We Need a Food Revolution

 When I started thinking about food ingredients and how to be healthier, I was kind of half-stepping. That was when I learned that there was such a difference in what's allowed in our (American) foods vs what's allowed (or rather not allowed) in European foods. I was a little mad about that. However, when I learned the other day that a large amount of the chicken sold to me as a consumer is bleached... That just left me stunned.

... And speaking of foods and the differences in ingredients, I will be sharing some of the pics. The trend started with Food Babe, and how I appreciate her!

Go check out the rest of the pics on her page

That's not true, so let me back up and say that when I first heard that chicken was bleached, I thought that was a lie. The info came via a reaction to a TikTok video. I'm not a huge TikTok fan because too many of the users I've seen come across as annoying know-it-alls with zero credentials. However, I wondered enough about the chlorinated chicken enough to dig a bit deeper. And here is what is from the FDA's "Guidance for Industry" PDF :

And, that's when I got mad. 

I've already been upset that I can find a high fructose corn syrup-free ketchup at the local stores - right next to the ketchup with HFCS. That really frustrates me because the producer is basically saying that they can make a healthier version of ketchup but, hey, let's leave the unhealthier version out there. 

Now I can get pretty easily find (and afford) healthier condiments, cereals, bread, and beverages, but when it comes to meat, that's tricky.

By the way,  I do understand the FDA wanting to combat instances of salmonella and other bacterial problems in the meat industry. My anger comes from the fact that greed is apparently getting in the way of other measures to combat the problem. For one thing, having safer ways of raising chickens (and cows, and pigs) in the first place would be better for all of us. For another thing, educating consumers (who don't already know) about the safe prep and cooking of foods should be standard. I was taught to cook foods to a safe temperature.

I also realize that implementing these changes might raise the cost of groceries. I'm okay with that. And I'm not sure how much the costs would go up. Apparently, back in the day, cola producers started using HFCS in place of cane sugar to cut costs. Is that still necessary? And, as with cigarettes (and other "luxury" or non-vital items) shouldn't we consumers be willing to pay the higher price? People are still buying cigarettes and liquor...

Back to the main topic. When talking with my family and friends about alternatives to buying what I call "bleached chicken", a few ideas came up - but just a few:

• Raising your own chickens. That way you get chickens and eggs. (I live in an apartment so that's not an option.) We do have friends who have chickens and are thinking about working with them.
• Checking with local butchers and meat shops. We do have a local butcher and I plan to see what their situation is.
• Finding a coop.

When I was looking around online, I learned of a process where chicken is air-chilled rather than chlorinated. Several suppliers use the method. So far, I found that these places or meat producers that do:

• Whole Foods Market
• D'Artagnan Foods 
• Bell & Evans
• Mary's Organic
• The Family Cow (they actually ship to my location)

Luckily, I live in the Midwest. There are some places that are nearby where I can find farm-to-table meat. To find places near your location, do a search on farm-to-table food suppliers. 

I am not sure how current it is but this article on some worthy brands is, well, worth checking out.

Of course, cost is important but so is my health. I am thinking that I can go in on a package of meat with my family to save on shipping costs. And we can get some eggs from our friend. Until there are some changes made, I guess we have to be our own advocates. And to encourage you, here is yet another look at the problem. You can see from the images I've posted here, that Food Babe and others have been all over this issue for a while...

By the way, when looking up info for this post, I saw that the FDA is/was requiring changes to food labeling - as long ago as 2016 (?) but there have been updates such as this one. I didn't dive too deep but I recommend you do. I am going to start with the following:

• This from Smart Food Scale re: U.S. FDA’s 2024 Draft Guidance on Food Labeling: Overview & Insights  (SFS has other resources worth checking out)
• Harvard Health has this up about the new labeling.
• To be fair, the FDA has information that I have failed to look for until now. This is a how-to for reading food labels.

And in the interest of sharing as much info as possible, I found these links that should be of interest:

• Processed & ultra-processed foods.
• Examples of processed foods (from a cancer center...). Make sure to look up the "5-ingredient rule" when it comes to foods.
• Repeating the link in the post about HFCS.
• Doctors on ultra-processed foods.
• Finally, these tips for eating healthier - from NPR and from the CDC.

Peace

--Free 

NOTE: This has been a shaky week for me. Forgive any glaring typing or editing errors.

Combatting My Hair Problems (UPDATE)

UPDATE: After all the talk about limiting my hair products, I am back to admit to trying something new. In addition to the products I mentioned previously, I will be trying out some Ojon (or Batana) oil. Apparently, it's hot among the TikTik squad but I found it by looking at lists of herbal remedies for hair loss. I will, of course, follow up with results when I've had time to let this work. I have an oil version (that I will use for my scalp daily) and a solid version (that I will use as a pre-poo rinse-out).

I'd like to be able to say that, with maturity, I have become less vain. I'd like to say that, but I prefer being honest. It's my hair, folks. I'm only vain about my hair but that's because I've lost my once beautiful smile and Lord knows, this body is not in its best shape. Even my skin color has started to dull with the years.

                                                                       🤷🏾‍♀️

However, I'm not a tenth as vain and silly as I was in my younger days, and I do love growing older. Still, the medications I am on have been like a wrecking crew. One issue is bone loss - which includes the jaw. I am going to have to have all my teeth replaced. I don't mind that. I always had a pretty smile but now I just want to be able to eat and to talk to people in public without looking like a meth addict. In the meantime, I wish masks were still mandatory.

