Embedded Files
Welcome to the Website for the MMS classes "Let's Get Cooking!" and "International Cuisine." Hope you learn something interesting today!!
Welcome to the Website for the MMS classes "Let's Get Cooking!" and "International Cuisine." Hope you learn something interesting today!!
Sincerely, Miss Potts
Sincerely, Miss Potts
(PS: that is NOT a picture of me, just in case you wondered......)
KEEP SCROLLING DOWN for lots of
KEEP SCROLLING DOWN for lots of
GOOD STUFF !
GOOD STUFF !
Some "Food for Thought"
Some "Food for Thought"
Eat Your Colors!!
Now HERE'S some food for thought! OMG!
Now HERE'S some food for thought! OMG!
LOL!! SEE.... it can be done! And if that really WAS made with Free-Range (I would sub. PASTURED) chicken, "Heritage" (Ancient Grain) crust, organic Pomme Frites (fried in Coconut Oil of course) and organic Ketchup, it would actually LOOK a LOT better than this picture!! And of course it would taste AMAZING! Yes, my friends, there are ways to make REAL chicken "nuggets" & fries!!! Check out the recipes below!
Now THAT'S a good idea!!
Now THAT'S a good idea!!
FARMacy - get it??!!
What is FAST FOOD up to lately? Some pretty good stuff, to be honest!!!
What is FAST FOOD up to lately? Some pretty good stuff, to be honest!!!
So, what SHOULD a Fast Food restaurant stand for? THIS! You ROCK, Chipotle!
Whadda ya know..... REAL food at Jamba Juice!
How about these REAL toppings for some REAL ice cream! (found at a cool local coffee shop in NYC!)
It's about time!!!!
This was posted at the concession stand at the Camera 7 theater at the Pruneyard! You may not realize it, but most "butter" that is on popcorn (at the theater or in microwave packages) is NOT butter, but simply hydrogenated soybean or corn oil (most likely GMO) with artificial flavoring. Way to go, Camera 7, it's about time!! Ask at the theaters YOU go to & tell them you would appreciate having REAL butter :) on your popcorn, not vegetable oils :( !
Have you tried The Melt??
Chipotle Tortillas - They Did It!!While I wouldn't call Chipotle's new tortilla formula super healthy, they certainly contain less artificial ingredients than their predecessors, as they promised would soon be happening. Check them out NOW at your nearest Chipotle! Fill them with some REAL food ingredients & enjoy good health!
Real drinks at Smash Burger!
Check out those sides!!!! :)
YEAH, apparently not so much THIS place....
New at the Pruneyard!
Why? Because JERF!
Real Drinks!! YUM!!
Even Stevia packets!!
Thanks, Blaze!!
Check out Blaze Pizza's new Cauliflower Crust!
Impossible?? YES!! That's the perfect word for it!
Impossible?? YES!! That's the perfect word for it!
How many ingredients does it really take to make a Chicken Sandwich???
How many ingredients does it really take to make a Chicken Sandwich???
I'm thinking something a little less than 55......
I'm thinking something a little less than 55......
Check out these Links!
Check out these Links!
Just click on the links for some facts you may not know about your health, some delicious & easy recipes, & some CRAZY videos!
Remember, you can earn Extra Credit for reading one of these links! Just fill out the purple "Miss Potts's Website" paper in our classroom!
Teenage boy goes blind after existing on Pringles, white bread and french fries
This might be an extreme example, but it goes to show you what processed food vs. real food will do!
This might be an extreme example, but it goes to show you what processed food vs. real food will do!
Protein Shakes - Good or Bad?? Here is an article that you or your parents can read about a recent fitness trend (consuming protein shakes) that is not at all helpful in reaching the goal of true fitness & health. Here are some better tips to try instead!
Want a super refreshing icy drink with no added sugar? Of course you do!! Check out these great hydrating recipes. Simple & delicious! Also, check out some great information on nature's REAL hydration drink - COCONUT WATER!
Click the picture for refreshing drink recipes!!
SODA used to be.....HEALTHY??
Well, what I mean, is, there have LONG been bubbly drinks that people have drunk in various cultures around the world. Native people groups all over the world made naturally carbonated, often sweet beverages that were crafted from local grains, fruits & sweeteners like honey. The "bubbles" came from natural fermentation. These drinks contained a lot of super good things for you like minerals & good bacteria!! Today, we simply dump together sugar, artificial colors & flavors, and add some carbonated water. Totally toxic. Check out the articles below for more on the history of soda!!Articles:- Modern Soft Drinks, A Toxic Mimic- Soda Used to be Healthy- Way Better Soda Recipes
Soda sales are down, and Coca-Cola should be applauding this fact as it is matched by some small improvements with our childhood obesity rates. Instead, they are marketing sodas harder than ever to make up for lost sales.
Earlier this year, Coca-Cola Company rolled out an ad campaign encouraging people to unite in the fight against obesity. The irony of the situation was not lost on most people however, and the ads drew fire from consumers, consumer advocates and obesity experts alike.
Click the picture to find out why soda is a toxic substance, & why especially "diet" drinks are highly dangerous to your health.
Check out this Chipotle commercial!! I'm cracking up! Find out what some fast food & processed food companies add to your "food" -- Soy Lecithin, Carboxymethyl Cellulose, & Propylene Glycol. Are they in Chipotle's food? Of course not. WHY? Because they serve REAL food! You have to see it, it's hilarious!!
