TOXIC BEAUTY: What makes you beautiful can makes you sick

Skincare, cosmetics and makeup have become part of our everyday lives. Most women (and even some men these days) cannot think of living without their bottles of creams, lotions, serums, masks, shampoos, foundation, lipsticks, eye liners and mascaras.

However, you'll be surprised (or if you're like me, horrified) to know that in our attempt to achieve beauty, we are actually intoxicating and poisoning ourselves, slowly, bit by bit each and everyday.

Was doing some googling on toxins in beauty products and this article jumped out. It says

"Research by Bionsen, a natural deodorant company, found that the average woman's daily grooming and make-up routine means she 'hosts' a staggering 515 different synthetic chemicals on her body every single day."

WOW. 515 different synthetic chemicals on our body every single day? Are they sure?

All the shampoo, hair sprays, eyeshadows, foundation, lipstick, nail polishes, are killing us slowly each end everyday. When I was reading this article, I did a quick check on my supplies, and I'm sad to find that alot of my everyday products do contain these chemicals. Well, I read this article some time back, and I'm now slowly trying to change my products or reduce the use of products that I don't really need (which is why I rarely go for manicures anymore). I have to admit. It's a tough journey. Ever since I learnt about how harmful all these synthetic chemicals can cause us, I tried to read the ingredients list of almost everything I buy. and it's sad to know that it is so difficult to find products that are really free of these chemicals. Don't believe me? Go grab any of your shampoos, powder, facial masks or whatever, and take a look at the ingredient list. Very likely you will see ingredients like Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, Talc, Fragrance, Methyl Paraben etc.

I remembered when I was young, my parents always say "whatever that is applied outside is ok" since we are not eating it. but I learnt that this concept is so wrong. just because we are not eating it does not mean we are not ingesting it.  When we apply all these "things" that contains toxins and chemicals, they can get into our system through our pores, and into our blood stream. so it is really NOT OK.

Here are some ingredients you should learn to register in your brain, and avoid when choosing your cosmetics and makeup:

imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, methyl paraben, propyl paraben, butyl paraben, ethyl paraben, petrolatum, propylene glycol, PVP/VA copolymer, stearalkonium chloride, synthetic colors, synthetic fragrances, talc, diethanolamine (DEA), monoethanolamine (MEA), triethanolamine (TEA), dioxane, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1, 3-diol (bronopol), benzalkonium chloride, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), chloromethylisothiazolinone, and isothiazolinone.

You'll realize all these ingredients sound so alien and complicated that it's even hard to pronounce and recognize. Honestly, I'm only able to register a few of the simple ones like whatever-paraben, petrolatum, talc, fragrance. so my trick is if I see a list of ingredients I don't understand, I'll try to avoid it. but, you will soon realized it is SO FREAKING DIFFICULT finding products without these chemicals. It's not about price or brand. At first, I thought it's the drug store brands trying to "cut cost", hence they use these chemicals. but NO. Big High-end beauty brands include these ingredients too. A simple example is "talc". Go take a look at Watsons and Sephora. You'll find it's a huge challenge trying to find powder without talc. I didn't believe it when my beauty therapist told me. but she's right. there are products without talc. but you really need to look hard. will share some of the more toxic-friendly products I've found in later articles.

Infographic from dailymail showing most worrying chemicals found in the products and possible side effects. credits: dailymail

These may not kill you immediately. but as these toxins accumulate in your body, and could not flush out in time, they will cause harm to your body, killing you slowly.

10 "Health Foods" That Aren't Really Healthy At All

This is a very good read, and it's good to know what you're really getting. Some food for thoughts. Don't buy or follow blindly just because.

===============================

The media tends to have a huge influence on what we eat. As soon a food is deemed a "health food", it starts to fly off the shelves at warp speed. But as I mentioned in my post about nutrition labels, the media and food manufacturers are free to make over-glorified health claims where they are often unjustified. Unfortunately, as a result, health-conscious consumers often get duped into buying these products, thinking that they are making a healthy choice. I call this the "health trap".

