Another Reason

I've been doing a lot of online research lately on all things food/nutrition, and have been coming across a lot insightful youtube videos. The internet is a fascinating (and sometimes dangerous time suck) thing. Videos like the one I'm going to share with you tend to take the "scare tactic" approach, but I still thought I was worth sharing. There are so many problems with the "big food" system that contributed to my decision to go plant strong. Staying away from dairy was something I never thought I'd do, but knowing the eco benefits of choosing plant versus animal/animal byproduct helped push me over the edge. It became just another reason why I was certain going plant strong was the right choice for me. Sure I have days where I "cheat" and rely a little too heavily on substitutes (soy cheese, meat alternatives, etc) or carbs, but I still feel better as a whole about the things I am choosing to put into my body. And thus, why I am sharing this video with you. Hopefully you haven't seen it. And if you have, it might serve as a good reminder to continue to be more conscious about what you choose to put into your body on a day to day basis.

One other thing I wanted to share, was this op-ed article about food nutrition in schools (see link below). I posted it on twitter and my facebook page as well, however in case you missed it, I thought it was worth sharing again. If the children are the future, isn't it obvious that we need to invest in the health and wellness of our futures? I think so... hopefully you can agree on the importance of this issue.

Just some added food for thought for your Monday. (As if you needed anything else on your plate, it is Monday after all... But just in case you are feeling uber ambitious this week, take a biiiiig bite!)

Huffington Post : Ending Food Ignorance, Education is too Important to Leave to Big Food

Food for Thought

Hello Blogland! I have missed you! Have you missed me?

Ok. So. Update time, real quick.
We made it farmers market season. And the best part? We're debuting as a vendor this farmers market season. I cannot even begin to explain how rewarding this has been. I've only done a few markets yet, but it has been amazing to see people responding so positively. For updates on where I'll be and when, you can check the schedule on my new fangled website : smashedmuffingoods.weebly.com/. I try to post updates on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as well. (Social media info below).
Facebook
Twitter (@SmashedMuffin)
Instagram (@SmashedMuffinGoods)

Plug time.
I'll be at the Downtown Downers Grove market this weekend 7/6 Sa from 7am-1230pm and the Villa Park market 7/7 Su from 8am-1pm. Hope you can stop by!

Some things I've been thinking about...
I feel like I am constantly bookmarking pages and taking screen shots of this or that, but never sharing. So I'm pledging right now, to share more. Here's just a few of the things I've come across recently...

Surprisingly enough, I came across this from a facebook ad. (Do you think they can tell I'm a foodie?) I was wondering what others think of this. With today's world of "no time" to be healthy - is a program like this worth it? It seems like the market is becoming overly saturated with more healthful products and companies. Which is a GREAT "problem" to have. However, with so many, how do you find the one that's right for you, that you can trust?
http://www.naturebox.com

With a personal interest in food allergies, and many of my current customers very aware of developments in food allergies, I found this article to be a very interesting read. If you could potentially get your child (or even you yourself) back to drinking dairy milk after avoiding it, would you? Especially with so many new advocates for a solely plant-based diet avoiding dairy altogether?
Experimental Treatment for Milk Allergy

Also in light of common allergies, last week, I read an article in the NYTimes about a company (Solazyme) venturing into the field of nutrition, using flours made from algae to make a substance that can be used as a replacement for eggs in common cooking recipes (such as brioche, alfredo pasta and baked goods). Do we live in an exciting time or what? However, when I went to look up the link to post the article for you, I discovered a follow up article - stating that the partnership between Solazyme has since dissolved. Regardless, it's fascinating to me that we live in a time that is moving in this direction. Both articles are posted below.
For Solazyme, a Side Trip on the way to Clean Fuel
Algae-Engineering Joint Venture Disbands

Speaking of the New York Times... I recently poured over this fascinating manifest, compliments of Michael Pollen, who I recently got to see at a local college discussing his new book "Cooked." (Which I am also currently in the middle of.) When I was lucky enough to see him in the flesh, he spoke briefly of the fact that we are actually less than half human (actually only 10% I believe is the actual figure). We are actually MOSTLY made up of microbes. While many advancements have been made, there is still lots of research to be done in grasping microbial health. Maybe I've been living under a rock, but man. This stuff is fascinating! Right? (I know I've used that word like a million times this post, but seriously - there's no other word for it. It's just. Wow.)
Some of My Best Friends Are Germs

I know I'm posing a lot of questions and I don't necessarily expect anyone to answer them. However, I think there are a lot of exciting advancements in how we feed ourselves (literally and figuratively) and decide what to put in our mouths and bodies. Some good. Some bad. And some where the jury may still be out and we need to educate ourselves more. The more I can share what I come across with you, the more we can continue to think about how we choose to put as much "good" in to get more "good" out. If we accurately feed our mind, body and souls - I truly believe the more that fact will be reflected in our health and happiness in life overall. And you know what they say... So, here's your daily dose of "food for thought". And quite a bit of it. But hey, I had to make up for some lost time. ;)