I agree and I, too, try to eat foods without--sm

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Do you try to buy them wherever possible, or only if you happen to pick them up in error? If you intentionally buy them, why? Do they taste better, are they better for you, do you believe you're helping the environment?

http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/diet.fitness/04/13/cl.organics/index.html

Organic vs. conventional: What do experts say?

By Amy Spindler
CookingLight.com

The organic market is growing at a steady pace of nearly 20 percent annually, and that translates into organic alternatives in nearly every grocery aisle -- from snack foods to frozen meals to baked goods. "Everyone wants to be healthy and these foods convey an aura of health," says Marion Nestle, Ph.D., professor of nutrition, food studies, and public health at New York University and author of "What to Eat." Here, experts compare some of the benefits and drawbacks of going organic.

Are organic products more nutritious?
A few small studies have shown that some organic foods contain higher nutrient levels than conventional ones. For example, a recent study showed that organic ketchup had 57 percent more of the antioxidant lycopene than regular ketchup. But the wholesale claim that organics are more nutritious than conventional is ahead of the science. "More research is needed before it can be stated that organic foods provide more nutritional value," says Connie Diekman, M.Ed., R.D., director of university nutrition at Washington University in Saint Louis, Missouri.

Organic foods may have other benefits, though. Charles Benbrook, Ph.D., chief scientist at The Organic Center, asserts that some organic products are less processed, which means they may contain fewer chemically adulterated ingredients (think hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, and preservatives).

Bottom line: "Read labels and look at each product in its own right," Benbrook says. An organic potato chip may contain as many calories and saturated fat grams as a conventional chip. "The price premiums associated with processed organic food are not as great as the premiums charged for organic whole foods," Benbrook says.

Are organic products healthier for the environment?
What's best for the environment is hotly debated among experts. "There is no scientifically accepted evidence that organic foods are better for the environment. Organic production allows natural pesticides, which can be toxic to humans and wildlife," says Alan McHughen, Ph.D., professor of botany and plant sciences at the University of California, Riverside. Organic fertilizers may also contain harmful bacteria, such as E. coli. Plus, organic farming yields only 75 to 90 percent of the crop of conventional systems, meaning that more land must be planted in order to have an equal return.

Organic advocates counter that chemicals used in conventional farming spread far beyond the fields where they are applied and have unintended consequences. "Synthetic pesticides have been linked to developmental and neurological problems," Benbrook says. "Organics eliminate synthetic pesticides and the damage they do to farmers, land, and drinking water."

Organic regulations also prohibit the use of genetic modification -- another thorny issue with as-yet unclear implications for the environment.

Bottom line: Focus on foods' benefit to your immediate environmen -- i.e. your body -- first. "A good diet means variety, balance, and moderation, regardless of the farming method that produced the food," McHughen says.

that I've made for over 30 years....Hayseed, wish you lived closer, I'd bring you over a batch of stuffed peppers. They probably wouldn't be as good as your mom's though.

Cat

Satisfy cheeseburger lovers with an easy-bake version you can whip up in minutes with Bisquick� mix.

Prep Time:20 min

Start to Finish:

Makes:16 to 20 servings

9 Ratings
5 Reviews
Read Reviews
Rate/Review Recipe

1 1/2	lb (at least 80%) ground beef
1 1/4	cups chopped onions (about 2 large)
1	can (10 3/4 oz) condensed Cheddar cheese soup
1 1/4	cups Green Giant� frozen mixed vegetables, if desired
1/2	cup milk
2 1/3	cups Original Bisquick� mix
2/3	cup water
1 1/3	cups shredded Cheddar cheese (about 5 oz)

1.	Heat oven to 375�F. Generously spray bottom and sides of 15x10x1-inch pan with cooking spray. In 12-inch skillet, cook beef and onions over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until beef is thoroughly cooked; drain. Stir in soup, vegetables and milk.
2.	In large bowl, stir Bisquick mix and water until moistened. Spread evenly in pan. Spread beef mixture over batter. Sprinkle with cheese.
3.	Bake uncovered 35 minutes.
High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): Do not add cheese before baking. Bake 35 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese; bake about 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

I would rather them be locked in a car driving than strolling or walking alone - In Florida - we have had MANY YOUNG KIDS killed (murder) by being alone walking to and from school. My children are VERY responsible and pay for everything, except that car insurance (which is wayyyyyyyyy too much) which I offered to pay until age 28. By the age of 28, they'll be earning more $$. My OLD brother (and he's very old *LOL*) did this for his son until age 28 (think he's about 38 now) because of the exhorbitant insurance rates. I decided to follow suit. If we have it, why shouldn't we help them. I'd rather help my children while I'M ALIVE AND KICKING rather than what they get when I die, IF there is anything to get *LOL*

One of my children saved all the Xmas/holiday/birthday $$ ever received from toddler-hood so that at 17 had $6000+ and put it down on a BRAND NEW SMALL CAR, albeit I had to co-sign the balance. Child did pay the rest off. I too am very proud of the children who are young still, one has worked for 10 years already (started off part-time at about 14 after school by own choice).

Yep, I want kids to hang out in multiple numbers today - never walking alone - too many CREEPS out there in the USA today and they are EVERYWHERE....really creepy to me.........

Let's sing out for the responsible good kids who are out there trying to live life in this messed-up world!!!!

HOORAY FOR THE CHILDREN!!!! They are our future and if we don't back them, well then we are up the creek without a paddle, right?

My husband is far from dispensable! He's my best friend too. He's a wonderful father, husband, son, brother, everything! We've been married for almost 20 years and I love and need him more today than I did in the beginning. Men are getting an unfair wrap here...although I completely sympathize with the OP. That's her situation, though, not every marriage comes down to that.

Like I said before (and my post was deleted for some reason) I am looking forward to growing old with my husband...raising grandchildren...hopefully finally getting to travel. I do believe the best has yet to come for us!

actions speak louder than words - if he wasn't guilty he would've stuck around..........would have had nothing to run from if he was innocent......and that's another thing - in the case, he was NOT found NOT GUILTY - he was found innocent by a reasonable doubt....(pssst - cause he's still guilty)...LOL

if it looks like a horse, smells like a horse, acts like a horse, it is not a swan!

Definitely don't get tempted on the business trip, and if he wants you he needs to get rid of the other one.

It is really easy to cheat on a business trip and come home to the wife/steady girlfriend like nothing happened (for some anyway).