organic food – Happymomblogger

Celebrate World Milk Day on June 1 with WhatIF Foods

Growing up in the Bay Area, my parents always made sure I had a fresh glass of ice cold milk in the morning. Nothing beats the taste of sweet, creamy milk, and it always take me back to my early childhood at home. Now, there are so many varieties of milk products that suit every taste buds possible. As I got older my palate changed, and the world of almond milk, rice milk, oat milk opened up my repertoire of dairy and non-dairy beverages.

Suddenly, a new form of milk product came into the market called Bambara Groundnut. If you’ve never heard of this type of nut then you’re in for a treat. BAMnut, short for Bambara Groundnut is a type of nut that grows in the ground in regular soil, as supposed to nuts that grow in a tree. Typically found in West Africa, Malaysia, India, and Australia, BAMnuts have a naturally sweet and creamy texture and flavor. But what makes BAMnuts extra special is their ability to regenerate the soil that it grows in. Regenerative soil helps put back important nutrients that enriches new soil and regenerates old soil. BAMnut is one of the most useful plant in the world as it also gives back to what was taken.

Recently at the Natural Products Expo West I had the pleasure of trying the new BAMnut products from WhatIF Foods. As a brand that prides itself on doing better for the world, WhatIF Foods encourages people to try the new BAMnut milk beverages and noodles made from Bambara Groundnuts. With their slogan, What If There’s a Better Better?, WhatIF Foods is bringing a new form of beverage to the industry of regenerative farming. While most people don’t relate regenerative farming to the foods they eat, it is perhaps one of the most crucial aspects of climate change and repairing the environment.

During World Milk Day, WhatIF Foods is offering a special Milk Taster Bundle, which includes 2 Everyday, 1 Airy, and 1 Barista-style BAMnut Milk for $19, or enjoy Better savings by picking up a Try Them All Bundle for just $32 that includes all 3 flavors of BAMnut Milk, a NoodBox with all seasons, BAMnut ONLY NOODS, along with a free tote bag and free shipping all available at WhatIF Foods .

My personal experience with WhatIF Foods BAMnut beverage is that you definitely taste a “nutty” flavor. It has a mild sweetness and a slightly creamy texture that goes down smoothly. I’ve been drinking WhatIF Foods BAMnut beverage as is, but you can find many ways of enjoying this nut beverage. Try replacing your regular dairy or non-dairy beveage with BAMnut, whether in cooking, with cereal, or just as is. As a vegetarian, finding plant-based beverages is really important to me. Quality and taste are some of the factors when deciding what to add to my food intake and I’m happy to add WhatIF Foods BAMnut.

BAMnuts are high in protein, fiber, and full of important vitamins including Vitamins D, B, Calcium, and Iron.

Please note, if you are allergic to certain types of nuts or legumes, be sure to check out their FAQ’s.

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

http://www.topmommyblogs.com/blogs/in.php?id=storm

June 1, 2023

suzanLeave a comment

Earth Month with Natural Products Expo

Last month, the Natural Products Expo West graced us with their lively presence at the Anaheim Convention Center. Armed with an infinite amount of information in the natural and organic products industry, it is a worthwhile networking event that is not to be missed. My son has been attending with me since he was 7 years old, and each year the both of us look forward to the 3-day long event. Although we were tired and sore from walking the floors, we were also fulfilled with a sense of knowledge and pride that the health and wellness industry is continuously striving to do more.

April is the official start of Earth Month and as the old saying goes, “every day should be earth day”, the good people at the Natural Products Expo brought in many new brands that focus on sustainability, biodiversity, and of course, how to combat the climate crisis our world is facing. Helping the planet is an important job for all of us, regardless our age, gender, and situation.

Here are some key takeaways from this year’s Natural Products Expo West:

Functional, plant-based, and regenerative are key words we look for when it comes to food. With resources depleting around the world and not regenerating fast enough, it’s important to support this movement of food products that give back to the earth, its people, and its environment.

Diversity and representation are what we strive for when it comes to brands and companies. As we emerge from the pandemic, we should be opening our eyes and hearts to those who are still below the grid, individuals who want and need to be seen and heard by showing through their brands and products.

Upcycling and diversifying are what the natural and organic industry aim for in the future. The need to throw away what can be readily reused or “upcycled” is yesterday’s news. Growing in our own backyards and turning something old into something new is a form of regeneration and to reuse what would have once been thrown away, such as fruit and vegetable skins, seeds, and so forth.

When you’re out shopping this year, keep an eye out for these emerging and climate-friendly companies:

WhatIF Foods: https://whatif-foods.com/
Omni Foods: https://omnifoods.co/us
Twrl Milk Tea: https://twrlmilktea.com/
Oca beverages: https://www.drinkoca.com/
Korean Red Ginseng: https://kgcus.com/

There are many, many more companies to watch out for, so stay tuned and keep supporting the natural and organic products industry.

http://www.topmommyblogs.com/blogs/in.php?id=storm

April 11, 2023

suzanLeave a comment

2018 – The Dirty Dozen

Each year the EWG (Environmental Working Group) conducts research on the cleanest produce to the ones that contain the most pesticide residue. Aptly named, “Clean Fifteen, Dirty Dozen”, EWG tests these produce using independent test groups to determine the toxicity on these main types of vegetables and fruits. Fruits and vegetables such as strawberries and mushroom were all strictly tested to ensure their validity and safety.

