Here’s my proof:

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The Environmental Working Group compiles data from the FDA and USDA tests which measure how much pesticide is left behind in Conventionally grown produce. Based on data collected from these tests from 2000 to 2008, the Environmental Working Group put together a list of foods that contain the most and the least amount of pesticides.

The Dirty Dozen

This is a list of foods that are at the bottom of the barrel, which means they contain the most amount of harmful pesticides. It’s best to buy the following produce Organic, even if you are on a budget.

1. Celery

2. Peaches

3. Strawberries

4. Apples

5. Blueberries

6. Nectarines

7. Bell Peppers

8. Spinach

9. Kale and Collards

10. Cherries

11. Potatoes

12. Grapes (imported)

The Clean Fifteen

This is a list of produce that are considered to be the top of the list, which means they are the least contaminated with pesticides, even when Conventionally grown.

1. Onions

2. Avocados

3. Sweet Corn

4. Pineapples

5. Mangoes

6. Sweet Peas

7. Asparagus

8. Kiwi Fruit

9. Cabbage

10. Eggplant

11. Cantaloupe (domestic)

12. Watermelon

13. Grapefruit

14. Sweet Potatoes

15. Honeydew Melon

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Nail Polish 

Women seem to spend more time picking out the color they want rather than a brand of nail polish that will be safest for them to use. I know I have been guilty of this!

Ideally, you should choose an all natural nail polish  is water or mineral based rather than chemical based. This means  you would be buying nail polishes that don’t contain ingredients like dibutyl phthalates (DBP), which is an unhealthy chemical you will want to avoid.

Check out the nail polish from Go Natural®, a company that sells chemical free nail polish that is durable and chip-free. If you are looking for a nail polish that is geared towards girls, check out Piggy Paint®. They sell high quality nail polish that is non-toxic and provides plenty of colors to choose from.

Nail Polish Remover

Now that you use a non-toxic nail polish, it’s time to remove it once you are ready for a new color.

Try avoiding nail polish removes that that contain ingredients such as acetone, since it is a harsh chemical that dries out your nails and any skin that’s exposed to it.

You can try a natural nail polish remover such as the one from Honeybee Garden, which is enriched with horsetail extract to strengthen nails and fortified with vitamin E and aloe to soothe and protect cuticles. Another nail polish remover you can try is “Almost Natural” Nail Polish Remover by Miss, since it doesn’t have any acetone, ethyl acetate, or harsh odors. Also, it’s made with all organic ingredients.

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When Low Calorie doesn’t mean Healthy

I went searching for what consumers thought was a great low calorie snack for weight loss. Here are some of the most common low calorie snacks consumers suggested to others, and my suggestions of healthy alternatives.

•JELL-O Brand Gelatin and Pudding Snacks- The low calorie snack packs make this product easy to consume on a daily basis, which is concerning once you read the label and see what ingredients are listed in the product. They may be labeled as sugar-free and fat-free, but there are tons of artificial sweeteners and unhealthy ingredients you just shouldn’t be putting into your body.

Alternative- You can make your own Pudding using Dr. Oetker’s Organic Pudding mix. You can make a small batch and divide it into small serving size containers to enjoy throughout the week. This product still contains sugar, but I think this is a better alternative than the snack packs mentioned above, but still should be used only in moderation.

•Quaker® Rice Cakes - What’s not healthy about a low calorie snack that is gluten free containing 9 grams of whole grains in it? Lots of sugar and corn syrup. Once you add the sugar and corn syrup (among other things) to the healthy ingredients, it’s no longer healthy.

Alternative- If you are looking for a yummy whole grain, check out Arrowhead Mills® Organic Puff cereals. You will find that there is only one ingredient in this product, just how it should be! They taste fantastic plain or with your choice of milk.

•Popcorn- These are usually full of ingredients that are anything but real butter. Lots of chemically altered ingredients and additives.

Alternative- Buy popcorn with nothing added or make it yourself.

•Frozen Desserts- Consumers recommended Sugar-Free Fudgsicles, Low-Fat Ice Cream Bars from The Skinny Cow®, and Sugar-Free Ice Pops. Notice a common theme here? Companies are selling frozen desserts in small quantities and replace the sugar and/or fat with even more harmful artificial ingredients and tell you that they are now healthy because they have fewer amounts of calories. Sadly, a lot of consumers fall for this gimmick.

