Green Options » Amy Bell http://greenoptions.com/author/granolagirl/ Post archive of Amy Bell Fri, 03 Apr 2009 00:52:23 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 en http://greenoptions.com/author/granolagirl/ http://www.gravatar.com/avatar/5b8335749442e16396c8d4eb8bc775a4?s=65&d=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gravatar.com%2Favatar%2Fad516503a11cd5ca435acc9bb6523536%3Fs%3D32 Green Options » Amy Bell Ben & Jerry’s CyClone Dairy - Cloned Animal Products Are No Joke http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/04/03/ben-jerrys-cyclone-dairy-cloned-animal-products-are-no-joke/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/04/03/ben-jerrys-cyclone-dairy-cloned-animal-products-are-no-joke/#comments Fri, 03 Apr 2009 00:52:23 +0000 Amy Bell http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/04/03/ben-jerrys-cyclone-dairy-cloned-animal-products-are-no-joke/

“Old-fashioned dairy, the new-fashioned way!  CyClone is the first major dairy to raise a herd of clones and clone offspring.  You could say cloning is our passion - where we combine DNA with TLC.”

That is what Cyclone dairy says on their website’s mission page.

Thank goodness it’s not for real…not yet anyway.

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/04/03/ben-jerrys-cyclone-dairy-cloned-animal-products-are-no-joke/feed/ Pistachio Recall - is Anything Safe to Eat Anymore? http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/04/01/pistachio-recall-is-anything-safe-to-eat-anymore/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/04/01/pistachio-recall-is-anything-safe-to-eat-anymore/#comments Wed, 01 Apr 2009 16:37:32 +0000 Amy Bell http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/04/01/pistachio-recall-is-anything-safe-to-eat-anymore/ After my family and I enjoyed several handfuls of pistachios at a get- together last weekend, I was surprised to hear yesterday about the latest food recall.

Federal food officials are warning Americans to avoid any food containing pistachios because of possible salmonella contamination.  (Just like the recent problems with peanuts.)

All of this food recalling makes a person wonder if anything is really safe to eat anymore?

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/04/01/pistachio-recall-is-anything-safe-to-eat-anymore/feed/ Tips for Eating to Reduce Inflammation http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/04/01/tips-for-eating-to-reduce-inflammation/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/04/01/tips-for-eating-to-reduce-inflammation/#comments Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:37:29 +0000 Amy Bell http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/04/01/tips-for-eating-to-reduce-inflammation/ Studies have shown that many illnesses (including several types of cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and heart disease) are largely influenced by chronic inflammation in the body.

Prolonged inflammation causes the immune system to become off balance, and can result in damage to healthy tissue.

Poor diet is a main contributor to chronic inflammation, but several lifestyle factors such as lack of exercise, and excessive stress can promote inflammation as well.

Many health and nutrition experts are now starting to emphasize the importance of following an anti-inflammatory diet.

Here are a few tips to get you started on your way to less inflammation and better health:

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/04/01/tips-for-eating-to-reduce-inflammation/feed/ Are Vegetables as Good for You as They Used to Be? http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/03/15/are-vegetables-as-good-for-you-as-they-used-to-be/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/03/15/are-vegetables-as-good-for-you-as-they-used-to-be/#comments Sun, 15 Mar 2009 15:08:36 +0000 Amy Bell http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/03/15/are-vegetables-as-good-for-you-as-they-used-to-be/ According to research published in The Journal of HortScience, produce now lacks not only the taste, but also the amount of nutrients it had just 50 years ago.

Vegetables today are larger, but contain more “dry matter” which dilutes the concentrations of minerals.  This results in 5% to 40% less magnesium, iron, calcium, and zinc.

Selective breeding to increase crop yields has let to genetic dilution, which has also in turn caused declines in protein and amino acid levels in produce.

Because of the increased use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, crops are now harvested so quickly that the plant has less time to absorb nutrients either from synthesis or the soil.

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/03/15/are-vegetables-as-good-for-you-as-they-used-to-be/feed/ The Great American Meatout - Change Your Diet, Change the World! http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/03/15/the-great-american-meatout-change-your-diet-change-the-world/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/03/15/the-great-american-meatout-change-your-diet-change-the-world/#comments Sun, 15 Mar 2009 14:20:50 +0000 Amy Bell http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/03/15/the-great-american-meatout-change-your-diet-change-the-world/ Meatout (now in its 25th year) has become the world’s largest and oldest annual grassroots diet education campaign.

