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!