Alternative- I love Organic Blackberry Sorbet Bars by Julie’s Organic. Natural ingredients with no sugar or artificial sweeteners added. You can also try making your own healthy desserts, such as frozen grapes!

•Dannon Light ‘n Fit Non-Fat Yogurt- This is made with Splenda®, and goes along the same line as the gelatin and pudding snacks.

Alternative- All Natural Yogurt or Greek Yogurt with no added ingredients.

•100 Calorie Snack Packs- These low calorie snack packs were highly suggested by consumers, mainly due to taste and because it’s a “mindless alternative”. You can choose from cookies, crackers, and chips. Low calorie? Yes. Healthy? Not one bit. The company just provided small portions that are prepackaged and sold as low calorie. These products are full of sugar, which creates fat in your midsection. Not something you should do for fat loss, right?

Alternative- There are plenty of healthy crackers or other snacks to much on, without all of the processed ingredients, additives, and preservatives.

•Fiber One® Chewy Bars- Consumers suggested this low calorie snack because they taste like a candy bar. Not surprised, considering these snacks contain a lot of sugar and high maltose corn syrup (a sneaky way of adding a cousin of “high fructose corn syrup” into products).

Alternative- Looking for a chewy bar that tastes delicious? Check out all of the Fruit and Nut Bars by LÄRABAR®. Most of the flavors are made with healthy ingredients, with only six ingredients or less. The Pecan Pie flavor, for example, only has three ingredients; dates, pecans, and almonds. You wouldn’t believe these are healthy and low calorie once you taste how delicious these bars are.

•Campbell’s® Healthy Request® Soup- The soup may only have 90 calories per serving, but with two servings per can, most people are going to eat more than one serving. 180 calories still isn’t all that bad, but considering there are 410 mg of sodium per serving, that means you would be consuming 820 mg of sodium in just one serving. This soup may be marketed as “Heart Healthy”, but that still doesn’t make this soup healthy for you. It’s crazy how marketing works sometimes.

Alternative- Make your own homemade soup. Even if you buy an Organic or All Natural Soup with very few ingredients (think Amy’s Kitchen soups), you are still going to find more sodium than you bargained for.

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Image Credits: arrowheadmills.com; larabarstore.com

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Why Just Fruit™ Spreads?

Besides the fact that these delicious spreads aren’t full of processed sugars, they are delicious and only made with the most simple of ingredients.

My favorite is the Strawberry Just Fruit™ Spread, which only has 5 ingredients: Concentrated Organic grape juice, Organic Strawberries, Apple pectin, Ascorbic acid, and Citric acid.

The Fruit spreads come in Strawberry, Wild Blueberry, Superfruit, Raspberry, Black  Currant, Blackberry, and Apricot.

Be sure to check out all of the delicious flavors that are available, and make sure you always choose the jams that don’t need processed sugar to taste wonderful.

There’s no need to sacrifice flavor for your health, right?

Serving Size: 1 tablespoon

Calories: 35

More information at: Crofter’s Organic

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Kim Kardashian goes Old School

She was able to lose the extra weight by some good old fashioned exercise! She kicked up her routine by doing lots of cardio, weight lifting, and even an intense boot camp routine.

Kim Kardashian said “My mom always taught us, like, no matter if you’re skinny, no matter if you’re fit, you always need cardio. Go on walks. Walk on the treadmill. Run. You need stuff to get your heart healthy.”

I am proud of Kim for hitting the gym to shed her extra weight!

Kim Kardashian’s Diet

Kim is sticking to a strict diet from Sunfare, which is a food delivery service that provides portion controlled meals that are only 1,100 calories a day.

Kim said “It’s the only diet I can stick to”.

Pros: The concept of Sunfare is pretty nice; No thinking about what you are going to eat and no trips to the grocery store where you can get tempted to buy (and then later eat) unhealthy foods.

Cons: If you wanted to buy your 6 meals a day (3 meals and 3 snacks) from Sunfare, it would cost you $68.20 a day! This is an extremely expensive diet for prepackaged meals that aren’t as healthy as food you could be making yourself at home.

Solution: Come up with a healthy meal plan and stick to your list when you go grocery shopping. Instead of buying junk food for your snacks in-between meals, buy fruits and vegetables!

