How to survive the chemical overload on Easter

It's that time of year again. The grocery shelves are stocked with holiday candy filled with the worst ingredients...

Take a look at what's in some of the most popular Easter candies in the U.S.

Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs: Peanuts, Milk Chocolate [Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Chocolate, Skim Milk, Milkfat, Lactose, Lecithin (Soy), PGPR], Sugar, Dextrose: Vegetable Oil [Palm Oil, Shea Oil, Sunflower Oil, Palm Kernel and/or Safflower Oil], Salt, Whey, Skim Milk: Lecithin (Soy), TBHQ, Citric Acid, Vanillin, Artificial Flavor.

Cadbury Creme Egg: Milk Chocolate [Sugar, Milk, Cocoa Butter, Chocolate, Milk Fat, Lecithin (Soy), Natural and Artificial Flavor], Sugar, Corn Syrup, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Artificial Flavor, Calcium Chloride, Egg Whites, Artificial Color [Yellow 6].

Brach's Easter Jelly Beans: Sugar, Corn Syrup, Modified Food Starch (Corn), Cornstarch, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Confectioner's Glaze (Shellac), Carnauba Wax, Beeswax, Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Red 3.

No child should be eating...

1. Artificial colors known to disrupt the immune system and linked to allergies, skin reactions, and hyperactivity.
2. TBHQ linked to the rise in food allergies and other immune system issues. It's also banned for use in food in other countries including Japan.
3. Genetically modified (GMO) sugar and other ingredients treated with Roundup weed killer.

Don't our children deserve better?

That's why I choose to vote with my dollars… Yes, even when shopping for Easter candy. The fastest way to get this junk out of our food is to refuse to buy products made with horrible ingredients.

Look for organic brands such as YumEarth, Ocho, Black Forest, Alter Eco, and Lake Champlain. You'll find them online and in natural food grocery stores - I've even seen some in Target!

And if you are celebrating Easter with brunch this weekend, I have some delicious recipe ideas for you from the Food Babe Kitchen cookbook:

Something savory…

• Turkey and Red Pepper Egg "Muffins" (page 72)
• Morning Potato Bake (page 68)
• Chicken Shawarma Salad (page 132)

Something sweet…

• Blueberry Cinnamon French Toast Bake (page 80)
• Lemon Muffins (page 270)
• Biscuits with Whipped Honey Butter (page 82)
• Almond Biscotti (page 257)

Something fruity….

• Acai Berry Bowl (page 87)
• Sweet Crunch Salad (page 136)
• Grapefruit Goddess Salad (page 138)

And some special treats...

• Goji Berry Drops (page 245)
• My Mom's Carrot Halwa (page 266)
• Harley's Strawberry Cake (page 269)

Round this all out with a pitcher of Homemade Ginger Ale (page 94) and an assortment of organic herbal teas. 

If you don't have Food Babe Kitchen yet, it's nearly 50% off on Amazon right now:

Here's the link to get your copy.

I hope you have a wonderful Easter and get to spend the day with your loved ones!

And, if you know anyone who could use an Easter candy makeover please send this email to them.

Xo,

Vani

P.O. Box 31521 Charlotte, NC 28231

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