Pesticides in Food

http://www.mercola.com/2004/mar/10/pesticides_food.htm

I especially like the list he includes in this article of the foods highest and lowest in pesticides.

Trans fats

From mercola.com:

There is an enormous amount of confusion distinguishing between saturated fat and trans fat. Essentially, many health professionals have not carefully differentiated saturated fat from trans fat in the studies that implicate saturated fat.
Had this distinction been performed they would have likely not vilified saturated fat and found the real culprit was trans fat.
Trans fat is an artery-clogging fat that is formed when vegetable oils are hardened into margarine or shortening. It is found in many foods, including fried foods like french fries and fried chicken, doughnuts, cookies, pastries and crackers.
In the United States, typical french fries have about 40 percent trans fatty acids and many popular cookies and crackers range from 30 percent to 50 percent trans fatty acids. Doughnuts have about 35 percent to 40 percent trans fatty acids.
Trans fats can cause major clogging of arteries, type 2 diabetes and other serious health problems, and have been found to increase the risk of heart disease. Many food companies use trans fat instead of oil because it reduces cost, extends storage life of products and can improve flavor and texture.

Aleecia's comment: note, it's the trans fat, and not saturated fat (meat, butter, etc.) which is the problem. It goes with the key principle: what has man made versus what has God provided?

Pumpkins

I wanted to share my new experience with pumpkins this year. Keep in mind, I enjoy being in the kitchen, but I've had to learn most things on my own. So this was all brand new to me. A couple of weeks ago, I decided to buy a pumpkin -- not to carve, but to eat. A new concept! I ended up buyng two more. I cut them in half and baked them. I did try a bite -- it was just a plain taste, reminding me of spaghetti squash (have you discovered spaghetti squash yet?). Well, I did end up freezing a good bit, but so far I have made pumpkin pancakes, I pureed some and mixed it with applesauce and some cinnamon for a nice snack, and last night I made pumpkin soup! It turned out good; it's not a new favorite, but it's something different, and I bet this winter it may make a really nice treat. Plus, I was just proud to try something new and have it turn out successfully.

I'm already thinking about Harvest Day and what I want to bring; I always enjoy cooking for Harvest Day, and this year is also my first to be on this new healthier plan. If you have any thoughts or questions, be sure to let me know!

12 Foods to Buy Organic

From Prevention magazine (www.prevention.com):

http://www.prevention.com/article/0,5778,s1-3-58-104-7453-1,00.html