Identifying Genetically Modified Produce at the Supermarket by Tracy L. Carmack

For conventionally grown fruit, (grown with chemical inputs), the Price Look-Up (PLU) code on the sticker of fresh produce consists of four numbers. Organically grown fruit has a five-numeral PLU prefaced by the number 9. Genetically engineered (GE) fruit has a five-numeral PLU prefaced by the number 8.

GM-Oh No! What You Need To Know About Genetically Modified Food

Could it be true? Could the big name cereal makers have carried out extremely misleading ingredient campaigns by labeling their products “all-natural?” Would they knowingly use ingredients that contain high levels of toxic chemical pesticides and genetically modified ingredients?

Unfortunately, it seems to be true. But don’t feel silly or naive if you’ve bought Kashi (Kellogg’s) brand cereals, Whole Foods’ 365 brand cereals, or Quaker Oats thinking you were making a healthy choice over the sugary cereals. It’s easy to be misled by environmentally friendly packaging with leafy imagery and terms like ‘all-natural’ and ‘whole grain’. Pardon the pun but it’s only natural that you would believe that a product that markets itself to be healthy would be free from pesticide chemicals and genetically engineered ingredients. And here you thought sugar was your biggest concern.

Thanks to social media and the recent investigation and findings by the Cornucopia Institute, GMO (genetically modified organisms) has become a very hot topic. The news that “100% of the soy used in tested boxes of Kashi cereal was genetically engineered soy” became a viral firestorm leaving consumers saying “GM-Oh no they didn’t!” A grocery store in Rhode Island recently pulled Kashi brand products from their shelves and posted a sign in its place that reads:

“You might be wondering where your favorite Kashi cereals have gone. It has recently come to our attention that 100% of the soy used in Kashi is Genetically Modified, and that when the USDA tested the grains used, there were found to be pesticides that are known carcinogens and hormone disruptors.” 

The photo of this sign was liked, shared, pinned, and tweeted faster than Kashi/Kellogg’s PR department can say ‘no comment’! Ouch! However, Kashi has since posted a response to this viral photo on their Facebook page.

What are Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)?

According to The Non-GMO Project, genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, are plants or animals created through the gene splicing techniques of biotechnology (also called genetic engineering, or GE). Genetic engineering merges DNA from different species, creating unstable combinations of plant, animal, bacterial, and viral genes that cannot occur in nature or in traditional crossbreeding. Virtually all commercial GMOs are engineered to withstand direct application of herbicide and/or to produce an insecticide.

Why should you care if your food contains GMOs?

According to Organicconsumers.com, GMOs have been linked to thousands of toxic and allergenic reactions, thousands of sick, sterile, and dead livestock, and damage to virtually every organ and system studied in lab animals. Jeffrey M. Smith, author of Seeds of Deception and genetically modified food expert, says “eating genetically modified food is gambling with every bite.” Smith links genetically modified organisms (GMO) to toxins, allergies, infertility, infant mortality, immune dysfunction, stunted growth, and death.

While there are arguments for both sides of the issue, here is what you should know about GMOs:

• Currently there is no law dictating that food products containing GMOs must be labeled as such.
• According to the FDA, 93% of soy, 78% of cotton, and 63% of corn is currently genetically modified.
• Approximately 80% of all packaged foods in U.S. grocery stores contain GMOs.
• Animal studies have revealed that mice fed a variety of GM foods have experienced a range of health ailments ranging from stomach ulcerations to allergic reactions to dysfunctional immune systems.
• According to a recent CBS News/New York Times poll, 87% of consumers would like GMO ingredients to be labeled, and 53% of Americans say they won’t buy food that has been genetically modified.
• Experts say that if it comes in a can or a box and the label lists soybean oil or corn syrup as ingredients, odds are that it contains GMOs.

Help make a change! Because the FDA does not require mandatory labeling of genetically engineered foods, you cannot  make informed decisions about what you are eating or feeding your family. You can tell the FDA that you want the ingredients in your food clearly labeled by visiting Just Label It‘s website.

The staff at Seasons Wellness Clinic is committed to educating north Louisiana and the surrounding areas with the most scientific and reliable information about healthy living. If you have questions about GMOs, leave a comment below, and we’ll be happy to guide you towards the best information and, hopefully, a happier, healthier life! For more information about Seasons Wellness Clinic and Seasons – The Spa, wander around our website to your heart’s content! Or call our office at (318) 255-3223.

Nibble on This: Top 4 Ways To Eat Your Sneezes Away!

