Liquid Laundry Detergent Recipe

To make liquid laundry detergent, you will need these ingredients:

-1 bar of soap (grated)

-2 cups of washing soda

-2 cups of borax

- At least 3 Gallon container (Since the recipe calls for just over 2 gallon of water)

Boil one quart of water and add the grated bar soap, mixing until it has completely melted. I suggest either Kirk's Castile (I found it at Meijers) or Pure Soap bars (found here:http://www.gaiam.com/pure-soap-bar-soap/02-9074,default,pd.html). Leave that to sit while you prepare the rest of the solution. 

IMPORTANT!! Most recipes say to add the washing soda and borax directly to the soapy water. I did that the first time and I found that the powders immediately seized into a big lump and wouldn't dissolve. After trying several different utensils to try and break up the clumps and get it dissolved, I ended up having to reach in with my hands, break up the clumps, rubbing the granules against the side of the container to try and get them to dissolve. What a pain in the butt! 

I have found the best results by dissolving the borax and washing soda, one cup at a time, into a quart of warm water. I fill my mixing bowl with a quart of warm water and add one cup of soda or borax, mixing till dissolved, then pouring it into my bulk container. Refill the mixing bowl and repeat until you have dissolved 2 cups of washing soda and 2 cups of borax. Since you will do this 4 times, and 4 quarts = 1 Gal, this means you will need to add 1 more gallon of water.

Now add the soapy water mixture that you have sitting on the stove and mix thoroughly. Once the mixture has cooled, you can add a few drops of the essential oil of your choice for scented detergent. This soap does tend to gel when it cools, so be prepared to mix or shake it before you use it. Use about 1/4 cup per load. TIP: I don't have room in my laundry cabinet to keep my bulk container, so I kept my last store bought detergent container and funnel in my homemade solution.

This soap will not be sudsy, since it does not contain artificial lathering agents like Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS). But, that's a good thing since SLS was originally purposed as an industrial strength cleanser and degreaser and can toxically build up in body tissues and organs. This alarmed me too at first, but my clothes always come out clean and smelling fresh.

The Many Uses for Virgin Coconut Oil

This post will be a work in progress as I investigate and test all the things that coconut oil can be used for. The first thing to note is that, as one can expect, all coconut oils are not created equal. You need to find a quality virgin coconut oil that made from the first pressing of fresh, raw coconut without the addition of any chemicals. The brand I use right now is Nutiva. I buy it by the gallon for around $48. A GALLON, you say?!? Brittany, what am I supposed to do with a gallon of coconut oil?? Well, that's what I'm about to tell ya!!

THE OBVIOUS: COOKING

• Baking
• Sautéing
• Frying
• Popping popcorn

THE LESS OBVIOUS: MOISTURIZER & LIP BALM
        I put some oil in a small tupperware container, that I leave in my bathroom. Since the oil is semi solid at room temp, but melts at just 76 degree, I just use the back of my finger get some out of the container. Then I simply rub my hands together a couple of seconds to melt it before applying it to my body. The Nutiva brand has a nice, light, coconut scent that I find delightful. If it's not your thing, however, then you can add a few drops of any essential oil, using a mixer (preferably with a whisk attachment) for a few minutes to whip it in. You could also do this with just your plain coconut oil. It creates a light, airy, whipped "lotion" that's even easier to apply that the oil straight from the tub.

        Making your own chemical free lip balm takes about 10-15 min, but if you knew what all was in the store bought ones, you would know that it's worth the time. Plus, you can make around 8-9 tubes for the price of one those popular store brands.

        What’s more, some dermatologists believe that the shiny, iridescent composition of certain lip glosses actually make the lips more vulnerable to sun damage with carcinogenic effect. As for “medicated” salves, the allegedly helpful tingling sensation you get from phenol, menthol or salicylic acid is actually the burning of the outer protective layers of your lips- hardly a helpful process if you are already uncomfortable. Many "organic" lip products still contain the rancid oils from canola or soybean, which may cause free-radical formation.