Awesome resources for kids' & teens' health & wellness!
Click on this link for LOTS of help in knowing how to stay super healthy! Lots of research-based articles for you & your parents!!
WHO said Coca Cola is "poison" & Frosted Flakes is "not a food"?
Tom Brady, New England Patriots quarterback, that's who. He says we've been lied to by many food companies over the years. Can't agree with you more, Tom. REAL athletes know that what they put in their body affects their performance, much less their health. Check it out at the link below!Article:Tom Brady calls soda & processed cereals poison
COOOOOOKIIIIEEEES!! So, most cookies are not exactly a health food, but if you have to have one, you can certainly make them yourself to be much better than any store version.... & they are FUN to make! I just posted several new ones here! They are Gluten Free & made with Real Food ingredients! Let me know what you think!
What Do You Eat For Breakfast?? Unfortunately, the way we have started preparing grains in the 20th century is really NOT healthy at all. The worst example is something that many Americans eat every day - boxed breakfast cereal. Check out the links below for more information on WHY it's not good for us, & a recipe to make instead!! Or, just opt for some oats - steel cut or rolled would be fine, but preferably sprouted (or soaked) first, then top them w/ all kinds of yummy things - see the recipe here called "Design Your Own Oatmeal" for some ideas! - AND check out the Homemade Rice Krispies Cereal Recipe in my locker, too!
Articles to Read:
A scary but healthy snack!! Click on the picture for more ideas!!
Do you like ORANGINA, the fizzy orange soda beverage? Well, did you know that you can make it at home, & that it can actually be HEALTHY rather than bad for you? People have been drinking carbonated "mineral" water from natural springs for thousands of years, but making flavored tonics that were naturally carbonated began in the late 1700's. They started out with natural ingredients & minimal sugar. Lots of zing & flavor, without the bad stuff! Of course it later morphed into the cheap, sugary drinks we know of today. You can learn about how to naturally ferment drinks from the links above. I also have some even more simple "soda" recipes at the tab at the top of my site! Check them out!!
My Favorite Bread! Grindstone Bakery!!
Here is the awesome bread I was talking about in class! It's not only Gluten free, Sprouted & Naturally Sourdough Leavened.... it's made by a local company, AND it tastes DELICIOUS!!! Try it out!!! You can purchase online, or I believe the closest local store is the Blossom Hill Whole Foods.
POPCORN! The Snack You're Not Eating Enough Of! What? Seriously? Yep, check out this quick article & video. Of course this does NOOOOOOT mean microwave popcorn... It means real, definitely organic, dried popping corn. Corn is usually genetically modified if it is not grown organically. Make it on your stovetop in a big pot, using Coconut Oil! Then add some organic butter, a little Sea Salt or other herbs & spices, & you are set with a healthy snack. Also check out the link for an interesting history of popcorn & more recipe ideas!
Articles:
Homemade Shaved Ice...
...with REAL toppings!
More Real Food Snowcones!
Eggs are not just for Easter!
Look at those colors!!! Real eggs, straight from the hens!
All Natural Easter Eggs Colors!
More fun links!
More fun links!
Do YOU do what 63% of Americans are now doing?? "What's that?", you ask? Avoiding soda, of course!
More & more people are realizing just how dangerous sodas (and other sugary drinks) are to your health, & they are opting OUT. If you still aren't convinced, check out the link below. You'll be amazed to learn the new ways that the Coca-Cola company is specifically trying to target teens now.
What do YOU eat for lunch at MMS?
Maybe you don't give it much thought.... whatever you have in your backpack, or whatever they happen to be selling in line.... DID YOU KNOW that you can make some delicious lunches that will FUEL YOUR BRAIN so you can DO BETTER IN SCHOOL & in the other areas of your life? Check out these SIMPLE but tasty lunches that you can pack ahead to keep you going strong all day!!!Article:25 Healthy Lunch Box Ideas
Yep - that's what you can have, thanks to our "modern" food processing system. Check out the link below that shows a McDonald's hamburger that is 10 years old, & an ice cream sandwich that doesn't melt!! We can introduce these 2 foods to the Cheetos & Mallow Burger on our board in C1! Like we always say in class, REAL FOOD GOES BAD!!
FREE J.E.R.F. Cookbook! (http://freejerfcookbook.com/)
Want to see some HAPPY students..... eating VEGGIES???
From a past "Greens & Beans" demonstration! Most everyone LOVED it! The recipe is under the Recipes tab above! Easy, delicious & HEALING!
OK, well technically I guess the list only goes up to Y..... but did you know that Yams contain lots of Vitamin C which can help prevent colds & speed healing of wounds? Asians have used Yams as medicine for thousands of years because they contain allantoin, although that wasn't always known. This compound speeds up the healing process when applied as a poultice to boils and abscesses, but is also used to stimulate appetite and relieve bronchial trouble. And, did you know......... that Artichokes are really a big thistle, & if you let them bloom, there will be a big purple flower? Check out some cool facts AND recipes using your favorite fruits & veggies at the link below! You'll be amazed at what you'll learn!
Do you like Strawberry "Quick"?
You know, the strawberry-FLAVORED artificially colored processed chemical powder that I grew up putting in my milk all the time? You know, the stuff sitting up on my white board with the other "foods" that are years old & haven't yet decomposed? (Can you tell my opinion on this? LOL). WELL, the good news is..... REAL strawberries taste even better & are good for you!Check out this recipe to make a strawberry syrup that you can add to your (organic) milk! No (bad) chemicals involved!
