GMO Labeling

What are GMOs?
GMOs, or “genetically modified organisms,” are plants or animals created through the gene splicing techniques of biotechnology (also called genetic engineering, or GE). This experimental technology merges DNA from different species, creating unstable combinations of plant, animal, bacterial and viral genes that cannot occur in nature or in traditional crossbreeding.

GMOs were introduced to the international marketplace in the 1990s.

GMO in the US

More than 50%  of North American production of corn, soybeans and canola now uses transgenic traits (herbicide tolerance or bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) resistance), while milk from the United States (US) is mostly produced with recombinant bovine somatatrophin (rBST), and meat is being produced with various biotechnologically-based growth hormones.

In total, about 80% of processed food products in the U.S. contain genetically modified ingredients, and even genetically engineered whole foods, ranging from tomatoes to papayas, have appeared in American grocery stores.

GMO Labeling in the US

Between 80% and 95% of Americans believe foods with genetically modified ingredients should be labeled. But they’re not.  Actually, the US is one of the few industrialized nations that doesn't require labeling of GMO foods. In Europe all products containing more than .9 percent GMO are labeled as such. But in the US, there is no such standard

Consumers today simply cannot know whether they’re eating GMOs unless they buy exclusively organic or seek out products voluntarily labeled “Non-GMO.”  But, despite fierce opposition from the biotech industry, this may soon change.  

California Flirts with GMO Labeling`

Proponents of GMO labeling are fighting hard to get the measure on the California ballot in 2012 so the masses can let their opinion be known. According to LabelGMOs.org, after the organization turns in the language of the initiative the state can take 40 to 60 days to digest it. And once they get it back, they have 150 days to gather 504,760 qualifying signatures. Experts at LabelGMOS.org think they need between 750,000 and 800,000 signatures to ensure the initiative gets on the ballot. Here's more about their signature gathering campaign.

The measure also has the potential to set a new labeling standard for the rest of the US as well, which could eventually drive GMOs out of the market altogether.

Source : 

http://organaholic.com/

http://www.nongmoproject.org/

http://www.treehugger.com/

When fast-food goes organic!

Fast-food: the number one serial killer in the United States

As we live in a fast paced world, we have less time to cook home meals. As a consequence, we often look to fast-food restaurants in order to fit a meal into our busy days. And we are right for one reason: they are very convenient! But behind the tasty menu lies some scary facts:

1) Fast food plays a major role in weight gain, even for those who lead an active and busy life. If fast food is eaten on a regular basis, it can be a direct cause of obesity. The number of calories contained in one fast food meal plus the portion sizes are the main issue. 

2) Fast food restaurants use processed ingredients, artificial colors, preservatives, and many additives to enhance the flavor of their products, which is unhealthy and doesn’t provide enough nutriments or vitamins.

3) Fast food is often cooked with “high in trans fat” oil. Plus, in some products such as French fries, cheese, mayonnaise, chicken and so on, the amount of saturated fat is very high, which may lead to heart disease and high cholesterol.

4) Fast food meals are far to high in sodium.  As you may know, consuming too much salt may be devastating and lead to high blood pressure or heart disease.

These are just a FEW of the reasons why organic and fresh snacks are important to keep us healthy when we do not have time to cook home made meals.

But the good news is that some attempts are being made to create healthy fast-food restaurants with organic ingredients!

In Germany, for instance, the fast-food chain Nat offers organic soups and salads but also burgers with beef, lamb or vegetarian and steak or fish plates. The menu provides a large choice of organic, sustainable, fair and responsible meals. This fast-food restaurant emphasizes regionally produced ingredients which are all certified organic! Plus, when imports are needed for the menu, they make sure that their products are fair trade.

Closer to us in Los Angeles, the fast-food restaurant O’Burger provides organic burgers. Everything is organic: the buns, the sauce, the vegetables, meat, ketchup, mustard and even the salad dressing! Resultantly, the burgers are lower in saturated fats and higher in Omega-3’s, Vitamins A & E and antioxidants. Plus, they use non-toxic cleaning products and all of their packaging is recycled, compostable and/or biodegradable.

