'The Dirty Dozen'

Here in the Northeast we are coming up on seasonal harvests for some of our fruits and vegetables. This is good news knowing that many conventional fruits and vegetables are usually loaded with harmful herbicides and pesticides that do keep crops from potential damage but, can most certainly wreake havoc on our health.

Check out this list of fruits and vegetables that are considered the 'dirty dozen' by the Environmental Working Group. These foods should most always be bought and consumed organically:

'The Dirty Dozen'
STRAWBERRIES
PEACHES
CELERY
APPLES
BLUEBERRIES
NECTARINES
BELL PEPPERS
SPINACH
CHERRIES
KALE/COLLARD GREENS
POTATOES
GRAPES (IMPORTED)

This list of the 'Clean 15' are fruits and vegetables that are usually least treated with harmful pesticides and, are considered less harmful for human consumption when bought 'conventionally':

'The Clean 15'
ONIONS
AVOCADO
SWEET CORN
PINEAPPLE
MANGOS
SWEET PEAS
ASPARAGUS
KIWI
CABBAGE
EGGPLANT
CANTALOUPE
WATERMELON
GRAPEFRUIT
SWEET POTATO
HONEYDEW MELON

And, if you live near the Jersey shore there is a great farm where you can not only get some organic produce, but free range eggs that come about as fresh, healthy and tasty as you will ever find. There is one catch though... you need to get to the farm before 10am to best guarantee that there are still eggs available for that day's pick-up...

Silverton Farm - ORGANIC, Strawberries, Raspberries, Pumpkins, Green Beans, Cherry Tomatoes, Flowers
1520 Silverton Road, Toms River, NJ. Phone: (732) 244-2621. Directions: Route 70 to New Hampshire Ave. S 2 miles left on Silverton Road 1/4 mile on left. Open: Mid-May - Nov. 5, Mother's Day, Christmas, Tuesday - Sunday, 10 am to 5 PM
Also Available: Our own Honey & Eggs.

Here is a link where you can find other organic farms in your area:

http://www.localharvest.org/

"When you put awesome food in your body... your body becomes awesome!"

This Is a 'Phat' Breakfast

Enjoy this REAL health-ful breakfast packed with muscle saving protein and some healthy fat, and lose weight without starving yourself!

-Heat up a sautee pan with organic butter, lard or ghee.
-Grab a handful of organic kale and quickly sautee in pan.
-Add thinly sliced red onion and some raw goat cheese.
-Now, beat up 3-4 free range omega-3 whole eggs and add to mixture in pan.

Cook omelet style and serve with 2 slices of uncured bacon.

Why Whey?

Most of us should be big fans of whey protein for a number of reasons.

First, A study published in the journal Medicine and Science in Sports & Exercise
showed that timing the intake of 20-30 grams of whey protein 30 minutes before resistance training sustained an increase in energy expenditure (enhanced metabolism) for upto 24 hours post workout.

Second, whey contains a relatively high amount of a tripeptide called glutathione that is a strong antioxidant and prevents damage to cells caused by reactive oxygen species such as free radicals and peroxides. Basically, relatively high levels of glutathione in our body (post workout) can mitigate much of the post workout muscle trauma and subsequent soreness we normally experience the 2 days after a tough and effective workout.

Third, most animal protein sources are rich in sulfur. As we digest animal proteins, the sulfur in them forms acid. This slight and temporary acid overload is normal and necessary for humans. And, although animal protein is a great source of strong 'amino acid index pools', the relatively high acid overload they can produce, if chronic, is not healthy. When whey protein is digested it leaves an alkaline (base) residue or ash. That leaves our body with less stress to balance back our pH levels. It should be noted that whey protein also serves as a strong 'amino acid index pool' similar to that of most animal protein sources.

And finally, whey protein is efficient in it's protein (amino acid) delivery without any added and unnecessary fats or sugars. This is important for maintaining lean body fat levels . Whey is proven to enhance protein synthesis, boost thyroid function and also protects against decline in testosterone levels after exercise. So, for anyone on a solid exercise program (and we all should be), whey should be considered as a strong option to assist in both post workout recovery and lean tissue maintenance and building.