Tip: An organic apple or a little bag of organic baby carrots is a lot cheaper and healthier than any prepackaged snack.

Image Credit: WENN; Splash

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Eating healthy is a choice, and here’s some healthy foods that are within your budget.

Tip: Create a meal plan.

When I first got married, my husband created a grocery shopping rule: I could only buy what’s on the grocery list that I had already created. This led me to create better meal plans!

A big way to save money is to create a detailed meal plan. Just add any items you need to your grocery list. Do this well in advance, and never plan on an empty stomach. By doing this, it has been a huge way to save money and my waistline!

Tip: Buy in Bulk

Buying in bulk can hurt you or help you with your healthy eating goals. Here’s some healthy foods you should start buying in bulk for better health:

• Brown Rice – This is a great filler to add to meals without sacrificing your health. I was able to find Organic Brown Rice at a nearby Costco for about $1.50 a pound.

• Eggs – I buy my Organic Brown Eggs from Costco. I pay $4.00 for 18 eggs. Eggs are a fantastic source of protein, and even if you opt for mainly consuming the egg whites, you’re still buying these at a great price. Eggs are known to be one of the healthiest and cheapest forms of protein.

• Lentils – Very healthy for you, and at about $1.25 per pound, good for your budget too! You can make lentil soup, lentil burgers, and even lentil bread. With a food so healthy, cheap, and delicious, it’s no wonder so many people have come up with creative ways to incorporate lentils into their meals.

• Fresh Fruits and Vegetables – When you buy fresh produce in bulk, the key is to pick just one or two fruits and vegetables and rotate them each week. This way, you don’t over eat one type of fruit or veggie, and you don’t get bored. Though the prices may vary, buying in bulk can really save you some money.

• Frozen Fruits and Vegetables – These aren’t always cheaper than fresh produce, but since frozen fruits and vegetables are sold year round, buying frozen produce when it is out of season can be a great way to save money and still eat healthy.

Tip: Buy locally and in Season

• Farmers Market – Your local farmers are selling fresh produce right at your doorstep for a fraction of the cost. Since there is no middle man, the farmer’s savings gets passed on to you.

• Fruits and Vegetables – In order to get the best prices for your produce, only buy what’s in season.

Tip: Do-it-Yourself

• Prepare your own foods – When you purchased packaged foods, you are definitely paying for convenience along in addition to preservatives and unnecessary sugar. Save your bank account and your waistline by making more homemade foods.

• Grow your it yourself – Growing your own Garden can save you a lot of money! If you are limited on space, try growing a small herb garden or even sprouting within your home. Gardens are cost effective and very nutritious!

Not sure when to plant? Check out The National Gardening Association for tips and ideas on how and when you can get your garden started.

• Buy a Food Dehydrator- Make your own fruit leathers, dried fruit, and even beef jerky. One of the most expensive and unhealthy convenience foods is dehydrated choices, so making your own will be a lot cheaper and healthier. No added preservatives or Sugar is something to celebrate!

Tip: Go Old School

• Boycott Fast Food – Rather than taking a trip to your closest fast food joint every day, bring in your own lunch to school or work. It’s a lot easier on your budget and expanding waistline.

Do you have any cost saving tips on eating healthy? Please share your thoughts in the comments section.

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These waffles are extremely easy to make. Very healthy. Very delicious. You’d think that these waffles were made at a gourmet restaurant.

Ingredients:

1 3/4 cups Brown Rice Flour

1 tsp Baking Powder

1/4 tsp Sea Salt

2 eggs (separate yolks and whites)

1 3/4 cups Rice Milk

1 tsp Vanilla Extract

1/2 cup Coconut Oil

Non Fat Whipped Cream

Ground Nutmeg

Maple Syrup

Instructions:

Step 1) Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.

Step 2) In another bowl, beat egg yolks and then stir in milk, vanilla, and oil.

Step 3) Combine both mixtures.

Step 4) In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until peaks form.

Step 5) Stir in egg white mixture partially with the rest of the waffle batter.

Step 6) Cook waffles.

Step 7) Place cooked waffle on plate. Drizzle some maple syrup on the waffle, then add a small amount of whipped cream on top of the waffle. Dash on some ground nutmeg over waffle.