 

Nibble on This for Allergy Relief! by Valerie Costanza, RD Sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes are common complaints during allergy season. If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from seasonal allergies, you are willing to try most anything to get some relief. There are many natural remedies that help relieve symptoms including foods to eat or to avoid. When considering foods to include in your diet, remember any food that boosts the immune system will also help your body to combat the inflammation response when experiencing allergies. Besides increasing your fruit and vegetable intake, certain foods help clear the nasal passages and thin mucous including: 1. Spicy seasonings: cayenne pepper, ginger, onion and garlic. 2. Quercetin containing foods: this powerful antioxidant may help control the release of histamine. Foods to include in your diet: cabbage, cranberries, kale, grapes, pears, apples, grapefruit, spinach, garlic and onions. 3. Local honey: the thought is that local honey will contain traces of pollen from local plants and consumption may boost the immune system to reduce allergy symptoms. 4. Probiotics: to support the immune system. Choose supplement form or from plain yogurt. Foods to avoid: Limit processed foods that contain sugar which will weaken the immune system. This delicious salad can be eaten as a side dish to complement a healthy meal or can be eaten by itself as a light meal. Fig, Walnuts and Spinach Salad Ingredients 1/2 medium onion, sliced thin 2 TBS white wine or apple cider vinegar 1 cup hot water 5 oz baby spinach 2 TBS balsamic vinegar 1/2 tsp local honey 2 TBS extra virgin olive oil salt and cracked black pepper to taste 8 dried figs, sliced 2 TBS chopped walnuts Directions Slice onion. Marinate sliced onion in 2 TBS white wine or apple cider vinegar and hot water for 10 minutes while preparing rest of ingredients. Rinse and dry baby spinach. Whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, salt and pepper, drizzling in the olive oil a little at a time at the end. Toss with rest of ingredients and serve. Still hungry for more healthy recipes? Follow our Nibble On This pinboard on Pinterest! This Nutrition Update is brought to you by Seasons. For a personalized nutrition consultation with Valerie Costanza, call Seasons at 255-3223 and schedule an appointment. NIBBLE ON THIS ARCHIVES » Plan Ahead for Dieting Success! » Maximize Your Nutrition With These Winter Fruits and Veggies » Cold & Flu Fighting Tips! » Best Food Phone Apps! » Pumpkins: More Than Just Fall Decorations » Gluten-Free Can Be Healthy and Tasty!

 

The Paleo Diet: Back to Basics

My husband, Evan, and I live by the saying, “You can’t out-train a bad diet.” We believe good health requires a foundation of proper nutrition and we have found that foundation with the Paleolithic Diet. Because the name ‘Paleo Diet’ is new to many people, some consider it a “fad diet.” However, eating unprocessed foods as close as possible to their natural state is not a fad. It’s a concept that’s been around since the first humans walked the earth!

So what does it mean to eat Paleo? Paleo consists of meat, vegetables, nuts, seeds, berries, some fruit, limited starch, no sugar, no grains, and no alcohol. The first thing most people ask after hearing the do’s and don’ts is “How will I get the carbohydrates my body needs for energy?” And the answer is this: all vegetables and fruits are made of carbohydrates. The concept of the Paleo Diet is quality over quantity with the main goal of maximizing efficient macronutrient intake.

My husband was first introduced to the concept of eating Paleo at a CrossFit Trainer certification course in 2008. At that time we were following the standard American diet: high in processed foods, low in complex carbohydrates, low in plant-based foods, and high in simple carbohydrate sources. We were having difficulty reaching our weight loss goals and certain health conditions began to surface: high blood pressure, obesity, and inflammation. It seemed no matter how many calories we cut or how many additional hours of cardio we did, our weight loss goals were still unobtainable. Since we began eating Paleo exclusively in 2010, we have seen wonderful results in our overall health and positive body composition changes.

So how can you incorporate the Paleo Diet into your daily life? Surprisingly, it’s easier than you think. The following steps will make your chances for success greater.

• Don’t treat it like a transitory diet that you will quit after a few days or weeks. The success of this diet is changing your lifestyle. Think of food as a fuel that makes you better instead of treating it as a reward.
• Next, clean out your kitchen and pantry of all junk food and buy whole foods.
• Last, commit to this change for a lifetime of good health. You will be thrilled with the wonderful results!

There are lots of resources and recipes online. Here are two good websites to help you get started:

• www.robbwolf.com
• www.chriskresser.com

Related articles

• Paleo Diet: Blueberry Spinach Smoothie (mainebelle.com)

Sharon Jackson Says: “The Key to Weight Loss Success is Mindset!”

 

I have been in the fitness business for 12 years. And the more I work with women, the more I find that a woman’s opinion of herself is the most common reason some succeed in their goals and others don’t.

