[Amrit] Pradhan is one of 66,000 farmers from Sikkim [a state in northeast India] who are part of a far-reaching experiment. Since last year, the states farmers have become 100% organic their produce is free of [synthetic] chemical pesticides or genetic modification [Editors note: there are no approved genetically modified fruits or vegetables approved or grown in India, anywhere].

It also means their fruit and vegetables are smaller, less colourful, and more expensive than the imported, non-organic produce from the city of Siliguri in the neighbouring state of West Bengal.

Last year, prime minister Narendra Modi lauded Sikkim for its organic farming, a programme that had gradually been rolled out across the state since 2003.

The farming techniques [in Indias Green Revolution] produced dramatic increases in yield, and new prosperity for farmers, especially in northern states such as Punjab and Haryana. India went from being a food-deficient country to a leading agricultural power.Food prices fell, but the farming methods took their toll on the environment increased water use, soil degradation and chemical run-off raising questions about the sustainability of such practices.

Amrit Pradhan

In 2016, Sikkims state government made the use of chemical pesticides a criminal offence, carrying a heavy penalty of 100,000 rupees (1,170) and up to three months in jail.

In India, where at least half of the countrys 1.25 billion population rely on farming as a primary source of income, and more than 15% of inhabitants are undernourished,according to the global hunger index, experiments with organic farming could come at a huge human cost.

In Sikkim, years of failed crops could affect tens of thousands of families while the land adjusts to the new methods.

[Farmer Amrit] Pradhan says the organic crop he produces does not sell well in Sikkim.Pradhan supports the governments organic initiatives, but fears the project will fail unless Sikkims residents start buying into the idea.

The GLP aggregated and excerpted this blog/article to reflect the diversity of news, opinion, and analysis. Read full, original post:Sikkims organic revolution at risk as local consumers fail to buy into project

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India's consumers rejecting state's experiment to produce 100% organic: Food too expensive, less appetizing - Genetic Literacy Project

By News Desk | February 5, 2017

Loblaw Companies Ltd. is recalling one flavor of PC Organics baby food from retailers nationwide in Canada after a consumer complaint triggered an inspection that revealed the product could contain the toxin that causes botulism poisoning.

The recall includes only one lot of Presidents Choice (PC) Organics branded apple, blueberry and green pea strained baby food sold in pouches with twist-off caps, according to the recall notice on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website.

Check to see if you have the recalled product in your home. Recalled product should be thrown out or returned to the store where it was purchased, the government recall notice states.

Food contaminated with Clostridium botulinum toxin may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, blurred or double vision, dry mouth, respiratory failure and paralysis. In severe cases of illness, people may die.

Consumers can identify the recalled baby food pouches by looking for the following codes on the product packages:

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is investigating the situation and will post public recall warnings for additional products if necessary. The CFIA did not provide details about the nature of the consumer complaint or its investigation thus far in the recall notice posted Friday.

Consumers with questions can contact Loblaw Companies Ltd. toll-free by calling 888-495-5111 or by sending email to customerservice@presidentschoice.ca.

(To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here.)

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Organic baby food pouches recalled for botulism risk - Food Safety News

Do you remember years ago when Snackwell's "fat-free" cookies first hit the market and everyone was like "OH MY GOD! Fat-Free cookies!" So they ate them by the boxful and were SHOCKED when they...gained weight! Thankfully, we've become a little more knowledgeable over the years and better understand that labels that read "fat-free" or "sugar-free" really mean ingredients that are a chemical shit-storm.

But, there are plenty of nutritional myths still lingering...

especially when it comes to organic foods.

I am just as excited as you thatNic's Organic Fast-Foodwill soon hit the Chicago area. While I'm thrilled to have an organic, non-GMO drive-thru option, a daily diet of bacon double cheeseburgers and fries isn't exactly waist-friendly...

even if it's antibiotic-free, grass-fed beef.

