POISONED BY PLASTIC: WHAT'S REALLY IN YOUR WATER BOTTLE

 You may think drinking plenty of water from water bottles is great for your health, but actually it could be doing more harm than good. There are many hidden facts about water bottles that you may not know about. Such as water source, purification, and test results.
According to The World Bank, the water bottle market is at $800 billion dollars. Although people think they are drinking fresh, pure water, there have been more than 100 recalls because of contamination issues.

What Your Really Drinking

Research has shown that dangerous compounds can seep from the plastic into your water. Third-party testing revealed traces of chemicals, fluoride, bacteria, and endocrine disruptors like BPA and PETE(PET).
BPA is a synthetic chemical that hinder's the body’s natural hormonal messaging system. Research has also shown that reusing plastic bottles increases the chance that chemicals will leach out of the bottle.

Just How Harmful Are These Chemicals?

BPA, also known as bisphenol A is a chemical compound that can mimic estrogen levels in the body. Tests have shown that this chemical can encourage human breast cancer cell growth. It may also lead to heart disease, diabetes, and liver problems.
 BPA has also been shown to cause thyroid problems by not allowing the thyroid hormone, T3, to reach the DNA 1. This can cause what you call hypothyroidism.

BPA May Also Be Called:

• Lexan
• Polycarbonate
• Polysulfone

How to Minimize Exposure:

• Avoid plastic bottles, containers, and liners.
• Do not microwave in plastic bowls
• Get a water distiller
• Drink water out of stainless steel or glass jars

Little known facts about bottled water:

• Every 27 hours Americans drink enough water bottles to circle the entire equator with plastic bottles stacked end to end.
• While plastic bottles can be recycled, the majority are not. Moreover, plastic never actually degrades; it just breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces. In some parts of the ocean, plastic outweighs plankton by a six-to-one ratio (Moore 2001).
• Close to half of all bottled water is sourced from municipal tap water (BMC 2010, Food and Water Watch 2010).

Credits:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevendepolo/5233546650/

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VEGAN SWEET POTATO PIE

    
                         Quick & Easy Vegan Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

Crust:

1/2 cup of pecans

1/2 cup coconut oil

2 tbsp of molasses

Filling:

2 sweet potatoes

1 tsp of cinnamon

1/2 tsp of salt

1/2 cup of cane sugar

1 tsp of vanilla extract

1 cup almond milk 

Preparation of Crust:

Blend all the ingredients in a blender or food processor. When the crust is crumbly, pour it into a large plate or baking dish. Then, spread the crust throughout the whole dish.

Preparation of Filling:

Heat the sweet potatoes for approximately 30-40 minutes until they are soft. Blend all the ingredients in a blender or food processor. Then, pour it on top of the crust. Freeze for approximately 3 hours.

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IMPORTANCE OF PARENTS SPENDING TIME WITH THEIR KIDS

Let's face it, we're all living in a fast paced environment. Jobs that require much time, things to do, places to go. But does that mean parents can't spend time with their kids? Of course not! Well, that shouldn't be the case anyway. Living in the world is hard enough as it is nowadays. Kids of all ages need parents that care about them. Especially teens. The teen years are some of the hardest years anyone has to go through, believe me, I know. I'm still going through what's probably going to be one of the hardest times in my life right now. Teenagers are afraid. Afraid of making the wrong decisions, afraid of facing the future. This is a crazy time, mentally, emotionally, hormonally. Teens need their parents there as much as they need nutrition. Yea, it may seem like they're trying to push their parents away, but inside they really need their parents there for them.

They need their parents guidance and encouragement, their love and support. They want their parents to tell them how special they are to them and actually mean it, and not just by saying it actually SHOWING it. Family time can strengthen your family relationships, create a stronger bond with your children, and boost their self esteem. I mean, if you care about your children, finding the time to spend with them is worth it, don't you think?

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IMPORTANCE OF LOVE IN LIFE

LOVE, we all know the word, but what does it really mean? Why is it important? LOVE is a universal language. Whether it's attatchment or attraction towards something or someone, everyone and everything on this earth can feel it. LOVE is such a strong feeling, it's said to make the world go round. This powerful emotion is built into us and connects us to other living beings in this world. Without love, life would be empty. LOVE is everything. The most common reason we fear is losing something we love. You live to love, because without it, what's the point?

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FAMOUS VEGANS & VEGETARIANS - YOU'LL BE SUPRISED!

There are many vegan celebrities. Many of which i bet you have no idea are vegan. I personally admire these celebrities and am glad they made the decision to go vegan or vegetarian and make a huge impact in the world. Not only are these famous celebrities making a huge impact, most of them are speaking out about it!

VEGAN & VEGETARIAN CELEBRITIES:

1) ELLEN DEGENERES: Why did Ellen go vegan? That's the question your proboably wondering about. Well, she learned about factory farming & cruelty to animals. Ellen realized that wha twas on her plate were living things with feelings. She also read books like, "Diet for a New America" & viewed documentaries such as "Earthlings" & "Meet Your Meat."  