Every year on the first day of spring, thousands of supporters in the United States and several other countries participate and encourage others to go meatless for a day (or a lifetime), and discover a more compassionate and healthy diet.

Many mainstream health advocacy organizations such as the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute, the American Heart Association, and John Hopkins University promote the consumption of more plant-based foods.

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/03/15/the-great-american-meatout-change-your-diet-change-the-world/feed/ Raw Chocolate Truffles http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/03/11/raw-chocolate-truffles/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/03/11/raw-chocolate-truffles/#comments Wed, 11 Mar 2009 19:03:50 +0000 Amy Bell http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/03/11/raw-chocolate-truffles/ Raw nuts are a healthy addition to any diet, and in my house we go through them almost faster than we can buy them.  They’re a great snack on their own, added to recipes, or turned into milk.

Every week after I’ve make homemade nut milk (our favorites are almond or Brazil nut) I’m left with nut pulp I’ve strained out of the milk mixture.

This pulp (which by the way can be frozen for later use) is great when dried and ground into nut flour, or used in recipes like the raw truffles my family enjoys so much.

This recipe is quick, easy, healthy, and delicious!

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/03/11/raw-chocolate-truffles/feed/ Eating for Energy - 5 Helpful Foods http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/03/08/eating-for-energy-5-helpful-foods/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/03/08/eating-for-energy-5-helpful-foods/#comments Sun, 08 Mar 2009 21:28:23 +0000 Amy Bell http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/03/08/eating-for-energy-5-helpful-foods/ The foods we eat have a direct impact on our overall energy.

Think about how you feel after having certain foods.

A greasy fast food meal more than likely leaves you tired, sluggish, and possibly feeling guilty, while a meal full of complex carbohydrates, healthy protein and fats, and fresh fruits and vegetables leaves a person feeling satisfied and energized.

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/03/08/eating-for-energy-5-helpful-foods/feed/ This is Why You’re Fat (Possibly the Most Disturbing Website Ever?) http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/03/03/this-is-why-youre-fat-possibly-the-most-disturbing-website-ever/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/03/03/this-is-why-youre-fat-possibly-the-most-disturbing-website-ever/#comments Tue, 03 Mar 2009 23:07:03 +0000 Amy Bell http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/03/03/this-is-why-youre-fat-possibly-the-most-disturbing-website-ever/ Ok now, we all know the dangers of eating fried foods and food loaded with trans fats, sugar, and other unhealthy ingredients.  Right?

Well apparently there are still plenty of people out there who either don’t know…or don’t care.
When I first saw this website I was shocked by the foods on it, it’s a meat-filled calorie bomb photo gallery you wont believe! (Who knew you could batter and fry just about anything imaginable, and/or cover it in bacon?  Yuck.)

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/03/03/this-is-why-youre-fat-possibly-the-most-disturbing-website-ever/feed/ Nutritional Support for ADHD http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/03/01/nutritional-support-for-adhd/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/03/01/nutritional-support-for-adhd/#comments Sun, 01 Mar 2009 23:34:16 +0000 Amy Bell http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/03/01/nutritional-support-for-adhd/ It is estimated that 3 to 7 percent of American children suffer form Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

That adds up to over 2 million kids, one in every class of 25.

Traditional treatments involve medications such as Ritlin and Adderall, as well as other prescription drugs.  Side effects linked to ADHD medication include depression, anxiety, loss of appetite, inability to fall or stay asleep, rapid heartbeat…the list goes on and on.

Research has shown that nutrient deficiencies can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.  For many children, proper nutrition may effectively work as an ADHD alternative treatment.  (If your child is currently taking prescription medication for ADHD, don’t stop the medication without discussing it with your physician first.)

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/03/01/nutritional-support-for-adhd/feed/ Questioning Nanotechnology http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/25/questioning-nanotechnology/ http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/25/questioning-nanotechnology/#comments Wed, 25 Feb 2009 17:54:45 +0000 Amy Bell http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/25/questioning-nanotechnology/ Nanotechnology refers to a field whose theme is the control of matter on an atomic and molecular scale.

It involves the manipulation of matter at the nanometer (nm) scale, which is one-billionth of a meter.  The nano scale is so incredibly tiny that a human hair (which is about 50,000 nm thick) is huge by comparison.