Organic junk food is still junk food. Choosing organic foods doesn't increase the product's nutrients, but it will decrease your exposure to dangerous/questionable ingredients, stabilizers, glyphosate, and genetic modifications. While synthetic sugars have been linked to weight gain, even organic sugar sweets aren't always doing your body any favors either.

That said, a healthier diet doesn't mean giving up all junk food favorites...moderation is key, right?

By choosing foods that are organic, non-GMO, or contain no synthetic colors, flavors, or sugars...you're making a safer choice...but not automatically the healthiest choice...

but sometimes a damn tasty one!

You need protein supplements. Can we chill out on the protein, please? Pick up any magazine or step into any gym... protein is the buzz. And it is important. Protein is essential for muscle repair, growth, and virtually all body functions.

But...

how much protein does your body really need?

For most of the population, the daily protein recommendation is .8-1.2 g/kg. What does that mean?

150 lbs/2.2 = @ 68 kg. 68 kg x .8 = 54.4 g protein or 68 kg x 1.2 = 81.6 g.

So, on average, a person who weighs 150 lbs. would need approximately 54-82 g. of protein per day.

A 3 oz chicken breast has approximately 28 g. of protein. Add an egg or some black beans and maybe some shrimp to your day...you're already close to 54 g.

But the supplements are so convenient though...

and expensive....and unregulated.

In many cases, you'd pay the same amount per serving for organic chicken breasts as you do for the protein powder mixes...but you'd receive more Vitamin B-6, iron, magnesium, and potassium with real food...not to mention other nutrients from side dishes (because strawberry flavoring doesn't count as a serving of fruit).

Do supplements have their place? Of course. They're convenient when traveling, during extended storm emergencies, specific medical conditions, and for some athletes-

sorry- wish it did, but an hour at the gym doesn't meet athlete status.

But, supplements may- or may not- contain the ingredients listed on the label. And, they may also contain ingredients NOT listed on the label. Supplements are a 30 billion dollar unregulated industry...choose wisely.

Water is the best choice for hydration. Ok, this one was a tough learn for me. Not that I only drink water, but I mostly assumed that it was the better choice for me and my kids when playing outside or sports. Which is sort of true...

until it isn't.

Just like a bout of vomiting, diarrhea...or a bad hangover can necessitate more than water for hydration, a vigorous workout or exercise lasting over an hour creates greater hydration and replenishing needs too.Of course profuse sweating, humidity, and altitude all play a role in re-hydration needs as well.

Physiologically, after an hour of exercise, the body needs carbohydrates: glucose and electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and chloride).

Replacing lost nutrients with artificial colors and copious amounts of sugar, however, is counterproductive to the benefits of the activity.

While oranges can be a great option, they aren't always feasible depending on the workout. Unsweetened sports beverages are also good, but not always palatable during exercise...and re-hydration and restoring energy levels is more important than trying to avoid a little natural sugar.

In general, look for sports drinks, coconut water, or cactus water that contain about 5-8% carbohydrates per serving to help replenish carbohydrates and electrolytes.

Odds are good that your grandparents didn't choose foods based on convenience or label their meals "clean eating." They ate REAL FOOD...made by real people.

But that was then.

Today life is more complicated...busier...more chaotic.

Are we prioritizing our schedules over our health, though? Convenience certainly has its place....there's that moderation idea again...but it won't provide the greatest source of nutrients for best health.

How can you meet nutrient requirements? For the most part...eat REAL food. Choose snacks that provide a nutritional boost, and consume a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables.

*Ready to learn more simple ways to live a healthier lifestyle? Excited to hear about cool small shops & see if my weekly Pinterest task was a success or fail?

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Link:

Organic food will make you thin: and other nutrition myths ... - ChicagoNow (blog)

Organic or not?

Its a question that many people from those fighting cancer to folks simply looking to eat right or prevent disease might ask themselves in the grocery aisle.

An answer, however, isnt definite.

Both types of food have key health benefits, though making the decision (perhaps driven by cost and availability) can leave consumers at an impasse.

