DUMMIES GUIDE TO ORGANIC FOOD

Happy Wednesday,

I suppose we all have mental pictures of the days of the week, some seeing them as a circle, some as an endless line, and others again, for all I know, as triangles and cubes. Mine is a wavy line proceeding to infinity, dipping to Wednesday which is the color yellow and Dana as orange.

The two colors turn into red which means we are breathing, we are healthy, we are truly blessed and we are grateful for this day.

Wednesday will never be lonely when it has days all around it. Anthony T. Hincks

Several weeks ago, Dan ordered some Buccaneer masks and we just received them the other day. Cloth face coverings are an additional step to help slow the spread of COVID-19 when combined with every day preventive actions and social distancing in public settings. Although, Dan and I have not been anywhere other then the doctors and lab; we are looking forward to using them next time we have to go into any public place. Since this is going to be the norm for now.

As the news media reporting the virus is peaking in 32 areas since the holiday of July 4th. We are continuing to hunker down.

Who should NOT use cloth face coverings: children under age 2, or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance?

Cloth face coverings are NOT surgical masks or N95 respirators. Currently, surgical masks and N95 respirators are critical supplies that should be reserved for healthcare workers and other first responders.

There are steps, yes steps on how to wear your face covering correctly. First, wash your hands before putting on your face covering. Second, put it over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin. Third, try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face and make sure you can breathe easily.

Why you need to use a face mask? Its respectful to others to use the face covering to protect them. Wearing a face covering will help protect others in case you’re infected but don’t have symptoms. Wearing the covering in public settings when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. Don’t put the covering around your neck or up on your forehead and don’t touch the face covering, and, if you do, wash your hands.

Other health precautions to follow every day to prevent corona virus. Stay at least 6 feet away from others. Avoid contact with people who are sick. Wash your hands often, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds each time. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

Some people are leaving their face mask on when they are driving, which could cause other issues. So, please take off your cloth face covering carefully; when you’re home or in the car.

In taking them off, untie the strings behind your head or stretch the ear loops, handle only by the ear loops or ties, fold outside corners together and place covering in the washing machine. Be careful not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth when removing and wash hands immediately after removing.

I have been blogging on water pollution, air pollution and now on land pollution. The last few posts have been on agricultural activities, which does affect our food we eat. YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT!

Monday, February 21, 2011, I posted a piece on a guide to organic foods. First, we all need to know what organic means. Its much more than just going to the store and getting food that say ORGANIC.

Dummies Guide to Organic Food

What is organic food? While we may have heard about it for over thousand times, many are still in the dark about organic food and its benefits. We hope this article would shed some light on organic food.

The Organic Revolution - The organic revolution is a global phenomenon witnessed in every part of the world. Global organic food market was about USD 40 billion in 2006 and over 30 percent or USD 12 billion of the global demand stems from the US. The world organic market has been growing by 20% a year since the early 1990s, with future growth estimates ranging from 10-50% annually depending on the country.

What Is Organic Food - Organic food are foods that are grown without the use of conventional pesticides, artificial fertilizers, human waste or sewage sludge. They are also processed without ionizing radiation or food additives. For livestock’s, they are reared without the routine use of antibiotics or growth hormones. In most countries, organic produce must not be genetically modified.

The word organic food does not only apply to the food from your own home garden, but also to the store-bought food products, in which no synthetic artificial inputs are used. In the contemporary times, the term organic food is usually used in reference to the certified organic foods. It has been claimed by health experts that organic food is more nutritious. Some of the features that can be associated with organic food are more attention to quality, good taste, proper selection of crop varieties.

Organic Gardening - Organic Gardening is gardening without the use of man-made chemical pesticides or chemical fertilizers. It is said by some of its supporters to be more in harmony with nature. An organic gardener strives to work in harmony with natural systems and to minimize and continually replenish any resources the garden consumes. Organic produce is also known for its superior flavor.

Organic Fertilizers - Organic fertilizers can actually be cheaper, because you can make them yourself. Fish emulsion is a common organic fertilizer. It is a sort of tea made from dead fish. Seaweed fertilizer is another tea-like fertilizer that many organic gardeners swear by.

And of course, there is natural compost that can help you make use of your kitchen waste the benefits of organic gardening far outweigh the few drawbacks. It may be a bit more work, but it is so rewarding.

Organic Food Consumption - Organic food consumption has become the trend of the time, but still there are many who do not have a clear idea regarding the definition of organic food and this can be attributed to the fact that we do not possess adequate organic food information. Well, organic food in simple terms can be defined as food that is natural and does not involve the usage of any kind of preservatives or artificial pesticides. Read further to explore organic food facts

Organic Food Production - Organic food production is legally regulated. Currently, the United States, the European Union, Japan and many other countries require producers to obtain organic certification in order to market food as organic.

Organic products protect us from toxic and chemical induced diseases while nourishing our bodies to promote good health. Non-organic food only appears to be cheaper, but it costs us our health, our farmland, our eco-systems and taxes to pay for the disasters that chemical farming create. Chemical farming has led to dramatic erosion of the soil, killing off whole species of birds and near extinction of some of our beautiful wildlife. Sustainable Organic Agriculture is already feeding people around the world. Chemical farming can seriously damage farmer's health.

Benefits of Organic Food - Organic foods contain phenolic compounds that protect you from developing heart disease and cancer. Organic food ensures high food quality, which other conventional foods cannot commit. Since organic food is natural and fresh, it boasts off its rich taste. So, head your way towards leading a healthy lifestyle, by eating organic foods.

I will be blogging about this subject the rest of this week and into next week.

Food is not simply organic fuel to keep body and soul together, it is a perishable art that must be savored at the peak of perfection. E.A. Bucchianeri, Brushstrokes of a Gadfly

Since my diagnoses of breast cancer in 2011, I’ve been researching and was educated from my doctors in Mexico how to eat healthier. I like to think of myself as creative, since I’m left-handed and love to create color. This also rolls over to my cooking. So, as I blog about organic foods; I’m going to share Sherry’s recipes.

As far back as I can remember, my mom always had a side salad for dinner. This rolled over to Sherry’s place. I love to create a salad to go with the main meal for dinner. First, I pick veggies that have color and make sure I add plenty of color to the dish. I feel everyone should be imaginative and bring forth their own taste buds and looks. Also, I love to chop the veggies up small and make a big bowl; so, it will last a couple of days. With that said, here are some of the veggies that I use.

SHERRY'S RAINBOW🌈SALAD🥗

At Sherry's place every dinner comes with a colorful salad. Check out her blog Wednesday to see what she puts in her salads 🥗. It's all about flavor and color.

Ingredients; lettuce, Italian herb mix, all color peppers, tomato, red cabbage, red or white onion, cucumber, zucchini, celery, radish, red beet, carrots, olive oil and red apple vinegar.

Again, make it yours and add what you wish to add, bon appetite.

“I don't think I'll ever grow old and say, "What was I thinking eating all those fruits and vegetables?” ― Nancy S. Mure

Until tomorrow, a wonderful organic cook as a partner makes for good health.

FOLLOW YOUR JOY 🌝

Good morning Wednesday 😊 Just follow your joy - always. I think that if you do that, life Will take you on the course that it's meant to take you 🦋