Many researchers believe this technology has the potential to create new and unique risks to human health and the environment.

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]]> http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/25/questioning-nanotechnology/feed/ 10 Foods to Prevent Cancer http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/02/21/10-foods-to-prevent-cancer/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/02/21/10-foods-to-prevent-cancer/#comments Sat, 21 Feb 2009 23:55:13 +0000 Amy Bell http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/02/21/10-foods-to-prevent-cancer/ Every year more than 500,000 people die from cancer in the United States alone.

Many researchers and cancer specialists believe that up to 60% of those deaths can be prevented if Americans adopt healthier lifestyles.

According to Rachael Stolzenberg-Solomon, a researcher at the National Cancer Institute,

“The easiest and least expensive way to reduce your risk for cancer is just by eating a healthy diet.”

Here is an overview of ten important cancer fighting foods to include in your diet on a regular basis:

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/02/21/10-foods-to-prevent-cancer/feed/ Factory Farms - The Impact on Humans and the Environment http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/02/18/factory-farms-the-impact-on-humans-and-the-environment/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/02/18/factory-farms-the-impact-on-humans-and-the-environment/#comments Wed, 18 Feb 2009 19:33:17 +0000 Amy Bell http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/02/18/factory-farms-the-impact-on-humans-and-the-environment/ Most people are aware of at least a few of the problems associated with factory farming.

Anyone who has ever had the unfortunate experience of even being near one will tell you the smell alone is enough to make you instantly nauseated.

Aside from that, what are some of the other hazards of raising animals this way?

Here is a interesting list I’ve compiled of various pieces of information about this vile practice, and the impact it has on us and the environment:

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/02/18/factory-farms-the-impact-on-humans-and-the-environment/feed/ Superfood Recipe: Lemon Blueberry Scones http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/02/15/superfood-recipe-lemon-blueberry-scones/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/02/15/superfood-recipe-lemon-blueberry-scones/#comments Sun, 15 Feb 2009 19:06:28 +0000 Amy Bell http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/02/15/superfood-recipe-lemon-blueberry-scones/ When researchers at Tufts University analyzed 60 fruits and vegetables for their antioxidant capacity, blueberries came out on top.

This wonderful little superfood is not only delicious, but also packed with phytonutrients that help neutralize free radical damage in the body.

Here is a simple and delicious recipe to help include more blueberries in your diet:

(This recipe is easily made vegan by substituting vegan margarine for the butter, soymilk for the milk, and making sure to use vegan sugar.)

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/02/15/superfood-recipe-lemon-blueberry-scones/feed/ Companies Vow to Reject Sugar from Genetically Modified Beets http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/02/15/companies-vow-to-reject-sugar-from-genetically-modified-beets/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/02/15/companies-vow-to-reject-sugar-from-genetically-modified-beets/#comments Sun, 15 Feb 2009 16:43:52 +0000 Amy Bell http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/02/15/companies-vow-to-reject-sugar-from-genetically-modified-beets/ After writing my post earlier this month about genetically engineered ingredients and animal cloning, I was given the opportunity to speak with Lisa Bunin, Campaign Coordinator with the Center for Food Safety.

We spoke about some exciting new developments in the fight against genetically modified beet sugar.

On February 12, 2009 several food safety, environmental, and corporate watchdog groups launched the Non-Genetically Modified (GM) Beet Sugar Registry.

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/02/15/companies-vow-to-reject-sugar-from-genetically-modified-beets/feed/ Dairy - The Udder Truth http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/02/11/dairy-the-udder-truth/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/02/11/dairy-the-udder-truth/#comments Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:01:20 +0000 Amy Bell http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/02/11/dairy-the-udder-truth/ Gooey melted cheese on pizza, a glass of cold milk with freshly baked cookies, ice cream on a hot summer day… who hasn’t at one time or another enjoyed something made from milk?

Dairy products are part of most American diets on a daily basis, but what is the health and environmental impact of this high demand for milk?

The production of much of the milk in this country is done in large scale-operations, some having thousands of cows.

That’s a lot of manure to be dealt with, this reduces the air quality (especially for people living near the dairy operation), and consistently finds its way into our rivers, streams, and groundwater.

