Educating yourself does not mean that you were stupid in the first place; it means that you are intelligent enough to know that there is plenty left to learn.
–Melanie Joy
**Thankful to my Grandpa Bill, and Family really, for gifting me with my thirst for learning.
Nothing we learn in this world is ever wasted.
—Eleanor Roosevelt
This past Sunday I finally made it to the Hillcrest Farmers Market here in San Diego. I’d been wanting to attend for some time, and finally made a point of going. I had a great time, and loved the offerings for quality food! One of the best things about living in San Diego, is the year-round offerings of amazing food and markets. I’m making more of a point to attend and check them out, there are so many to choose from, and on each day of the week.
These were my purchases last week:
Having just received my Paderno Spiralizer and having loads of zucchini in the garden, I was really excited to get this pesto for a “pasta” sauce. The Happy Pantry, I loved! 5-6 kinds of homemade organic sauerkraut (I bought the spicy kimchee flavor after trying most of them), and can’t wait to have it with sausages, eggs, etc. On the bottom, some garlic and herb homemade goat cheese. It is pasteurized, but I’m okay with it now and then. It was so creamy and tasted amazing! This Saturday, I think we’ll try the Little Italy Mercato 🙂
Then, I ran into a booth that had a great selection of health foods, supplements, etc. and I was drawn in! Until…while talking to a couple of women at his booth he said, and I quote “30 days, and you can completely reverse type 1 diabetes.” Oh no. You cannot do that. I eat pretty raw already, and have been Paleo for 2 years, and while these things have drastically helped me manage my type 1 diabetes, at the end of each day, I still have it. Supplements don’t reverse the autoimmune reaction (nor do foods!). I took his card so I could reach out and share information, so that it will perhaps help him understand. This was one of those times where it really bothered me, but I didn’t have it in me to educate at the time.
Starting this Tuesday with some infographics, enjoy!
GMO Crops:
If I’m asked one more time to buy cookies, I am going to gouge out my eardrums with pencils:
Well, hey! As long as it doesn’t kill us immediately and is “similar,” it’s safe, right?
Oh Cheerios! But you lower my cholesterol…right? Fail.
Most advanced healthcare, and yet the US is the sickest nation. Yes, our life expectancy has increased, but while living longer, we’re sicker in those years. Fun times…?
These infographics came from GMO Inside, a fabulous and educational resource.
Also, you should read this: Food Babe Investigates, from 100 Days of Real Food. It is alarming to me what is allowed in the US food supply. Most of the rest of the world, has banned the junk we consume and in some countries, you can go to prison and be heavily fined for putting ingredients in the food, that are commonplace here in the US. Totally perplexing to me.
In my quest for health and wellness, I’m trying to understand everything I put in my body and what’s an issue for me. I don’t eat a lot of things that have an ingredient list, but one thing I do consume a lot is hot tea. I love it, I think it’s beneficial for my health, and has antioxidant properties.
I ran across a huge sale on Tazo teas recently and was thrilled, so I stocked up! I bought several boxes and have been enjoying them, but upon further investigation, I’d like to know in the ingredients what they include in “natural flavors.” My first thought is if you add something back in, it isn’t natural, and second, this ingredient (I don’t like calling it that, it’s more like a category) can include a whole mess of stuff. So I emailed Tazo.
My email to Tazo on January 31:
Hello!
I am an avid tea drinker and LOVE Tazo teas, however, I am discovering some allergies to certain spices/additives. Can someone please provide a breakdown of the “natural flavors” listed in most Tazo teas, or what makes up that category? I know that “natural flavors” typically encompasses different things. I realize they may vary by kind, but I really appreciate your help.
Thanks so much,
Linds Swanson
Their reply on January 31:
Hello Lindsay,
Thank you for taking the time to write. Your search for enlightenment into the world of Tazo is to be admired. With this first step on the path, may you find answers you seek.
While we understand that some customers may have a need to know specific ingredient information prior to consuming a product, unfortunately we are unable to provide more in-depth information than what is currently available in the ingredient statement. If there are concerns about this product possibly containing an ingredient that you do not wish to consume, we would recommend that product not be consumed.
Thanks again for writing us.  If you ever have any questions or concerns in the future, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Tazo!
Brian
A Tea Enthusiast Advisor
Seems pretty corporate to me, no? Honestly, I guess I wasn’t that shocked, but as soon as my Tazo teas are gone, I’m not buying anymore. Things like this are frustrating for me, when I’m trying to pinpoint and solve issues with my health and body (do the “natural flavors” include nightshades?). Furthermore, if you won’t tell a consumer what you’re putting in a product, it’s a red flag for me. I think I have a right to know what I’m eating and drinking, right, especially when I’m paying for it?
So long, Tazo!
livinglikelinds 