So, while I am fine about getting my teeth replaced (when I can find a dentist who will treat me and not charge me like I'm wealthy), and having to be careful not to fall and break any bones, I have had trouble dealing with the hair situation. I can't comb my hair without running a vacuum for the next 2 days. So much of it comes out that I wonder how I still have so much on my head. And when I say it comes out, I don't mean just when combing it. Every time I walk into the bathroom, I have to sweep the floor. Anytime I look into the mirror, I find not just strands but tufts that are hanging loose. I no longer go into the kitchen or near food without either wearing one of my scarves or checking to make sure no hairs are falling loose...

And this is all because of the fact that one of my meds (the same one that messes with my bones) hates my hair. For years, I have had to work hard to keep my tresses healthy. With age, that started to get more difficult. Yay. However, I think I have found a care routine that is working very well. I'm not recommending this because I am not a professional. I will just tell you what's working for me.

• The first step is to not over-wash and dry out my hair. I was never bad about this but I did sometimes wash my hair three or four times in a month. That was to get rid of product buildup. Now I try to limit the products I use so that I don't have to wash as often - maybe twice a month.
• I have started using 100% cotton flour sack towels for drying my hair. (At least I never use a hair dryer but my towels probably weren't the best for my hair.)
• Next, as I said, I have stopped using so many products. At one point, I was using a leave-in conditioner, a curl cream, a secondary moisturizer, and some kind of glossing product. That's a lot. These days, I am down to the 3 products I will talk about in a moment.
• For months, I had been wearing a protective style a lot of the time, but I do so now almost 90% of the time. I really only leave my hair loose when I'm in the mood to girl it up. (I will tell you why I want to keep my hair if I don't wear it down!)
• I am more careful these days about what I eat and drink. You might know from the blog that I am limiting or avoiding certain ingredients. 

Now, as to why I care about saving hair that I don't wear down. One reason is that I see my hair as a sign of my femininity. I love being a woman and I do see my hair as a "crown". That's no shade on women who have lost their hair or like to wear it short. For me, it's just a very personal thing. If I lose it, I lose it, but I want whatever is left of it to be healthy.

One good thing about changing my haircare routine is that I am saving money. This is a box of just some of the products I am giving to someone else in the family. I won't be buying these anymore.

And this is not the only box...

And when I say that it is only some of the products, I am not kidding. Remember, I am doing the Great Cabinet Cleanup...

Here are the 3 products I am down to these days - 4 if I include water:

They have Dax & Murray's beeswax products in clear. Kocatah is always black

Actually, I lied. I do sometimes use Blue Magic for my scalp if I am out of the Kocatah. And I still use shea butter for additional moisture.  Also, I really only use the Murray's when I am wearing my hair down since it's great for controlling the edges and loose hair.

So I use the Kocatah on my scalp, the Dax beeswax on my hair, and the Murray's for taming and controlling. Murray's is very stiff and can be used to "wave" the hair.

The 4th ingredient - water - is the base for everything else. I always apply the Dax beeswax to damp hair. This has replaced the leave-in conditioners I once used because the Dax not only seals the moisture in but also softens my hair. If I am wearing a protective style (usually twists), I don't need to worry about my hair drying out in between washes. If I am wearing my hair down, the moisture lasts for at least 4 days.

(By the way, Dax products are varied and not just for "afro" hair types. Murray's is too thick for use on fine hair - except as an edge hold. Though all are black in color, they are not opaque enough to notice on darker hair colors. The Murrays and the Dax beeswax products do come in lighter/clear shades.)

Of course, neither Dax nor Murray's are pure beeswax. The first ingredient in both products is petrolatum and the second is beeswax (cera alba). Here are the labels for all the products in my routine:

☝🏾

Dax magnified

Kokatah

                ☝🏾

Kocatah magnified

You can see how similar the ingredients are (for all three) but the Murray's has a thicker and a really stiff texture. That's why I say it works best as an edge cream or for the very ends of twists to lock them in.

Once I wash my hair and moisturize it, then twist it for protection, I'm pretty much done. 

As for the flour sack towels, I started out using one from my kitchen that had gotten lightly stained. I heard about using the towels from women back in the day but was recently reminded when reading something in a hair forum. Then Walmart had a sale on some of the large-sized Aunt Martha's towels (I love the towels from Aunt Martha or Utopia).  It's not often you see good towels at such a deep discount (I paid $6.22 instead of $15.28 for a set of 2).  It's so much larger than my old kitchen towel.

I do suggest doing a wash and dry on the towels before the first use. They will soften up a bit and who knows what chemicals are on them fresh out of the wrapping...

When I've been on this routine for a while, I hope to remember to do an update post. I have plenty of pics of my hair in all stages of damage and health to compare to.

Peace

--Free

DISCLAIMER - I was not compensated in any way for this post. I wish...

Baby Did a Bad-Good Thing (the Solution)

Remember how I tore up my kitchen trying to reorganize things? What nightmare. I'm still not done, but... I have made huge progress. It's all because of a neighbor. When she came by and saw I was so upset about the mess my kitchen was in, she mentioned the over-the-door organizer she'd bought. (And because she is a sweetheart, she offered to stay and help me reign in some of the mess I'd made!) 