REAL Strawberry "Quik"!
Did you know that garlic is SO healthy that some people take it in pill form like a medicine? Its benefits have been known for thousands of years.
"But won't eating garlic make me smell stinky?" you ask. Well.... that depends upon your definition of stink! Just go find someone else who likes garlic to hang out with for awhile! :)
Check out these 8 simple ways to get more garlic into you! We are going to do #3 in class in a few weeks!!! (I promise you'll LOVE it!)
"But won't eating garlic make me smell stinky?" you ask. Well.... that depends upon your definition of stink! Just go find someone else who likes garlic to hang out with for awhile! :)
Check out these 8 simple ways to get more garlic into you! We are going to do #3 in class in a few weeks!!! (I promise you'll LOVE it!)
McDonald's Serves What in London?
If you’ve ever been to the U.K., you might notice that the fast food restaurants over there are a little bit different, and slightly healthier than they are here. It’s a common practice for food companies (everyone from Betty Crocker to Pringles to Quaker Oats) to reformulate their products with safer ingredients overseas, while they continue to sell us inferior products with unhealthy ingredients here in the States.If you walk into any McDonald’s in the U.K. you’ll find organic milk available for children in their Happy Meals, and no chocolate milk. You’ll also find healthier items like pineapple and carrot sticks that you won’t find at any McDonald’s in the U.S. – also without preservatives. Their fries aren’t cooked in oil that contains TBHQ (a derivative of butane) or the anti-foaming agent dimethylpolysiloxane (an ingredient in silly putty) like they are here.
Isn’t it funny that the oil in the U.K. seems to work just fine without these ingredients? Find out more in the article above!
Do you know what they REALLY do to McDonald's FRIES?
Michael Pollan, the author of the book that we look at in class, FOOD RULES, will let you know exactly what's behind those Fast Food French Fries!! You might be really surprised...... Check out the video at the link below. Here's a bit of what you'll hear:Renowned activist and author Michael Pollan illustrates how McDonald’s insists on using Russet Burbank Potatoes, a potato in America that is unusually long and difficult to grow. They further insist that their potatoes have no blemishes at all, which is hard because these potatoes commonly suffer from what is referred to as Net Necrosis, which causes unwanted spots and lines on the potatoes. If they have this, McDonald’s won’t buy them and the only way to eliminate this is through the use of a pesticide called methamidophos (Monitor) “that is so toxic that the farmers who grow these potatoes in Idaho won’t venture outside and into their fields for five days after they spray.”
When McDonald’s is ready to harvest their potatoes, they have to put them in giant atmospheric controlled sheds the size of football stadiums because they are not edible for six weeks. “They have to off gas all the chemicals in them.”
Many people are experiencing problems when they eat the modern wheat that we grow today in the US; there are many problems with consuming wheat, but this article describes one of the worst ones. What is going on with wheat?
How many ingredients does it take to make Mac & Cheese sauce?
Well, basically ONE... cheese. Maybe a little milk or a pinch of flour & butter, depending upon the type of cheese sauce you want. However, according to Kraft (makers of the infamous "Kraft Mac & Cheese"), it takes TWENTY TWO. Yes, 22 ingredients to make cheese sauce. That wouldn't be so bad if those ingredients were actually foods -- but take a look at what they are in the link below. Hmmm..... know what Acetylated Monoglycerides are? Yeah, look into that. :)I DO apologize for the one *beep* in this video, but overall I thought the message was RIGHT ON! What if soda commercials REALLY were this honest??? :)
You can get SMARTER by..... eating WALNUTS??
According to some research done on walnuts, one benefit of eating them regularly is an increase in verbal reasoning abilities and other cognitive (learning-related) abilities. Check out 12 other reasons to eat more of this yummy nut at the link below! And then try out some of the recipes attached! They are fun, yummy & good for your brain!Articles: - 13 Reasons to Eat More Walnuts- Walnut Recipes
... Make your own Food Coloring, of course!! OMG this video makes it look so fun! Remember how we talked about the ingredients that cause behavioral problems? Sugar, artificial colors, artificial flavors & preservatives can be real problem-causers in our bodies. However, sometimes we want to make something w/ a fun color! Woo hoo, check out the video below!! You can make really cool colors using REAL foods (JERF colors!), & use them to color the yummy creations you make that call for food coloring! Have fun!
Is your Cholesterol level HIGH enough??
Maybe not. As we've said in class, Cholesterol is a VITAL nutrient, needed for so many functions in your body, including the health of your BRAIN! It's NOT a bad guy!!! It's just about the best good guy around. More information in the attached article.Article:Risks of Low Cholesterol
Think FRUIT JUICE is healthy? Think again.....
Like we've said in class, when you "juice" a fruit, you are sucking a lot of sugar out of it. Juicing your own fruits yourself & adding VEGETABLE juices to it can be ok, but store-bought juice, NOT so much.Check out the letter from a professional on the subject, below! You'll be surprised at how much sugar he says is in a glass of OJ!
Fast food can lower your I.Q.!! :(
Your I.Q. is a score of how intelligent you are measured by a standardized test. We have talked a lot in class about the research linking brain health, academic performance & what you eat.Here is another research study confirming that unhealthy food can lower your ability to do well in school (& presumably later, do well in life). Also given are tips on how to keep your body AND brain healthy! It's easy - you know a big part of the answer already.... JERF!!