Consider the following, then, when shopping for organic and conventional foods and, in choosing either option, what you can do to maximize the health benefits of your diet.

Are organic foods better for me?

There have been no direct studies on humans to show that organic foods can prevent cancer or other diseases more effectively than conventionally grown foods.

So far, there is alsono consistent evidencethat organic food is any more nutritious (higher in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients).

Do only organic fruits and vegetables reduce my cancer risk?

No. Whatsimportant, however, is to eat fruits, vegetables and other plant foods regardless of whether they are grown conventionally or organically.

Aim for at least five daily servings of fruits and vegetables. Plant foods offer vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals with real cancer-fighting abilities. Those plus whole grains should form the central part of a persons diet.

Also, replacing higher-calorie foods with healthful plant foods can help with weight control which, as a result, can help protect against some cancers.

Are the terms organic and natural the same?

Natural does not mean organic.

Naturalapplies broadly to foods free of artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, preservatives and ingredients that do not occur naturally in the foods.

Meat and poultry must be minimally processed in a method that does not fundamentally change the raw product.

Organicrefers not only to the food itself but also to how it was produced. Organic foods are crops and livestock raised at organic farms without synthetic chemicals, hormones, antibiotic agents, genetic engineering or irradiation.

How can I minimize exposure to fertilizers and pesticides in non-organic foods?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends that all fresh produce be thoroughly rinsed under running water (rather than soaking or dunking). This removes most surface residue along with dirt and any bacteria.

Discard the outer layers of leafy vegetables. Peeling fruits and vegetables such as apples, pears, potatoes and carrots will help to remove the surface residue.

Eat a colorful variety of fresh produceto ensure a better mix of nutrients and reduce potential exposure to a single pesticide.

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News source:Michigan Health. The content is edited for length and style purposes. Figure legend: This Knowridge.com image is credited to Michigan Health.

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Do you really need to eat organic food? - Knowridge Science Report

Two Spring courses beginning in February will provide students with the tools to be able to handle stressful situations.

Continuing and Professional Education will offer the courses "Meditation: A Tool for Making a Difference," and "Meditation: A Tool for Increasing Well-Being."

"Meditation: Tool for Making a Difference," is the in-class meditation experience which will include 4 sessions throughout the months of February and March on Thursday evenings.

"This course could benefit any type of student and I am hoping those who are focused on their long term objective to make a difference in the world consider it," said Margaret Glenn, the instructor of both courses.

Each session will include basic information related to the type of meditation, body scan and breathing practice, as well as the half hour meditation experience.

"Meditation is a mind and body practice. There are many types of meditation, most of which originated in ancient religious and spiritual traditions." according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

"Meditationa Tool for Well-Being," the online class, that will feature four sessions with a real time, web conferencing software. They will focus on resilience, positive outlook, attention and generosity.

In 2012, only 8 percent of adults and 1.6 percent of children in the United States meditated regularly, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

Glenn said the course would benefit students health.

"In general, a meditation practice increases brain function, particularly in creative thinking and helps with focus and attention," she said.

Glenn continued, "It decreases impulses that are triggered in many of us by reducing stress and anxiety as well as increasing happiness, and in the long termresiliency."

Glenn has been trained in Primordial Sound Meditation and is certified by the Chopra Center to be an instructor.

She has also participated in teacher-training in cognitively-based compassion training created at the Tibetan Partnership.

"There is a cost that may deter students," Glenn said.

The cost of the in-class section will be $75, the online section will be $99.

"It is not for everyone and I always encourage people to read more about the subject before they start," Glenn said.

Students may register for the course at http://continuinged.wvu.edu/.

The classroom course will be held at 6:30 p.m. on February 9, 16, 23 and March 2 in Room 414 of Allen Hall on the Evansdale Campus.

The online course begins February 20.

"After (the class, meditation) is easily accessible and basically free to practice on your own," Glenn said.