Losing weight, eating healthy and exercising consistently are not  always easy. My experience has been that the women who have decided in their minds to lose weight are the most successful.

Your mind and spirit must be in agreement. This means the internal power that is inside drives you to do and be more than you thought possible! You must continually see yourself exactly how you want to feel and look.

Remember you determine your success! Don’t be distracted by the obstacles that will definitely come your way. Obstacles are a part of life! Instead, keep your mind flowing with positive thoughts, and you can’t lose! Teach yourself to think like a champion!

About Sharon Jackson, PTS

Sharon Jackson is a Certified Medical Exercise Specialist & Certified Personal Trainer. In June 2008, Sharon Jackson founded Sharon’s Slammin’ Bootcamp. Her credentials include:

•  Bachelor of Science in Fitness and Wellness

•  Master of Science in Exercise Science Exercise

•  Exercise Physiologist in Physical Therapy for 15 years

•  Certified Personal Trainer by ‘National Strength and Conditioning Association’ for 10 years

•  Group Exercise Instructor

•  Certified Medical Exercise Specialist

•  Post Rehab Conditioning Specialist (American Academy of Health, Fitness and Rehab Professionals)

•  Pilates Mat Certification

 

Burn Relief, Sleep Aid and Other Benefits of Lavender Essential Oil

As an herb, lavender has been in documented use for over 2,500 years. Today, most people appreciate lavender essential oil for its light, soothing scent, used in soaps, shampoos, perfumes, lotions and many other aromatherapy products. Known for its calming effects, Lavender essential oil helps to relax both the mind and body which is why it is a staple oil in my massage practice at Seasons – The Spa.

Lavender can be diffused for comfort, applied topically for beauty and healing purposes, as well as ingested as a dietary supplement. Lavender essential oil has also been used as a remedy for a range of ailments from insomnia and anxiety to depression and fatigue. Here are a few ways that Lavender essential oil can help you:

Sleep: Recommended for those with sleep problems or insomnia, lavender’s tranquil scent helps to slow brain waves, allowing you to relax and drift off to sleep without the use of medication. Here are a few way you can use lavender essential oil to treat restlessness:

• Add a drop or two to hot herbal tea.
• Rub a few drops onto your hands and spread it over your pillow.
• Add a few drops to your bath and soak.
• Diffuse the oil in your bedroom before bedtime.
  

  Young Living Lavender Farm in Mona, Utah, US

Pain Relief: Lavender essential oil is an excellent remedy for pains including those caused by sore muscles, tense muscles, muscular aches, and sprains. I encourage my clients to have regular massages with lavender oil to provide relief from joint pain.

Respiratory Disorders: Lavender can be used to help heal and soothe throat infections such as the flu, cough, cold, asthma, sinus congestion, bronchitis, whooping cough, laryngitis, and tonsillitis. Here are a few ways that lavender essential oil can be used to heal your respiratory problems:

• Use in the form of vapor by diffusing a few drops at night.
• Apply topically onto the skin of neck, chest and back.
• It can also be added to vaporizers or inhalers for cold and coughs.

Blood Circulation: Lavender can improve blood circulation in the body and has been shown to aid blood pressure control.

Digestion: Lavender can be useful for digestion as it increases the motility of the intestine. Lavender also aids in treating indigestion and can help alleviate stomach pain, gas pains, vomiting, diarrhea and colic.

Skin Care: Lavender has antiseptic and antifungal properties, and can be used to treat various skin disorders such as acne, wrinkles, psoriasis, and other inflammations. It heals wounds, cuts, burns, and sunburns rapidly because it aids in the formation of scar tissues. Lavender oil can also be used to treat eczema when added with chamomile.

Young Living essential oils and products are available for purchase at Seasons – The Spa. As with many other essential oils, if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult with a healthcare professional prior to use. Keep away from eyes and out of reach of children.

---

We use only the best, therapeutic-grade essential oils at Seasons – The Spa and Seasons Wellness Clinic. If you would like more information on essential oils, please call us at (318)255-3223.

Here are a few additional articles about essential oils.

• Be Confident, Be Happy, Believe!
• Bethany Cox To Highlight Essential Oils In A Series Of Blog Posts
• Featured Essential Oil: Orange
• American Spa Magazine Features Aromatic Facial
• Healthy Living Tips: A Recipe For All-Natural Bug Spray!