Here are 10 "health" foods that aren't healthy at all: 

Gluten-free foods: 
Fortunately, the "gluten-free foods are healthier" craze is ending and people are finally realizing that gluten-free doesn't = healthy. People who have been diagnosed with either Celiac Disease or a gluten sensitivity need to avoid gluten, the protein found in wheat, barley, rye and some oats. With more awareness of Celiac Disease and gluten intolerance over the past few years, has come more demand for gluten-free food options, which has spurred the food industry to capitalize in a big way. What once was a tiny section of the organic aisle in the grocery store is now entire aisles of gluten-free crackers, breads, cereals, cookies and granola bars. Most gluten-free processed foods are low in fibre, vitamins and minerals but are loaded full of calories. If you do not have to avoid gluten, do yourself a favour and don't. If you must, stick to whole foods that are gluten-free and go very easy on processed gluten-free foods.

Whole wheat flour:
In Canada, flour manufacturers can call their flour "100% whole wheat" when it's really not. In most cases, whole wheat flour has had the wheat germ (the most nutritious part of the grain) removed during processing. The germ houses the grain's phytochemicals, protein, vitamins, minerals and fatty acids and is removed to extend the flour's shelf life. There are two things you can do to avoid this health trap: you can add 1 Tbsp of wheat germ to each cup of whole wheat or whole grain flour that you use, or you can buy flour that still contains the wheat germ such as Highwood Crossing's Stone Ground Whole Grain Flour. I love this flour because the entire whole grain is ground into a flour (nothing is removed), therefore none of the nutrition is lost. 

Breakfast cereal: 
For busy families, breakfast cereal seems to be the go-to choice for quick and easy breakfasts. It's fast, kids like it, and there is next to no prep time. But, for the most part, breakfast cereals suck in the nutrition department. Cereal is highly processed, and has had a lot of sugar, additives and preservatives (such as BHT) added in to increase the shelf life and make it taste good. Yes, there are higher fibre, lower sugar options out there, and having cereal occasionally won't do much harm, but do not be fooled–processed breakfast cereal is not a health food. Cereal often packs a punch in the calorie department, yet it doesn't fill you up for very long. This is why you may feel hungry soon after downing your bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios, only to go for a second bowl or something else carborific. If you want to make the most of your breakfast, stick to whole foods that contain more protein and naturally-occuring vitamins and minerals (such as eggs and fruit). Research shows that including protein in your breakfast will prevent unhealthy snacking later on.  Here are some healthier breakfast options that are also kid-friendly.

Egg whites:
Egg whites are one of the most overrated health foods out there.I actually cringe a little bit when I hear someone order an "egg white omelette" or "egg white breakfast sandwich"; Besides the fact that egg whites alone are tasteless and boring, the yolk is the nutrition powerhouse of the egg! Most of the egg's protein, Iron, Vitamins A, D, E and B12, Folate, Selenium, Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Choline--all important nutrients for optimal health--are found in the yolk. The yolk also contains the fat, which helps to keep us fuller longer and gives the egg its delicious flavour and texture. Now that we know that the fat and cholesterol found in eggs does not in any way increase the risk of heart disease, we no longer have to swear off the yolks. Eggs are one of natures most nutritious foods. Leave it intact, the way nature created it.  

Protein bars: 
I remember when I used to run 10 km races and half marathons often, relying on some energy-dense convenience foods to get me through training sessions or to recover from a long run. I remember specifically resorting to gross-tasting protein bars when I didn't have anything else on hand. Protein bars have come a long way in the taste department, but I wouldn't touch one these days. Unfortunately, most protein bars contain a tonne of sugar (or artificial sweetener), calories, processed soy protein, and about a million additives and preservatives. Basically, most protein bars are junk food with some added vitamins and minerals. If you are really active and work out a lot, focus on whole foods to fuel up and recover from your workouts. If you find that you just can't give up your protein bar habit, choose one that contains only natural ingredients (ie. nuts, seeds, dried fruit). 