Articles:- Fast Food May Stunt Your Child's Academic Performance- Kids Who Eat Fast Food Have Lower IQs
Basically, what most cultures in the world eat for breakfast is very similar to what they would eat any other time of day. We Americans think that breakfast food has to be different than lunch & dinner. Check out the delicious looking breakfasts eaten around the world in this-less-than-2-minute video!!
IT'S A PARTY !!!!
Did you know that birthday, anniversary, graduation & other parties can be super fun AND super healthy at the same time??Check out the AMAZING list of recipes & ideas at the link below! Homemade Skittles (really!!), sweet fizzy drinks, "Pigs in a Blanket", crunchy chips, mini bacon cup appetizers, many kids of cakes (Banana Mouse, Strawberry Cheesecake, Layered Chocolate Caramel Cake) and SO much more!!! And YES, they are all pretty healthy!!! Check it out & let me know what you've tried!!
Article:- Healthy Part Recipes & Ideas!
Miss Potts's FAVORITE Bloggers (and RECIPES!!)
I wanted to share some of my favorite resources for healthy living information, & super delicious, health-giving recipes!! These resources will help both teens & adults find a LOT of valuable assistance on their road to health & vitality!! I highly recommend signing up on their email lists. They give out MUCH useful & important information & great recipes, all for FREE!Articles:- The Healthy Home Economist- Dr. Mercola- The Weston A. Price Foundation- Wellness Mama- Green Med Info- Dr. Pedram Shojai, The Urban Monk- Real Food Forager (Dr. Jill Tieman)- Real Food with Kids!
Look what I found! 21 amazing recipes for one of the world's healthiest foods!! YUM, they all look so good!!!
Give them a try: Strawberries & Cream Chia Pudding, Coconut Chia Protein Pancakes, Apple "Mug" Muffins with Chia, Mocha Chocolate Chunk Chia Brownies, Honey-Lime Chia Dressing with Fruit Salad, Creamy Chocolate Hazelnut Smoothie with Chia, Chia Breakfast Egg Muffins, & MORE!
Give them a try: Strawberries & Cream Chia Pudding, Coconut Chia Protein Pancakes, Apple "Mug" Muffins with Chia, Mocha Chocolate Chunk Chia Brownies, Honey-Lime Chia Dressing with Fruit Salad, Creamy Chocolate Hazelnut Smoothie with Chia, Chia Breakfast Egg Muffins, & MORE!
Have you taken the CHOCOLATE CHALLENGE?
Yep, you know it -- Chocolate can actually be a healthy food. You just need to try & get it as "dark" as you can. The darker it is, the higher the percentage of cacao (the real food that chocolate is made out of) and the more nutrients it has. It will also have less sugar. Look for the percentage! Try to go for 70% or higher! HOW HIGH CAN YOU GO?? Let me know what you've tried! And check out this amazing new flavor from a good, organic, Fair Trade chocolate company! It is made with Pastured Butter & Celtic Sea Salt!!!And check out this GREAT NEWS at the link!! --
Chocolate: The Greatest Health News of All!
Have the FLU? Be sure to drink some.... HOT CHOCOLATE????
WHAT? Yep, check out this new research at the link below! In summary:The researchers concluded that drinking cocoa works in three different ways.First, it inhibits the virus from adsorbing to target cells, as shown in their cell study.
Second, cocoa activates natural immunity. In their human trial they found that cocoa enhanced the immune response from the flu vaccination. In that way it provides stronger protection against influenza virus infection and disease onset.
Third, drinking hot cocoa has an anti-inflammatory effect. The researchers believe that the increased survival rates of mice fed cocoa may have been due to the elimination of virus-infected cells in the early stages and promotion of anti-inflammatory effects at the inflammation site.
You GO, Chipotle!!!!!!!!
See?? REAL food can be delicious, & even "FAST"! Yes, Fast Food retailer Chipotle has done it again by pledging to go virtually GMO-free in all their chains! This is NO small feat, & they are to be commended.They already have set the standard among Fast Food companies with their commitment to sustainable sources of meat (when I went in a local Chipotle a couple of weeks ago, they had a sign saying that they were temporarily not serving ANY pork products, because they were not able to source the highest quality/sustainable meat at that time!).
Check out this VERY interesting summary of the recent news story!! And GO EAT AT CHIPOTLE!!!!!!
Article:- Chipotle vows to go GMO-free
Sports Drinks are a SCAM?
Do you really want to ingest something called Blue No. 1 and Yellow No. 5? These petroleum-based dyes have been linked to weakened immune systems and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. But the biggest problem with sports drinks is that they're loaded with sucrose and dextrose. A 20-ounce bottle can contain 34 grams of these sugar syrups. A 150-calorie bottle can contain the equivalent of 10 teaspoons of sugar. These drinks have no protein, which is vital for rebuilding muscle and tissue after exercising. And they contain neither vitamins nor calcium. There is no fiber either – to help your body absorb the sugar more slowly. Instead, the sucrose and dextrose head straight to your liver, which converts them into fat. And sports drinks don't even quench your thirst. A professor the University of Florida created Gatorade to revive players on the Gator football team after long, hot practices. And like other sports drinks, this one contains loads of sodium and potassium. The body needs sodium and potassium for many biochemical functions. And you sweat out these electrolytes whenever you exercise. So the makers of sports drinks load their brightly colored bottles with sodium and potassium. And they sell their drinks by promising to energize your body by replacing the lost electrolytes. A typical 20-ounce sport drink contains 270 mg. of sodium and 75 mg. of potassium. But if you drink any of these salt-heavy sports drinks, you'll actually become more thirsty. And that's the dirty little secret behind how many of these sports drinks really re-hydrate you. You keep guzzling bottle after bottle to quench your thirst – while the drink makers keep raking in the cash. In the United States alone, selling sports drinks brings in more than $1.5 billion-a-year. Multinational corporations, like PepsiCo and Big Pharma giant GSK, dominate the industry.(Read more at the link below!!!! And check out an awesome recipe for a homemade Electrolyte Drink at the 2nd link!!!)
