Do GMO Foods Fight World Hunger????

No.

I had the idea to make some of my blog entries about topics I discuss with my clients, friends and family. Recently a family member mentioned that they knew someone who worked for big agribusiness, and this man claimed that GMO foods were helping to fight world hunger. Well, not according to the Center for Food Safety, a reputable organization in my book.

Something must be in the air because a client just sent along their guide to avoiding GMO foods. Their website is a plethora of food-related information that you just don't see that often. Have fun reading.

Trying to Eat Clean at the Office

My office had an event today, catered by Dagwood's Pizza of Santa Monica. I had their avocado salad, with chicken. I had them leave off the candied walnuts and the canned pineapple and I did not use the balsamic vinaigrette. The salad has nice, high-quality greens and quite a bit of very salty feta cheese and sliced avocado. I might ask for half the cheese next time.

Health Care Reform? How About Food Industry Reform?

Thanks Colleen for the heads up on this extremely sad article by Michael Pollan. I know it has occurred to many of you that the cost of obesity may be the biggest (not a funny pun) problem when it comes to our health system. A must-read.

Update on 1/2 Portion Experiment

For the most part, I've been keeping up with my resolution to reduce my portion size of animal products while increasing veggie intake, especially raw veggies. I am proud and elated to report that I have lost a full inch in my waist since I took my measurements on the same day I started. Since I've injured my knees (getting to the doc this week), I am determined to stick with this program, as I have had to reduce my activity quite a bit.

Chipotle Zucchini Fries

I love zucchini (cheap, low insulin impact, versatile) and usually eat it every day, but I was looking for a new way to cook it. I got some Spectrum cold pressed avocado oil, which is nice for high heat cooking, so I thought of zucchini fries. I also used pasture butter. Of course I love it spicy, so Spicely chipotle and some Italian seasoning from Spice World fit the bill. I topped it with a bit of goat milk feta from Whole Foods' cheese bar.

Why is Sleep So Important?

Did you know that if you don't sleep while it is dark out, you're increasing your risk of heart disease, diabetes, weight gain and mental illness?

Are you looking to lose fat? Did you know that if you don't sleep while it is dark, your body thinks it is summer? Therefore, it is very insulin sensitive because it wants to gain weight for the coming winter famine. That's why you crave carbs and alcohol if you don't get enough sleep.

Do you work out? If you don't get enough sleep, you're actually doing more harm than good because you are never giving your body a chance to recover - both your muscles and your circulating hormones need rest.

Here's what you can do to help: get at least eight hours of sleep every night if you can, beginning as soon as possible after dusk. Make your room very dark with curtains, turning off any electronics lights, and even using a sleep mask. Limit your nighttime TV watching, computer time, and your phone time if it has a glowing screen. Your body doesn't know the difference between natural and artificial light.

Cooking with Mom III - lime shrimp

We found some lovely wild Gulf shrimp in the Sweetbay market in Naples, FL. They came sliced open with the intestine removed, but still had the shell on for that really fresh taste. We prepared them very simply with olive oil, garlic, black pepper and lime and served them over salad with Brussels sprouts on the side. It was a satisfying light dinner.