Top 10 Health Experts to Follow on Pinterest

Lately you are more likely to hear someone ask, “Are you on Pinterest?” than “Are you on Facebook?” or “Do you do Tweet?” But if you are new to the world of Pinterest, it is best described as a virtual pinboarding site that combines imagery bookmarking with the fun of social media. Users (or “pinners”) post images and links onto virtual pinboards and share visual ideas with other pinners. Share the things you love – whether that be health tips, things you want to make, or anything in between.

I love the idea of making “vision boards” with pictures of things that inspire you to live a healthier life. My pinboards include my favorite Paleo and low-fat recipes, fitness routines, inspiring images and quotes, and general wellness tips. While pinning, I have come across pinners whose pinboards provide a gold mine of healthy inspirations. I have compiled a list of these pinners to create my Top 10 Health Experts to Follow on Pinterest. Happy Pinning!

---

1. SeasonsWC:

   I love to follow Seasons because not only do they have great tips, recipes and links to informative posts, they also share skincare tips from their Aesthetician and news on the best beauty products.

   

2. Dr. Oz:

   His boards include fitness tips and recipes. My favorite pinboard is ‘Oz Approved Desserts’. Yum!

   

3. FitSugar:

   With 27 boards and counting, you are sure to find something you are interested in! They have a whole board dedicated to gluten-free recipes!

   

4. Whole Foods Market:

   Whole Foods’ pinboards include a range of interests related to the organic lifestyle including gardening, recycling and, of course, recipes.

   

5. Health Magazine:

   Their board dedicated to all things smoothie will undoubtedly compel you to blend a green smoothie for breakfast!

   

6. Eating Well Magazine:

   41 boards of RECIPES! Need I say more?

   

7. Shape Magazine:

   If you are looking for great abdominal workouts – Shape has you covered, follow their boards for inspiration and new things to try.

   

8. YouBeauty:

   Like Seasons, You Beauty believes beauty reflects your inner health. Some of my favorite pinboards from their Pinterest page include ‘Yoga’, ‘Makeup Articles’, ‘Favorite Fitness Articles’, and ‘DIY Beauty Treatments’.

   

9. Yoga Journal:

   Pull out your yoga mat! They have pinned everything you need to know about yoga including tips and videos to inspire you to de-stress and exercise more often.

   

10. Whole Living Magazine:

    The health, happiness, wellness, food, and green living magazine has a wide array of boards including ‘Crazy for Quinoa’ and ‘Healthy Chicken Recipes’.

    

At Seasons, we are dedicated to providing individualized treatment and improving your quality of life by providing the best complementary and integrative medical treatment available. Our hope? To transform lives, one patient at a time. Follow our pinboards for great information on health and wellness! Not on Pinterest? Follow this link to request a Pinterest invite.

This guest post was written by Seasons team member Lauren Derveloy, a Certified CrossFit Trainer and coach/choreographer for the LA Tech University’s Regal Blues. Lauren loves using Pinterest as a resource for inspiration and information in her pursuit of healthy living!

Nibble on This: The Recipe For A Healthy Super Bowl Party

 

by Valerie Costanza, RD Giants vs. Patriots. We love the game, the hoopla, and the commercials. But we don’t love the additional pounds just as we gain post-holiday weightloss momentum! New Year’s Day inaugurates resolutions of eating well, staying fit and losing weight. And you might even be sticking with those resolutions…that is until the Super Bowl. The calorie-filled snacks and sugary drinks are temptation no moral soul could bare. You ask yourself, “Self, how you can I be social without giving in to the temptations of the chips and dips, hot wings, and desserts?” And in response, we say, “Self, host your own party or bring your own snack!” Follow these tips to stay on track and keep your New Year’s resolution beyond February. Invite people to your house and plan for healthy but delicious snacks such as trail mix, hummus and pita chips, and homemade salsa with vegetables for dipping. Eat before the party to lower hunger and reduce temptation. Call the host ahead of time and ask if you can bring anything. This will ensure at least one thing healthy you can eat. Southwestern Layered Bean Dip Ingredients 1 16-ounce can nonfat refried beans 1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed 4 scallions, sliced 1/2 cup prepared salsa 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/4 cup pickled jalapeño slices, chopped 1 cup shredded MontereyJack, or Cheddar cheese 1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream 1 1/2 cups chopped romaine lettuce 1 medium tomato, chopped 1 medium avocado, chopped 1/4 cup canned sliced black olives, (optional) Preparation Combine refried beans, black beans, scallions, salsa, cumin, chili powder and jalapeños in a medium bowl. Transfer to a shallow 2-quart microwave-safe dish; sprinkle with cheese. Microwave on High until the cheese is melted and the beans are hot, 3 to 5 minutes. Spread sour cream evenly over the hot bean mixture, then scatter with lettuce, tomato, avocado and olives (if using). Southwestern Layered Bean Dip recipe courtesy of EatingWell.com This Nutrition Update is brought to you by Seasons. For a personalized nutrition consultation with Valerie Costanza, call Seasons at 255-3223 and schedule an appointment. NIBBLE ON THIS ARCHIVES » Maximize Your Nutrition With These Winter Fruits and Veggies » Cold & Flu Fighting Tips! » Best Food Phone Apps! » Pumpkins: More Than Just Fall Decorations » Gluten-Free Can Be Healthy and Tasty!