Articles:- The Truth about Sports Drinks- Homemade Electrolyte Drink- Water Outperforms Sports Drinks
What can SUGARY DRINKS do in just 2 weeks?
Increase your risk of HEART DISEASE, according to a new study. Wow, only 2 weeks.... but guess how much GOOD you can do in 2 weeks, too??!! Just JERF !Here's a great clip demonstrating what happens when you start eating REAL food! It begins by showing the alternative high school that was featured in "Supersize Me", Appleton Central High School. It's amazing the difference in the students' behavior after eliminating junk food & providing REAL, nutritious food!!! Their attention, focus, behavior & grades improved, and their dropout rate went from 10% to less than 1%! At Monroe High School in LA, the rate of fights went down 74% after introducing healthy foods into the school!!!! It's not rocket science, people! What you put in your body is what you get out of it!! :)
HONEY ! - 5 Things You Didn't Know!
Well, maybe you didn't know.... or maybe you did! We have talked or will talk soon about honey. It was even our "Food Rulle #21 Word of the Week"! It's an AMAZING superfood - even though it's pure sugar (WHAT? Miss Potts approves of something that is pure sugar????), it has many amazing properties & benefits. Just be sure that you purchase RAW honey (unpasteurized). When you heat honey at all, it destroys its goodness & actually turns it into something that can cause ill health. It's great for drizzling on your oatmeal, GF muffins or pancakes, or full-fat yogurt, but I do not recommend cooking with it or heating it. Find out more at the links below!Articles:Honey should not be heated
Honey: 5 Things You Didn't Know
Why you should ditch sugar in favor of honey!
Like Cheetos? Keep reading.....
Yeah, you know about processed food. Not good for brain or body. But hold on.... that doesn't mean you can't have crunchy, cheesy snacks! Yes, cheese is REAL food!(BTW, Miss Potts has this cookbook in her classroom! You may borrow it any time!)
Home-made "Cheetos"!
AMAZING recipes from a fellow MORELAND MOM !!!!!
Check out one of my new favorite blogs! TONS of DEEEElicious (& of course nutritious) recipes & great ideas!!! Pudding 3 Ways! Need I say more?
YONANAS!
I highly recommend this amazing machine that turns frozen fruit - nothing else needed - into the creamiest frozen desserts! Check out the link for some GREAT recipes!! Can also be used w/ frozen cubes of cream for a higher fat (GOOD THING!!!) treat! Available on Amazon. The pic is what we made in class with Yonanas- just using frozen bananas & strawberries!It's time to change the tune......
You may have heard the "retro" commercial (from when I was in middle school!) advertising Coke, using the song "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing". Well..... we've since discovered that Coke isn't really anything to sing about.So, the Center for Science in the Public Interest has changed the words & got real doctors & patients with diseases related to soda consumption to sing the new version. Your parents will love this!
Coke's new plan to deceive you....
Soda sales have really dropped in recent years. The Coca Cola company doesn't like that.Check out their efforts to confuse the public about soda's influence on obesity & other diseases.
EAT DIRT!
Did you know that in Denmark they say a person should eat 7 pounds of dirt in their lifetime?!! LOL, seriously..... healthy SOIL (as opposed to "dirt" on the floor of a public building) is GOOD for you!! Our ancestors used to consume it a lot more than we do in our sanitized culture today. It contains good guys (microbes) that can strengthen your immune system & lots more! Check out these links!Articles:- Eat Dirt!- Dirt - the Superfood- Why Kids Need Dirt- The "Dirt Cure"
Unfortunately chewing gum can be not so healthy for us.... of course if it has sugar, that will contribute to poor overall health; in addition, when you chew, digestive enzymes are released, but if you aren't actually consuming food it can confuse your body. Check out this video for a really natural version of gum.... honeycomb!
Wait, don't step on that WEED.... it's delicious!!
What we may call a "weed" may actually be one of the most nourishing foods on the planet! Many varieties of wild edible plants (ie "weeds") might be growing in your yard or an open space near you. Check out these videos & recipes, & learn to identify the super healthy food under your feet!!
Do you like Seafood?
Fish & other seafood can be a nutritionally healthy choice.... sometimes even SUPER healthy.... but there are issues to be aware of because of pollution. Check out the various Seafood Guides at this link to see the healthiest & most sustainable fish choices!Article:Seafood Guides
Snack Attack! Attack back in 10 minutes or less!
Here are 7 pretty simple recipes that you can make in 10 minutes. Not only do they taste delicious, they are really good for your body & brain!!Article: 7 Snacks in 10 Minutes
Life is sweeter.....
..... with FEWER sugary drinks!!! YES it really is!Check out this website to find out why!
PANCAKES! (need I say more.....)