You can find O'burger on 8593 West Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood!

**Sources: http://sidcandid.hubpages.com/hub/Fast-food-and-its-harmful-effects

http://www.ehow.com/facts_5474953_negative-effects-fast-foods.html

http://www.treehugger.com/green-food/first-organic-fast-food-chain-opens-in-germany.html

http://www.treehugger.com/corporate-responsibility/oburger-offers-first-organic-fast-food-in-los-angeles.html

How to make organic dog treats

You have a dog and you only want the best for her or him? If you prefer organic food why wouldn’t your dog love it too?

Buying organic treats for your dog can get very pricy and you still don’t know exactly what is in there and if it is good for your dog.

So why not prepare some dog cookies on your own? It makes a lot of fun, your dog will love it (yes, that is a promise!) and you will be happy, too!

Are you ready to get started?

Here is our recipe :

Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius

250 g whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon dry parsley flakes

75 g powdered milk

2 tablespoon ground flaxseed

75 g meat fat

1 egg

1 beef or chicken boullion cube

6 tablespoon water (or how much you need)

You mix all these ingredients together to form a sticky dough.

After that you roll it out, it should be about half an inch thick.

Then cut your cookies out the size you like them to be.

Put them into the oven, about 10 – 12 minutes, or until they are brown.

Let your dog enjoy!

*Source: http://www.ehow.com/video_8125983_organic-dog-biscuits.html

Is Organic Food Better for Making Baby Food?

Organic foods are a fast-growing segment of the prepared baby food market. Many parents today are choosing to feed their babies organic foods, even if the parents don’t eat organics regularly themselves.

Actually, many parents have decided to make their own baby food because they want to provide the freshest foods possible to their baby amongst other reasons. They want the best for their baby and now they are faced with the task of selecting, cooking and pureeing the very best of fruits, vegetables and meats. They may now be wondering if they should buy organic or non-organic foods.

Some people may tell you that the parents should use only organic foods for making their baby foods while others may tell them using non-organic, or a mix of both, is perfectly acceptable. 

Is there a real difference if you use organic food to make baby food?

It really cannot be denied, that organic foods are healthier due to the lack of chemicals and synthetic pesticides. Buying and preparing organic foods for your baby will have great health advantages. Making organic baby food recipes for your growing baby will help to keep baby's fragile system relatively free of chemicals and pesticides.

What are the advantages of organic baby food for infants?

Here are some good reasons why making Organic baby food is a great choice:

• Babies’ bodies are much more vulnerable to pesticides because their brains immune and detoxification systems are immature and in a state of development.
• Pound for pound babies eat two to four times more vegetables and fruits than adults and so are exposed to a higher proportion of possible contaminants.
• Babies who eat organic baby foods are not exposed to the levels of pesticides that are found in conventional foods. 
• When serving "nitrate" vegetables, the levels of nitrates in Organics are reduced though not 100 percent eradicated (Nitrates are naturally occurring and farming without using nitrogen fertilizers does not eliminate nitrate concentration).
•  Studies are now showing that Organic foods do have higher nutritional levels than do conventionally grown foods.

**Source: http://www.live-the-organic-life.com

                 http://wholesomebabyfood.momtastic.com

Halloween, Organic style!

Pumpkin seeds are a great source of protein, fiber, phosphorus and magnesium. Unlike most of the nonorganic brands, our pumpkin seeds are relatively low in sodium (75 to 100 mg per 1/4 cup). 

Toasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipe

If you’re carving an organic pumpkin this Halloween, toast your own seeds and flavor them with your favorite herbs and spices. The basic recipe follows. Tune in tomorrow for some kicked-up Sweet-Hot Pumpkin Seeds with Autumn Spices. 

