Monday, March 15, 2010

Additives to avoid.

Ok, so I have been very busy, sorry I haven't had a chance to share anything with you of late, my son started school this year, woohoo, such a big adjustment in a little boy's life and it has to be said, his parents lives too. But being busy hasn't meant I haven't been on the look out for things to share with you and I've been writing about plastics again, this time an article for a small health magazine and it has to be said my ideas on what was a "safer" choice in plastic may be changing the more I read. I'll share my article with you soon.

But for now, a little advice on additives. If you are really keen to have a greater understanding on the effects of additives there's a book I would recommend called "Additive Alert" by Julie Eady, there is also a website, (see link -
http://www.additivealert.com.au/ ). But to get you started, this is a list that is a recommended "NO GO" zone for additives. For various reasons the following additives are considered the worst - suspected carcinogens, banned in other Countries or have been linked to serious health complications - See list -
102, 104, 110, 122, 123, 124, 127, 129, 131, 132, 133, 151, 153, 155, 160b, 173, 174, 175, 211, 249, 250, 251, 252, 280, 281, 282, 283, 310, 311, 312, 319, 320, 321, 385, 407, 407a, 431, 433, 435, 436, 466, 530, 553, 621, 627, 631, 635, 900, 914, 943a, 950, 951, 952, 954, 1201, 1520, 1521.

This is the list I would recommend you write out for yourself and take with you in your purse/wallet every time you go to a grocery store. These are the additives you should definitely avoid, especially when buying for children. If you suffer from Asthma, the list may be more extensive as asthma sufferers tend to be more sensitive to the effects of additives.

I also recommend, as a way to avoid additives as much as possible, eat fresh, real organic food and make your own treats. My son doesn't go without treats, but most of them are home-made. I make gluten free banana bread, pikelets, brownies and muffins for him and freeze them so I always have them on hand for him when he wants a treat and they're great to add as a snack to school lunches. I spend way more time in my kitchen than I ever did but I love doing it, I love making good, wholesome, sugar free, additive free treats that taste delicious. Cooking for your family should be a joy and the long term benefits far outweigh the ease of buying something pre-packaged and processed.

By the way, if you ever want any recipes, I am very happy to share, please just ask.