Limit canned food or find canned food that is BPA free
Canned-Food Chemicals
"You won't find this chemical on an ingredient label, but if you're eating out of a can, there's a very good chance it's in your food," says Alicia Silverstone, author of The Kind Mama. Silverstone explains that bisphenol A, or BPA, is especially dangerous for expecting or trying mothers because it mimics estrogen and decreases fertility. Plus, it increases risk for brain damage, early puberty, neurological problems, and childhood obesity. That's not just Silverstone's opinion, either. Scientists have shared strong evidence suggesting that BPA does these five weird things to your body.
Ditch the plastic storage containers
Instead use:
- mason jars
- glass storage containers (you can see what's inside and they are microwave and dishwasher safe)
- stainless steel containers (this is nice for kids lunches since they won't break)
- instead of a plastic sippy cup or bottle, use glass bottles with a silicone cover or stainless steel sippy cup. Ashton uses "Kleen Kanteen". More options in this article, "9 Safest Plastic & BPA Free Bottles and Sippy Cups"
Ditch the aluminum foil
- parchment paper or a silpat sheet when baking things like cookies, chicken, home fries, etc.
- you can skip the foil when baking potatoes. Just rub with olive oil and sea salt. They turn out great!
Non-stick frying pans are harmful
If you buy a new cast iron skillet, take the time to properly season it. There are lots of videos on this on youtube. Don't wash it with soap, because that will take away the seasoning (non-sickness). Instead just wipe with a damp paper towel and if needed sprinkle on salt and wipe (the salt will take off the stuck on food bits). I use a course salt for this. If it's not seasoned will, your food will likely stick but a well seasoned skillet is so nice to cook with.
Produce Wash Recipe
1 tablespoon of baking soda or salt
1/4 cup of vinegar
- fill a clean sink or a large basin with cold water; add in vinegar and baking soda (don't worry about measuring), then swish around with hands (you may also do this in a large bowl).
- Place the fruit and/or veggies in and allow to sit for 10 minutes (this will not affect the flavor at all, the vinegar cleans and the salt draws out any little bugs, dirt and other small unwanted things, it also will remove some of the wax.