2) ALICIA SILVERSTONE:   Animal rights and environmental activist, this great example of  a great role model said "she was an animal lover who was eating animals." Alicia has become very influential and a great example to others on how to live a healthy & happy vegan lifestyle. With her book and the many talks she's given and continues to give encouragement to others.

3) JOAQUIN PHOENIX: Joaquin comes from a family of strict vegetarians. He is a great example, he speaks out against animal abuse!  

4) ALYSSA MILANO:  A longtime PETA supporter and avid vegetarian.

5) Emily Deschanel: Vegan & speaks about improving the planet with a vegan lifestyle.

6) BOB HARLEY: Vegan with his own book about his vegan lifestyle, healthy eating tips, and crusade against animal farms.


7) Russell Brand: This actor-comedian  is now taking on a vegan lifestyle after watching a documentary called, "Forks Over Knives".  Although he has just recentley turned vegan, Russel Brand has been a vegetarian since the age of 14.


8) Bill Clinton: became a vegan and lost over 20 pounds.

9) Bryan Adams:went vegan at age 28 because of his strong belief in animal rights.


10)Jason Mraz: Self-proclaimed raw vegan.


11) Lea Michele: Vegan and works closely with PETA.


12) Olivia Wilde: Vegan and created her own website called, "Wilde Things".


13) Steve-O: Vegan since the year 2008.


14) Tobey Maguire: He is a longtime vegan.

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BEST TIME TO EAT FOR OPTIMAL DIGESTION

   You've probably heard this many times, "it's bad to eat late", "don't eat before bed", "eat lightly later in the day". The fact is, this is all true. I've done an extensive amount of research on this topic and would like to share my findings with you.
 It's true that we each are different, different metabolisms, different body types, different genes, etc. But, the met
abolism slows down as the day progresses. This is why it isn't wise to eat late at night.

 From my research, i've learned about many different types of eating plans. I've found that just because an eating plan works for you, it doesn't mean it will work for someone else. Our bodies are all made differently, there's nothing we can do about it. But, there is a way to acheive optimal digestion that works for your specific bodily needs.

 First of all, you should always make sure to eat your biggest meal in the afternoon. Why? because this is the time that our metabolisms are at their peak. This means that whatever you eat at this time, whether it's a big or small meal, will have enough time to fully digest before you go to sleep. Secondly, exercising a few hours after your meal will help to burn those calories and make sure it doesn't turn to fat.

 I'm not saying there has to be a specific way to eat, all I'm saying is that as the day goes on, reduce your calorie intake and make sure not to eat just before bed. You don't want to eat at this time because this is the time your digestive system is the slowest. If you eat, that food is NOT going to digest properly and will unfortunately turn into fat.

 Speaking from experience, I know it's difficult at first to change your normal routine, but once you keep doing it, it will come naturally to you. So again, what you want to do is eat your biggest meal in the afternoon, because that's the time your metabolism is at it's highest. Later in the day, you can have a low-calorie protein shake, this is especially effective for a post-workout meal. It's not too heavy on the stomach and will digest quickly.

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DELICIOUS 100% GUILT FREE SNACKS

We all want to be healthy. But most of us don't want to sacrifice our tastebuds. Well, you don't have to. With these delicious and healthy snacks you'll get full satisfaction knowing that the tasty snack your eating is also doing your body good too! Another great thing about these snacks is that they contain absolutely no animal products whatsoever, which makes them even more amazing! My point is that you certainly DO NOT need to eat anything from animals to be completely satisfied with a yummy and filling snack. Being 100% Vegan myself, I do get cravings from time to time for something a little sweet and I let myself indulge a bit. But whenever I do I always buy something healthy. I'm going to give you a list of some of my personal favorite munchies when I have that sweet tooth!

#1  -ORGANIC ACAI SORBET:

**This sorbet is absolutely amazing! It tastes great and is very satisfying. It is also 100% VEGAN, NON-DAIRY, NON-GMO, FULL OF ANTIOXIDANTS AND HEALTHY OMEGAS.

#2 - ORGANIC POPCORN:

Super tasty! This is definately something I reach for if I have a salty craving. Completely satisfying, healthy,  and 50% less fat and oil than other popcorn!It's also ALL NATURAL and only 40 calories a cup!  The only ingredients in it are: organic popcorn, expeller pressed canola/safflower/sunflower oil, and salt.

#3 - RICEMILK CHOCO CHOCOLATE BAR:

**Mmmm...Who doesn't LOVE chocolate!? One of my fav chocolate bars. I can honestly say that this will satisfy anyone who loves chocolate vegan or not. If I gave this to you and didn't tell you it's vegan, you wouldn't know! Vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, all natural, and delicious. It has organic cane sugar, organic cocoa, and organic vanilla extract. 

#4 - ORGANIC VANILLA ALMOND BUTTER:

**One word, scrumptious. Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and delicious. Is there anything more you could ask for?

#5 - WAX ORCHARDS CLASSIC FUDGE:

**A 100% fruit sweeted European chocolate fudge sauce. Definately something you want to have in your fridge when you have that sweet tooth!

#6 - ENJOY LIFE MEGA CHUNKS:

**Calling all chocolate lovers! Rich and chocolatey, these tasty choco chunks are sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings! It's also dairy, nut, and soy-free!

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