Originally posted here:

Online and in-class meditation courses offered this semester - The Daily Athenaeum

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Follow through on your intention to learn and practice meditation at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb.10, at at Bernardsville Public Library.

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The first meeting of Bernardsville Public Library's new inspirational workshop series, Make YOUR Difference, will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 25.(Photo: ~Courtesy of Bernardsville Public Library)

Follow through on your intention to learn and practice meditation at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb.10, at at Bernardsville Public Library.

READ:Heartbeats: Integrate meditation into your daily life

This is a guided meditation session in which different types of meditation are explored, followed by a time of sharing for those who are so inclined. First-timers and those with any meditation experience are welcome.

The group meets on the second Friday of each month. Leaders are Mary Bodenstein and Jean Leigh. There is no charge to attend the program, and no sign-up is needed.

For further information, call the library at 908-766-0118.

Bernardsville Public Library is at 1 Anderson Hill Road in Bernardsville.

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Heartbeats: Monthly Meditations at Bernardsville Library - MyCentralJersey.com

Meditation(Photo: GANNETT)

At Nyack Yoga, reaching your wellness groove can go two ways. The yoga studio has two classes that bring some fun or some peace depending on what you're looking for: Happy Hour Yoga or Floating Meditation.

I think everybody is feeling very stressed, there is nothing taught to us about how to manage stress. I think you have to look for something to help and maybe going to the bar is not working, " says owner Laura Kallen.

Happy Hour Yoga started two years agoon Friday evenings where a mix of regulars and drop-ins let off some steam with music and OMs. We decided to make it fun and rotate the teachers and theme, she says. "We dont kick anyone out right after class and they can walk up the street for a meal in Nyack after class.

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With themed-nights of jazz, beach songsto Bob Marley and George Michael tributes, the Friday night class is all about fun Vinyasa-style. Its about movement and self-expression in the 75 minute class, with low lighting, candles and an LED light show on the wall.

Some weeks there is live music or a DJ. "We encourage the musicians to bring any of their music to sell and/or information about themselves to share with our community," she says."We dont take ourselves too seriously; and we have a really welcoming community," saysKallen.

A new monthly addition, Floating Meditation, occurs on the first Tuesday of themonth. Participantsare guided through a 30-minute meditation while seated in a hammock dangling from the ceiling.

Its a different way to experience mediation because the hammock holds you; like youre being swaddled. Its soothing and very relaxing," saysKallen. She saysthe half-hour class is popular forthose looking for anevening option that is a quick stress-buster.

Using the hammock to rest in is more special than just lying on the ground because of the swaddling effect. If someone is really anxious this is very calming, she says. You are wrapped and its a gentle compression its quite delicious.

Guests are in a silky black hammock with a guided meditation coach for half- hour.

I think you can go to the gym and count calories but you need to spend the same amount of time fixing your mind. You need practices that open up that," Kallen says.

GO:Nyack Yoga. Happy Hour Fridays 6:30 p.m., Single class $20 and $15 for seniors and students. Monthly Meditation first Tuesday of the month $10, 7:30 p.m., Monthly membership $108, 42 Main St, Nyack, 845-675-7135, nyackyoga42main.com

Twitter:@krhudsonvalley

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Try floating meditation in Nyack - The Journal News | LoHud.com

Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Aisedora

Maybe youve noticed that a thin-skinned, pathological liar and racist misogynist with no experience or interest in government and a history of boasting about sexual assault was just elected president. You probably also noticed that he has assembled a cabinet of white nationalists, homophobes, wife beaters, school privatizers, labor opponents, xenophobes, corrupt bankers, conspiracy theorists and family members to head up agencies they seem hellbent on destroying. This man is in office because almost 63 million of our fellow citizens voted for him because they think America was great when genocide, slavery or Jim Crow was happening. Thats what were dealing with.

As Donald Trump violates laws, creates new international enemies, undoes civil rights, and generally backtracks furiously on progress, it can be hard to find the space to breathe. Thats where meditation comes in; a way to care for ourselves by briefly clearing our heads before we get back to the daily work of pushing back on everything this maniac stands for. These times call for a special kind of meditation, one that really addresses the weight that drags us all down.

