The next time you open your kitchen or medicine cabinet, take a close look at the items stored inside. If you are like me, you will find a variety of products from household cleaners, to personal care products and medicines. You depend on these items and are so used to having them in your home, but have you thought about how harmful and toxic they can be to your child or pet?
Lets take a look at some potential harmful products and strategize how to keep healthier, safer products in our homes.
I have come across an amazing line of home products that I now use exclusively in my home. They are more affordable than most brands your finding at the supermarket, costco, etc. and more importantly they actually work! I will share more about these soon...but for now...back to prevention.
Make sure ingredients are clearly listed
Whether you contact a poison control center or a doctor during an emergency, a list of ingredients is important for quick assessment and assistance. If you don't know the contents, treatment may be delayed until the contents are identified.
Wouldn't t be nice to eliminate these products from your household entirely!?
Choose the right product packaging
Many products are available in spray-pump, aerosol or twist-off cap containers. Select the spray or aerosol container because a child may be exposed to larger quantities of potentially harmful substances if the contents can be poured, rather than sprayed. If using harmful products always make sure they are in child-resistant packaging!
Can you imagine not having to be concerned with safety caps because the products your using are not toxic?!
Give your children vitamins without iron
Unless specifically recommended by your pediatrician, choose a multivitamin without iron for your child. Children's vitamins account for a large number of childhood poisonings because the vitamins are designed to attract children (usually chewable tasting like candy). Vitamins with iron can cause serious reactions in children.
Use an non-alcoholic mouthwash
Unless your dentist recommends otherwise, switch to a non-alcoholic mouthwash. Mouthwash attracts children because of its bright color and sweet minty taste. When swallowed by your child, alcohol can produce serious toxic effects, requiring medical treatment for children.
Mothballs/flakes
Mothballs/flakes contain either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. Naphthalene is three times as poisonous as paradichlorobenzene and may cause dangerous blood problems in children.
Prevention is crucial!
Baby powder
Use pure cornstarch baby powder rather than powder containing talc. When dust particles of talc enter the lungs, either through inhalation or swallowing, serious chemical pneumonia may result.
Nail polish remover
Choose a non-acetone nail polish remover. The active ingredient in non-acetone nail polish removers is ethyl acetate which is much less toxic to children than acetone.
Rubbing alcohol
I was no aware of this, but there are several types of rubbing alcohol preparations. Some are clear and contain isopropyl alcohol. Some are green and contain oil of winter green and isopropyl alcohol. The addition of the oil of wintergreen not only gives the alcohol its green color, but masks the smell with an attractive wintergreen aroma — much like candy. Both preparations are dangerous, but clear rubbing alcohol is the safer alternative. The green preparation is much more attractive to children and much more toxic if swallowed.
Insecticides
All insecticides contain potentially poisonous substances. However, the safest choice to make is a product containing pyrethrins. The side effects from exposure to pyrethins may be less dangerous than exposure to other commonly used insecticide ingredients.
Remember, even the "safer alternatives" are not completely harmless, and any exposure to these products should be taken seriously. Call the Poison Control Center if you have any concerns: 1-800-222-1222.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Morning...
I have cut down my coffee intake, but on a morning such as this...I really need it. Likely just a cup, but just something to keep my eyes open. I had a rough night sleeping and was up early to a dog who had to go out. One thing I enjoy in my morning cup is a dash of cinnamon. I add it to the beans so it brews into the coffee. And really coffee has never tasted so good. There are health benefits to cinnamon too. Think about adding it to your coffee or steel cut oats in the morning.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Favorite (cilantro) green smoothie
Green smoothie
There are so many different recipes to experiment with when you are looking for a healthy, engergizing boost. Here is a favorite of mine. I also like to keep Kale and spinach on hand. They are great addition in green smoothies.
•Pink Grapefruit
•Cucumber
•Cilantro
•Lime
•Pineapple
•Vanilla Extract
•BIG pinch of Cinnamon
•Pinch of salt
Directions
In a blender, (Vitamix if you have one) throw a pink peeled grapefruit, peeled cucumber, lots and lots and lots of cilantro - like half a bunch, a lime, some pineapple, vanilla extract, BIG pinch of cinnamon, and pinch of salt.
Keeping fruits and vegetables on hand I will often use whatever I have available. I always keep bananas in the freezer too. They are a great way to chill your smoothie.
If I lost you a little with the smoothie try this great cilantro pesto recipe adapted from epicurious.com:
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted
1 bunch fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped (about 2 cups)
1 bunch fresh chives, coarsely chopped (about 1/3 cup)
1/4 cup (packed) fresh mint leaves
1 tablespoon chopped seeded jalapeño chile
1 small garlic clove, peeled
1 teaspoon (scant) coarse kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Add the first nine ingredients into a blender or food processor until smooth. Whisk the lime in last.
This tastes great in a salad, over chicken or tofu. A favorite salad would include field mixed greens, goat cheese, beets, pistachios or walnuts and maybe some dried fruit (apricots and dried cranberries). Enjoy!
