28
Sep 2011
Genetically Modified organisms, often called genetically engineered (GE). The correct scientific term is “transgenics.” This is a process whereby the genes of one species are inserted into another species.
Even if you have never heard the term GMO, it is not hard to see how creepy and wrong this definition sounds. Obviously this was never natures intention for food. Imagine what this does to your body and own DNA!
Did you know that the same company that makes the chemical poison Round- Up to kill weed and grass is the same company responsible for spaying our food with insecticides, pesticides AND responsible for the invention of the GMO seed (It cant be good news). Think about it folks, this stuff is poison and in no amounts should the government allow this to be sprayed on the food we consume. This compromises every food safety law that is suppose to be protecting us!
A large and growing body of scientific research and on-the-ground experience indicate that GMOs fail to do what proponents claim and instead GM crops:
-can be toxic, allergenic or less nutritious than their natural counterparts
-can disrupt the ecosystem, damage vulnerable wild plant and animal populations and harm biodiversity
-increase chemical inputs (pesticides, herbicides) over the long term
-deliver yields that are no better, and often worse, than conventional crops
-cause or exacerbate a range of social and economic problems
-are laboratory-made and, once released, harmful GMOs cannot be recalled from the environment.
25
Sep 2011
After accomplishing the task of finishing the website and spending every waking day in front of my computer, a much needed rest from technology and all the wonderful (sarcasm) EMF’s (Electro- Magnetic field) that come along with working and living in our modern world was seriously needed.
I had not been to Yosemite since I was a little girl and had forgotten what all the fuss was about. Camping is something I remember doing often in my childhood. I loved getting together with the whole family; cousins, aunts, uncles, grandma, and living outside escaping reality for just a few days. It almost felt like the holidays with all of us together again. I didn’t realize it at the time the reason for loving it so much, but it always put me in a better mood when the trip was over. I know realize that it simply had to do with just being with nature and getting grounded. Though of course, who could forget the food that comes with camping; this was also one of the things I look forward to most and also put me in a great mood (food does that to me). Having a big family to go camping with was an assurance that there was always going to be more than enough food. The smell of eggs, bacon, and coffee waking you in the morning, the creamy avocado sandwiches my mom use to make for me for lunch (everyone has their thing), the meaty smell of burgers cooking on a grill for dinner, and of course the gooey messy S’mores around the campfire at night. Just thinking about it again makes me feel warm and fuzzy. And that is exactly what happen when I started to plan what to bring for the trip.
My comforting memories and emotional attachment I have with these foods came flooding into my head. Although, things are a bit different for me these days as far as my diet goes, I couldn’t imagine not camping without these vital staples (which really do make the experience complete).
A good friend of mine who I went with and who thankfully has a similar diet as I, also had the same concern. I just figured S’mores were out due to the wheat and gluten they contain (both of us are very sensitive, like most people who grew up with a wheat filled diet). Then I realized, like almost everything else in my diet, to reformulate the graham cracker. With the only flours I really do any baking with (almond and coconut), I looked to see if anyone had already came up with this idea online. Well obviously they had, which saved me the hassle of trying to experiment. So I went to work anxious to see how these grain free/ gluten free graham crackers would come out.
I was very excited with the results. The taste was almost identical. The texture was a bit more bready and less light and crunchy, but if I were to spread the batter out thinner and cook it longer or throw it in a dehydrator towards the end, I’m sure it would have that crunch factor. Regardless, they were tasty and I was looking forward to enjoying S’mores again for the first time in years!
I highly recommend giving them a try if you or your child suffer with any type of health issue, since wheat and gluten are inflammatory and irritating to the body, they will exasperate any condition. Below is the recipe I used. I would love to hear feedback! If you have the urge and time, you can even make your own homemade marshmallows and raw dark chocolate!
