D-D-Dirty Dozen

Dirty is good in some things: dirty martinis, dirty jokes, dirty dancing, even dirty pop. Dirty produce? That's a big no no! Who willingly wants to eat a big mouthful of pesticides? Gross. That's exactly what you get from eating conventionally grown fruits and veggies, no matter how much you wash them. Peeling may help, but you end up losing vital nutrients as well as wholesome fiber. Not to mention pesticides can reside IN the food item itself.

Why should you care about ingesting pesticides? Well pesticides are meant to KILL PESTS. I'm sure if they are deadly enough for those suckers, than by no means are they healthy for you. They say you are what you eat, so why would you want something harmful in your body? Small doses of pesticides can lead to damage in human health, especially in pregnancy and early childhood.

Now I know we all can't run out and shop at Whole Foods aka "Whole Paycheck", (I should know, I'm a broke student myself), but there are certain fruits and veggies that are highly recommended to buy organic to help keep your risk to a minimum. There are a few different lists floating around, but the one I like to refer to is presented by the Environmental Working Group (EWG). They are the nation's leading environmental health research and advocacy organization, providing information so that consumers, like yourself, can make educated healthy choices.

I present to you *drumroll*...

THE DIRTY DOZEN!

Try to buy these items organic when possible.

1. Apples
2. Celery
3. Sweet Bell Peppers
4. Peaches
5. Strawberries
6. Nectarines (imported)
7. Grapes
8. Spinach
9. Lettuce
10. Cucumbers
11. Blueberries (domestic)
12. Potatoes 

Plus 2: Green Beans, Kale

And in conjunction with the Dirty Dozen, there is also a list called the Clean Fifteen, which lists produce with the least amount of pesticide residues.

CLEAN FIFTEEN

Organic not necessary, so eat these with little worry!

1. Onions
2. Sweet Corn
3. Pineapples
4. Avocado
5. Cabbage
6. Sweat Peas
7. Asparagus
8. Mangoes
9. Eggplant
10. Kiwi
11. Canteloupe (domestic)
12. Sweet Potatoes
13. Grapefruit
14. Watermelon
15. Mushrooms

So remember, eating healthy doesn't have to break your budget. Keep in mind of the Dirty Dozen, and buy those items organic when possible.  Here's a printable guide provided by EWG that you can take with you on your next grocery trip!


Sources:
http://npic.orst.edu/health/preg.html
http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary/

200 Calories...Visually Presented

It may be hard to gauge how many calories a food item might have. The guys at wiseGEEK presents 68 different food items of what represents 200 calories. From celery to burgers, even Bailey's Irish Cream! Definitely puts into perspective how calorie dense some foods are, mostly the junk. Just a visual way of showing why it's so easy to go overboard with fast foods, chips, and candy. You hardly get any substance. Which is why I always advocate to people who want to lose some weight..."EAT MORE VEGGIES!". Not only will the bulk (and fiber) keep you full, but it's packed with tons of awesome vitamins and minerals that you need. Also, the additional fiber will keep you regular on the toilet. It's a win-win.    

I posted a few of my favorites. Definitely check out the full gallery!

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-does-200-calories-look-like.htm

Broccoli

Apples Slices

Jack and the Box Chicken Sandwich

French Fries

Glazed Doughnut

Bailey's Irish Cream (2 oz)

Gummy Bears

Bacon (of course)

Homemade Chai Tea Concentrate

variety of spices found in Chai

Chai tea is any tea (typically black) simmered with a variety of spices to give its signature exotic taste, then a sweetener and cream is added to complete it. Rooibos (red) chai tea is pretty much Thai Milk Tea.

I went on a retreat out in Joshua Tree for New Year's Eve and decided that this was appropriately hippie enough to whip up and share with my fellow campers. It was my first time brewing a batch, but it's really simple to make and tastes absolutely amazing. Got tons of compliments! The only thing I would change for myself would be to add more spices (perhaps ground cinnamon?) or change the ratio of Chai mix to milk. I prefer a strong tasting Chai!


Adapted from Tasty Kitchen
Makes 8 servings

Ingredients

• 4 cups Water
• 1 stick Cinnamon
•  ½ inch Fresh Ginger Chopped
• 8 whole Cardamom Pods
• 2 whole Star Anise Pods
• 10 whole Cloves
• ¼ teaspoons Whole Black Pepper
• ½ teaspoons Ground Nutmeg
• 1 large peel Orange Zest
• ½ Vanilla Bean
• 10 teaspoons Black Tea (Or 10 Tea Bags)
• ⅔ cups Brown Sugar
• 1 Tablespoon Honey 

Directions

1. Bring water to boil.
2. Lightly toast whole spices (cinnamon stick, cardamon pods, star anise pods, whole cloves, whole black pepper) for 5 minutes, or until aromatic. Toasting spices prior helps open up the flavors and bring an extra depth of flavor.
3. Once water boils, remove from heat. Steep tea, toasted whole spices, ground nutmeg, orange zest, and vanilla bean for 20 minutes.
4. Strain mixture, the add brown sugar and honey. Store in the fridge.
5. Making Chai Milk Tea: Mix 1:1 ratio of Chai mix to milk. (Your choice, I used Trader Joe's Unsweetened Almond milk). Can be served either hot or cold. Perhaps blended with ice for a frozen treat? Obviously I served it hot to combat the chilly desert cold at night. Definitely hits the spot!