Organic Halloween Candy NOT Made by Child Laborers

 

Feeling a little guilty about giving out gobs of Halloween candy this year that's likely been made by child laborers? AND that contains high fructose corn syrup as well as artificial colors, flavors and other fun ingredients you can't even pronounce? Well, good news! There's still time to purchase "candy with a conscience" for the cute critters in your home, at your door, or just for yourself. Alter Eco is an organic chocolate company that is dedicated to the fair trade sourcing of ALL its ingredients and, unlike Nestle, Mars and Hershey, there are no children in their supply chain being forced to work the cocoa fields so that you can enjoy a cheap treat.

If chocolate is not your thing, or Alter Eco is outside your budget this year, Black Forest Organic offers an affordable alternative with its cute Sour Heads Halloween packaging and yummy gummies. Black Forest if owned by Ferrara, a company that has also made great strides in its dedication to child labor laws and is committed (unlike Nestle) to being 100% child-labor free by 2020. Both Alter Eco and Black Forest organic candies can be purchased on Amazon for same (or next day) delivery. Alter Eco can also be purchased at WholeFoods and most health food stores and Black Forest products can be found at most local drugstores and supermarkets.

GMOs in Milton's Popular Supermarket Breads

From the "Healthy Section" of the Bread Aisle  - Milton's Bread with GMOs and Dave's Killer Bread without

Milton's Healthy Whole Grain and other "Craft Bakers" bread flavors have long been thought of as the "healthier choice" when it came to grocery store breads. Unfortunately, just because Milton's breads do not contain high fructose corn syrup (as most store-bought breads do) this does NOT mean they are all-natural. Notice (in the photo above) they tout their bread as "HEALTHY" but nowhere will you find the words "all natural" nor will you find the NON-GMO or USDA certified ORGANIC label as is found on the packaging of TRUE natural bread, such as the DAVE'S KILLER BREAD brand (also pictured above), which, THANKFULLY, is now also sold in traditional supermarkets.

The fact of the matter is, Milton's uses corn, soy and sugar all of which are genetically modified in every loaf of their bread. This is odd when you consider the fact that the Milton's brand puts the NON-GMO label on literally ALL their crackers, chips and cookies. Maybe if enough of us reach out on their comments page and demand non-genetically modified ingredients Milton's might actually listen.

Why Maple Syrup is Healthiest Sweetener for Tea Drinkers

The Best Sweetener for Hot Tea - Organic Maple Syrup

When I gave up coffee four months ago, I rediscovered my love for loose leaf organic earl grey tea with a splash of milk and a touch of sweetener. The problem is, virtually all ALL-NATURAL sweeteners are highly caloric. Some (quote, unquote) "health experts" will tell you that low calorie Stevia powder is the way to go, but Stevia is a chemically-processed product that I personally do not feel comfortable putting into my body (or my children's). When I drank coffee, I never added sweetener. But with tea, my tastebuds just crave it. So, what to do, what to do? Raw sugar doesn't dissolve well in tea, honey is delish but messy and high in calories (we are talking about EVERY day use here, people), AND chemically-processed, high-fructose agave is NOT the health savior we were told it would be (shock, shock).

So - where does that leaves us? With good old fashion maple syrup, actually! Maple syrup is high in minerals, NEVER chemically processed, considerably lower in calories than honey, and SUPER easy to pour (a huge plus during the morning rush)! And the truth is, a little goes a long way. I add about 1 teaspoon to my cup of earl grey each day and that is just the right amount to cut the slight bitterness of black tea without overpowering the bergamot flavor.

Maple syrup has also become the go-to sweetener at our house for smoothies, oatmeal, and plain yogurt. I usually buy the organic, dark, Grade A variety available at Trader Joe's or Costco - but you can find it at almost any grocery store.

Beware of McDonald's Shamrock Shake Ingredients

Okay - everyone knows McDonald's is not exactly known for selling the healthiest fast food on the planet. My own deprived children have never even experienced one of their burgers OR Happy Meals. I must confess though, we have been known on occasion (i.e., road trips) to indulge in a McDonald's ice cream cone or two since their soft serve, by itself, contains relatively natural ingredients with no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. So, when the infamous Shamrock Shake hit the airwaves (and advertising billboards) this month -- my kids begged me to give it a try. I personally have fond memories from my own childhood drinking many a minty "March Only" McDonald's Shamrock Shake so I really, really wanted to drive up and buy them each one ... until, that is, I looked up the ingredients. Sigh! High Fructose Corn Syrup; Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate and Sulfur Dioxide (As Preservatives); Yellow 5, Blue 1, and Red 40 (As Artificial Colors), PLUS artificial flavor. So I had to say "Sorry kids, no can do." But then we drove to the store to purchase a quart of vanilla ice cream, some milk, and natural mint extract and VOILA! We created our own - minus the artificial ingredients and colors - so, thank you McDonald's for introducing this fun tradition to our family. Now, if you would please consider eliminating the chemicals and artificial ingredients that are so harmful to children's growing bodies, then we could bring this tradition (and our dollars) back to you.

Lead Found in Sippy Cups

In an independent study conducted by blogger Nature Baby Mama, children's sippy cups were reported this week to contain dangerous lead levels - in both the paint used on the cups as well as a small lead solder piece at the bottom of some cups.