Thankfully, I didn't need help. My life changed once I took the neighbor's advice and got one of the organizers. This is the MayDiary 10-basket version - before and after I loaded it up:

fits right inside my entry closet door

They have a 12-basket version but it goes up another $10. Besides, I'm not yet using all 10 of the baskets I have.

It might not seem like it, but that organizer is holding a lot of stuff. I was able to free up the top 2 shelves of a cabinet where I have now started storing my baking bowls and tools. 

still have room for more!

My spice cabinet was so packed that I couldn't see everything. Now I am going to be able to spread things out:

I can't wait to set this up...

Other things that were taking up space on and around my countertops and in the larger pantry: coffee, tea, jars of honey, my big jars of Old Bay and Liquid Smoke, the immersion blender and accessories, the rolls of vacuum sealing plastic, rolling pins, baking molds, and a few other random things.

My tiny kitchen went from the chaos you saw in the other post to a nice, tidy, cleaner-looking space. As a matter of fact, this is the messiest it's been since I got the organizer - and this is after I'd cooked my dinner.

Not much left to tidy up!

Now, this might not seem like a big deal but these are some of the other options I considered - you know, if I had a couple hundred dollars to spare:

Am I glad that I ran into that neighbor when I did! These storage ideas are cute and all, but they kind of add to the problem of not having enough space in my place. My plan was to rearrange some things in my entryway and park the buffet against the wall. Still... that's 200 bucks and more lost space. The over-the-door solution is really just genius - and I didn't pay over $40 for it.

The one my neighbor has is cute also but the 6 baskets are fixed in place (my 10 are adjustable). I did pay $10 more than she did, but I believe. Both Walmart and Amazon are charging the same for both right now.

Don't forget that, not only did I save money by finding a much cheaper solution to my storage problem, but I also am saving money on shopping. I think in my last post I talked about how I'd unnecessarily purchase things (usually spices) because I didn't notice I still had some left. You know what it's like to hunt through a 4- or 5-deep line of jars and bottles... I really did often lose track of what I had on hand.

The other thing I like is that I just cleared away so much clutter. That was really stressing me out. I am loving the fact that, when baking or cooking, I can find what I need and everything is so organized. I had taken a break from baking my own bread because it was such a hassle to gather the bowls and tools from all over the place. When I finish organizing that one cabinet, everything I need to bake will be within a 3-foot reach. When I cooked last night, it was so awesome to work in such a cleaner, tidier space. Not that my kitchen was always messy but it was very unorganized. I just didn't have the space to keep things arranged in a useful way.

I hope that this might give someone else more affordable ideas for storage. It's been a godsend for me. By the way, even for folks with bigger living quarters, these over-door organizers are real clutter-killers. My SIL is getting one for the guest bedroom the grandkids use when they visit. The organizer will be a place to keep their toys and books. 

Peace

--Free

DISCLAIMER: I have not and will not be compensated in any way for products mentioned in this post.

Baby Did a Bad-Good Thing

 After feeling like crap for months with this "flu-monia" turned "broncho-cough" thing, I had a couple of good days. I was so excited to feel well that I decided to clean out and reorganize my kitchen pantries.

Oh boy.

That was such a great idea in my head. And so dang doable! In my head, I would take everything out, one cabinet at a time, make a giveaway throwaway pile, and reorganize what was left. My goal? To be able to reach into a pantry and get what I need when I need it without having to hunt around for it.

Yeah. Right.

What happened was... this:

this is the best-looking part of the mess. The BEST, people.

The only cabinet finished is the one just above that mess. All my appliances are stacked off to the side of the entryway. 

can't make coffee, cook or even toast bread

The problem is, I had that great idea and instead of starting small, my mania kicked in. The result is that on Day 2 of the project, I am drinking instant coffee for energy and eating cereal or popcorn for meals. I have no other choices. All my appliances are sitting on the floor (while I scrub down the counters) and I still don't know how I want to arrange them when I'm ready.

That was the Bad Thing. The Good Thing is that I feel great about the pantry I have finished. And I was out of bed and moving around almost all day for the first time in ages.  The other not-good thing is that, the more I clean, the more I want to clean and change around. ~sigh~

I would be panicked but why should I be? I live alone. I don't have to explain the temporary mess to anyone except the UPS man when he delivers my meds and toiletries in a couple of days. Maybe I will be done by then. It could happen.

I was going to go on and on about what I found in the cabinets but, I really better get back to it. Besides, I can't even begin to explain some of the crap I found... But I am thankful to feel good for as long as this lasts. Pray for me, people, pray for me! LOL

Peace

--Free

Good Friday 2024

 I love this poem and think it's perfect for today.

**CROSSPOST** Um, Guys? What About AI Bible Study?

 AI tools

I can't decide how I feel about this but I found a YouTube channel that tells Bible Stories using AI. Of course, I had lots of questions but when I did a search for "AI Bible Sagas" (the name of that channel), the rabbit hole expanded. Here are some things that came up:

• An actual AI Bible version called, well, the AIV Bible.
• A Bible study tool called Bible AI described on the About page as "An AI (artificially intelligent program) that can accurately answer factual questions about the Bible and provide pastoral advice based on biblical principles." It is made by Everprise which has other programs.
• Bibly is like ChatGPT for the Bible. This is what came  up on the search info: "Tailor your Bible study sessions with AI that understands your learning style and spiritual goals, offering verses and insights that resonate with your personal journey." I was thrown a bit by a typo on the main page.