        Experiment with different blends to get the right moisture formulation for the season or to incorporate a variety of aromatherapeutic oils customized for family and friends. Just be sure to check that the essential oil variety you select is appropriate for ingestion before you use it. 

Ingredients

1 Tablespoons Organic Coconut Oil

2 Tablespoons First Cold Pressed Olive Oil or Organic Sunflower Oil

1 Tablespoon & 1 teaspoon Beeswax

Approx. 10 drops Essential Oil of your choice (or less depending on the oil and your taste) *OPTIONAL*

1. Prepare a double boiler with about 1-2” of water in the bottom of your pot.
2. Measure out beeswax and carrier oils into a small pot or glass pyrex measuring cup. Place in the top of the double boiler. 
3. Melt mixture gently over heated water making sure that water does not boil over into blend.
4. Once melted together, immediately remove from heat and add drops of essential oils. Start with 5-7 drops then add more if you desire a stronger scent
5. Pour the hot mixture into lip balm containers. Use tubes or tubs to your preference.

Leave the lip balm in open containers to cool overnight. Once set, give it a try! Then cover containers and enjoy for later. 

**IF YOU WANT TO DO THIS, I HAVE DONE QUITE A BIT OF PRICE COMPARING AND CAN GIVE YOU THE WEBSITES I FOUND TO HAVE THE BEST PRICES.**



THE LEAST OBVIOUS: DEODORANT & SUNSCREEN

 I know you are all thinking I'm crazy for these last two, but I have tested both of them and THEY WORK!

        While we strive to keep our appearances neat and body odors under control, the truth is that blocking the sweating response completely by smothering our armpits in antiperspirants is altogether unnatural. This glandular system was built to keep the body in a state of balance and should thus not be completely smothered or shut down. Deodorants, which just work to mask the odor, are a better option but come with their own share of concerns as many of the lusciously scented commercial preparations are loaded with harsh chemicals. Here is a list of some concerning chemicals commonly found in commercial deodorants and antiperspirants:

Aluminum- Aluminum is a heavy metal that blocks sweat from escaping from pores. The form found in toiletries, aluminum zirconium is disruptive to the nervous, reproductive and endocrine systems. While several studies have found it to be carcinogenic and linked with Alzheimer’s disease, it remains on the market. 

Propylene Glycol- This petroleum based ingredient helps to soften cosmetics so that they glide onto the skin with ease. While argued to be safe in small quantities, higher concentrations of this substance have been found irritating to the skin and damaging to the heart, liver and kidneys.

Parabens- A group of synthetic preservatives, these chemicals act as estrogen mimickers and have been found to be very easily absorbed into the skin. Their use has been linked in several studies to hormonal imbalance and cancer development.

Triclosan- Classified as a pesticide by the FDA and probable carcinogen by the EPA, this ingredient is still used in some antiperspirant preparations for anti-bacterial effect. It is also found in some antibacterial soaps and gels.

         Coconut oil deodorant is easy to make, serves as an effective carrier for essential oils of your choosing and is phenomenally good for the skin. Coconut oil nourishes and hydrates the skin as well as underlying tissues. Furthermore, it has a unique lauric acid component that works to protect the skin with antimicrobial capability.

        As of right now, I have just been rubbing some of the coconut oil that I use for body lotion into my armpits and it has been working pretty well. It makes it through the day, but I do reapply before going out for the evening. This, however, is more of just a deodorant. If you sweat alot and need some antiperspirant qualities as well, I would suggest using the recipe below. I'm sure most of you have never heard of arrowroot powder, but it's not too hard to find. I use Bob's Red Mill brand and you can find it in the organic section in Kroger or in the flour and spices aisle in Meijers.