1 small pumpkin
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt

1. Preheat oven to 300°F.
2. Remove seeds using a large spoon. To separate seeds from pumpkin fiber, place the mixture in a large bowl filled with cold water.
3. Stir the mixture, and seeds will float to the surface. Remove seeds with a slotted spoon, and pat them dry on paper towels.
4. Place seeds in a dry bowl. Coat them with vegetable oil.
5. Spread seeds on a foil-lined baking sheet, coated with nonstick spray, and sprinkle with salt.
6. Bake 30 to 40 minutes, or until lightly browned.

**Sources: 
Organic Authority, "Toasted Pumpkin Seeds", http://www.organicauthority.com/blog/organic/organic-food/toasted-pumpkin-seeds/
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Eating Organic Foods to Promote Weight Loss

Studies now show the obesity epidemic of the United States is not only a result of overeating and inactivity. The expanded usage of chemicals in processed food manufacturing has been identified as the main culprit.   Besides drinking plenty of water and exercising, another surefire practice to help you lose weight is eating healthy, organic foods!  A reduced-calorie diet centered around organic fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats, such as those found in nuts and seeds, can provide your body with the nutrition it needs to function properly as you lose weight. 

A look back at the history of food production in the United Stated shows synthetic chemicals, pesticides and hormones used in farming and food production today were not used fifty years ago.  The more processed the foods, the harder for the human body to actually recognize what we consume as food, and the harder it is to digest.  The leftovers that the body does not recognize and cannot be used for energy or get rid of become stored in the body and cause weight gain.  Studies continue to show these preservatives and pesticides actually alter the function of what happens inside the body.  Eating organic, non-processed foods allows the body to filter nutrients far more efficiently, increase energy and promote weight loss.

A great weight loss by-product of incorporating organic foods into your meal planning is that it also increases metabolism rates.  When your metabolism speeds up, which is crucial for weight loss since it doesn’t have to process these harmful chemicals, you will be able to convert the organic food into their full energy potential.  This translates to less fatigue and having the extra energy needed to burn off even more calories.   Don’t hesitate; the time is now to begin the battle of the bulge by adding organic foods to your revised menu plan!

**Sources:

YouTube Video “Food Toxins: Keeping You Fat”, http://youtu.be/Pen1isLmIPo  

Livestrong.com “Can Switching to Organic Food Help You Lose Weight?”, http://www.livestrong.com/article/462767-can-switching-to-organic-food-help-you-lose-weight/

 

Cindy Crawford is one of the most beautiful people of our generation. But how does she do it?

Each day, Cindy nibbles on a handful of almonds to keep her sexy, slender figure. Judging by her silhouette, it seems to be working. How can you look as good as Cindy?

That’s easy; all you need to know it the health benefits behind your food.  Research shows that dried fruits and nuts are rich in lipids and contain Omega fatty acids that are essential to the body. They help stimulate and maintain beautiful hair, skin, and nails. In addition, they provide fiber, vitamin E, and minerals like magnesium and potassium which improve overall health. Cindy says that a handful of almonds gives her enough energy to make it through her busy day.

Start your day off right with a Custom Organic bar or cereal mix today!


**Source: http://www.aufeminin.com/regime-stars/astuces-pour-maigrir-d3985x21980.html

“All Natural” vs. Organic Foods: What’s the Real Difference?

As consumers grow ever more contentious about their food choices, more and more companies are striving to promote their products with the marketing spin of “100% All Natural,” — but are they really? Did you know, that foods labeled “all natural” can actually contain pesticides, herbicides, toxic heavy metals, trace amounts of PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls, used as a dialectic and coolant in food production), toxic fluoride, hidden MSG and more scary substances.

The only regulation of the term “natural” by the Food and Drug Administration is in regards to added color, synthetic substances and flavors.

The certification of Organic foods on the other hand requires stringent and ongoing oversight for producers to earn  the right to label their foods as organic.  Audits inclusive of annual inspections of farms and food handlers, periodic testing of soils and examinations of required paperwork to track all purchases and practices are just some of the steps that verify producers meet or exceed defined standards.  After a three year proven track record, those deemed worthy may be certified by the United States Department Agriculture to label their foods Organic.  Don’t be fooled by the “All natural” claims.  Make sure and look for the government seal of approval before you buy.   