Did they use AI to proof the page?

What's so weird to me is that I'm just now noticing all this AI-for-the-Bible stuff. Remember I mentioned that Everprise has other apps shown on the page? Here is one for notetaking and I'm relieved to see it seems to be created by an actual human. There is one called Church Stats that is "to help 'grow' healthy churches". The words 'grow' and church, in my opinion, should not be highlighted. Church is about sharing the gospel, not 'growing' the congregations. ~shrug~

I do know that AI can be useful and I'm not bothered by combining the capabilities of AI with Bible study. What worries me is what AI thinks of the Bible. Sounds weird to be talking about AI as if it is a person but... There are too many "baby" Christians and Christians who are not as discerning as they should be. If AI starts to twist the teachings of the Bible, will some people know?

Some things to like. A lot.

In scanning the AIV Bible, I found some things I liked. The layout is nice and navigation is easy. Also, the AI-generated art - what I saw of it - looks great.

The layout of each book of the Bible is useful and the other page elements are nice.

Notice the left-side navigation choices

This was okay, IMO

Nice the way the books are grouped

And some things not to like. At all.

First, let me say that I think this project was made for wide acceptance. That's already a huge problem because Christianity is not made for wide acceptance - at least not on the terms many people would like. To follow Christ is, after all, the "narrow way".

What I notice is that this Bible project (I don't know what else to call it) does try to offer a variety of viewpoints. That sounds like a positive thing, however, just by doing that, it's veering away from the truth of Christ. There are not many ways, opinions, realities, etc. when it comes to following Christ. There is the way the Bible teaches. Of course people do interpret the Bible in different (and oftentimes wrong) ways but that is why it's important to let Scripture guides us on interpreting Scripture.

The biggest fault I found

Here is where I really got worried. When I was perusing the pages, I glanced down at the very bottom and saw links to 

• Christian Answers, and
• (steel yourselves) What Jesus Thinks

Wait. What? 

The Christian Answers section poses some interesting questions to start a user off. Looking at the answer page for the first question I saw, I was still worried but again I could see the effort made. The answers come from various viewpoints - giving voice to reps from different denominations. 

What do I really think?

If someone is studying to see what other denoms think or to get a very wide overview of thoughts on or about Christianity, this is a decent resource. If someone is not familiar with Bible doctrines, they need to start their Christian journey under sound teaching - not an AI project.

I think of myself as discerning enough to spot dangerous doctrine (most of the time). I will probably peruse this AIV project a bit more. As I said, it's a good resource/study tool. It's just not a tool for a new Christian to on which to base a foundation of study. Think of the Christian as a driver and the Bible as a car. Someone whose never driven a car wouldn't want to learn how on a busy road in, say, Seattle or Dallas. Put me in that analogy and I will say that I am really good in small towns but not on busy highways during rush hour. And I will never drive the Autobahn!

Finally

I applaud the idea of tech delving into providing Bibles and Bible study tools. However, something like this (AI, I mean) isn't meant to be specific to the doctrines of Christianity. AI is meant to be helpful to all people or all persuasions. 

Since I've pushed my brain too far tonight and might be getting a little foggy, I will let another photo "speak" to what I mean. This is one of the questions and it's an excellent one:

So you can see the answer better, here:

To the Bible-believing Christian, that answer sounds nice and friendly but it's not correct. Not according to the Bible itself. This is what the Bible teaches:

According to this verse in the Bible, no one - not us, our friends, the nice neighbors, the kind strangers - no one unless they come to the Father through the Son. When I asked Bibly what John 14:6 had to say, it didn't just respond by quoting the passage, it gave me this:

Maybe the AIV app needs to talk with its cousin Bibly.

While I appreciate that Bibly seems to base its answers from a biblical viewpoint, I still prefer using GotQuestions as my starting point when researching topics.

Bottom line, people, use AI if you like but don't let AI manipulate you. Study your Bible for yourself and find some good teachers. Have group study sessions with other believers. And, of course, search the Scriptures for answers. 

Peace

--Free

P.S.: Forgot to mention that, as I worked on this post, not all of the books of the Bible were available (linked) in the AIV.

Asurion Is… Not Worth It. At All.

 For years, I've been cautious when buying appliances - small and large. If I get them from Amazon, I always buy an Asurion plan. I figured, why not? It's a few dollars (usually) for peace of mind. For example, when I bought a food sealer, the Asurion plan was under 6 bucks. And how reassuring does it sound that they make replacements and repairs seem so easy and convenient? Well, notice my input (in bold):

• No Additional Cost: You pay $0 for repairs – parts, labor, and shipping included. (But I will have to find a UPS store and get the item there to send. NOTE: I don't drive. BTW - you have to print your own shipping label.)
• Coverage: Plan starts on the date of purchase. Drops, spills and cracked screens due to normal use covered for portable products and power surges covered from day one. Malfunctions covered after the manufacturer's warranty. (My problem was a broken minor part. I asked for a part replacement but they want the entire item back.)
• Easy Claims Process: File a claim anytime online at www.Asurion.com/Amazon or by phone. Most claims approved within minutes. We will send you an Amazon.com Gift Card for the purchase price of your covered product. (Not so fast! You don't get that refund UNTIL they get the item shipped back to them.) In some instances, we will replace or repair it. (Yeah, right.)
• Product Eligibility: Plan must be purchased with a product or within 30 days of the product purchase. Pre-existing conditions are not covered.
• Terms & Details: More information about this protection plan is available within the “Product guides and documents” section. Simply click “User Guide” for more info. Terms & Conditions will be available in Your Orders on Amazon. Asurion will also email your plan confirmation with Terms & Conditions to the address associated with your Amazon account within 24 hours of purchase.