Enter F*ck That: An Honest Meditation. It combines soothing music, relaxing visuals and a gentle voiceover offering the most profanity-laden guidance you have ever heard on a meditation recording. Take in a deep breath. Now breathe out. Just feel the f*cking nonsense float away, the voice suggests. And with each breath, feel your body saying, f*ck that."

In other words, its just what you need right now in this moment. Check it out in full, below.

KaliHolloway is a senior writer and the associate editor of media and culture at AlterNet.

Link:

F*ck That: An Honest Meditation for These Times - AlterNet

One of the countrys leading boarding schools is to introduce meditation sessions in an attempt to calm unsettled and fidgety children during lessons.

The initiative is part of a raft of creative learning techniques to be introduced at Brighton College following a round-the-world fact finding mission led by its headmaster Richard Cairns.

From September, all teachers in the school will be supplied with an emergency meditation kit in order to quell boisterous youngsters during class. The kit will consist of videos, audio recordings and background information on how to conduct three-minute mediation sessions during lessons.

The a 40,000-a-year co-educational schools newly appointed director of creative learning, Thomas Godber, said: Simple mindfulness techniques like asking children to feel themselves sitting in the chair, feel their feet and the sensation of their socks and shoes on their feet this will allow them to concentrate and feel more relaxed.

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Top boarding school to introduce emergency meditation to calm children during class - Telegraph.co.uk

If you are unwilling to give peace and kindness then you may leave, said Lora Sloan, a clinical psychologist and one of the instructors of buddhist meditation and other meditation classes in the Lotus Meditation Center.

Sloan said they accept all religions and no one necessarily has to be Buddhist, they just expect people to bring peace and kindness with them.

The Sitting and Walking Meditation: The Values of the Buddhist Tradition was held Sat., Jan. 28 in the Lotus Meditation Center attached to the former office of international programs.

Slowly, the building and its programs are being evacuated because the building, given as a gift to the university, is being torn down. This news is heartbreaking for all the people affiliated with the Lotus Meditation Center.

Their spacious and peaceful home will be torn down within the year. The group will be forced to move in to Swanson Halls basement.

The session started with an emphasis on finding peace, love, acceptance and generosity. These are some of the values of the Buddhist religion. The group sat on a cushion on the floor or bench.

Sloan taught the group how to comfortably sit, using the pillows to their advantage. Sloan invited the group to close their eyes. She instructed the group to not let their minds wander, to be present in the moment.

She asked for each person to use your breath as an anchor. Meaning, when the mind starts to make up stories, or starts to think of the past or future, focus on your breathing to bring yourself back to the present.

During the walking meditation, the group focused on each individual step. Making sure they feel the carpet beneath their feet and the way their toes curl while they walk.

Within Buddhism, meditation can be done at any time of the day. It isnt necessary to put yourself in a quiet room with relaxing music, like we typically imagine with the word meditation. Just keeping your mind in the present while you walk or drive, not letting your mind wander, is a way to meditate.

Sloan emphasized that Buddhists concentrate on the present and in the now. They are not interested in being anywhere other than where they are. Sloan explained how when people walk, talk, drive and sit in their day to day lives, they dont pay attention to where they are in that moment.

Buddhists try their best to avoid this and always keep their minds on the present. The group, with eyes closed, focused on the present and letting go of the past.

Toward the end of the sitting meditation, Sloan instructed the group to wish love and acceptance upon themselves, those close to them, people surrounding the place they live, difficult people and every being in our world. Buddhists value this form of thinking and practice wishing that upon other people without knowing them or their values. The Buddhist tradition focuses on making their world a more caring place and it all starts from within.

Shelby Johnson is the features editor for The Dakota Student. She can be reached atshelby.marie.johnson@und.edu

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Peace, love and meditation - UND The Dakota Student