It's Saturday night and I am excited. Why? Spring is on its way and tomorrow is set aside to plan the Spring garden -- commit my thoughts to paper. I love it. Always remember the first rule of gardening -- plant the right plant in the right place. Probably leaf lettuce, radishes, arugula (so easy to grow), beets and peas will be first in the ground this year. These are all easily grown from seed.  Tell me about your "dirty" garden plans. Read more about how gardening in FOOD, Field to Fork. 

Hi Anita,
 
I have a friend who came across the book called "Wheat Belly."  It claims wheat produced today is different from the wheat produced decades ago.  Therefore, it is not as healthy for us and it is causing both diabetes and obesity in this country.
MY RESPONSE: Food basically doesn’t change too much over time but know that no food is exactly what it was nutrient-wise over time….all foods are tested for current nutrient contents by the USDA on a regular basis. Say every one or two years. Obesity and diabetes mellitus can result from eating too much but whole wheat or grains isn’t to blame for this. Many things can contribute to these developing these diseases. To say it causes these diseases is a bit simplistic and sounds like hype but is definitely an attention getter. That’s like saying grapes are the sole cause of alcoholism. Get my drift?
 
What is your opinion of this? 
MY RESPONSE: All food can fit in a healthy diet.
 
Also, what is the difference between "100% whole wheat" [MY RESPONSE: made with the whole kernel of wheat] and "100% whole grain [MY RESPONSE: made with the whole kernel of whatever grain is being used in the food product] ?"
 
Thank you for you time and I look forward to your opinion.
 
BELLY BABE

READ: Grain Grains and Friendly Fiber chapter in FOOD, Field to Fork for more on this topic.

eBook FREE – FREE – FREE for Kindle Readers Download a free copy of the eBook Kindle version of Food, Field to Fork: How to Grow Sustainably, Shop Wisely, Cook Nutritiously, and Eat Deliciously from the Amazon.com Kindle Store from 1201AM Friday, Oct 5 to Midnight on Sunday, Oct 7, 2012.   Click here to download: http://www.amazon.com/Food-Field-Fork-Nutritiously-ebook/dp/B005F6NBHI/ref=pd_rhf_pe_p_t_3 


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KEEP AMERICANS WORKING NOW!

Autumn starts on September 22 (Saturday).
Here are some ideas to help you think “green” for the coming season. If you have an idea you don’t see listed below…share it with us.

· No pressure? Keep automobile tire air pressure properly inflated for better gas mileage. The correct pressure level is noted on the outer sidewall on each tire.

· Inspect it. Clean your furnace every year to help prevent fire hazards. Hire a professional furnace expert to safety inspect your furnace annually. Always clean out or replace filters as needed to get maximum equipment performance.

· Clean and clear. Keep areas around vents, registers on the floor, baseboard heats and radiators clear and clean for optimal air flow.

· Shut it up. Close up window air conditioners to keep cold air from seeping in from the outdoors. Caulk leaky areas as needed.

· Get behind it. Clean behind and around all major appliances (e.g., washer, dryer, refrigerator, and freezer). For appliances with compressors -- vacuum any excess dust off compressor coils for maximum efficiency. Always clean out or replace filters as needed to get maximum equipment performance.

· Caulk it. Caulk around drafty window and doors to prevent/reduce heat loss. A rolled up towel or rug can also help block out drafts that seep in at the base or bottom of a closed door.

· Wrap it. Remember to keep your water heater wrapped in an insulating blanket to save energy if it’s an older model. For more on this topic go to http://www.engext.ksu.edu/henergy/lighting/water.asp#blanket.

· Reverse it. Make sure the blades are turning clockwise to push the warm air upward. This will keep the warm air circulating in the room.

Reference: The ideas listed above were adapted from some of those found at http://reducefootprints.blogspot.com/2009/09/20-green-tips-for-fall.html. Accessed 9/17/12.

BUY MADE IN THE USA!

KEEP AMERICANS WORKING NOW!