Confession #21: The Change-A-Life Resolution – Forgiveness

Every January, I look back at the previous year and attempt to evaluate it honestly. You know how that works. It’s the hard look in the mirror. What were the best moments of 2011? What were the worst? Where do I go from here?

I’ll be honest. Most years, my resolutions are very personal in nature. Exercise more. Eat healthier. Accomplish X, Y and Z. Spend more time with the ones I love. How about you? I think it’s our human nature to look at the New Year as a time of renewal and creating a better version of ourselves.

On a recent trip to Phoenix, AZ, where my husband and I lived for over 14 years, I was overwhelmed as I visited with friends I haven’t seen in several years. The universal theme of many conversations was the pain and suffering that comes our way as we journey through our lives. It startled me.

The older I get, the more I realize that we are all human. My friends in Phoenix are certainly not unique in their suffering. Along with our humanity comes broken promises, hurt feelings, misunderstandings, anger, bitterness, resentment. The pain of life is universal.

The healing from that pain is not.

I’ve known many in my life, including myself, who have held onto bitterness and anger. It colors one’s outlook with shades of grey, resulting in dark and desparate feelings of general malaise, depression, anxiety as well as very real physical issues such as high blood pressure. Even more painful is the continued bleeding of that emotional wound onto those around. The hurt begins to wound others, too. Maybe it’s family relationships. Maybe your children. Emotional wounds are far-reaching.

The Mayo Clinic offers “Forgiveness: Letting Go of Grudges and Bitterness” as a suggestion for maintaining a healthy lifestyle on their website. Surprising, isn’t it, that a clinic as well-regarded as The Mayo Clinic would suggest that forgiveness could lead to a healthier life? They are certainly not in the business of healing the spiritual life of their patients, but they acknowledge, by virtue of publishing the article, that there is a physical benefit to ending emotional pain.

Interesting that one of the final acts of Jesus was to plea for forgiveness on behalf of those who were putting him to death. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do,” Jesus said as he hung from the cross. [Luke 23:34] Even if you are not a follower of Christ, you can’t help but ponder the last words of a man who lived a life such as his. In the midst of unspeakable physical suffering, he held no resentment for being wrongly and unjustly tried and put to death. He simply prayed, as an act of intercession, for them.

I’ll be honest with you. Praying for and having a heart of forgiveness for someone who has wronged me is not my natural reaction. The journey from anger to forgiveness is a longer one for me, of course depending on the severity of the injustice. But what if…

…what if we offered complete and total forgiveness to someone…someone who wronged you in a huge way. What if?

I do not think we as humans have the capability of continually offering true forgiveness. Becoming forgivers is part of the spiritual journey God intends for us to take. And as we learn to forgive as He forgives us, then we will be forgiven as well. [For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. Matthew 6:14]

And so, as I dip my toe into 2012, my resolution is not my usual variety of live healthier, exercise more, laugh louder, or live better. Instead, I resolve to offer forgiveness more freely, even to the unapologetic wrongdoer.

In the words John MacArthur, “Forgiveness unleashes joy. It brings peace. It washes the slate clean. It sets all the highest values of love in motion. In a sense, forgiveness is Christianity at its highest level.”

May God give me the capacity to forgive.

Elizabeth Haynes Drewett is a hormonal woman rumored to be somewhere between the ages of 30 and 50 and is the Managing Partner of SPRING Media USA, a boutique marketing firm in Ruston, LA that boasts clients such as Seasons, The Health Hut, and Portico. She received a BA in journalism degree from LSU and a BFA in piano performance from LA Tech. She’s the wife of C.P. Drewett, Jr. and mother to Langdon, age 13, and Reagan, age 7. As Miss Louisiana 1992, she devoted her year of service to breast cancer education. She’s a lover of music (choir director and piano teacher) and a lover of a good game (job experiences include PING Golf Equipment and the NBA’s Phoenix Suns). Her favorite things are an underdog who overachieves, a good laugh, a good book, a good word, and a good hair day. Follow her on Twitter @edrewett.

Maximize Your Nutrition With These Winter Fruits and Veggies

Next Page »