This year on the top of the “dirtiest” fruit list is strawberry and it’s no surprise considering that these delicious fruits are grown closest to the soil and are extremely delicate. The EWG found 22 different pesticide residue during their testing with one-third of all conventional strawberry samples containing 10 or more pesticides. Consider that these are a favorite fruit for children, think about the toxins that end up in their precious bodies. That’s why whenever possible, grow your own food and buy organic.

While some may argue that it’s not always feasible to buy organic food or grow your own, take a look at this list before you go shopping. Some fruits and vegetables contain so much toxic pesticides that it’s just not worth it to buy conventional. In the long run, eating organic ensures a healthier mind and body as well as helping the environment. If you buy a particular fruit or vegetable that are on the top Dirty Dozen list then consider switching to organic and buying conventional for the cleaner produce.

Below is a breakdown of the Dirty Dozen, Clean Fifteen but you can also access the complete list on EWG’s website: https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty-dozen.php

Dirty Dozen (in order of most contaminated):

STRAWBERRIES

SPINACH

NECTARINES

APPLES

GRAPES

PEACHES

CHERRIES

PEARS

TOMATOES

CELERY

POTATOES

SWEET BELL PEPPERS

Clean Fifteen:

AVOCADOS

SWEET CORN

PINEAPPLE

CABBAGE

ONIONS

SWEET PEAS

PAPAYA

ASPARAGUS

MANGO

EGGPLANT

HONEYDEW

KIWIS

CANTALOUPE

CAULIFLOWER

BROCCOLI

http://www.topmommyblogs.com/blogs/in.php?id=storm

April 30, 2018

suzanLeave a comment

Review of The Dirty Dozen/Clean Fifteen

Ever wonder why certain foods must be purchased organically grown and others are not as strictly enforced? Well, that’s because organically grown food are not sprayed or treated with toxic pesticides and herbicides. The soil and irrigation do not contain pesticides or toxic chemicals thereby ensuring a much cleaner crop down the line. Non-organic food however, are grown with heavily used pesticides and herbicides to maintain their growth along with being genetically modified for a bigger crop.

Each year or so, The Environmental Working Group (EWG) publishes their “Dirty Dozen Clean Fifteen” Shopper Guide listing twelve of the most heavily contaminated fruits and vegetables versus the “cleaner” fifteen most popular fruits and vegetables that are not heavily sprayed with chemicals. I’ve attached the graphic for you to see, but you can also go online to their website to download a copy to print out and keep (https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty_dozen_list.php)

Here is the infographic for 2016 which I’m sure in 2017 one or a few of these will change. These types of food are tested and measured for the residual amount of toxic pesticides so the most heavily treated ones are on the top.

The Dirty Dozen are ones you should always buy organic while the Clean Fifteen are ones that, while may not always be organic, the residual toxic chemicals are at lower risk.

ewg

We might not always have the luxury of buying organic food all of the time. But there are certain foods we should really pay attention to how they’re grown. Now more than ever, we need to be diligent about what we buy, who we support, and how to keep our bodies and mind clean. Organically grown food are easier to find now and prices are more reasonable than years ago. When you plan your shopping and know what you’re buying then organic food will naturally become the first choice when you shop.

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

http://www.topmommyblogs.com/blogs/in.php?id=storm

January 6, 2017

suzanLeave a comment

10 WAYS KIDS CAN ROCK IT HEALTHY – EVERY DAY TIPS

GARDEN ALSO (2)

As adults we tend to forget that what matters to kids is really a big deal to them. That’s why it’s so important for parents to teach their children to do good things and to make better choices. Since I was a young child, my mom tried to instill in me important lessons of life and one of them was to do what I could to keep the environment healthy and clean. I don’t think I fully grasped what all of it meant back then but recycling and reusing what I could became more of a habit for me. Long ago when resources weren’t as vast and many people could only use what nature gave them, saving and reusing were part of daily life. Now, we may tend to take advantage of all the conveniences and necessities and we lose track of the good things our parents may have taught us when we were younger.

Ever since advocating for healthier alternatives to the products we buy and use, my friends often ask me about which products to buy for home and personal use. Some friends heed my suggestions and gradually include natural and organic products into their lives while others are still skeptic. But for those who are still skeptical I tell them to look at the current news and review past information and compare to what they heard before. The natural and organic industry has been surely but vastly sweeping the nation and our world and people are getting wiser about the products they purchase and use and the food they buy and eat. This however, goes triple for our kids. Children are easily accessible to all the toxins found in food and every day products they use and because of their growing bodies, these toxins hit them even harder than an average adult.

I’ve come up with 10 ways we can teach our kids the importance of living a healthier and less toxic life and that all starts with appreciating what Earth gives us. Nature is all around us and it’s up to us and our future generations to prolong the beauty of nature.

