FitSugar

Fittingly Green: BPA-Free Food Containers

FitSugar — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 11:00:00 -0700

Ever since the BPA/Nalgene scare of 2008 - in which we learned that bisphenol A could cause all sorts of health problems - manufacturers have been churning out BPA-free plastic water bottles and baby products. Now, BPA-free food storage is also becoming easier to find.

Since we know that bringing your lunch to work is a healthy habit, make it even healthier by packing food in BPA-free plastic containers. I love these fittingly green food storage containers from Preserve made from 100 percent recycled plastic. Buy two square containers for $5.99, a large round one for $2.99, or the smaller version for $2.79. Rubbermaid also has an extensive collection of BPA-free containers to help you go green.

Did You Buy a BPA-Free Plastic Water Bottle?

FitSugar — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 09:00:00 -0700

When news about Nalgene bottles causing cancer broke, I ditched my old plastic bottle and bought a metal one. They're a lot heavier, though, and not the most ideal to take on hikes and walks. I just bought new BPA-free plastic water bottles for my hubby and me.

What about you . . .

Get Your Food Minus the Chemicals

FitSugar — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 03:00:19 -0800

Last year I told you about a Consumer Reports study, which detected bisphenol A (BPA) in the inner lining of most canned goods. And while the FDA has yet to ban the use of BPA in food packaging, it did announce earlier this year that the industrial chemical may pose some concern. As a result, the government agency is investing $30 million into a more comprehensive study on the effects BPA has on infants and adults.

In the meantime, those of you who are worried about your exposure should make sure your to-go containers and water bottles are BPA-free. Unfortunately, most canned goods are still made using BPA. In these instances it might be best to seek out foods packaged in glass, paper, or freezer bags. As I said earlier, most canned goods are made with BPA, but not all of them! The eco-conscious folks at Treehugger were kind enough to round up a list of seven companies making BPA-free canned goods.

Eden Organic canned beans, grains, and chilis
Vital Choice Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) cerified salmon, albacore tuna, sardines, and mackerel
Oregon's Choice MSC certified albacore
Eco Fish albacore tuna
Wild Planet skipjack and albacore tunas
Trader Joe's canned corn, canned beans, canned fish, canned poultry, and canned beef
Edward & Sons Native Forest and Nature Factor goods of fruits, vegetables, chutneys, and coconut milk

Snack Safe: BPA-Free Lunchables

FitSugar — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 03:30:27 -0800

With the big BPA scare in 2008 with Nalgene bottles, where we learned that the chemical bisphenol A could cause all sorts of health problems including cancer and urinary tract infections, many people made the switch to stainless steel, aluminum, and BPA-free water bottles. But have you thought about what other food containers you re-use? Check out some BPA-free alternatives you can use in your lunchbox.

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New Year, New Lunch Habits

FitSugar — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 10:00:08 -0800

An easy way to get healthy this year is resolving to bring your own lunch. By doing so, you know exactly what's going into your meal - not the case when eating out. Even something that seems healthy like a takeout salad can be full of hidden calories. You also cut back on waste and save on money and time by bringing your own lunch. Instead of using my lunch break to stand in line and wait for food, I go for a walk around the neighborhood or hit the gym for a quick session instead.

It may sound silly, but one way I motivate myself to pack a lunch is to have some nice to-go containers to carry it in. If I buy special dishware that's meant just for my lunch, I feel bad if it goes unused. An easy way to solve this problem is by making sure it doesn't get neglected!

To hear about the cool BPA-free containers I've been using, read more.

Lately, I've been making a lot of healthy, one-pot meals that last over the course of a few days. It saves me time during the week and minimizes the amount of pots I use. The Aladdin Artist Series Bowls ($20) are the perfect to-go containers to bring these meals to work with. The bowls are the perfect size for lunch and are extremely durable, but the best part is that they are microwave safe and BPA-free. The last thing I want are toxins leaching from a container into my food!

Besides being totally practical, they are really pretty to look at. Each twist-off lid has artwork on it commissioned by up-and-coming artists like Amy Ruppel and Heisuke Kitazawa. I seriously get excited when I am packing my lunch because I love looking down at the great illustration on my bowl. It's like having a little piece of art on me at all times.

Besides the bowls, the Aladdin Artist Series also includes 12-ounce coffee mugs with lids. All the lids on the bowls are interchangeable so you can mix and match colors if you're in the mood for something different. If you're an artist yourself, check out the blank canvas series instead and create your own mug!

