Random Thoughts on Health-Conscious Consumption: From Bison to Beauty Products

Dear health-conscious consumer,
Which do YOU suppose is the most healthy?
a) hot dogs
b) grass-fed beef burgers
c) buffalo/bison burgers
d) deli turkey meat

I'm sure you know it's NOT (a), although you may have pined after a foot long or perhaps a corn dog at the state fair recently. I bet some of you are wondering if it could be (d) since turkey is a white meat which is often thought of as being healthier than red meat. Truth revealed, deli meat often contains undesirable nitrates that have been linked to increased risk for cancer. The answer could arguably be (b), because grass-fed beef, although a red meat, will have a heart-healthy ratio of essential fatty acids and will be antibiotic-free. However, (c) is likely the most healthy because in addition to being free-range with a heart-healthy ratio of essential fatty acids like grass-fed beef, buffalo meat (depending on the cut) tends to be leaner than beef, turkey, and chicken! Even more, buffalo meat is higher in protein AND iron than beef.

Has anyone seen FOOD, INC. yet? I am hopefully going to see it this`week and I have a feeling that my meat-eating ways will likely be affected greatly afterwards, as I have heard bits and pieces from friends/colleagues. I will keep you posted:)

One more thing: As a health-conscious consumer, it doesn't stop at food. What you put on the OUTSIDE of the body affects your health, too. Lotions, potions, soaps, cosmetics, and the list goes on...these little daily rituals of ours can contain known human carcinogens or developmental toxins. Most of these chemicals can penetrate the skin, and some we ingest from contact with our lips or hands. More than one-third of all personal care products contain at least one ingredient linked to cancer.

"How can I possibly begin to manage every little thing that comes into contact with my body?", we all wonder.

Fortunately, The Environmental Working Group provides a free online cosmetic safety database where you can look up the safety rating of products. To my surprise, my beloved Dr. Hauschka Rose-Toned Day Cream falls into the "high hazard" category. Thankfully, I recently opted to try a less expensive moisturizer, which coincidentally has a better safety rating and is working quite well(Avalon Organics Vitamin C Rejuvenating Oil-Free Moisturizer). Lesson here: more expensive does NOT mean safer bet.

Here is a recipe for a DIY face scrub that is made mostly of food ingredients. I am currently loving it and hope you do, too. Enjoy!

Lavender Oatmeal Facial Cleansing Grains
2 Tbs ground oatmeal (a coffee/nut/seed grinder works well)
2 Tbs ground almonds
2 Tbs french green clay (you could substitute white kaolin clay if desired)
2 tsp ground lavendar flowers
2 tsp ground rose petals
5 drops lavender essential oil
1 drop palma rosa or other essential oil (I used Palma rosa because it is safe in pregnancy - if you are pregnant, be sure to check safety before using a particular essential oil)