Most insulting of all, I'm pretty sure I might have been chatting with an AI when I was starting a claim. If not, the "humans" were easily confused with basic conversation and questions.

I can't really even be mad. People did warn me about buying these plans. Now that I have gone and bumped my hard head against the wall of reality, I will go a safer route. From now on, I will make sure to use a credit card so that I get some reassurance at least. And at no additional cost.

The item I was trying to get a part for cost under 35 bucks. The plan was under 6 bucks. Trying to get the replacement would cost, gas, wear and tear on a vehicle and the hassle of finding a UPS store. Not to mention, the original box and packing has been disposed of - because I have the item for almost a year. I suppose I was going to have to purchase the "bubblewrap and boxing" for the return.

So, yeah. No more Asurion for this gal. It would be easier to just replace the items in most cases. 

I'm not telling anyone not to bother buying an Asurion plan; I'm just telling you how that worked out for me! And this is the one and only time I've ever tried making a claim. 

I have to go now. I'm off to see if my credit card can help me out with this situation...

Peace

--Free

**CROSSPOST** Rest In Peace. Really?

(From my other blog about my faith)

 Recently, I was reading about the death of someone and almost all of the comments included wishes that the deceased "rest in peace". Some commenters even claimed that they knew the person was resting in peace?

Listen. Not everyone is going to end up resting in peace.

It's so common for us to automatically parrot the phrase, "Rest in peace".  It just pops out of our mouths like "Have a nice day" or "Thoughts and prayers". We so often speak without thinking. Many sentiments and thoughts have become meaningless.

Do we think about what it really means to "rest in peace"? Does that even fit into every belief system? What does the saying even mean to an Atheist or an Agnostic? 

In my belief system - as a Bible-believing Christian - rest in peace means resting in the peace promised by Christ. That promise, however, has to be accepted. An Atheist is not going to rest in that peace. Nor is a Buddhist or a Mormon or an Agnostic. The promise can't be prayerfully bestowed on someone after death (as some religions seem to think).

When I say, "Rest in peace", I am saying it to someone who believed in Christ while they were living. 

For me, "resting in peace" means not spending eternity separated from God. It means not spending an eternity of regret and torment.

If you really want someone to not only rest in peace but to live in peace, share the gospel. Spread the word of Christ's offer of salvation. Don't leave unsaved people to judge Christianity by the charlatans they see on TV. There are so many faces and voices of deceptive teachings out there. There are a lot of Kenneth Copelands, Benny Hinns, Creflo Dollars, Joel Osteens, and T.D. Jakes who all have massive audiences. People know there names and see their faces. But do the same people know and read the Bible? Do they know the real Jesus? And the real gospel?

My best friend accepted Christ when she was almost 80 years old. She lived so much of her life in confusion and suffering. She had searched through all sorts of "gods" and belief systems, trying anything to find hope. For most of the years of our friendship, when I asked, she said that she believed in "a higher power". I would ask her to name that power but she struggled to. 

When she did accept Christ, her search was over. She had finally found the Higher Power - God. When she died, she went on to where she is now resting in peace. I'm so thankful for that but I do think of all the years that she spent not knowing the peace she could have. 

If you truly do want more people to end up "resting in peace", make sure they know the Provider of that peace. Let's not only share with people how they can eventually rest in peace; let's share how they can have that peace now. 

Don't misunderstand me. I'm a Christian and I have a lot of trials in my life. I'm not physically healthy. I suffer from depression. I am not saying that the peace I have saves me from the consequences of the choices I've made, the bad habits I practiced, or the genetic issues I have. The peace that I have allows me to endure all the trials. The peace that I have reminds me that this life - as good or bad as it can be - is only temporary. Indeed this verse is a reminder to me:

"Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away." (James 4:14 NASB)

Regardless of what you believe, you have to know that James 4:14 speaks truth.

Peace

Free

Honey-Fermented Goodies (Good for Me) UPDATE 3/21/24

UPDATE 3/21/24:

Of all the things I fermented, my favorites are the garlic and lemons. The garlic is something I nibble on every day (more than once a day). I use the honey from the garlic to spread over veggies and - get this - over vanilla ice cream. It tastes better than you'd expect! As for the pieces of garlic, I eat those with a fork. (I gave some to a neighbor and she said she'd have to add more honey because it was too strong for her 😳LOL. But she did like it a lot.)

I use the honey from the lemons to give some flavor to flat and sparking waters. I add pieces of lemons to my hot tea drinks.

My one failure? Sweet peppers. I found out after the fact that they have too much water in them. I guess I will have to dry them or something before fermenting them next time...

Now that y'all are through tittering about (or trying) my Onion Tea that I find to be so tasty, I have something else I'm trying. You all do know that I try these things in a quest to either 1. eat better 2. add something natural and good to my diet, and 3. replace bad habits. (Not to mention, I am really trying to boost my immunity.)

What is honey fermentation about?