Every week I will introduce a new idea to teach your kids about the importance of protecting the environment and how it’s a constant cycle. If our kids understand the importance of taking care of the environment they will naturally learn to eat better and to make wiser choices in what they do.

Let’s start off this week with Back to School lunch and snacks. I admit I fall for the glamorous photos on Instagram and Pinterest where parents painstakingly cut out adorable shapes and sizes of sandwiches and fruit and turn their children’s lunches into virtual works of art. I honestly wish I had the time to do that and it’s not for lack of talent, I personally just don’t think my son would make a big deal about how jazzed up his lunchbox may look like. But lunchboxes are important just the same no matter how you decorate it or how creative you make it. Our children eat lunch at school every day and if you’re going to be packing their lunches, let’s make sure the food is both nutritious and enticing enough for them to finish all of it.

TIPS AND TRICKS:

– Let your kids pick out a few of their favorite snacks (healthy of course) so they feel some control of what goes into their lunchboxes. For a nutritious and sweet snack, try this No Bake Chocolate Coconut Protein Bar. *

– It’s okay if you don’t always include fruits or vegetables in their lunchbox. As long as you provide enough during breakfast and dinner, lunch doesn’t have to be a battle with your kids.

– If you do feel inclined to include vegetables and fruits, include easy to eat fruits such as grapes, clementines, and thinly sliced organic apples. Great vegetables would be sweet and juicy grape tomatoes, kale chips, and cubed cucumbers. These “finger” foods make it easier for kids to eat with their hands.

– Make a picnic style lunch where you include healthy cold cuts, cheese, and crackers so your child can create his own meal.

– When you take your children grocery shopping, show them the difference in ingredients label. Let them know what junk food is and what healthier versions are.

– Always include water in your child’s lunch. Try to resist juice or soda!

– Always read food labels of what you buy. Especially for kids!

– Buy organic whenever possible. It’s better for your health and for the environment.

Lunch and snacks don’t have to be constant battles with kids. As long as they know the difference between better-for-you food and food that are just bad for you then you’ll have a healthier eater and a less pickier complainer.

* Recipe taken with permission from New Hope Network/Delicious Living magazine.

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

http://www.topmommyblogs.com/blogs/in.php?id=storm

September 19, 2016

suzanLeave a comment

Dave’s Killer Bread – Products Worth Reviewing

With a name like Dave’s Killer Bread, it kind of makes you wonder what exactly does this Dave put in his bread? Well, as a family owned and operated company, Dave’s Killer Bread was named after a family member who turned his life around from a rebellious past. Now, Dave and his family proudly bakes and serves their bread all over the country teaching people the importance of eating healthy and making healthy choices.

Dave’s Killer Bread (http://www.daveskillerbread.com) is a complete line of organic, all-natural and whole grain bread company that prides in making the best whole grain breads available. With over 15 different types of bread to choose from, all of Dave’s Killer Bread are made with only natural and organic ingredients without any preservatives or unnecessary additives you’d find in most conventional bread. While some of the bread is a bit tough due to the whole grains, once they were toasted up they were quite delicious and versatile. I’m not a big bread eater but I do like my bread to have full of flavor and not taste bland and boring as I had found with certain conventional breads. Plus, with all the healthy nutrients found in Dave’s Killer Bread, you are naturally doing your body good by feeding it good food.

As a Moms Meet (www.greenmomsmeet.com) blogger and ambassador I was given the fun opportunity to try and review Dave’s Killer Bread. I have never tried this brand before but have seen them in natural grocery stores. Of course the name of the title intrigued me and it made me wonder if this bread was as delicious as they appear to be. When looking at the bread itself, you’ll find bits and chunks of whole grains such as organic rolled oats, organic millet, organic quinoa, organic flax seeds, organic sesame seeds, and a whole lot more of wholesome and natural goodness. All the ingredients are organically grown and sweetened with honey or molasses where necessary.

While I do enjoy eating bread now and then, I really like it when they are hearty and filling. The conventional breads are so bland and thin they’re really hard to make sandwiches with. Dave’s Killer Breads are thicker and full of whole grains so you get a mouthful of delicious nuts or seeds in every bite. My son wasn’t crazy about most of the breads, but he did enjoy the Seeded Honey Wheat. And of course my husband secretly loved all of the flavors that was sent to me as he’s more of a bread eater than I am. He tried it with peanut butter and toasted as well as a good old fashioned ham and cheese sandwich. But whatever reasons you have for enjoying bread, remember that really good and delicious bread are made with wholesome ingredients and whole grains. Dave’s Killer Bread could be a bit expensive than the other brands but they’re really worth it. With only natural and organic ingredients and made with the finest available, you really do get something truly healthy and delicious with Dave’s Killer Bread.

You can find Dave’s Killer Bread at most natural grocery stores and they retail around $5.00.

Disclaimer:

I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms MeetSM program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms MeetsSM blogger, I agree to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of this product.

http://www.topmommyblogs.com/blogs/in.php?id=storm