Have you ever noticed the seal in my picture below on the food you buy?
Why Non-GMO? Are GMOs even good for your body? As a consumer or parent…why should I care?
A GMO is a genetically modified organism. The genetic material has been ARTIFICIALLY manipulated in a laboratory through genetic engineering. This relatively new science creates unstable combinations of plant, animal, bacteria and viral genes that DO NOT occur in nature or through traditional crossbreeding methods.
For consumers, it can be difficult to stay up-to-date on food ingredients that are at-risk of being genetically modified, as the list of at-risk agricultural ingredients is frequently changing. The Non-GMO Project works diligently to maintain an accurate list of risk ingredients.
Agricultural products are segmented into two groups: (1) those that are HIGH-RISK of being GMO because they are currently in commercial production, and (2) those that have a MONITORED RISK because suspected or known incidents of contamination have occurred and/or the crops have genetically modified relatives in commercial production with which cross-pollination (and consequently contamination) is possible.
HIGH RISK:
- Alfalfa
- Canola
- Corn (*I rarely eat corn because of this! Ask your farmer if they use non-GMO seeds for corn!)
- Cotton
- Papaya
- Soy
- Sugar Beets
- Zucchini and Yellow Summer Squash
The sad truth is many of the foods that are most popular with children contain GMOs. Cereals, snack bars, snack boxes, cookies, processed lunch meats, and crackers all contain large amounts of high risk food ingredients. In North America, over 80% of our food contains GMOs. If you are not buying foods that are Non-GMO Project Verified, most likely GMOs are likely present at breakfast, lunch, and dinner unless you are actively trying to eat healthier, cleaner options.
When my daughter was born, I refused to feed her Cheerios! The yellow box is now supposed to NOT have GMOs in it! I do not have them in my house. I also try to avoid high fructose corn syrup; among other ingredients. Do you eat fruit that is packaged in high fructose corn syrup?
With anything it is important to slowly incorporate changes and take one step at a time. I want to create awareness for you with my post.
Typically, the food at eye level in the grocery store and on sale have GMOs in them. Big money backs GMOs like Pepsi, General Mills and more. Take action to make better choices for your family and you.
Note: An added bonus for me is that the bag of peppers in my picture above was $3.99 (total cost) at McGinnis Sisters! That is one whole pepper a day for me as snack 1; 6 days 67 cents per pepper!
http://www.nongmoproject.org/learn-…/understanding-our-seal/
For more tips, support, recipes, meal planning, and other health and wellness assistance, please apply here by completing my get support form!
Melissa Brown 