So what is this new thing, you ask? Honey-fermented -garlic, and -onions, and -lemons, oh my!

I am not very good at describing the whole concept of fermenting honey. Not without making a fool of myself so the ChatGPT summary is as follows:

"Honey fermentation is the process by which honey undergoes fermentation, typically with the help of yeast and bacteria, to produce various alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. One of the most well-known fermented honey beverages is mead, which is often referred to as "honey wine." 

During fermentation, yeast converts the sugars in honey into alcohol and carbon dioxide. The specific type of yeast used, along with other factors such as temperature and fermentation time, can influence the flavor and characteristics of the final product. In addition to mead, honey fermentation can also produce beverages like honey beer and honey-based spirits.

Non-alcoholic honey fermentation involves the action of lactic acid bacteria, which can create fermented honey products like water kefir and honey vinegar. These products often have a tangy flavor profile and may offer potential health benefits due to the presence of probiotics and organic acids." (my highlights)

(Did anyone else think "Renaissance fairs" or about pirates at the mention of mead?)

Anyway. Though I can't get technical, I can kind of explain how I am using the fermentation method. Basically, I am introducing moisture (via lemons or garlic, etc.) into honey to cause a reaction. I am looking to preserve and/or use the results in my baking, cooking, and snacking. 

My choices for the process are things like garlic, lemons, ginger, and - later - maybe some berries. First, let me show what I found to be healthy about the things I chose:

Raw honey is, of course, popularly known for its many benefits. This is a ChatGPT summary of this article from the National Library of Medicine:

"The abstract discusses the manifold medicinal properties of honey, an ancient and highly esteemed natural product. It highlights honey's historical use in traditional medicine for various ailments, ranging from eye diseases to wound healing. Scientific research has elucidated honey's diverse bioactive compounds, including antioxidants, antimicrobials, anti-inflammatories, and anticancer agents. These properties endow honey with therapeutic potential in treating a spectrum of conditions, such as wounds, diabetes mellitus, respiratory ailments, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. The abstract concludes by advocating for the integration of honey into clinical practice based on substantial evidence supporting its efficacy as a natural therapeutic agent."

Healthline does a good job of laying out the benefits. They go through headings of Antioxidants, Nutrition, Antibacterial and antifungal, Heal wounds, Boost immunity, Digestion and gut health, Sore throat, and Brain benefits.

Garlic is also popular as a natural and healthy addition to the diet. (Personally, I love, love, love garlic! Thankfully, I am an introvert so...) Here are some benefits in more formal language and here is the layman version I found. Delish discusses honey-fermented garlic specifically.

Onions  are just plain tasty but, yeah, they have benefits (especially red onions). Like with garlic, I find most onions too "sharp"-tasting to eat raw or on their own. The honey fermentation mellows them out. Healthline outlines the benefits of onions but I always focus on the antioxidant factor.

Lemons are another antioxidant item and for the other benefits, let's stick with Healthline. The thing is, lemons are pretty easy to incorporate into a day-to-day diet. However, I just had to try the honey fermentation method. They look so pretty...

How will I use these?

The thing about all of these is that they make great snacks for me. When I pickled those fruits and veggies the other week, I loved having them around to nibble on between meals. Whenever I got a little peckish (as our Brit siblings say), I'd spoon out a few pickled onions, cucumbers, or sweet peppers to curb the cravings. (I have to admit, I do not love the picked pineapple and will not be dabbling with that again!)

The honey-fermented lemons will be something I also use in tea. I can't wait to try the same thing with ginger and lemon.

My 1st lemon slices (as a test)

I do plan to make lemon syrup to use in tea. Also, I am going to try making lemon sugar and vanilla sugar. With the warmer seasons on the way (and the good Lord willing I am here to enjoy them), I want to do lots of lemonades and other fruity drinks.

What I also love about this

Many of you know about the sarcoidosis I have. That and the medicines for it wear me out. Often, I am not feeling my best or am weighed down with fatigue. I have noticed that I find cooking, baking, and doing things like this fermentation soothing. It keeps me somewhat active and I swear it helps with my depression and anxiety.

Yeah, I have to add more honey

Don't forget that there are a lot of things we can do to make ourselves feel better. Drinking the onion tea does help with my cough. Hopefully, I'll keep snacking on the pickled veggies to curb the snacking. Who knows what the garlic and lemons will do. 

By the way, my plan is to keep losing weight. Now that the worst of that dang "flu-monia" has passed, I am trying to get more steps into my day. Also, Spring is on the way. I'd like to be up and more active by then. These past few months of being knocked on my butt and almost bedridden have taken a toll.

Disclaimers:

I always want to remind you all that I am not a medical pro in any way. I have no training in diet and/or nutrition. When you see me talking about what I am doing for myself, know that I am not recommending that you do the same. 

Whenever you see something online that sounds great or beneficial to your health, check it out with your own medical care team. Most bloggers (definitely myself), TikTokkers, YouTubers, and all the other "content creators" or "influencers" are probably winging it. Don't mimic anything or anyone without doing your due diligence. (Think of all the kids who've hurt themselves because they tried a TikTok challenge... SMH.)

Anything I link to is for information or example only. I am not compensated in any way for any products I mention.

Overall thoughts

If you do want to look into honey fermentation, there are lots of resources online. I loved watching videos so that I could see the finished product. I plan to check out some Pinterest boards for more recipes. I really want to try doing candied lemons, lemon syrup, herb-infused honey, and... if I can, something spicy honey-like for my heat-seeking family members.

