Some foods are easier to find without GMOs than others, and many people have decided that they are better served growing their own or shopping local rather than hunting through the aisles of a grocery store chain. And if you’re not sure where to start, here are 4 foods where you should try to go non-GMO.

Soy

Laura Soybeans by SoyaJoy

Soybeans are some of the most heavily modified crops, but with a little effort, you won’t have too much trouble growing your own. Be smart about where you buy seeds and make sure they are organic or non-GMO.

If you like fresh, go with green soybeans. They can be eaten in a variety of ways, and being ready to harvest every 2 weeks or so, you can acquire some soybean storage for the months after that first frost in the fall.

Milk

Experts Explain The Real Difference Between Organic And Non-Organic Milk

The milk options you’ve had in the past have decreased, especially considering that higher levels of hormones in your dairy could be linked to various cancers and other health conditions. Even with animals that haven’t been injected, there are concerns about those that feed on GMO crops and how this consumption affects their health and ours.

It may be more difficult to raise your own cow or goat, especially living in the city, so some great options in this case would be to look at organic or non-GMO brands available in your area. If you live in an area with locally raised dairy animals, you can often make purchases directly from the producer. If animal products are not for you, there are plenty of milk alternatives including soy, almond, rice, and powdered milk–just don’t forget to check the label.

Sugar Beets

HERSHEY’S GMO SUGAR SECRET

Several years ago, the sugar beet industry decided to make a full conversion to GMOs, but recently there has been a shift back toward non-GMO sugars. It is still pretty safe to say these sugars contain GMOs, so you may want to go with an alternative.

Advocates for non-GMO foods recommend going with cane sugar, and with the amount of sugar that can be found in almost anything you buy, you should check your food labels, too. If it simply says ‘sugar’, it likely comes from GMO sugar beets and you can put it back on the shelf.

Apples

HOW TO AVOID GMO APPLES

GMO apples have gained attention in the last few years. Instead of consuming varieties that have been modified to avoid browning and bruising, plan to plant your own apple trees.

It will take a few years before you are eating your own homegrown apples, so pick your apples up at a trusted orchard in the meantime. Keep in mind that a hybrid is NOT GMO, so eat as many of those Honeycrisp apples as you’d like.

Your Lifestyle

How to Source Non-GMO Seeds

With the hundreds of options at our fingertips today, it may take time to find the best products for your lifestyle; however, it also means that there is at least one product out there that will fit your lifestyle and health needs, whether you create it yourself or find it with a trusted seller.

The post 4 Foods Where You Should Go Non-GMO appeared first on InstantELLA.

We’ve taken some classic holiday desserts and found wonderful low-sugar or even sugar-free versions of the recipe that all of your guests are sure to love.

Low-Fat Apple Pie

Cut some calories, but reminisce in this classic, because it’s just as good as it’s sugar-filled counterpart. This low-fat apple pie uses all of the traditional ingredients of an apple pie, but eliminates added sugar. You can use Splenda to add some sweetness to your tangy apples, or just use naturally sweet apples, like Honeycrisps.

Find the full recipe at Spark Recipes.

Low-Sugar Apple Cranberry Sauce

You can’t have Thanksgiving without the cranberry sauce! But it’s always loaded with sugar because cranberries can get pretty tart. This wonderful substitute to traditional cranberry sauce uses apples to sweeten up the cranberries, and significantly less sugar than you would use if the apples weren’t there. What a great, and yummy, way to cut out some sugar!

Find the full recipe at The Foodie and The Fix.

Low Carb Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse

Take a spin on a classic and give this pumpkin cheesecake mousse a whirl. It’s gluten-free, keto compliant, and it only takes 5 minutes to make! What about that doesn’t sound like the perfect Thanksgiving dessert? All you need is cream cheese, heavy cream, canned pumpkin, spices and vanilla.

Find the full recipe at Sugar-Free Mom.

Sugar-Free Candied Pecans

All you need for this yummy treat is some pecans, butter, and a sweetener of your choice. This recipe uses Swerve because it caramelizes nicely. This is another recipe that is quick to make, so you don’t have to spend hours slaving away for a perfectly delicious treat.