Who doesn't like pancakes, right? Tasty, but not really nutritious the way we make them today..... but our great grandparents sure knew how to make them! Super delicious & super healthy!! What's the secret?? Check out the article below (attached file "The History of Pancakes") about how to make the best pancakes you've ever tasted that are actually nourishing for your body! OR..... How about at least adding a few.... yes, VEGGIES to your pancakes! Vegetable "pancakes" are popular in many cultures! You've heard of potato pancakes, right? Well, try adding just a few other vegetables to pump up the nutrients! Tasty, & your body will thank you! See attached link! Lots & lots of other REALLY great recipes there, too!Veggie Pancakes & More!Zucchini Fritters!The History of Pancakes!
Matthew McConaughey says....... Just Keep Livin'!
Actor Matthew McConaughey started a program that helps teens make healthy choices & stay strong (in every way) throughout their lives. Check out the link, & check out this awesome quote of his:"Stay curious.. In yourself, your dreams, people, places and things….we get lazy, addicted, and in trouble when we are BORED…its a big world out there, explore it, read and write about it, live it. It all starts with your mind. Stay CURIOUS."~Matthew McConaughey
Can you really have a HEALTHY HALLOWEEN?
Of course! Who said you have to eat tons of refined sugar with artificial colors and flavors just to celebrate and have fun? Check out the links below for lots of great ideas on how to have fun, eat super yummy food and really enjoy Halloween!Articles:- Healthy Halloween Ideas (English)- Healthy Halloween Ideas (Espanol)- Healthy Halloween Ideas (Chinese)- Health Halloween Treats (book)- Healthy Halloween Activities- Garden Cabbage Dip with Ghoulish Fingers- Hot Dog Mummies!- Toasted Pumpkin Seeds- 5 Tips to Keep Halloween Healthy- Ideas to Hand out on Halloween- Candy Alternatives for Halloween
McDonald's closes 700 restaurants!
For the first time in decades,McDonald's is forced to close more restaurants than it is opening. Why? People know that real food not only is better for you, but it tastes better, too! (go Chipotle!!) Read more below.Article: McDonald's closes 700 restaurants
McDonald's begins closing restaurants
What's the SCARIEST thing about Halloween?
The INGREDIENTS in the candy you get! Check out these 7 popular candies... what is REALLY in them? A form of BUTANE (lighter fluid) in your Butterfinger? Eleven kinds of artificial colors in your Skittles? Mineral Oil (from Petroleum) in your Twizzlers? Yep. How about some simple dark chocolate? Mmmmm.... actually GOOD for you! Even a candy apple would be a much better choice. Check out my other posts on Halloween ideas!! You can have lots of fun without the toxins!!Article: Scary Ingredients in your Halloween Candy
WHY is processed sugar so BAD? ...and, some GOOD sweets to try!
Here are just a few reasons why....... More at the 1st link below! Don't worry, there are MANY healthier sweet options! Check out the 2nd link below for all the SWEEEEET details!Articles:What Does Sugar Do To Your Brain
Is Sriracha good for you???
Pretty good, YES! But many advise making your own or finding an organic version to avoid some unfortunate additives. Check out a recipe below!Article:Sriracha - Why Spices Can Be Good For Your Body
"The DORITO Effect" !
"FLAVORINGS" is the most important word in our food world, according to the author of this fantastically interesting book. Did you know that you can make ANY flavors in the chemistry lab? Did you know that "natural" flavors do NOT come from the real food it's supposed to taste like? Do you know why you probably have NO idea what a real chicken tastes like? Or a real tomato?Check out the interview with the author, Mark Schatzker, below. You will be AMAZED.
Will your fast food burger buns EVER spoil?
Not if they are from your typical fast food restaurants. Remember what I always say: "If it never GOES BAD, it never WAS GOOD!" Food is SUPPOSED to break down in a short period of time! It's NOT NORMAL for a bun to stay "fresh" for weeks! Check out exactly what is in your burger buns at Burger King, Chick Filet, Wendy's, McDonald's, Jack in the Box, KFC, Arby's, Carl's, Jr., Shake Shake, & yes, even In & Out Burger. Do you even know what half those ingredients listed above are???5 excuses to eat more DARK CHOCOLATE
Enough said! Watch!Articles:
Do you know where chocolate comes from?
5 Excuses to eat more Dark Chocolate
Do you know how chocolate is made?
RAMEN!!!!!
It's great, right? Delicious & inexpensive.... BUT.... definitely most brands out there are NOT real food. Recent studies have shown a link between consuming typical packaged Ramen Soup & increased risk of metabolic syndrome (which includes a lot of problems like diabetes), & heart disease. But WAIT! Soup, even noodle soup, IS real food!! Click below for a REALLY here for delicious home-made recipe for Ramen!! And it's GOOD, not bad, for you!!Broccoli contains more of a powerful detoxifying nutrient called "sulforaphane" than any other veggie - a good enough reason to eat it - but did you know that it doesn't actually release any of the "sulforaphane" UNTIL you BITE it!! Like a glow stick which only activates when snapped, broccoli only produces this good nutrient when you CHEW it, which is a good reason to chew your food well! Chew it or lose it!
....well, I don't like to use the word, but Dr. Joseph Mercola agrees..... research shows that sugar causes changes in your gut (intestine) bacteria which causes changes in your brain, making you..... let's just say LESS SMART. :(
Research also shows that it has a profound biochemical effect on your mental health, which can cause or aggravate depression. Check it out at the link below.