As far as satisfying my other camping food favorites, that was a bit easier. We made sure to bring high quality bacon from Applegate Farms, organic of course, with NO nitrates/ nitrites, hormones, antibiotics, animal bi- products, GMO’s, or artificial preservatives (they use celery juice instead!). Their animals are always vegetarian fed, raised humanely, happy and free range. Very important for not only quality, but there is no comparison in taste with conventional meat!
We also purchased grass fed burgers before heading up from a local farm near us and on the way found the cutest market that sold the best farm eggs I have ever tasted! The deep orange color of the yolk spoke for the taste and quality itself. I was also able to get most of my produce here for the trip, since it was all local and fresh. If you are thinking of heading up to Yosemite, stop in Oakdale on the way at a small market called “The Barn”. You won’t regret it! I even picked up some Truly Raw unpasteurized almonds locally grown!! I was so excited since you don’t come across these often. I stocked up with 10 lbs! It doesn’t take much to make me happy.
In addition to the protein items, I packed a huge jar of homemade cultured vegetables, a head of romaine lettuce for our wrapped “sandwiches”, a little jar of olive oil and raw apple cider vinegar for dressing, sea salt (a must), homemade Kombucha, variety of lettuces and greens for salads, homemade salsa, lots of avocados (for sustained energy), and I even found an organic bottle of red wine for $5.99 at Trader Joe’s! That was simply a treat, I usually never drink- my taste buds just never acquired the taste for alcohol thankfully.
Waking up in the wilderness is never complete without a cup of coffee, or should I say Dandy Blend. My favorite coffee alternative made from roasted barely, rye, chicory root, dandelion root and beetroot! An instant herbal beverage, gluten free, no acidity and no bitterness! This beverages is even good for your liver, very much unlike coffee! For someone raised on coffee from an early age (its in my culture) I cannot taste the difference. This product is amazing! If you are addicted to coffee, I highly suggest giving Dandy Blend a try!
My friend was also insistent that we make some of his favorite nuts- Rosemary cashews and Cinnamon almonds- soaked overnight of course and then flavored and dried…delicious! Along with those, I also made some homemade energy bars from soaked and sprouted pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, dates and Goji berries. Easiest thing to do and best of all no baking!! Both of these snacks are great for taking on hikes, travel well (no matter where you’re going), and very satisfying for a quick treat to boost energy levels when you are constantly on the go.
All in all, we both could not have been happier with our camping food and satisfying our cravings for those childhood memories.
Aside from all this great food we brought, the hikes, the wildlife, the scenic views and even the campground was perfect. It was one of the best camping trips I have taken.
After a 3 day trip to Yosemite that seemed to past by way too fast, I left feeling grounded, calm, relaxed, and still in awe of the amazing beauty that is Yosemite.
Grain-Free Gluten-Free Graham Cracker Recipe
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a bowl, mix together:
In your stand mixer or electric beater, cream together:
*Note: I used half the total recommended sugar (I used ¼ cup REAL maple syrup)
Then add the dry ingredients to the wet ones and combine until a dough forms.
Make dough into two balls and place each one on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Put waxed paper on top, roll the dough out thinly, and remove the waxed paper. Cut into crackers with a pizza cutter and make little holes with a fork – You can use a knife to score the crackers if you don’t have a pizza cutter, but the little holes with the fork or a must for the heat to penetrate and make them look like the real deal!
Bake 10 minutes, then remove and cool. I just lifted the whole piece of parchment off and placed it on the counter top to cool, but if you want, you can put your crackers on cooling racks. – Again, you can turn down the heat and let them bake a little longer to get them crunchier. Check on them frequently though to make sure they don’t burn!
Enjoy!
no comments23
Sep 2011
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After months of planning and working on my website and business it is finally here!!! I am so excited to be able to share with you my passion, thoughts, knowledge, and experiences that keep me going in the hopes to create a better understanding of health, food, our environment, and most importantly your body! Feed your body REAL NOURISHMENT and experience the power it has to heal itself! Welcome to WISE ROOTS NUTRITION!
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