Make Your Own Organic Coconut Oil Deodorant

5 Tbsp organic coconut oil

1/4 cup pure, aluminum free baking soda 

1/4 cup organic arrowroot powder

Optional:

9-10 drops essential oil blend of your choice

Sift arrowroot powder into a bowl and mix with baking soda. Add in coconut oil and other essential oils of your choice, blending until a paste-like texture is achieved. Place mixture into preferred container- you can use an emptied out deodorant stick or a small glass container. If you chose to use the plastic deodorant stick, note that coconut oil melts at about 76°f, so you may have to refrigerate to keep it solid in the warmer months. 

Finally, SUNSCREEN....First let me tell you some things about the common off-the-shelf sunscreens:

• SPF values above 50-plus. Higher SPF products are not necessarily best. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration says these numbers can be misleading. There's a concern that high SPF products may give people a false sense of security and encourage people to stay out in the sun for too long without reapplying sunscreen. It's also important to note that the SPF is based solely on UVB protection.
• Sunscreen sprays. They can fill the air with tiny particles that may not be safe to breathe in, according to EWG.
• Most contain oxybenzone and vitamin A. Oxybenzone is a concern because it penetrates the skin, is associated with allergic reactions and is a potential hormone disruptor. Retinyl palmitate is a form of vitamin A that may not be safe when exposed to sunlight.

Of course many companies have caught wind of the trend away from them products and have come up with "safer" products, but they are usually super expensive and still not completely safe.

        Now, please don't think that the coconut oil is some kind of magical elixir that you can just slather yourself in and then play the day away in the sun. You will need to reapply every hour if you're out in direct sun or when you come out of the water. Also, just use common sense. If you have fair skin, only expose your skin for a short period of time (even with the sunscreen on) and increase the length of exposure each time you go out if you're not burning until you have a "base" built up. Even if you have medium or olive skin tones, you will want to reapply often since the coconut oil helps protect you from the harmful UV rays which cause skin cancer.

        Slow and steady wins the race when it comes to sun exposure. If you let yourself burn right out of the gate, then you will peel which exposes sensitive under layers. This makes these areas more susceptible to burn the next time you go out, and you will end up with a splotchy tan.

I hope you find this info helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. I would also love to hear any new suggestions, or testimonials on whether these things worked or didn't work for you. 

Thanks again for getting Fit with Britt!

Eggs: The Incredibly Good, Bad, and Ugly

EGGS! One of the most debated nutrition subjects. We have been told they are "incredibly edible", to eat only certain parts, or to not eat them at all. What's the truth about eggs?? Well, I will give you the facts about eggs from the composition of their parts, to the labels they are given, and then let you form your own opinion. 

TO EAT OR NOT TO EAT?!? That is the question.

We have all heard the back and forth in the media about eggs. They are high in protein, so they're good. But, they're high in cholesterol, so they're bad. The cholesterol and fat is in the yolk, so only eat the whites. What are you supposed to believe?

Here are the facts about the what's actually in an egg. Eggs consist of two parts, albumen and yolk. Albumen is also known as egg white.  Albumen comprises more than half the egg’s total protein, niacin, riboflavin, chlorine, magnesium, potassium, sodium and sulfur. 

The yolk or yellow portion contains all of the fat in the egg and a little less than half of the protein. IMPORTANT! KEEP READING BEFORE YOU FORM AN OPINION! Before you get all wigged out about the fact that the yolk contains all of the fat content in the egg, you need to realize what else is in the yolk, as well as the importance of the fat in the yolk. 

The yolk contains the majority of the egg’s vitamins than the white, with the exception of riboflavin and niacin. ALL of the egg’s vitamins A, D and E are in the yolk. Egg yolks are also one of the few foods naturally containing vitamin D (you need D to absorb calcium and it also helps lift mood). The yolk also contains more phosphorus, manganese, iron, iodine, copper, and calcium than the white, and it contains ALL of the zinc. Vitamins D, E, K, and A are fat-soluble vitamins, which means YOU NEED FAT in order for your body to absorb them. This is provided naturally by the egg yolk. 