Bran Muffins: 
Muffins have long been thought of as a healthier option at coffee shops–especially bran muffins because bran=healthy, right?! Not in this case. I still remember my health-conscious Mom choosing a bran muffin on Sundays when we stopped off at a donut shop for a treat. The truth is, her bran muffin likely contained more calories and even more fat than our donuts. Coffee shop or store-bought muffins are one of the worst "health traps" out there. Most of these muffins will contain at least a meal's worth of calories (often more) and contain as much sugar and fat as a giant piece of cake. Some even contain huge amounts of hydrogenated oils (trans fats) which most definitely puts your health at risk. If you love muffins, make your own where you can control the portion size and ingredients. 

Fruit juice: 
Although unsweetened fruit juice is "natural", it contains about the same amount of sugar, gram for gram, as coca cola. When fruit is juiced, the sugar is concentrated and the fibre (that fills your up) is stripped right out. Some argue that fruit juice contains vitamins and minerals, nutrients that aren't present it pop, but I would argue back that these vitamins and minerals should be consumed from whole fruits and vegetables instead of juice. The biggest beef that I have with fruit juice is that it is often recommended, and over-consumed (especially by children) in the name of nutrition.  Fruit juice is not a health food. Whole fruit with the skin is. The Canadian Pediatric society recommends that kids consume no more than 1/2 cup of fruit juice per day because of its high sugar content (for good reason), but I've found (in my nutrition consulting practice and in my own home) that this can be a slippery slope. Juice is tastier than water or milk, so of course your child will want to drink it often if it's available. Most of the time, eat your fruit, don't drink it.

Sushi rolls:
I love sushi just as much as the next person, but I am well aware that it is not a health food--sushi rolls at least. Most rolls contain some sort of delicious mayonnaise-type sauce as well as tempura battered shellfish. YUM. If you're a frequent sushi eater like me, focus on sashimi and sushi (raw fish alone or on top of rice) first and go easy on the tempura-battered rolls. If you go once in a while, don't worry so much about it. 

Fat-free, sugar-free yogurt: 
Dairy foods naturally contain fat, and although this type of fat is saturated, which often gets a bad rap for it's supposed relationship with heart disease, it should not affect your overall health or weight in a negative way if you're not overdoing it. In fact, fat is satiating, meaning that it helps us to feel fuller longer because it digests slowly. It also adds a pleasurable "mouth-feel" to foods. And we NEED dietary fat for proper health. Yogurt that has had the fat removed completely will not be nearly as satisfying and filling as yogurt that contains fat. When you add an artificial sweetener in there such as aspartame or sucralose, you've got a full-on diet food that will likely spur sugar cravings and unhealthy snacking later on. Although fat-free yogurt is typically lower in calories, 9 times out of 10 you will make up those calories (plus some) by the end of the day. Instead, choose a 2% or 3% plain or lightly sweetened yogurt, either Greek (more protein and thicker texture) or regular. If you buy plain (the best), add a bit of honey or maple syrup or good old fruit to sweeten it.  

Fake meat products: 
Vegetarian "meat" products are often filled with a long list of interesting ingredients such as gluten, processed soy protein, canola oil, caramel coloring, whey protein and xanthan gum. If you are a vegetarian, and rely on meatless meals, choose whole protein sources such as beans, lentils, eggs, dairy, fermented soy, nuts, and seeds most of the time, and be wary of meat substitutes in a package, making sure to always check the ingredients list.

credit: yummymummyclub

How to defrost meat

How do you usually defrost your frozen food? One of the most common ways, is to leave it out in room temperature, and come back again in a few hours.  Today, many of us may leave the frozen meat in room temperature to thaw, go to work, so that when we come back, we have a de-frosted meat ready to cook.

