GMOs – What is all the Fuss About??

Did you know that over 90 percent of people want genetically modified organisms (GMOs) labeled? Yet, we still don't have that right in the U.S.  Awareness about GMOs is growing steadily, they are just bad in our opinion, and we can take our power back right now by not buying or eating any genetically modified foods. 

If you need education or motivation, check this:
• Chemical companies that create GMO seeds patent them so farmers have to buy new seeds each year. Do we want Monsanto to control our food supply? Guess what, to an extent, they already do.
• We eat on average 193 pounds of genetically modified foods in a year, at minimum. 
• There are no long-term studies regarding the safety of GMOs in humans. THE LONG TERM LEALTH EFFECTS ARE UNKNOWN!
• Genetically modified crops use more pesticides, period. And because genetic modification creates a beast, stronger herbicides are needed to counter weed resistance, including 2-4,D, which is one of the chemicals found in Agent Orange. Do you want to consume food treated with Agent Orange?

We read labels, and buy organic whenever available and financially feasible. We definitely go organic on the major GMO crops, which are, soy, corn, canola (yep, your oil could be GMO), sugar beets, cotton, and alfalfa (which is fed to cows, if you are a meat eater, you get it when you consume meat from these cows, yet you never know a GMO is entering your body, your tissues, your brain.) 

Let's use the dollar power we have and avoid GMOs now. Here are some actions you can implement today:

• Buy brands that are sourced to be free of GMOs such as Trader Joe's labeled foods or Whole Foods Market's 365 Daily Value labeled foods. If you eat a lot of processed foods, such as canned and packaged products, choose these brands or an organic brand. Even better, eat more whole foods, which are less likely to contain GMOs.
• Buy USDA Organic, especially when purchasing the current GMO crops. Organic foods are grown from seeds that are not modified.
• Look for the Non-GMO Project Verified seal. For more information about the Non-GMO Project, see here.
• If you cannot eliminate corn or soy from your diet, choose organic or a brand that sources their items to be free of GMOs. This includes sweet corn, baby formula, soy milk, corn tortillas, corn oil, corn chips, and tofu, to name just a few.
• Instead of canola or corn oil, choose extra virgin olive oil, organic canola oil (cold pressed), or safflower oil.  
• Sugar and high fructose corn syrup are another source of GMOs. It is best to cut as much sugar out of your diet as you can. Even better, use organic stevia, which is derived naturally. 
• Be aware of what restaurants are using in the meals. Ask! If they don’t know if they are non GMO or organic, asking will raise awareness and perhaps move them toward change.
• If organic products are not used at your restaurant of choice, avoid tofu, corn, corn tortillas, corn chips, edamame, and any other foods from corn and soy. Also avoid sugar, sweets, and desserts.  
• Ask what kind of oil they use. If it is soy, canola, corn, or cottonseed, they are most likely GMO.  
• Salads can be a safe option, but ask for cruets with olive oil and vinegar instead of other salad dressings.
• Speak up!! Tell grocery stores and restaurants you want products without GMOs. They will respond to customer demand.  

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.
Margaret Mead