While I am obviously dabbling in this fermentation thing for the kicks, there are very good reasons to learn how to preserve fruits and veggies. I saw an interesting video on Moroccan preserved lemons - this is done with salt. I've seen or read about other methods (and reasons) for preserving all sorts of items (including meats - known as "curing") using salt. That's interesting but not something I will be doing. I've read too many warnings about using that method. 

some honey with vanilla bean
for my tea

I didn't make much - 
vanilla beans are $$$$$

Preserving the lemons and garlic lets me get a longer shelf life from them. Also, I read somewhere (but not verified) that the honey-garlic product should last for a very, very long time due to the nature of, well honey and garlic... I do plan to monitor the shelf life of all the items I am working with.

Personal notes

Of course, my main use for all of these things is for my health. I'm trying to substitute homemade (food, snacks, beverages, etc.) for processed and/or store-bought goods. 

Years back, I started using medicinal honey (Manuka and Stingless Bee) in place of cold sore medicine. I also use them for minor scrapes and burns. Lately, I am taking them more seriously than ever - and I took them pretty seriously from the start!

Lately, I've been thinking about all of the things that we take to deal with colds, headaches, and various pains and minor illnesses. I think about all the alternative ways to deal with it all. A good diet used to be the main key but now our food sources are so iffy I don't know about that anymore. I figure the one thing I can do is cut out the things I know are not good for me and do better - and this is key - in moderation.

If eating a couple of pieces of garlic each day will help, I'll deal with the stank breath. I will substitute a sugared lemon slice for a piece of wrapped candy. I will our a little homemade lemon or vanilla syrup into my tea instead of buying something with questionable ingredients. I will take a gross-tasting shot of baking soda water in the morning instead of paying for alkaline water. I will look into taking a zinc supplement instead of buying lotions and potions to clear up any skin issues.

The thing is, we have gotten used to convenience. These days that usually means buying foods and beverages that are loaded with things we don't need (or cannot even identify). I like "real" sugar didn't hurt me as a kid because my mother limited my intake. I've never been able to use things like aspartame and the other stand-in sweeteners. I like carbonated drinks. I can add some homemade syrup (lemon, vanilla, etc.) to plain carbonated water instead of drinking a store-bought cola.

Basically, I'm just trying to do what's good (or at least better) for me instead of opting for quick fixes and convenience when it comes to my health and diet choices. We all have to take stock sometimes and make changes. Do what's best for you and always be your own advocate.

Peace

--Free

P.S.: I ran across some resources that I didn't use but found interesting. This is one. It is for people interested in "permaculture" aka sustainable living. There was information on so many subjects that I wanted to share the link. This is another resource I plan to check out. It's all about food preservation methods. Last, this is probably a good page to check for general education purposes. If you are going to do something new, always learn the details!

USA-Made Consumables vs *Healthier*?

(The original title for this post was "Could Our Food Be Healthier" but I want people to know I am going to be making comparisons. I love my country but I do wish some of our food was healthier.)

Why look outside the US?

For the longest time, I have been using some cosmetic items made in countries other than the USA. Mainly, I use a daily application of German-made Nivea cream. That's not because I was ever worried about ingredients other than that the German-made Nivea ingredients work better for my skin. Same thing for the occasional toners and the like from Korea and Japan. However...

Them Eggs, them eggs, them room-temp eggs...

Maybe two or three years ago, I started hearing more online about the differences in food ingredients and standards. I think the very first time, I paid attention to this was when a family member received a gift of some eggs from a friend who has their own chickens. I was so surprised to learn that those eggs didn't have to be refrigerated. What? I didn't even want to mess with those eggs until that crazy period when eggs cost more than gasoline... Afterward, I read that eggs in a lot of places outside the USA don't require refrigeration. (Actually, I should have remembered this about fresh eggs from years spent with my chicken-owning grandparents!)

What about that catsup, aye?

Just about two or three weeks ago, I saw something about a woman who was shocked at the differences between American-made and Canadian-made ketchup. Again, what?

Of course, I had to look into this. And it's true. Here are the ingredients for American-made Heinz ketchup:

• Tomato Concentrate from Red Ripe Tomatoes
• Distilled Vinegar
• High Fructose Corn Syrup
• Corn Syrup
• Salt
• Spice
• Onion Powder
• Natural Flavoring

And for the Canadian-made version:

• Tomato Paste
• Liquid Sugar
• White Vinegar
• Salt
• Onion Powder
• Spices and Spice Extracts
• Garlic Powder
• Natural Flavor

As soon as I saw this, I was confused. I mean, is there a reason that our version has to include the corn syrups? Is there something about shelf-life maybe - or maybe just ease of production? It seems to me that adding unnecessary ingredients costs more and maybe even adds to the production process. 