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/02/11/dairy-the-udder-truth/feed/ Kids and Nature - The Great Backyard Bird Count http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/08/kids-and-nature-the-great-backyard-bird-count/ http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/08/kids-and-nature-the-great-backyard-bird-count/#comments Sun, 08 Feb 2009 20:39:40 +0000 Amy Bell http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/08/kids-and-nature-the-great-backyard-bird-count/ Once again it’s time for the National Audubon Society’s Annual Great Backyard Bird Count.

This event is in its 12th year, and for 2009 will be held February 13-16.

Over the four day period, birdwatchers count birds to create a real-time snapshot of where birds are across the continent.

People of all ages and birdwatching levels are invited to participate in this popular event, and what a great way to get children outside and take notice of the wonders of the natural world around them.

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]]> http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/08/kids-and-nature-the-great-backyard-bird-count/feed/ New Solar Cell Design Inspired By Butterfly Wings http://ecoscraps.com/2009/02/06/new-solar-cell-design-inspired-by-butterfly-wings/ http://ecoscraps.com/2009/02/06/new-solar-cell-design-inspired-by-butterfly-wings/#comments Fri, 06 Feb 2009 22:35:42 +0000 Amy Bell http://ecoscraps.com/2009/02/06/new-solar-cell-design-inspired-by-butterfly-wings/ The recent discovery that butterfly wings have tiny scales that act as solar collectors has led scientists in Japan and China to design a more efficient solar cell that could be used for power in the future.

Using natural butterfly wings as a template, the scientists were able to make copies of the solar collecting scales and transfer those to dye-sensitive solar cells.

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]]> http://ecoscraps.com/2009/02/06/new-solar-cell-design-inspired-by-butterfly-wings/feed/ Leading Hospital System Takes Stand Against Animal Cloning and GE Ingredients http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/02/06/leading-hospital-system-takes-stand-against-animal-cloning-and-ge-ingredients/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/02/06/leading-hospital-system-takes-stand-against-animal-cloning-and-ge-ingredients/#comments Fri, 06 Feb 2009 19:34:08 +0000 Amy Bell http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/02/06/leading-hospital-system-takes-stand-against-animal-cloning-and-ge-ingredients/ Catholic Healthcare West (CHW) is a San Francisco, CA based system of 41 hospitals and medical centers in California, Nevada, and Arizona.

This national leading Catholic hospital system is now leading the nation in more ways than one.

CHW has made the decision to use food suppliers who have agreed to seek out alternatives to foods made with genetically engineered (GE) ingredients or cloned animals.

Included in CHW’s new food policy is GE sugar beets, which just recently have been introduced into the nation’s food supply, as well as meat and dairy products from cloned animals, which the FDA has decided to allow.

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/02/06/leading-hospital-system-takes-stand-against-animal-cloning-and-ge-ingredients/feed/ Superfood Recipe: Kale Chips http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/02/05/superfood-recipe-kale-chips/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/02/05/superfood-recipe-kale-chips/#comments Thu, 05 Feb 2009 02:01:56 +0000 Amy Bell http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/02/05/superfood-recipe-kale-chips/ Kale has more nutritional value for fewer calories than almost any other food.

This superfood can be found in most grocery stores all year round, but is truly in season from the middle of winter to the first part of spring.   During this time it tastes its best, and is most widely available.

Kale, (along with its relatives such as Brussels sprouts, collard greens, and cabbage) is full nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and E, fiber, calcium, manganese, and loaded with sulfur containing phytonutrients which have been shown to protect against many kinds of cancer including breast and ovarian.

Try adding kale to soups, casseroles, and salads… or whip up a batch of crunchy kale chips.  They make a great guilt free snack the whole family will enjoy!

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/02/05/superfood-recipe-kale-chips/feed/ In Need Of Eco-Therapy? http://ecoscraps.com/2009/02/01/in-need-of-eco-therapy/ http://ecoscraps.com/2009/02/01/in-need-of-eco-therapy/#comments Sun, 01 Feb 2009 21:34:38 +0000 Amy Bell http://ecoscraps.com/2009/02/01/in-need-of-eco-therapy/ Eco-anxiety: the growing anguish experienced by someone who can’t handle the thought that they are in any way contributing to global warming, species extinction, depleting natural resources, and the like.

Does this sound like you?  If so, maybe it’s time to seek eco-therapy.

Some experts say all the worst-case scenario/gloom and doom type stories about the environment, which seem to be favored by the media, are taking a mental toll on some people.

Because of this, a new kind of therapy has been developed.

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