Study Finds High-Fructose Corn Syrup Contains Mercury

Almost half of tested samples of commercial high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) contained mercury, which was also found in nearly a third of 55 popular brand-name food and beverage products where HFCS is the first- or second-highest labeled ingredient, according to two new U.S. studies.

HFCS has replaced sugar as the sweetener in many beverages and foods such as breads, cereals, breakfast bars, lunch meats, yogurts, soups and condiments. On average, Americans consume about 12 teaspoons per day of HFCS, but teens and other high consumers can take in 80 percent more HFCS than average.

Read the article in full here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/26/AR2009012601831.html

The Organic Debate- Why Buy Organic

This is a very informative clip about why it makes sense to spend a little extra on organic foods.
What they say about the taste difference really is true. We look forward to organic produce grown in our own garden because it taste so fresh. Try tasting an organic carrot and then a conventional grown carrot. There really is a difference in taste and in the amount of nutrients you are getting as well.
You and your family are worth the price difference. We like to refer to it as inexpensive health insurance.

Hot Chocolate

Single Serving

1 cup Almond Mylk
1 Tablespoon pure cocoa powder
Your choice of sweetener to taste

Mix all ingredients in a saucepan. Stir over medium heat. Enjoy w/ a good book.

I posted an easy recipe for Almond mylk on my other blog www.evescupboard.blogspot.com.

Enjoy this trailer - Processed People

This looks like a very interesting documentary. I will be viewing it and doing a review as soon as possible. For now, enjoy the trailer to the film and browse the website. www.processedpeople.com

Buy Nothing New For An Entire Year?!

So, that is my project of the year. I celebrate Buy Nothing Day every November and this seems like it would be a great challenge to try.
I really do not think it will be that hard. I am not much of a shopper. I actually prefer to shop at second hand shops anyway. I get a kick out of finding a pair of almost new name brand jeans for a few dollars knowing that someone else recently paid many times that amount for them.
I also think it is a great advantage not to have the "new" clothing smell and chemical residue that comes with buying new. I always have to wash a new item several times before I can wear it without getting an itchy rash. Yuck.
I did plan ahead for this project. I went out before the new year started and made a few purchases that I knew I could not go a whole year without. I bought underwear, a good razor, etc. Things that you would certainly not buy used.
I think it will be really fun to go without, use up what I already have or go and find it used in good condition.
Anyone care to join me?