Since I got the ingredient lists from ChatGPT, I went ahead and asked the thing about reasons for the differences. This is the answer it (her? he?) gave:

Yes, there are several reasons why the ingredients in American-made and Canadian-made Heinz ketchup might differ:

1. Regulatory Differences: Each country has its own regulations regarding food ingredients and labeling. These regulations may dictate which ingredients can be used, their quantities, and how they are listed on the label. For example, one country may allow certain additives or preservatives that are banned in another.
2. Consumer Preferences: Consumer preferences and tastes can vary between countries. Heinz may adjust the formulation of their ketchup to better suit the flavor preferences of the local market. For instance, the use of high fructose corn syrup, which is more common in American products, might be replaced with liquid sugar in Canada due to consumer preferences or regulatory differences.
3. Supply Chain and Sourcing: Differences in the availability and cost of ingredients can also influence formulations. Heinz may source ingredients locally or regionally to ensure freshness and reduce transportation costs. This could lead to variations in the ingredients used in different countries.
4. Marketing and Branding: Sometimes, companies may adjust their product formulations or marketing strategies to align with local cultural norms or perceptions. This could involve highlighting certain ingredients or aspects of the product that are more appealing to consumers in a particular region.

Overall, these factors contribute to the differences in ingredients between American-made and Canadian-made Heinz ketchup.

Top of Form

I'm no genius but it occurred to me that there is nothing about Item #2 above that would cause any problems with Item #1. Or am I missing something? 

As a matter of fact, the more I look at #2 on that list, it's as if the Canadian customers are getting what they want while we Americans... maybe never bothered to ask about???

Now, since I have always been able to find the German-made Nivea online (Amazon), I checked up on the ketchup. Yep, it's there. I also noticed that there is an American version with a different list of ingredients than the "regular" one. This one is called "Heinz Simply Tomato Ketchup"(with no artificial sweeteners). This is the ingredients list shown on the product page:

• Tomato Concentrate from Red Ripe Tomatoes
• Distilled Vinegar
• Sugar
• Salt
• Onion Powder
• Spice
• Natural Flavoring

So... Wait. What? 

I think my brain just stuttered because, if I'm seeing the list correctly, there is an American version of the ketchup that is as "good" as the Canadian version - if a consumer knows to look for it.

And I have a follow-up question: Why isn't the healthier version the only American version? Are there just folks out there who happen to love and prefer corn syrups and the problems they can cause?

Makes a body wonder

What else is going on with our food (for no good reason)? And why haven't we been paying attention and speaking up? 

I have never been bright enough to be the only person to think about this. Why hasn't anyone been speaking up? Are we all so busy fighting over politics and checking up on TikTok-

I just remembered. I first saw the ketchup story on a TikTok reaction video!!!

I don't know about the rest of y'all but, as for me and my house, I will be checking around for healthier versions/alternatives to the products for feeding this body. The Simply version of ketchup is around $4 for a 20-oz bottle at Walmart right now and even cheaper (both Sub and Save and 1-time buy) at Amazon for under $5 for a 31-oz bottle. The Canadian version is also available online.

Just for giggles, I asked that AI about some other pantry staples. I wanted a quick idea of some other things made outside the USA. This is what I got:

Certainly! Versions of pantry staples made in other countries may vary from those made in the USA due to factors like regional taste preferences, cultural influences, and regulations. Here are some examples of how pantry staples might differ between countries:

1.      Pasta: In Italy, pasta is often made with durum wheat semolina, giving it a slightly different texture and flavor compared to pasta made in the USA, which may use different types of wheat.

2.      Rice: Varieties of rice such as Basmati rice from India or Jasmine rice from Thailand have distinct flavors and textures compared to typical long-grain or short-grain rice found in the USA.

3.      Soy Sauce: Japanese soy sauce tends to be lighter and sweeter compared to Chinese soy sauce, which is typically darker and saltier. Each country may also have different varieties of soy sauce for specific uses.

4.      Olive Oil: Olive oil from Greece or Italy may have a different flavor profile compared to olive oil produced in the USA, depending on factors like the type of olives used and the terroir of the region.

5.      Canned Tomatoes: Italian canned tomatoes are prized for their rich flavor and are often used in pasta sauces and other dishes. They may differ in taste and texture from canned tomatoes produced in the USA.

6.      Tea: Varieties of tea from countries like China, Japan, India, and Sri Lanka have distinct flavors and characteristics based on factors such as growing conditions, processing methods, and cultivars.

7.      Cheese: Different countries have their own traditional cheeses with unique flavors and textures. For example, French Brie, Italian Parmigiano-Reggiano, and English Cheddar all offer distinct taste experiences.

8.      Chocolate: Chocolate made in countries like Belgium, Switzerland, and France is often prized for its high quality and rich flavor compared to some mass-produced chocolates in the USA.

These are just a few examples, but they illustrate how pantry staples can vary depending on where they are produced. Exploring international versions of pantry staples can be a great way to experience different culinary traditions and flavors.

Top of Form

So, I already knew about the chocolate. It's not a necessary daily item for me (especially not since I'm wearing all those corn syrup pounds on my rear!) but the one thing I have known about is...

I use this stuff in place of salt quite a bit. Yes, I know it's a gravy but it works really well as a basic seasoning. I will sprinkle a bit on air-fried potatoes (like I need to be eating potatoes), on cooked and raw veggies, and on some meats. 

And, of course, I have fallen in love with Celtic Sea Salt. It's delicious and because the taste lingers on the tongue, I don't use very much of it at all.

When I find any more healthy(er) American products or affordable products from 'outside', I will try to remember to share. In the meantime, take care of your minds, bodies, and spirits. I remember something I was told when I first got sarcoidosis: Be your own advocate. And that's great advice because your health is not as important to anyone else other than yourself.

Peace

--Free