Find the full recipe at Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Who doesn’t love pumpkin chocolate chip cookies? This is recipe is gluten-free and sugar-free, and it is sure to wow your guests. You can certainly get your healthy dose of pumpkin spice this holiday season with these delightful treats.

Find the full recipe at My Montana Kitchen.

The post Sweet Indulgence! 5 Low-Sugar, Easy-To-Make Thanksgiving Desserts appeared first on InstantELLA.

The Positive Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility

A group of dentists compiled this list of things you should know before your next appointment.

Toothaches

What causes a toothache?

If you have a toothache, there could be a number of reasons besides another cavity. Tooth sensitivity, generally due to worn enamel or receding gums, can cause toothaches, but that doesn’t mean you have a cavity. A cracked tooth can also be the cause, and it is possible to have a cracked tooth and not even know it. While tooth sensitivity can be self-diagnosable, if you are not 100 percent sure of the cause of your toothaches, you should see a Dentist DTC. They can diagnose the problem and help you decide on the best treatment plan.

Bleeding Gums

Five Things You Can Do If Your Gums Are Bleeding

Bleeding gums are never a good sign. No matter the cause, if your gums are bleeding every time your brush or floss your teeth, it’s a good idea to bring that up with your dentist. Bleeding gums are a sign of periodontal disease, and your dentist can tell you the best way for you to treat this symptom.

Breath

What Are the Most Common Dental Problems?

Yes, your dentist and the hygienists can all smell the last thing you ate before coming in. So, do them and yourself a courtesy by avoiding heavy odor-causing foods the day of your appointment. The good thing is, even if you do forget about this, most dentists and their staff are kind enough not to point it out and embarrass you. If you have bad breath for another reason, it might be a good idea to ask your dentist about it because it could be a sign of another dental problem.

Good Teeth

6 Brushing Tips to Impress Your Dentist

Good teeth get noticed. Generally speaking, the first thing that most people notice in another person is their eyes, and second is their smile – or their teeth. If your teeth are one of the first things someone notices when they meet you, don’t you want to make a good impression? Take care of your teeth and make that dentist appointment. If you are interested in teeth whitening or have crooked teeth you want fixed, your dentist is there to ask those questions and give your recommendations.

Dream Teeth

4 Things You Definitely Need to Do Before going to the Dentist

While having a good-looking smile is great, just remember that your dream teeth might not be possible. You can’t have a smile like Angelina Jolie if your mouth and face aren’t the same shape and size. Remember there are limitations, but your dentist is there to help you along the way.

Chewing Gum

Chewing Gum Negative Effects and Disadvantages

Chewing gum can be a good thing – so long as it’s a sugar-free option. Chewing gum with xylitol, a low-calorie sweetener, can help protect your teeth from cavities. Not only does the act of chewing the gum produce saliva which helps clear sugars out of your mouth, but the xylitol can actually inhibit the growth of bad, cavity-causing bacteria. Keep a pack of xylitol gum with you when you’re on the go to chew after meals. It’s no replacement for brushing and flossing your teeth, but it certainly helps.

Mouth Piercings

Oral Piercings: What You Should Know

Mouth piercings, especially tongue piercings, can be detrimental to your oral health. The small metal piercing clicking constantly against your teeth can chip them and wear down the enamel, leaving you at a greater risk for tooth decay and other mouth infections. Healthwise, it’s best to keep the piercings elsewhere.

Insurance

Everything You Need To Know About Health And Safety Compliance

For you and your dentist, it is best if you come into the office knowing what your insurance covers – and knowing whether or not that dentist takes your insurance. This isn’t to say that the staff at the office can’t help you figure this out, but before making an appointment, it’s good to know what kind of financial commitment you are getting yourself into. This isn’t to scare you away from making the appointment altogether, but rather to help you prepare so nothing unexpected comes up at your first appointment.

What Are the Most Common Dental Problems?

Another tip regarding finances: many dentist offices will give you a discount if you pay for the appointment in cash on the day of.

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