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Gear Review: Intak BPA Free Water Bottle

FitSugar — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 14:30:00 -0800

While I'm a fan of reusable bottles made by Sigg, Klean Kanteen, and Nalgene, they all requite two hands to open them, which can be annoying at times. If you can relate, then check out the Intak BPA Free Hydration Bottle with Meter ($11) made by Thermos.

To see how it works read more.

Unlike other water bottles, this one has a pop top. You just lower the metal ring to unlock it, and press the gray triangular button. The clear top pops off but remains attached since it's on a hinge. You can't loosen it - yay! It reveals a small opening that makes it easy to sip out of without pouring water all over your face. Once the top is locked, it's leak proof. I love the slender body that's easy to grip, and it holds 24 ounces of water. There's even a little rotating meter so you can monitor how much water you've had. One of the best features is that the black top unscrews so it's easy to clean the inside of the bottle. It's also dishwasher safe. If you're interested, this Intak bottle comes in green, blue, red, and purple and you can buy one directly from Thermos.

Nourish Water Bottles: Kid Friendly or Are You Kidding?

babysugar — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:00:17 -0800

Being a mom also means being an acrobat. We juggle schedules, children, and our own needs in order to get everything done in a 24-hour period. It also means that we have to juggle our lil one's items as we run out the door or are standing in line.

For any mama who has tried to fill a bottle of formula while holding a screaming baby, Nourish Water Bottles ($3.50 each) were designed just for you. Each BPA-free, PET bottle is filled with eight ounces of purified spring water and is closed with a ready-to-use reusable nipple meaning that fixing your next bottle on the road simply involves adding your favorite powdered formula. No more running into a store to buy a bottle of water and no more measuring. For tots who have moved beyond the bottle, but aren't ready for a standard bottle of water, the company also makes a 10-ounce sippy cup version of the bottle.

Would you stock up on these ready-to-go bottles?

Seven BPA-Free Baby Food Alternatives

LilSugar — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 06:00:07 -0700

They say you are what you eat, so what parent would chance feeding their tot toxins? Just as American states have begun to pass legislation banning the use of BPA in plastic baby bottles and toys, a Canadian survey found the toxic compound in 84 percent of the glass-jarred baby food containers it sampled. The BPA is believed to have entered the baby food through the liners used on metal jar lids. Parents looking to avoid contaminated baby purees should seek the alternatives available. Check out our selection of safe baby food gadgets and products.

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Ecotot: Healthy Lunchboxes You'll Be Proud to Pack

LilSugar — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 09:00:00 -0800

Packing lunch and snacks for school-age children can be a tricky chore. My little school gal loves apples, fruit leathers, and cheese sandwiches one week, and despises them the next. While you can't plan for alterations in their taste buds, you can map out how you will pack the goods.

FitSugar suggests whipping up new lunch habits for the new year and I couldn't agree more. Anything will taste better if it arrives in a BPA-free Goodbyn lunchbox ($30), which can be decorated and toted about town without spillage or daily plastic bag waste. Looking for something smaller or less detailed? Try one of the colorful options below. Who knows, the new carrier may trick them into eating their greens.

Healthy Holiday Stocking Stuffers

FitSugar — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 10:00:32 -0800

If you're looking for some smaller-sized gifts to stuff in a loved one's stocking, here are some ideas to inspire a healthy and active lifestyle. Remember, the gift of health is the gift that keeps on giving.

One-month pass to a gym or yoga studio
Gift certificate to local health food store or vitamin shop
Energy bars, Gu, or chews
Pedometer
Fitness DVDs or a copy of your favorite workout mix
A BPA-free water bottle like this one from Thermos
Resistance band or deflated exercise ball (with a pump)

To check out my other stocking stuffer ideas, read more.

A collapsible travel hula hoop.
A subscription to a magazine such as Health or Runner's World
A session with a personal trainer, private chef, or dietitian
Cards with healthy recipes
Wicking socks for hiking, running, or skiing
Base layer shirts or bottoms for cold weather sports
A handful of Emergen-C packets
A bottle of waterproof sunscreen (for Winter sport enthusiasts)
Running gloves, or a pair for biking
Homemade trail mix with cashews, almonds, dried blueberries, and dried mangoes

For more healthy gift ideas, check out all of our gift guides.