The Link between Processed Foods & Depression
Research also shows that it has a profound biochemical effect on your mental health, which can cause or aggravate depression. Check it out at the link below.
The Link between Processed Foods & Depression
Easter Eggs! (No artificial dyes!)
Eggs can be super nourishing, & especially fun to eat when you have colored them! However, when you use artificial colors (dyes), you are getting chemicals into your body that can do a lot of damage to your brain function & can even cause cancer. Try out the attached recipes for REAL Easter Eggs! Fun & Healthy!Article:Natural Easter Egg Colors
5 Snacks Kids Should NOT Eat!
Well, those aren't exactly snacks in MY book!! Much more detailed information on these ingredients at the link posted below!Article:Cancer Causing Ingredients in Popular Kids Snacks
Good news about CHOCOLATE!
REAL chocolate, of course..... the darker, the better! Go for the highest percentage you can. :) My fave is about 80%.Article:Health Benefits of Chocolate
Do you still drink soda?
Many people (WISELY!) don't anymore.... apparently our US soda consumption is at a 30 year low (we are now drinking less than at any other time in the past 30 years). Wow, we're getting smarter - & healthier! :) Go us!Article:
US Soda Consumption at a 30 Year Low
What! McDonald's is switching to BUTTER!!
Yep, switching over from hydrogenated margarine that they have always used (because it's cheap & never spoils). The most telling comment from this article: The change took six months. “You have to be careful with butter,” Ms. Foust said. “We’re really cooking with real ingredients.” It took them 6 months to figure out how to cook with REAL ingredients. They are used to ingredients so processed that they never spoil or never have to be handled carefully. Yep, it takes a little more thought & planning, but that's life! YOUR life is worth it, isn't it?? I am NOT recommending a steady diet of McDonalds by any means. Overall, their food is highly processed & full of artificial ingredients that do not support health. However, change is slowly happening in the restaurant industry! If you don't believe it, check out my posts about Chipotle!! :) :) :) McDonald's knows it needs to keep up with them!Article:McDonald's is switching to Butter
McDonald's is switching to Butter - 2
REAL Root Beer? You bet!
Test your inner Scientist & make some homemade Root Beer like we talked about in class! Check out the videos below!Finding Real Root Beer Ingredients
How to Ferment Real Root Beer
Make Your Own Real Root Beer
Soda Does WHAT to your Brain??
Researchers at Boston University crunched the numbers and found that people who drink diet soda are nearly three times more likely to experience stroke and dementia (severe brain disorder).And sugar-sweetened soda? That’s got its issues, too. Let’s take a look at the latest research… check out the link below.
Article: Artificially Sweetened Drinks Increase Risk
FAT is where it's AT!
(Sorry about the incorrect grammar) :)
Please just eat MORE of it!! YES, more!!! Your brain and heart desperately need fat, including saturated fat, and cholesterol. REMEMBER -- what was the #1 cause of death in the US when Miss Potts was in middle school? Heart disease. What is the #1 cause of death TODAY? SAME THING. Doctors have recommended a low fat diet my whole lifetime, & we have been doing it.... but has it worked to make us healthier? NOPE! We need to start eating like our ancestors... even the recent ones from the early 20th Century. Real food has good fats! One article below by one of my fave doctors says that eating the right fats could save a million lives a year!!! Want something yummy to eat today? Go try some: Eggs, Grass-Fed Beef, Grass-Fed Butter, Coconut Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Nuts & Seeds, Fish, Avocados...... Mmmmmm!! Your brain will thank you!!!Articles:
How the government made us fat & sickFull Fat Dairy Linked to Lower Risk for DiabetesFat Head: Saturated Fat & CholesterolCould Eating the Right Fat Save 1M Lives per YearI found a great website with funny, informative videos & delicious REAL FOOD recipes!! I even saw some Pop Tarts she was making!! Hope you like them! See the links below!
Mind Over Munch - YouTube Channel
Mind Over Munch Website
Mind Over Munch - YouTube Channel
Mind Over Munch Website
Eat this SUPERfood.... !!
When you eat Broccoli you’re getting dozens, maybe even hundreds, of super-nutrients that support optimal, body-wide health. Man-made substances just can’t compare! Check out the article below for the many health benefits of broccoli, & the best way to eat them.... broccoli sprouts! AND try the delicious Broccoli Poppers recipe at the 2nd link! Mmmmm they are SO good!Article:Eat Your BroccoliBroccoli Poppers
The Extraordinary Life & Times of "Strawberry"
40% of food in the U.S. is thrown away. Wasted food is the single largest contributor to landfills in the US—not to mention that it wastes water, labor, fuel, money, & love! Check out the story below!
Why is Cheddar orange?
Most cheese closely reflects the color of the milk it came from.... um, not (orange) cheddar. Wanna know why? Check out the link below! INTERESTING!!!!!Article:Why is Cheddar Orange?
JERF guy talks Gluten & the BRAIN
Exactly how does Gluten affect your brain? Check out Sean Croxton, the JERF guy, talking about this. Then, for more information, check out the link below with some great resources clarifying the real reason we may be so sensitive to wheat. It MAY not be the gluten.... though it's a good thing for our wiped out guts to avoid as we try & heal them, for many people, it may not be necessary to avoid it forever.Article:The Real Reason Wheat can be ToxicIs Gluten the Real Cause of your Health Concerns?