Notes:

Looking for a gourmet tasting waffle? Look no further! I believe that a combination of the vanilla extract, fluffy egg whites, maple syrup, and nutmeg are all key factors in making this waffle “gourmet”.

Let me know what you think of these delicious waffles once you have had a chance to make them!

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Want a dessert? Try fresh Organic strawberries! Put Organic whipped cream on top if you are feeling naughty ; )

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A lot of people wonder why I am even trying to be healthier.  People will actually wonder why I am making a conscious effort to change some bad eating habits of mine. Hey, I am not perfect with my eating and exercising habits.  I am not claiming to be perfect, but I DO want to try my hardest to improve my overall Health.  My question to those who question my motives is “Why not?” There really isn’t anything to lose by improving your health, except for maybe a couple of things you just don’t want anyways.

“Living a healthy lifestyle will only deprive you of poor health, lethargy, and fat.”

-Jill Johnson

I want to be deprived of Poor Health, Lethargy, and excess Fat!

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There are a lot of people still debating on whether they should buy Organic or not. Let’s set the record straight once and for all when it comes to Organic.

Definition

Organic food is grown, processed, and packaged without the use of agricultural chemicals, artificial colors or flavors, genetic modification, irradiation, or other synthetic ingredients.

Per the National Organic Program, here are some definitions that should help clear up their labeling:

“‘100 Percent Organic’ must contain (excluding water and salt) only organically produced ingredients and processing aids.

Products labeled ‘Organic’ must consist of at least 95 percent organically produced ingredients (excluding water and salt). Any remaining product ingredients must consist of nonagricultural substances approved on the National List including specific non-organically produced agricultural products that are not commercially available in organic form.”

Later, the National Organic Program addressed the term “made with organic ingredients”. They wrote:

“Processed products that contain at least 70 percent organic ingredients can use the phrase “made with organic ingredients” and list up to three of the organic ingredients or food groups on the principal display panel.”

Something good to know: If you use the USDA Organic seal on your products that are not produced or handled within the National Organic Program’s regulations, you can have a civil penalty of up to $11,000 US Dollars. Ouch!

Just so you know, products labeled as “Naturally Grown” are not regulated. Some smaller farms who can’t afford to join the National Organic Program to be labeled as “USDA Organic”, can label their products as “Naturally Grown”. Since it isn’t regulated though, there are no guarantees on what you are really getting with this label.

Organic Farms

Having an Organic Farm is a strict business, and as you now know, you can’t just mark up your products as “USDA Organic” just for the fun of it. Organic farms do not use synthetic chemicals or drugs. They instead treat their soil, plants, and animals with natural products, which are a much safer alternative. They have surprise inspections by Inspectors who test the water, soil, plants (or animals) to make sure that everything is within USDA Organic standards. Once they do this, they review receipts from anything from feed to other records of reports and tests. This takes time and money, done twice a year, and the organic farmer pays for the fees involved to be able to label their products as “USDA Organic”.

Nutrition

The debate on whether Organic is really worth the usual additional costs seems to boil down to the common question, “Is Organic healthier for you?” or “Is Organic more nutritious?”. The answer to both of the questions is a simple “Yes”.

According to Virginia Worthington MS, ScD, CNS, in her article “Nutritional Quality of Organic versus Conventional Fruits, Vegetables, and Grains” in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, she found in her studies:

“…the vitamin C content of an organic fruit or vegetable is 27% more, on average, than a comparable conventionally grown fruit or vegetable.”

She also found from the various produce she studied, that  you can, on average, find about 21% more Iron, 29% more Magnesium, and 13% more Phosphorus. You will find about 15% less Nitrates. This is all very good news for your body, and more reason to stick to Organic produce.

The Nutrients come from the soil, which then in turns feeds the plant what it needs to produce healthy good-for-you produce which we get to enrich our own bodies with. If the soil is infested with pesticides and harmful chemicals, it will be lacking in nutrients, and the produce will in turn be depleted of nutrients.

Keep in Mind

When you do see “Organic” Chocolate bars, for example, it doesn’t mean it is all of a sudden it will be considered “healthy” or even “low calorie”. It still is sugar, candy, and not to be considered as food. Organic Candy is still Candy! Keep that in mind while you are in the grocery store, and try to stick with foods in its natural form. For example, choose fresh Organic Pears versus Canned Pears.