There are so many different recipes to experiment with when you are looking for a healthy, engergizing boost. Here is a favorite of mine. I also like to keep Kale and spinach on hand. They are great addition in green smoothies.
•Pink Grapefruit
•Cucumber
•Cilantro
•Lime
•Pineapple
•Vanilla Extract
•BIG pinch of Cinnamon
•Pinch of salt
Directions
In a blender, (Vitamix if you have one) throw a pink peeled grapefruit, peeled cucumber, lots and lots and lots of cilantro - like half a bunch, a lime, some pineapple, vanilla extract, BIG pinch of cinnamon, and pinch of salt.
Keeping fruits and vegetables on hand I will often use whatever I have available. I always keep bananas in the freezer too. They are a great way to chill your smoothie.
If I lost you a little with the smoothie try this great cilantro pesto recipe adapted from epicurious.com:
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted
1 bunch fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped (about 2 cups)
1 bunch fresh chives, coarsely chopped (about 1/3 cup)
1/4 cup (packed) fresh mint leaves
1 tablespoon chopped seeded jalapeño chile
1 small garlic clove, peeled
1 teaspoon (scant) coarse kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Add the first nine ingredients into a blender or food processor until smooth. Whisk the lime in last.
This tastes great in a salad, over chicken or tofu. A favorite salad would include field mixed greens, goat cheese, beets, pistachios or walnuts and maybe some dried fruit (apricots and dried cranberries). Enjoy!
healthy. green. mom.: Better than coffee?!
healthy. green. mom.: Better than coffee?!: "Ok - you may laugh at this. But mark my words...This morning after my green smoothie I swear I felt a jolt of healthy, natural energy like ..."
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Better than coffee?!
Ok - you may laugh at this. But mark my words...This morning after my green smoothie I swear I felt a jolt of healthy, natural energy like no other! So many people are not aware of the benefits of cilantro.
1.Makes the skin healthy and glowing.
Healthy skin is the reflection of a healthy body. Digestion and assimilation of healthy things such as cilantro makes the skin look beautiful and glowing. Research shows that cilantro helps in fighting with skin cancer.
2.Aids in weight loss.
Regular intake of cilantro helps in weight loss especially reducing the accumulated fat around the belly. A hormone named Limonene plays the most important role in getting rid of belly fat. Cilantro is a major source of limonene to the body. Limonene present in cilantro prevents the absorption of saturated fats into the stomach. It is these saturated fats that cause the bulge round the belly of the stomach. Cilantro helps to prevent bloating of the belly in just 24 hours from the time it is used.
3.Provides protection from germs
Cilantro contains good quantities of an alcohol known as borneol. This alcohol is quite efficient in destroying viruses and germs that usually cause colds. It also helps the body to fight against other bacteria like salmonella and E. coli and thus improves the resistance of the body towards diseases. Cilantro also greatly increases our ability to clear up recurring infections, both viral and bacterial especially when eaten with omega-3 enriched foods such as nuts.
4.Beneficial to the heart.
Regular intake of cilantro helps to reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and increases good cholesterol (HDL). Both these acts of cilantro help to maintain the health of the heart.
5.Provides essential nutrients to the body.
Cilantro is an excellent source of antioxidants like phytonutrients and flavonoids, minerals like iron and magnesium and dietary fiber. Regular intake of all these nutrients provides the body with the much needed nutrients.
6.Anti-inflammatory in nature.
Cilantro is anti-inflammatory in nature and helps to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis
7.Protects against urinary tract infections
8.Prevents nausea
Cilantro is a family member of the carrot family and is great as an edible garnish. It can help rid the body of toxins too. From decreasing mercury and aluminum levels to cleasing blood.
Did you have any idea cilantro was such a powerhouse nutrient?
Stay tuned for my favorite Cilantro recipes!
1.Makes the skin healthy and glowing.
Healthy skin is the reflection of a healthy body. Digestion and assimilation of healthy things such as cilantro makes the skin look beautiful and glowing. Research shows that cilantro helps in fighting with skin cancer.
2.Aids in weight loss.
Regular intake of cilantro helps in weight loss especially reducing the accumulated fat around the belly. A hormone named Limonene plays the most important role in getting rid of belly fat. Cilantro is a major source of limonene to the body. Limonene present in cilantro prevents the absorption of saturated fats into the stomach. It is these saturated fats that cause the bulge round the belly of the stomach. Cilantro helps to prevent bloating of the belly in just 24 hours from the time it is used.
3.Provides protection from germs
Cilantro contains good quantities of an alcohol known as borneol. This alcohol is quite efficient in destroying viruses and germs that usually cause colds. It also helps the body to fight against other bacteria like salmonella and E. coli and thus improves the resistance of the body towards diseases. Cilantro also greatly increases our ability to clear up recurring infections, both viral and bacterial especially when eaten with omega-3 enriched foods such as nuts.
4.Beneficial to the heart.
Regular intake of cilantro helps to reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and increases good cholesterol (HDL). Both these acts of cilantro help to maintain the health of the heart.
5.Provides essential nutrients to the body.