Weeds you can EAT!!
What? Yep. I've often said there's no such thing as a weed. A weed is just a (probably VERY useful) plant growing where you don't want it to. Check out some "weeds" that can provide protein, reduce anxiety, or even... predict the weather! Check out the link below.Article:Weeds You can Eat
Healthy Backyard Weeds
HELLO, Jello!
Did you know that "Jello" is just a brand name of a gelatin-based dessert? Gelatin is a type of protein that is really really good for all of your cells, especially your skin & joints. Unfortunately, Jell-O brand it is full of artificial colors, flavors, sugar & gelatin from not the healthiest of animals..... although, thanks to consumer pressure, Jell-O Brand has changed some of it's formulas to at least exclude the artificial colors!!! I still would not call it "healthy", but at least it's less toxic (see link below!!). However, you CAN get gelatin from grass-fed, very healthy animals & make your own gelatin snack! It's BRAIN food.... & way more fun, too! (check out the "Real Jello recipe")Articles:Real JELLO Recipe
Healthy gelatin brands
Kraft JELLO drops GMO Sugar
Guacadile (or.... Crocomole....) Dip!
Did you know that in some places the Avocado is known as the "Alligator Pear"??? How fun is this?? Avocados provide LOTS of Vitamin K, along w/ many other Vitamins & Minerals, & of course lots of GOOD FATS which you need SOOOO much! Try this out & send me the pic!Recipe:Healthy Guacamole (or Crocomole) Dip
Spooky Snacks!
Get nourished by scaring up a goulish treat! Some of them even use REAL food ingredients!Article:Spooky Snacks
My newest fave TEENAGE blogger!
Heather Resler at Cook It Up Paleo! Check out her AMAZING, real food recipes! I can't stop looking at the pictures! Her story is great. She & her family had a lot of different issues (cancer, allergies, migraines) until they started eating REAL food! Now they are happy & healthy... & eating AMAZING food! Her cookbook is only $5 at Amazon! And check out some other awesome teenage bloggers at the last link! They have wonderful stories & wonderful recipes! Mmmmmmm!!!!Articles:Real Food Blogger Who Is Just 19 Years Old
Amazing Grain-Free Cookbook - just $5
Interviews with Teenage Real Food Bloggers
Tapioca (Cassava) is Nutritivo & Delicioso!!
In Brazil, the Amazon Rainforest gives us the gift of Cassava (or Yuca) which can be made into small pearls called Tapioca. It can also be ground into flour. It is great for baking! Cassava is grain free, gluten free, & a non-digestible starch which feeds the good bacteria in your Gut (Large Intestine) - SOO critical for your health! Read more at the first link below & try some recipes at the 2nd link! They look AMAZING! Tapioca Flour is available at any grocery store!Articles:Tapioca Flour Rocks
15 Tapioca Flour Recipes
BEST Cassava Flour Brand
Can you believe what happened in 2016??!!!
You may not have realized it, but check out what happened this past year:*Mars Corporation who makes M&M's, Skittles & Starburst agreed to remove all artificial colors from their candies.*Starbucks agreed to post ingredients of all their drinks online.*In-N-Out Burger & Taco Bell promised to stop using antibiotics in the animals raised for their meat.*Campbells promised to eliminate BPA (a dangerous chemical) from all their canned soups!*Dannon eliminated GMO's from their yogurts.*McDonalds removed some bad preservatives from some of their foods & eliminated High Fructose Corn Syrup from their buns!*Jello Brand Gelatin even came out with a line of naturally colored gelatin & pudding mixes.Why? Because WE told them they had to! It's going to cost these companies money to do things better & healthier, but because Americans just like you & me spoke out & wouldn't take NO for an answer, we can all enjoy a little healthier 2017! Check out more below!Article:Companies That Have Dropped Their Toxins
REAL Sourdough vs. FAKE
As knowledge of what REAL food is (& is NOT) grows, food companies are quick to make sure that you THINK their products comply with what healthy, real food is. BEWARE! As always, a company's bottom line is to make money, not make you healthy.Check out the article linked below for how to spot REAL sourdough bread from FAKE (what is available at most stores these days). As we've said in class, for many people, properly prepared naturally sourdough leavened bread can be a part of a healthy diet. However, there are no laws protecting the word "sourdough" from its fake yeast-leavened trickster.
Article:How to Spot Fake Sourdough At The Store
Seen a UNICORN lately???
..or should I say, have you drunk one lately???? If so, you need to check out the link below & THINK CAREFULLY....!!!!!Article:The Worst Ingredient in Unicorn Frappucino and Why you Shouldn't Drink It
Sorry for the bad news......
Article:Cancer in Cans
Don't get CHEATED by Cheetos!
Like crunchy cheese snacks? Me, too!! Yeah, I know, many people find it easy to reach for a bag of Cheetos or something similar.... but have you ever read the ingredients that you are putting into your body? Do you really see much actual cheese there? What are all those other things?? Disodium Inosinate? Monosodium Glutamate? Red 40, Yellow 5 & Yellow 6? Do you grow things in your garden that are named Yellow 6??Good news - you can make a crunchy cheese snack that is made from REAL ingredients - & it's fun to make, too! (PS - we made these in class - I called them JERF-tos! - you can find the recipe in my Locker to the left, or from an earlier "Notes" post, just scroll down below!!)
Article:Crunchy Cheese Snack
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