Your body deserves the best, and it deserves Organic.

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This sorbet bar is absolutely amazing, and I have nothing but good to say about this frozen dessert!

First of all, it tastes great. And not only does it taste great, but it has great a great texture (almost like a fruit smoothie, but thicker since it is a sorbet bar). I bought this Sorbet Bar for an event, and people were shocked that this was not only Organic, but actually Healthy! For some reason people have this horrible misconception that Healthy Food has to taste bad. This is another reason why I started this Blog. I want to raise awareness to others to let them know about great tasting products that are actually good for you (or at least better than the competitor!).

The best part about this treat, is that it is pretty much guilt free. It is made with real fruit, and  it is cholesterol free. For those who are lactose intolerant, this is also labeled as non dairy. Also, a very obvious comment is that it is certified organic.

Anyone who is on a diet, this is a great suggestion considering it is well under 100 calories. This is something you can enjoy with out feeling deprived as well as something you will not feel guilty for indulging.

Enjoy!

Serving Size: 1 Bar

Calories: 60

Where to Buy: Health Food Stores, Grocery Stores, or visit juliesorganic.com

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What is this cereal missing? Well, it does NOT include things like Trans Fat (which are formed when liquid oils are made into solid fats…not so good), it has Zero Cholesterol, and if you are a Vegetarian…you are in luck! This cereal doesn’t have any ingredients that come from meat, such as fish, fowl, or eggs, which you can thank the wonderful founders for, since it agrees with their personal beliefs and lifestyle.

So this cereal has a lot of healthy “stuff” in it. So the next important question is, “Does this cereal even taste good?” Let’s put it this way. This is seriously one of my favorite cold cereals right now. It has all of Nature’s love packed into one cereal! You will actually look forward to eating breakfast again! This cereal tastes great, and is something you will truly enjoy!

Serving: ¾ cup

Calories: 220

Keep updated on the latest & greatest health articles by joining the Skinny Twinkie community!

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Is Chapstick bad for you?

Chapstick, Smackers, SoftLips, Vaseline, Carmex, and other popular brands out there are actually something you may just want to avoid. Why? They contain Mineral Oil and Petroleum, which actually dries up your lips rather than helping them. If Chapstick causes addiction, it would be better for you to avoid it rather than keep using it.

Alternative

What I love about Organic Lip Balm by Dr. Bronner’s, is that is actually helps heal your lips, without causing an addiction, or a constant need to keep using it over and over again. If my lips ever feel chapped, I can use this Lip Balm a couple of times, and then that’s it. I can go weeks without feeling like I have to need to use the Lip Balm, which is the way it should be- not a constant application.

What’s in Organic Lip Balm by Bronner’s?

In the Peppermint “flavored” Organic Lip Balm by Bronner’s, the ingredients include the following; Organic Avacado Oil, Organic Beeswax, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Hemp Oil, Organic Peppermint Oil, and Natural Tocopherols. That’s right, no Mineral Oil or  Petroleum.

Avoid Chapped Lips Naturally

If you need a quick and instant fix, I definitely recommend this Organic Lip Balm. If you want to prevent and really take care of chapped lips, the best thing you can do is hydrate your body with lots of water. Never underestimate the powerful effects of drinking enough water.

Whether it is the Winter cold or Summer heat – you are now ready to take on any season with chap-less lips!

Keep updated on the latest & greatest health articles by joining the Skinny Twinkie community!

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Pears are not only a delicious snack, but also very healthy and beneficial for your body.

Nutritional and Health Benefits

Pears have a wonderful cooling effect to them. If you should have a fever, having a pear may be helpful in reducing your fever. Some say to drink pear juice, but I personally try to stay away from fruit juices unless you make them yourself. Otherwise, fruit juices you buy tend to be very high in sugar- sometimes even more than soda.

Pears are an excellent source of fiber. The fiber in pears may help regulate bowel movements.

Pears are full of Vitamin C and Copper, making Pears very antioxidant rich, which helps with the immune system.

Pears are high in Vitamin B and Potassium. This is great because it is healthy for your heart and has beneficial effects on your overall blood pressure.

Pears have plenty of Pectin, which helps with digestion, and a natural cleanse of toxins in the body.

Snack

Another great reason to have this snack? Delicious and low in calories! Perfect for anyone who would like to lose or maintain their body weight.

