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October Newsletter 2012
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Center Your Health Newsletter October 2012
Non-GMO Halloween Treats
CYH Blog - Latest blog posts by Lauren
Genetic Roulette Online Movie Screening
 Greetings!

laurbeachheadshotOctober is the month where sugar starts to creep in, even more than usual in the forms of tiny candies and treats for Halloween.  To say that "Sugar is bad for you!" is an understatement.  Many today still mistakenly blame fat for their health problems instead of sugar.  Excessive sugar consumption is believed to be involved in many common health problems: hypoglycemia, diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, obesity, indigestion, myopia, gout, hyperactivity, lack of concentration, depression, anxiety...the list goes on and on. Sugar is rapidly converted in the blood to fat (triglycerides), which increase obesity, risk of heart disease, and diabetes. Sugar greatly increases the risk of dental decay. It is devoid of vitamins, minerals, or fiber. It is an empty food. The lack of fiber in sugar causes a tendency to overeat.  Let's also not forget, most of these candies contain artificial colors, flavors and preservatives.  

The spookiest part of this is that sugar isn't just sugar anymore.  Most Halloween candy is made from HFCS (High Fructose Corn Syrup) or sugar.  HFCS is also highly processed, addictive and can lead to weight gain and dental problems.  Since 50% of American sugar supply is from GMO sugar beets, and HFCS is made from GMO corn, that makes standard Halloween candy more likely to be genetically modified.  (GMOs (or "genetically modified organisms") are organisms that have been created through the gene-splicing techniques of biotechnology (also called genetic engineering, or GE).)  In other words, GMOs in our food system are extremely dangerous in many ways and we need to educate ourselves so that we know NOT to purchase or consume genetically modified foods.  Below is a link to a free online screening of the NEW documentary, Genetic Roulette (until next Wednesday), and following that is a brief download all about GMOs and what you can do to avoid them. 

FREE Movie Screening of Genetic Roulette:  Watch online HERE until next Wednesday (10/17)

FREE Download:  

I swear, I'm not being Debbie Downer for Halloween - I'm just passionate about telling it like it is and getting the word out on GMOs.  Have a fantastic and fun-filled Halloween!  I appreciate being able to share my newsletter with you.  Feel free to pass this along to anyone you feel may be interested.  Wishing you health & happiness!  


Namaste,

Lauren Forney, HHC, RYT
Holistic Health Coach
Registered Yoga Teacher

For more information please visit my website at Center Your Health & follow me on Find us on Facebook
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Non-GMO Halloween Treats
Every year that I bring this up everyone always teases me and says that my house will get egged because of what I hand out for Halloween...but I swear it never does!  After knowing about the dangers of sugar & GMOs, why would we ever expose children to them if we know we don't have to?  This year instead of buying the bulks of unhealthy candy (as tasty as they may be), why not reach for something else for the health of the kiddies and you (because you know you'll be indulging in leftovers!).  Here are 5 non-GMO & high fructose corn syrup-free suggestions:

Endangered Species Chocolate make bite sized pieces for Halloween and it's usually what I give at my door each season. They offer a milk chocolate option, but remember, once you add milk and sugar to chocolate it's candy and loses most of it's nutritional value.  Stick with the dark and you will have some healthy squares of dark chocolate for yourself after the trick-or-treaters have gone.  You can find these at your local health food store or order online.  Not just GMO-free, but vegan, gluten-free and kosher!
Endangered Species Dark Chocolate

There are only a few "bars" that I approve of, and (most) Larabars are one of them.  Luckily, they have Larabar Minis which are perfect for Halloween!  You can find boxes of these at Target or Walmart.  Yay!
Larabar Minis

Nature's treats don't have to have added sugar.  These are in convenient sizes and are 100% organic fruits, nothing else. Find online or your local health food store. 
Bare Fruit Snacks

Yummy Earth's organic candy and lollipops are yummy. They are free of artificial flavors, colors and HFCS.  Find at your local health food store or online. 
Yummy Earth

Annie's Halloween Snacks and Crackers are organic, flavorful and free of preservatives, artificial colors, flavors and HFCS.  Fruit snacks, crackers, granola bars and more!  Find at your local health food store or online.
Annie's
Center Your Health's BLOG
If you haven't gotten around to checking out my blog, here are some of the things I've been blogging about this past month.  I hope you enjoy!

October = Non GMO Month

 
Genetic Roulette - GMO Documentary
The  Institute for Responsible Technology has created a film, Genetic Roulette - The Gamble of Our Lives and is offering a FREE online screening of it until Wednesday, October 17th.  I encourage you to give it a watch.