Raw

Posted on October 23, 2014October 23, 2014 by Amanda

I’m not a saleswoman. I’m not here to manipulate you into buying some fancy lifestyle. I’m not here to try to convince you that your way of life is wrong. I am not here to save you, but to teach you how you can save yourself. Consuming animal products is a socially learned behavior- I acknowledge that. And honestly, I have less than handful of individuals who I have inspired to stray from the meat and dairy industry besides from my fiancé (who has grown to be just as passionate as myself on the topic).

Heck, my entire family sees my improvement both mentally, physically, and spiritually. They still fail to acknowledge it. Not even a meatless Monday. A fridge full of vegan eats. Butter, with no cholesterol. No thanks. Soy based meat with no fat, hormones, GMOs, or fear. No thanks. Milk from nuts. Ice cream from nuts. No thank you! You could say I may be wasting my breathe, my brother shouts across the kitchen table.

I still stand. I fear not. He will hear me soon enough. I know one day, you will hear me too. And if not, well, I will remind you of it. And I shall keep reminding you. If you do not hear their screams, I will lead you to them. If you don’t not feel their suffering, I will show you. If you do not understand them, I will translate. You may silence them, but you will never silence me.

Autumn Apples

Posted on October 19, 2014October 19, 2014 by Amanda

It is a chilly autumn day in Connecticut. I went for a brisk walk in the park with my lovely God Daughter. We noticed how magnificent the fall foliage is. Every corner and every tree is bursting with color. A transformation at its finest, as each leaf blossoms entirely and then whistle downs at our feet, shedding its light and love with each one of us. We are one. I acknowledged and am grateful for that change. Grateful for those in and out my life. I am grateful for the sun rising and the cycle of life it brings. Change in incredible! The only thing missing from this perfect October day was Apple Pie. Luckily I went apple picking yesterday! I headed straight to the kitchen later in the afternoon to experiment!

I found this recipe on my favorite food blog. The recipes provided are typical one bowl recipes using minimal ingredients and minimal equipment. It is the best! Each dish is clean and light! I love that in a meal. You can check out the recipe here via Minimalist Baker.

My Beautiful Labrador Retriever, Aston, in the right hand corner! He likes apple pie too!

Yummy!

What’s lurking in your food?

Posted on February 5, 2014February 5, 2014 by Amanda

The FDA has allowed food preservatives to be used in our food for centuries. Yet it has only been within the last few years, a mass awareness has been spread nationally on the truth behind these added ingredients.

I have created a list of the top 10 food preservatives that should be avoided:

Monosodium Glutamate or MSG information can be found by clicking on this link MSG Truth

Artificial sweeteners including but not limited to Aspartame.

Titanium dioxide can be found in milk, salad dressing, frosting, and coffee creamer to name a few. Titanium dioxide is also found in sunscreen as it can absorb UV rays.

Butylated hydroxytoluene or BHT can be found in cosmetics, jet fuel, rubber, and embalming fluid. More so, it can be found in your shortening, cereals, and other foods containing fats and oils. It is used to preserve food odor, color, and flavor. Many packaging materials incorporate BHT.

Butylated hydroxyanisole or BHA can be found in butter, meats, cereals, chewing gum, baked goods, snack foods, dehydrated potatoes, and beer. You can click this link to learn more on studies done with both BHT and BHA at Truth about BHA and BHT

Sodium nitrite and sodium nitrate are commonly used to preserve meat products. It prevents bacteria growth and helps meat retain its red color.

Sodium benzoate is a preservative used in acidic liquids such as vinegar, juices or soft drinks. It is also found in food products such as margarine and fast food hamburgers. Sodium benzoate is also used in fireworks and makes a great rocket fuel.

Potassium bromate is most often found in bread as it improves the quality of flour. A small amount is very harmful and has even been banned in Canada, Europe and China.

Castoreum is a natural flavor enhancer that is often used in fruit-flavored products to make them taste extra fruity. Believe it or not but this comes from a beaver.

According to the FDA, preservative and additives are perfectly safe. Yet, if you are anything like myself, you don’t believe everything you’re told without doing your own research. Scientist have performed studies that lead to the belief preservatives and additives pose a major health risk. It can give us small allergic reactions such as migraines. It can alter moods, growth, and learning. It can cause deadly diseases like cancer. Regardless that the majority of these preservatives are banned in other countries, our country still supports the use of them in our food products. Our labels do not contain this information, so be mindful, for our own sake and those of our future generations, as they will be the ones to spark the revolution.

Listed below are more articles to begin your independent research:

CNN In-Depth article with more information on preservatives and additives: Preservatives

This website is an easy reader with a check list of safe, cut back, and avoidable preservatives and ingredients with as an easy reader with a check list: Preservatives Checklist

On a lighter note, this past week had me occupied. I am still seeking balance and clarity in my busy days. I am proud of myself endlessly and remind myself daily that my hard work will pay off. I was able to hit the studio two times this week for my regular hot yoga classes as well have a few home practices, one in which I was able to snap a few pictures!