Serving: 1 Pear

Calories: 75 or less -depending on size

Keep updated on the latest & greatest health articles by joining the Skinny Twinkie community!

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Honey is very good for you, but you must know that not all Honey is created equal. Before I go into the many Health Benefits of Honey, I want to first share with you several different types of Honey, so you can be sure you are only getting the best out there.

Different Types of Honey

Honey

Just because you are buying “Honey”, doesn’t mean it is truly “All Natural”. Most honey on today’s market is processed, leaving out all of the good stuff, which is the reason why you would want honey in the first place!

Commercial Honey (the typical Honey bear you see on store shelves) is treated with an intensive heating process that destroys the nutrients of Honey. Don’t always trust your Local Honey either, since many of them will use very little local honey, and then they will mix it with other commercial or off-shore (cheaper) brands of Honey- and yes, they can call it “Local”.

Raw Honey

Raw honey isn’t processed, but is minimally filtered. In it’s pure and raw state still in tact, you will be able to enjoy the maximum amount of honey’s natural antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and vital phytonutrients, where all the nutrients are still preserved.

With Raw Honey, you won’t get that perfect golden glow look of Honey, but you will get the enzymes that help you digest honey, which is something your body needs.

Raw Creamed Honey

If you want to buy Raw Creamed Honey (my favorite), just be sure that is is un-filtered and you will receive the same health benefits of regular Raw Honey.

Certified Organic Raw Honey

For Honey to be Certified Organic, the beehives must be miles away from dense population, industry, traffic congestion, and farm fieldstreated with chemicals and/or landfills. Bees have a natural 4 mile flying radius, so finding the land that can meet the strict requirements  for Certified Organic Raw Honey can prove to be quite difficult. Yet,  the Honey from the wild vegetation can create some of the best tasting Honey on the market.

Nutritional Benefits

Raw Honey is a source of simple carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Depending on which flowers the honeybees went to, the Honey itself may include…

Vitamins: Niacin, Riboflavin and Pantothenic Acid

Minerals: Calcium, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc

Raw Honey has a polyphenols, which act as an antioxidant.

Healing properties of Honey

Raw Honey is an oral antibacterial (polyphenols). Raw Honey has been used as a natural treatment for many things, including coughs, sore throats, and even healing infections and burns.

Children with diarrhea are usually given some kind of sugar solution to help rehydrate them, but others have found that if you use Raw Honey instead, the Honey kills the bacteria in the intenstines, and stops the diarrhea altogether.

There is a Raw Honey that is indigenous to New Zealand, and people have found that the Raw Honey taken daily (4 tablespoons) was able to reduce the symptoms of the stomach Ulcer. The Honey helps because it is able to kill the bacteria that causes the stomach ulcers in the first place.

Now that you see the Many Health and Healing Benefits of Honey, you now have plenty of reason to replace your Sugar with it in no time!

Keep updated on the latest & greatest health articles by joining the Skinny Twinkie community!

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My hands are so sensitive to the average hand sanitizer, and my hands would usually come out with dry, cracked, and sometimes even bleeding hands. Hmm…that can’t be good. Naturally, I went out looking for another (safer) alternative. At 62% Alcoholic (non-GMO), this Hand Sanitizing Spray is plant based, and is a great alternative to the chemically drenched competition out there.

I bought this Hand Sanitizing Spray, and to my luck, haven’t had a problem with sanitizing my hands since! It’s conveniently small and I usually carry this spray in my purse. If I need to clean my hands but don’t have soap and water nearby, I can spray this on and feel good that not only are my hands cleaner, but I am not going to hurt my hands either.

Nice.

Where to buy: Health Food Stores, or you can visit: eoproducts.com

Keep updated on the latest & greatest health articles by joining the Skinny Twinkie community!

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Butternut Squash as a Soup? You bet! I recommend this for those who want the health benefits of butternut squash without the texture of this squash. Actually, I recommend it to anyone whether you like this squash’s texture or not. Though, this soup is great to have year round, I would recommend this as a new holiday favorite. With its touch of cinnamon and nutmeg, it will fit right in.

