here are the top twelve that need your special love and attention before mealtime:

1. Peaches

2. Apples

3. Bell Peppers

4. Celery

5. Nectarines

6. Strawberries

7. Cherries

8. Kale

9. Lettuce

10. Imported Grapes

11. Carrots

12. Pears

Despite the above claims, there are some who say that there are not enough pesticides to hurt Americans. These officials claim the levels are fine...

Although that is the more hopeful answer, I want to be sure I'm not poisoning my family from the dinner table... Follow the recommendations to rinse well, scrub the fruit. This video suggests to spray vinegar water on them. I soak my fruits and vegetables in a bowl of water mixed with a few drops of Shaklee Basic H, then scrub and rinse well. And I know it works - because if they sit out for long enough, the bugs come and start to enjoy! ;-D