As a country, we have become obsessed with breaking everything down into its separate parts, identifying the enemy, and attacking it (or just the opposite, identifying the good stuff and OVER-CONSUMING, which can be just as dangerous). You can just as easily have too much of a good thing as you can too much of a bad one. Fat and cholesterol have been on top of the “Most Wanted” list for some time, but most people don’t truly understand the essential and vital roles both of these items play.  

The term "cholesterol" refers to a group of chemicals containing both protein and fat components (lipoproteins) that are present in every living cell and perform the following functions.

• Aids in hormone production.
• Essential for brain and nerve development.
• Starting material from which the liver produces bile acids, necessary for digestion of fats.
• Key substances in the wall of every cell.
• Precursor for production of steroid hormones by the adrenal glands and gonads. (1.)

"Bad" and "Good" Cholesterol

Particles called lipoproteins carry cholesterol in the blood. There are two kinds of lipoproteins you need to know about: LDL and HDL.

• Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol make up the majority of the body's cholesterol. LDL is known as "bad" cholesterol because having high levels can lead to a buildup in the arteries and result in heart disease.
• High-density lipoproteins (HDL) cholesterol absorb cholesterol and carry it back to the liver, which flushes it from the body. High levels of HDL, or "good" cholesterol, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. (2.)

So although the egg yolks contain all the fat and cholesterol, we need to realize that all fats and cholesterols cannot be lumped together as “bad guys”. Egg yolks are a good source of HDL cholesterol which helps in the fight against bad cholesterol. The fats contained in a yolk are mostly unsaturated fats and are essential to the absorption of vital vitamins and minerals contained within them.

As Aristotle said, "The whole is greater than the sum of its parts". Nature has a perfect way of packaging things for us. Neither the egg white or yolk by themselves can equal the benefits of the egg eaten as a whole. If it was meant to be separated, nature would have done so for us. I honestly think we need to stop thinking that we know more and can do so much better.

The Truth Behind the Labels

After the “Green Revolution” really started gaining steam in the past few years, many different labels started showing up on our eggs. But what exactly do each of them mean? Unfortunately, many of these labels are an attempt to “green wash” and confuse consumers. But have no fear, I am here to help you understand and navigate your way to the healthiest sources!

Cage-free or Free-roaming

In a cage-free facility, battery cages are not used, and typically a hen will have enough room to walk around and extend her wings, but the facilities may still be crowded, and birds may still be "debeaked." This entails the trimming of a portion of a bird's beak in order to combat cannibalism and feather pecking that may occur among birds kept in close quarters.

Often the packaging of "cage-free" eggs can mislead the consumer about the product they are purchasing. It is common to see designs on the egg cartons including chickens roaming free outdoors. This is not the case with "cage-free" eggs. The hens are still maintained indoors, just not in cages.

Free-range

Free-range hens are supposed to have access to the outside. But there is no regulation as to how long they are outside, how much room they are to be given, or about any of the standards that deem them “free-range.” For a chicken - and their eggs - to be labeled "free-range" or "free-roaming" the USDA regulations state, "Producers must demonstrate to the Agency that the poultry has been allowed access to the outside." While some egg producers are truly free-range, and the chickens remain outdoors for a good deal of the time, there is nothing preventing a factory farm from labeling eggs as free range, merely because the structure in which the chickens live has a door to an outside yard. Plus these birds can still be given antibiotics, animal byproducts, and food from GMO crops. They may live in an overcrowded situation and may or may not have access to nests and perches.  In other words, they are probably not what you thought they were.

Vegetarian-Fed Eggs

I have one simple comment to make about these eggs. CHICKENS ARE NOT VEGETARIANS!!

Pastured Eggs

When you invoke the thought of a true chicken, one that is roaming around free doing what chickens do, you are envisioning what’s known today as a pastured chicken. I’ve also recently seen them called “true free-range”. The birds remain on pasture all the time, sometimes confined within a portable pen. If they are in a pen, sometimes called a “chicken tractor”, it is moved daily to give the birds access to fresh pasture. The portable pen usually has a roost attached to protect the hens from the elements and from predators. These are the best and most nutrient-dense eggs. You will pay between $3.85-$5.25 for a dozen, but even on the high side, that’s only $0.44 an egg. At most restaurants you will pay anywhere from $1-$1.50 for one run-of-the-mill factory egg.