Do you know, when we leave a frozen meat to thaw in room temperature, bacteria will start growing within 4 hours? If we leave it in the open for more than 4 hours, we shouldn't be eating the meat anymore since it's full of harmful bacteria that is bad for the body.

Here's some common ways to defrost, and how long it takes for bacteria to start growing:

1. Fridge

Taking the frozen meat from the freezer and leave it in the fridge. The meat usually requires around 10 - 12 hours to deftost. Bacteria starts growing about 1 - 2 days later.This is one of my preferred method

2. Soak it in water

Requires 2 hours to defrost. Bacteria starts growing 4 hours later

3. Microwave

Needs around 30 mins or less. Bacteria grows immediately after. Needs to cook immediately. This is one of my most unpreferred method, because the meat usually tend to cook on the outside during the thawing process but the inner part is still raw.

4. Room Temperature

Takes 5 - 6 hours to defrost, but bacteria starts growing in around 4 hours.

5. Using 2 metal pots <Very useful for fast thawing)

I saw this method online and this has become my favourite method, especially if I need it in a hurry. It's very simple. I use 2 frying pans or pots, but I believe any metal should work since we are using the logic of metal heat transfer. Put the piece of frozen meat between the 2 metal pots, and come back in around 30 mins. It's fast and easy!

Do you have any tips to share? Leave a note below! :)

How to Store Spring Onions

I love spring onions. I add it to almost anything: soup, dishes, whatever. It's cheap and full of nutrients. Do you know spring onion is rich in vitamins including Vitamin C, Vitamin B2 and thiamine. It also contains Vitamin A and Vitamin K. Spring Onions are good sources of copper, phosphorous, magnesium, potassium, chromium, manganese and fiber. Can you imagine how much goodness this innocent looking stalk contains?

One main problem I face about spring onions is storage. It withers so easily. Then I found this video. I personally tried the freezer method and have never looked back since. Now I have fresh spring onions whenever I want. :)

The instructions in the video is in Chinese though. Will find some time to translate it.

10 ways to use your fridge correctly

Last night, when I went home after work, I noticed a weird smell coming from the fridge when the husband opened it to grab a drink. It made me nausea and immediately went on a hunt for the source of the smell. I rarely keep stuffs in my fridge for over a week (except dried goods and frozen stuffs) so I wonder what it is. I finally found the culprit in my fridge drawer: my half-used chicken breast meat. I only bought it 2 days ago, so it caught me by surprise. On top of the smell, there's a slimy/glue-like feeling on the meat, so I guess that's another clue in future if something has gone bad. I remembered my dad telling me that if there's a layer of slimy/glue-like feeling on toufu or tao gua, throw it away.

This morning, i saw this article on my facebook and thought it's most appropriate. it's in Chinese, so here's the translation, summarized:

10 ways to use your fridge correctly:

1. Keep your fridge only 70% full, to allow for air circulation
2. The purpose of lowering temperature of your fridge is to slow down bacteria growth, and NOT to allow your food to last longer. Lower temperature will also not prevent your food from rotting. In fact, nutrients from the food will fade away as the days goes by. Hence, it's better to use up the food asap.
3. Keep dried food in freezer, and use it before expiry
4. Beans, grain, vermicelli etc should be sealed properly, to prevent bacteria contamination
5. Keep raw and cooked food seperately. Cooked food should be kept in the upper levels, and finished within 2 days.
6. Always wipe fruits dry, keep in a bag, without zipping it up to ensure air circulation. Consume within 5 days. Vegetables can be wrapped using kitchen towels, before wrapping it up with a plastic bag, with roots pointing down. Consume within 5 days.
7. Keep eggs in egg box. Consume within 2 weeks.
8. Fish, meat, prawns etc, should be packed in smaller packages before freezing. When thawed, it must be cooked immediately. Do not refreeze once the food has been thawed.
9. Non-glass canned goods, when opened, should be re-canned in your own containers for storage.
10. Food that contains oil should not be wrapped using food wrap, to prevent phthalates contamination

Hope this helps! :)