**Sources:

The Wall Street Journal, “Is Your Dinner 'All Natural'?” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111903374004576580671156407598.html

Live-The-Organic-Life.com, “Natural vs. Organic”,http://www.live-the-organic-life.com/natural-vs-organic.html, “Definition of Organic” http://www.live-the-organic-life.com/definition-of-organic.html

 

Welcome to Our Blog!

Welcome to the Blog of Custom Organics – your source for nutritiously delicious cereals, snacks and bars you create yourself!  Our products are perfect for anyone who lives an active healthy lifestyle.  Maybe you are just getting into a health kick and need a tasty treat that meets your dietary needs? Or maybe you are already highly health conscious and like to plan ahead for meals and snacks you can feel good about (moms, we know YOU love this).
 

In a time where we are inundated with unhealthy food choices and fast food restaurants are prevalent on just about every major street, it can be difficult to find healthy snacks that can truly be called both healthy and tasty.   Our 100% customizable organic food products provide a unique opportunity - Whether selecting to mix it up with one of our snack paks, opting for organic cereal as part of a healthy breakfast, or needing a convenient option when you are on the go, Custom Organics has you covered. 

Our customizable snacks feature ALL organic ingredients.  First you pick your base of cereal, muesli, or granola.  Then you mix up however you like with dried fruit, nuts, seeds, nutritional infusions, even candies!  All products come in environmentally friendly, bio-degradable packaging, feature your own custom name and can be conveniently shipped to your home or office.   There’s no reason to compromise taste for health anymore.  Stay tuned to the Custom Organics blog for updates on the launch of our online store!

 

Why Go Organic?

These days everyone is talking about the health benefits of organic food.  If you have not already hopped on this emerging Tractor of Health trend, you might be wondering if it is really THAT big of a deal. True, organic foods cost more, but as the saying goes, you get what you pay for.  Not only do organic foods taste better, but organic food production is better for the environment while helping to stimulate rural communities and maximize our scarce water resources.   Here are some more reasons to go organic:

Healthier Crops = A Healthier You

Containing fewer residues of pesticides, organic crops develop a natural defense mechanism in the form of chemicals all called phenols. Also, studies show that organic produce contains more vitamins and important trace minerals.

No Need to Fear 

Organic farming exercises a zero-tolerance approach towards genetically modified (GM) crops. The Soil Association, one of the UK's two organic accreditation organizations believes the effects GM crops are unknown and untested and no one knows what the long-term health implications really are.  By providing non-GM food, organic farming provides the worldwide consumer with options and the choice to know what they are getting - and just what went into bringing it to their table. 

More Environmentally Friendly

Organic farming minimizes the need for chemical inputs, thereby limiting damage to the environment. It is a more sustainable method of farming than conventional techniques and promotes biodiversity, or increased diversity of both plant and animal life.

Organic Meats – No Mystery Here

Grass fed meat is better for both the welfare of the animals and your health. Animals raised for slaughter on organic farms are not treated with hormones or antibiotics; they live freely outdoors and are fed natural diets for most if not all of their lives.

We will have more fun facts on why to go organic coming soon, but here is one last feel good fact for today - Foods that are not treated with preservatives or pesticides do not hold up as well as those that are when being transported long distances.   Therefore most organic foods, (especially fresh fruits and vegetables) are often sold locally, allowing you to support your local producers while making the healthier choice for you and your family to go organic! 

Sources:

**Organic Trade Association (OTA) - “Us Organic Industry Overview” http://www.ota.com/pics/documents/2011OrganicIndustrySurvey.pdf

**Organic Trade Association (OTA) - “10 Reasons to Go Organic” http://www.ota.com/organic_and_you/10reasons.html

**Royal Society of Chemistry (RCA)- ”Organic vs Non-organic Farming - The Debate”

http://www.rsc.org/chemsoc/chembytes/hottopics/organic/index.asp

**Organic Consumers Association (OCA) – “Organic Food Promotes Health & Ethical Choice”http://www.organicconsumers.org/organic/ronnie051203.cfm
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