Need something quick and healthy for you and the family? This is easy to prepare. Just open up the container, put it on the stove, and within just a couple of minutes on a mid-range heat, your soup is ready to serve. (Don’t recommend using the microwave)

This soup is low in calories (less than 100 per serving), low fat, low in sugar, and no cholesterol. This is a high fiber food, which is a good thing. One thing I am not too fond of, is that I feel like it is a little high in sodium (550mg, or 23% of daily value on a 2,000 calorie diet), but I still feel like it is much healthier for you than most other soups without sacrificing the taste.

If you want more information on the health benefits of squash, check out my post on it under the Nutrition category.

Serving: 1 cup
Calories:  90

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Nutrition

The Stuffed Pasta Shells Bowl is made with Organic Pasta Shells and Vegetables, such as Broccoli, Spinach, Onions and delicious Tomato puree. This dish comes out to be 73% Organic- the more the better! For those with allergies, this dish is Corn-Free,Tree Nut-Free, Soy-Free, and Certified Kosher.

This dish is high in protein (19 grams), Vitamin A (40% DV), Vitamin C (40% DV), Calcium (40% DV), and Iron (15% DV), and is low in Sugar, and has Zero Trans Fats.

Taste

The Stuffed pasta Shells Bowl tastes delicious- no question about it. You will probably feel like you are eating Lasagna at a high-end restaurant, without all the bad stuff that you just don’t need to put into your body.

I personally can’t go out and buy store bought lasagnas (my stomach just can’t handle them), so finding the Stuffed Pasta Shells Bowls from Amy’s Kitchen has been an amazing find for me. I am sure you will enjoy them as well!

Serving: 1 Bowl (3 Jumbo Stuffed Pasta Shells)

Calories: 310

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Taste Test

These are comparable to the good ‘ol fashioned home-made version you might have been lucky enough to grow up with.

Guilt Free

Not only is this the best frozen hashed browns I have ever had, and lucky for you and me, it is USDA Organic, fat free, gluten free, and fairly low in calories. Let’s just say, you don’t need to hesitate about buying these when looking for convenience and taste, and this is something that will go great with your chicken and apple sausages, eggs, and home made orange juice. Hey, I believe there is a way to not only eat healthy (or at least healthier than the average Joe), but also enjoy some great taste all at the same time.

Preparation

This is pretty quick to make, just brown it on a frying pan or skillet. If you cook this with butter on the pan, just know you will be adding calories to this dish, so be careful with how much you add. A Great alternative to butter, is to use coconut oil, which is a safe oil when heated and cooking your foods.

Serving: 3 oz (about a 1/2 cup)
Calories: 80

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Ingredients:

1/4 cup Brown Rice Flour

1 teaspoon Chicken Seasoning

1 1/4 cups crushed Corn Flakes 

1/2 cup Coconut Oil, melted

8-10 frozen Chicken Tenderloins (strips)

Instructions:

Step 1) Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Step 2) Combine flour, seasoning, and crushed corn flakes in a shallow dish.

Step 3) Place melted coconut oil in a separate bowl.

Step 4) One at a time, dip pieces of chicken in coconut oil, then coat both sides of the chicken with flour and corn flake mixture.

Step 5) Place on Cookie Sheet.

Step 6) Bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes, or until Chicken is fully cooked.

Side Notes:

I use Coconut Oil rather than Butter because of the wonderful health benefits of Coconut Oil. I use the Simply Organic® Chicken Seasoning, but you can use whichever one you have on-hand.  Also, when I buy the Corn Flakes, I get them from Nature’s Path and I buy the one that is “Fruit Juice Sweetened”, since no sugar is added.

As the name of the recipe implies, this dish is Gluten-Free and Wheat-Free and 100% delicious! Enjoy!

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Nutrition

What I like about these cookies, is that they are a good source of whole grains (8 grams per serving), calcium (10% of Daily Value), and they are USDA Organic. This product does not have Trans Fats or Cholesterol,  they are low in sodium,  made without any artificial sweeteners, and they do not have any High Fructose Corn Syrup.

Yes, there is sugar in this cookie. Remember, it is supposed to be a treat, not a meal.  Keep in mind, this treat is not “healthy”, but considered a much healthier alternative when compared to other cookies on the market.