There are many places around the Indy area to find “pastured” eggs, including any of the Moody’s Meats locations, downtown at the City Market at the Saturday farm market, and at Pogue’s Run Grocer.

For a truly interesting look into just how nutritionally inferior “conventional” eggs are compared to “pastured” eggs, you should read this independent study, http://www.motherearthnews.com/Real-Food/2007-10-01/Tests-Reveal-Healthier-Eggs.aspx#ixzz2NX6nQ3wc

If you have any questions, or need help finding quality eggs in your area, be sure to get ahold of me!

1. Nutritional Importance of an Egg by Mr. Zaib-ur-Rehman and Prof. Dr. Ahsan ul Haq (University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan)

2. http://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/ldl_hdl.htm 

Things to Avoid at All Costs!

I wanted to start off by giving you a list of what I feel are the most important things to avoid AT ALL COSTS! Followed by a list of things you should shy away from, and what I mean by shy away from is, to avoid them completely unless as a last resort. Then finally, a list of things you can really sink your teeth into...in moderation of course, and barring any allergies, religious, or personal beliefs. 

I believe very strongly in not just knowing WHAT to eat or not eat, but also WHY. I believe that if you are just doing something because someone said so, but you don't know the reasoning behind it, then you are less likely to have conviction behind your intentions. I want you to be educated in your choices, not just follow like a lost puppy. I want you to be able to answer with confidence when someone questions your choices, or to help pay it forward when a friend or family member needs help getting started. So, in order to do that, I will be creating many follow-up notes on individual subjects. If you would like to know more about a particular item that I haven't covered yet, or isn't on my list, please message me and I will work on getting to that right away.

This list is in no way complete and the information is always evolving. I will be here to help keep you up-to-date. 

ITEMS TO AVOID AT ALL TIMES:

• Sodas, regular or diet (fattening, heart unhealthy, bone depleting)

• Artificial sweeteners in the pink, yellow, blue, green or other little packets – (poison in a packet)

• Monosodium Glutamate (MSG is harmful, period)

• Hydrogenated fats or oils (canola [YES, canola], corn, cottonseed, peanut, soy, they contribute to heart disease)

• Fast food (if it's fast, or low cost, it's typically not nutritious and has empty calories)

• Microwavable food (alters the molecular content and nutrition of heated food or liquids)

• Soft Plastic Bottled Water. The kind that crackle when you squeeze them. (harmful chemical called BPA in the plastic that gets into the water)

• Deep Fried Foods (We all know this, even if we don't want to admit to it)

• High Fructose Corn Syrup AND Agave (triggers large elevation in blood triglycerides & serious weight gain)

•“Table” Salt (heart and blood pressure damaging)

• Mainstream Energy Drinks (heart damaging, central nervous system damaging)

• Tooth & Oral Care Whiteners (will make your tooth enamel brittle and increase your chances of broken teeth and dental care problems)

• Mainstream Breath Sprays, Mints and Mouthwashes (many typical use harmful and chemically based cancer causing sweeteners, colorings, and bulk agents)

• Margarines & Fake Branded Spreads (can you say "semi-edible plastic‟?)

• Skin Blocks (stops absorption of Vitamin D-3 from the sun, which most of us a highly deficient in)

ITEMS TO SHY AWAY FROM:

• Over The Counter Drugs (many are non effective and expensive)

• Prescription Drugs (only when medically prescribed and as a last resort, read THE TRUTH ABOUT THE DRUG COMPANIES by Dr. Marcia Angell, MD)

• Deli Meats (a chemistry set of harmful fillers)

• Sugary Breakfast Cereals (very costly, little nutrition, and potential allergic sensitivities)

• Granola Bars (full of harmful fats and refined sugars)

