Dear nécessité,

Happy still November. How are you doing as we approach Thanksgiving? Can you believe it is that time of year again! I mean seriously, I have no words other than I am thankful every day, not only on one day a year, nor do I require a reminder. Life is my reminder. What about you?

As we prepare meals for the upcoming holiday and food shop for ourselves and our loved ones, keep in mind, we can always improve, do better, and be better than before. Myself included, more than ever especially right now. Even during our food shopping and meal planning, we can prepare meals that are healthier without side effects and crap in them so we can enjoy what we ate without feeling stuffed, yucky, and uncomfortable afterward. You know, when you have to do the sly unzip under the table on those pants or that fancy skirt you could not wait to wear? Why get to that point? So unfortunate that we even must speak of our food causing any harm to us in such a manner right?! We used to be able to simply just be with our food and eat and not think about this information.

Well, that was then… Ever wonder why the bloat may be so often when you’re not consuming much? This is where it becomes about the quality and not the quantity.

Let’s Talk About GMOs

Last week’s Founder Friday inspired me to follow up this week with this specific Founder Friday, so let’s chit-chat a bit about something you may hear often or see on packages, but perhaps might be a bit unclear about what it means. I know at one point, I did not know this myself — GMO. GMO. GMO.

What’s all the fuss you may be thinking? Or not.

GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organisms. This means (I’m not making this up) prepared in a lab by pulling a bit of this organism and that organism and putting them together to create something–or more of something, in other words. Breeding. For example, take this dog and that dog to make this kind of dog. It is genetically modified/engineered (Not saying the dog is GMO). Produced. Made. Created. Crazy, I know. Let me take a piece of this finger and that finger and make a toe. Or take a piece of this finger and that finger and make more fingers. It’s bizarre when you think about it. Well, that’s presently the trend in agriculture with our food and things in our environment. Yes indeed.

This is why you always hear, “Avoid eating GMOs” because they are not authentically what they were intended to be. They are fake in other words, modified, engineered. Sometimes you may see or hear about Genetically Engineered Organisms (GEOs), genes that are put together into another organism. Tampered with. Fussed over.

Herbicides and pesticides are used. Crop plants like corn and soybean are used more often, why? They’re readily available and not expensive to use to mass-produce, so they are being modified and used to be herbicide-resistant, yes, herbicide-resistant. If you eat corn and soybeans and some other crop items mentioned below, it is so important to look for organic (I know it comes with a big influx in price, but you are a nécessité).

This is vital to your health, my health, to our loved ones, to our neighbors. No one is off-limits in America.

Well, What Effect Does This Have On Us?

These chemicals used can be a neurotoxin to us, get into our nervous system, into our bloodstream, affect our hormones, and may be linked to Parkinson’s and other health illnesses and challenges. 

This is why it’s a good idea to detox with a professionally trained doctor who knows you, your health history, and how you can effectively detox chemicals out the gut, kidneys, liver, and colon. This stuff is not supposed to lay dormant in our intestines, glands, or organs. We have to get it out, but SAFELY. Do not attempt a detox especially on your own, please. I repeat, do not attempt a detox on your own.

Think about it, why do you think IBS (Irritable/Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome) celiac and more individuals are having to go gluten-free (myself included)? The gut is becoming more affected. It is becoming a huge, huge, huge, and prevalent issue in the states of America right now! Nothing ever “just happens.” Something triggers us, which causes health issues and challenges. I am not saying this is the answer to it all, I am saying to learn more about GMOs to help yourself and your loved ones while you can. Digestion issues are serious and are far from fun, as well as all other health issues and concerns.

How Can You Avoid GMOs This Holiday Season?

So this holiday as you prepare your meals, whether healthy, kind of healthy, or even not-so-healthy, be sure to use non-GMO ingredients. Look for the GMO verified label on the box, package, and/or item. I like to believe they are a trusted source, but we never truly know unless we do our homework. Check out The Non-GMO Project for more.

GMO Foods to Think Twice About (But Are Not Limited To Are):

• Corn
• Corn syrup
• Corn Starch
• Soybean (some other soy ingredients)
• Sugar
• Canola Oil
• Potatoes
• And more….

Tips to Make Holiday Food Shopping for Non-GMO Easier:

• Make a shopping list
• Shop with more awareness
• Do not fret
• Do your best
• Read, read, read labels
• Invest in organic (even if it is processed food, buy it organic)
• Look for the Non-GMO verified project label
• Take a few deep breaths and release them out
• Make more items organic in your cart than the other way around if you find yourself running into challenges.

Remember, the goal is to obtain your food with no chemicals or toxins in them or less of it whenever possible. You can do it, you got this, too.

You are a nécessité. Thank you for sharing this moment with me. Let’s be more thankful now, not only in a few weeks. I am so thankful for you.

Please accept this big grateful hug from me to you. (Wrap your arms around yourself and squeeze, that’s from me to you).

Much love and gratitude,

Certified Holistic Health Coach

Certified in Gut Health

Author of The Thriving Child, Shut Up and Cook!

Certified in Plant-Based Nutrition Certification T.Colin Campbell for Nutrition Studies

Erica Reid, Founder of nécessité