Worthy Cause

The Mini Whole Grain Cookies have the “Good For All” Seal, which is Dr. Jane Goodall’s seal for ethically produced products.  Ten Percent of Profits from these Mini Cookies are being donated to the Jane Goodall Institute, which raises awareness for Endangered Animals such as the Leatherback Sea Turtle, Red Wolf, Chimpanzee, Sumatran Rhino, Pygmy Rabbit, Black-Footed Ferret, and the Giant Panda. Know when you are buying these cookies, not only are you getting a great treat, but you are also supporting a wonderful cause.

Taste

From Late July’s products, expect nothing but the best. Not only is health and nutritional value important, they don’t sacrifice taste in any of their products. Mini Whole Grain Cookies are no exception to the rule, and they taste great! There are two flavors to choose from, which is “White Chocolate” and “Milk Chocolate”. I can’t decide which one is my favorite- both taste great!

Serving: 10 cookies

Calories: 140

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I like to try new things. When it comes to food, I get bored easily. I just can’t seem to eat the same thing over and over again. So, as I am grocery shopping (something I just love to do), I take my time looking at what products are out there. I come home with new things all the time to just try it out, and hopefully find something new my husband and I will both love. Some things I have brought home haven’t been so successful. I have thrown away some food because of this (not something I am proud of), but I am hoping by posting about some of the more successful finds, it will help you find something you too will enjoy.

Don’t be scared to trying new things…you never know what you will discover.

Bon Appetit!

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Vitamin C is one of the most popular Vitamins, and for good reason too.

Why you need Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant (nutrients and enzymes), which is known for preventing things like cataracts, arthritis, stroke, heart disease (may help with high blood pressure),  and cancer. Vitamin C may also help those who are diabetic (by regulating your blood sugar levels), or those who have asthma (helps with the airways in your lungs).

Sick Much?

Vitamin C also helps you with your immune system. This is great for those who have a cold, since it not only helps you recover faster, but also helps with the severity of your cold that you already have. I find myself taking extra Vitamin C in my diet when I feel like I am coming down with something so I can boost my immune system to combat whatever my body is fighting. You may be asking yourself if this even helps. Let’s just say, I don’t take too many sick days…

Common foods loaded with Vitamin C

A couple of my favorite foods that are high in Vitamin C is Strawberries, Kiwi, Oranges, potatoes, and red peppers.

To get the most benefit of absorbing your Vitamin C into your body, you might want to stick with fruits and veggies that you don’t need to cook, and with no sugars added. As always, with much research I believe that going Organic is a great way to go to get the most nutrients into your body pound for pound.

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I am an adult. Just because I am an adult, doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy Animal Crackers, right? I don’t know what it is about these animal crackers, (maybe the vanilla?), but these are just exceptional, and dare I say…addicting?

Health

These are better for you than a candy bar, but still remember that these aren’t a meal or a basic food group. It’s a cracker. Something to get you by to the next meal, or something to munch on instead of something much worse for you. Either way, it tastes pretty good, and it is at a very reasonable price- comparable to something that wasn’t even organic. I am a huge fan of organic products, and the fact that I can buy this delicious snack in such a big container is exciting. I have found that a lot of people enjoy these crackers, and good reason too- feel free to give them a try!

Serving Size: 13 crackers
Calories: 120
Purchase: Costco Warehouse (Requires a membership)

Image Credit: Costco.com

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When  I first saw this product in the grocery store, I can’t begin to explain to you how excited I was.

First of all, this product is Açaí in organic form and the most pure form I have personally found available in stores. Açaí is becoming increasingly popular, and everywhere I turn I see Açaí somehow mixed in with any and every other filler product out there (reminds me of cranberries…geesh!). To finally find a product with just plain Açaí is amazing.

Açaí is known to be a superfruit, claimed to help people on many different areas. Some of those areas would be to help lower cholesterol levels, improve heart health, improve digestion, has a high antioxident content, weight loss, etc. It has many health benefits, and again is another reason why it was quite exciting to see this berry in pure form.

The product was conveniently sold frozen in little individual packets. You take a packet out of the freezer and let hot water run on it for about 30 seconds. Open the package with scissors, and you can put it in a protein/health shake. Blend and serve. I personally don’t think that this Açaí berry pureé has too strong of a taste, so you can add other fruits to your shake for added flavor. I still think it tastes great as the main flavor of my shake as well.

Serving: 1 packet

Calories: 75

Where to buy: Check out the retailers at http://www.sambazon.com/

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