• Processed Poultry (a typical low cost roasted chicken at the supermarket is pumped full of salts, water sugars, modified food starches, preservatives, humectants, fake coloring, gelatins, etc., it gets worse from there, when talking about food service tenders/wings/skinned or restaurant poultry)

• The Center Aisles Of Most Grocery & Food Chains (yes, your chances of buying anything healthy or nutritious, loaded with harmful ingredients like High Fructose Corn Syrup, declines by 75%, of items on shelves in the center aisles of a typical supermarket or big box grocer, stay on the corners where the real food is found)

• Fat Free, Low Fat, Skim, and 2% (these are terms to make you think you are doing something good for your body, and it's just the opposite)

• Sliced & Whipped & Shredded (if it looks fake, it probably is, and contains polymer science)

• Scented Candles & Air Fresheners (chemistry, pure & deadly, for the most part)

• Energy Bars (far too many unfortunately are glorified candy bars, it takes some careful comparison-shopping to find brands that are decent)

• Potato Chips & Salted Snacks & Crackers (most sell the 4 most inexpensive & nutrient deplete ingredients = air, water, salt and HFCS).

• Frozen Pizza (mostly harmful ingredients)

• Frozen Dinners or Meals or Snacks (typically highly process empty calories at best)

• Bottled Salad Dressings & Bagged Salads = (hidden inert gases, aids to processing & bad for you ingredients in the bagged salads; lots of harmful chemistry in these bottles)

• Instant (translated from marketing terms means void of nutrition)

• Microwavable Popcorn (Full of cancer causing chemicals, salt and coloring combined with molecular manipulation of kernels and hot air by the microwave)

• Bottom Fish Or Shell Fish (can be loaded with harmful lead, mercury or other heavy metals, and/or high levels of iodine)

• Most Yogurts (Have you read the labels? Most are filled with artificial colors and sweeteners)

• White Sliced Bread (empty calories, refined carbohydrates)

• Canned Fruit (load with harmful sweeteners and void of nutrients)

ITEMS TO SINK YOUR TEETH INTO (IN MODERATION), FOR YOUR SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCES:

• All Real FRESH Fruit 

• All Real Vegetables (dark, green, & leafy preferred)

• Nuts: Raw Almonds, Walnuts, Pecans, Roasted Macadamias

• Game Meats (meaning wild, hunted game such as venison, rabbit, squirrel, elk, etc)

• Pastured & Game Poultry (chickens allowed to roam free outside and wild caught birds)

• Most Wild-caught Seafood & Fish 

• Fresh Pastured Eggs (Check out my other Note Eggs: The Incredibly Good, Bad, and Ugly)

• Multi Grain Or Artisan Breads

• Fresh Tap Water and/or Filtered Water (non-bottled water)

• Citrus Fruits (lemon, orange, lime, etc., often, if not daily)

• Raw Cane & Brown Sugar (in moderation)

• Butter Ghee

• Olive Oil (Cold, First Pressed)

• Cocoa butter & Dark Chocolate

• Coconut & Coconut Oil (Virgin, cold pressed)

• Grape seed Oil

• Berries

• Fresh Salads

• Natural Vinegar (with "the mother" in it [Bragg's is a good brand])

• Spices & Natural Herbs

• Cinnamon

• Real Mayonnaise, Mustard & Sauces

• Pasta

• Unsweetened Teas

• Real Honey (Preferrably from a local source, it can help with some allergies)

• Real Maple Syrup (Sorry, Aunt Jemima is nothing but artificially colored and flavored corn syrup)

• Molasses

• Potatoes

• Yams

• Avocados

• Legumes & Beans

• Natural & Unprocessed Ethic Food (Mediterranean, Asian, Hispanic, etc.)

• Natural Jerky

• Home Made Pies (crust made with good old lard)

• Made from Scratch/Home Made Cakes

• Made from Scratch, Home Made Cookies & Baking with Real Butter

• Real & Natural, Jams, Jellies, Preserves

• Unrefined Sea Salt or Celtic salt

• Real Natural Favors & Extracts