Cilantro is an excellent source of antioxidants like phytonutrients and flavonoids, minerals like iron and magnesium and dietary fiber. Regular intake of all these nutrients provides the body with the much needed nutrients.
6.Anti-inflammatory in nature.
Cilantro is anti-inflammatory in nature and helps to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis
7.Protects against urinary tract infections
8.Prevents nausea
Cilantro is a family member of the carrot family and is great as an edible garnish. It can help rid the body of toxins too. From decreasing mercury and aluminum levels to cleasing blood.
Did you have any idea cilantro was such a powerhouse nutrient?
Stay tuned for my favorite Cilantro recipes!
Monday, October 4, 2010
Chicken Chili
Brrr...the weather has dropped and it is cold. 60 Degrees never felt so bleak. After all the heat waves of the summer I have a feeling the winter will be brutal. In preparation for the dropping temperatures I am changing my menu dramatically. Lots of root veggies, soups and warming foods. Here is a great recipe for Chicken Chili. I also like to make a veggie chili substituting the chicken for soy ground meat.
•1/4 cup olive oil
•1 1/3 cups chopped onion
•3 jalapenos, chopped
•6 garlic cloves, chopped
•2 1/4 pounds skinless boneless chicken, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
•3 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
•2 tablespoons tomato paste
•1 tablespoon ground cumin
•1 tablespoon dried oregano
•2 15- to 16-ounce cans white beans, drained, juices reserved
•2 15-ounce cans diced tomatoes in juice
•1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Dash of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes and juice from 1/2 a lime
1. Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion, jalapeno pepper, and garlic; sauté until vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
3. Add chicken; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Sauté until chicken is no longer pink outside, about 5 minutes.
4. Mix in chili powder, tomato paste, cumin, and oregano.
5. Add beans(reserved bean juices) and canned tomatoes. Simmer until chicken is cooked through and chili is thickened, about 25 minutes. If chili is too thick, add bean juices by the tablespoon to thin.
6.Season chili to taste with salt and pepper.
Mix in cilantro and serve.
•1/4 cup olive oil
•1 1/3 cups chopped onion
•3 jalapenos, chopped
•6 garlic cloves, chopped
•2 1/4 pounds skinless boneless chicken, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
•3 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
•2 tablespoons tomato paste
•1 tablespoon ground cumin
•1 tablespoon dried oregano
•2 15- to 16-ounce cans white beans, drained, juices reserved
•2 15-ounce cans diced tomatoes in juice
•1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Dash of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes and juice from 1/2 a lime
1. Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion, jalapeno pepper, and garlic; sauté until vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
3. Add chicken; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Sauté until chicken is no longer pink outside, about 5 minutes.
4. Mix in chili powder, tomato paste, cumin, and oregano.
5. Add beans(reserved bean juices) and canned tomatoes. Simmer until chicken is cooked through and chili is thickened, about 25 minutes. If chili is too thick, add bean juices by the tablespoon to thin.
6.Season chili to taste with salt and pepper.
Mix in cilantro and serve.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Newest favorite Drink!~
Everyone is aware of water's enumerable benefits - nothing beats a cold gulp of pure water. But some things come pretty close… MADE!
Here's the idea behind MADE: paying attention to what we consume, not just to avoid the bad but also to embrace the good. And enhance it! Certified organic, all-natural and totally refreshing with bright, crisp flavors like Blueberry Lemonade and Blackberry Peach. MADE contains only the best organic, natural ingredients. Vegan and Gluten free too!
Conjured in a kitchen using ingredients grown by farmers, MADE draws its name from just that. It’s made by people for people. The result is simple, honest refreshment.
Here's the scoop on MADE. It's manufactured aseptically which allows it to be packaged without preservatives, making it healthy for consumers and allowing it to be shipped and stored without refrigeration, which the earth thanks them for. All bottles are #1 (the most widely accepted for recycling), and are BPA Freeh. Always awesome to see a company’s considerations extending to all facets of the product.
MADE comes in eight great flavors including: Raspberry Peach, Strawberry Lemonade and Cranberry Limeade, available in natural and gourmet grocery stores across the country. For more information, go to: www.madedrinks.com
Here's the idea behind MADE: paying attention to what we consume, not just to avoid the bad but also to embrace the good. And enhance it! Certified organic, all-natural and totally refreshing with bright, crisp flavors like Blueberry Lemonade and Blackberry Peach. MADE contains only the best organic, natural ingredients. Vegan and Gluten free too!
Conjured in a kitchen using ingredients grown by farmers, MADE draws its name from just that. It’s made by people for people. The result is simple, honest refreshment.
Here's the scoop on MADE. It's manufactured aseptically which allows it to be packaged without preservatives, making it healthy for consumers and allowing it to be shipped and stored without refrigeration, which the earth thanks them for. All bottles are #1 (the most widely accepted for recycling), and are BPA Freeh. Always awesome to see a company’s considerations extending to all facets of the product.
MADE comes in eight great flavors including: Raspberry Peach, Strawberry Lemonade and Cranberry Limeade, available in natural and gourmet grocery stores across the country. For more information, go to: www.madedrinks.com
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