Like humans, all organisms have genetic material. When scientists alter genetic material, or DNA, it's called genetic modification (GM). Historically, crops have been genetically tweaked to be herbicide-resistant or insect-resistant, and scientists are stacking traits to address both pest and weed problems.

Market watchers estimate that upwards of 70% of processed foods in your local supermarket contain genetically modified ingredients.

Here’s a look at the major genetically engineered foods that have made it onto the dinner plate.

Corn - Number 1 crop in the U.S. Nearly 88% of corn is genetically modified. In addition to being added to innumerable processed foods, genetically modified corn is a staple of animal feed.

Soy - 93% of soy is genetically modified. Soy is a staple of processed foods under various names including hydrogenated oils, lecithin, emulsifiers, and proteins.

Cottonseed - 94% of cotton grown in the U.S. is genetically modified. Cottonseeds are culled from cotton, and then used for vegetable oil, margarine or frying foods, such as potato chips.

Alfalfa - Farmers feed alfalfa to dairy cows, the source of milk, butter, yogurt, meat and so much more. Alfalfa is the fourth largest crop grown in the U.S., behind corn, soybeans, and wheat.

Papaya - 75% of the Hawaiian papaya crop is genetically modified.

Canola - 90% of the U.S. canola crop is genetically modified. Canola oil is used in cooking, as well as biofuels.

Sugar Beets - 54% of sugar sold in America comes from sugar beets. Genetically modified sugar beets account for 90% of the crop.

Statistics and information provided by the US Department of Agriculture and the Huffington Post.

Goji Hemp Milkshake with Raspberries

1 cup shelled hemp seeds, soaked overnight 
3 cups filtered water 
1 tsp pure vanilla powder or 1/2 vanilla bean 
1/2 cup dried goji berries, soaked overnight 
1 cup raspberries 
3 Tbsp raw agave nectar or other raw sweetener

STEPS:

1) Strain water from soaked hemp seeds and goji berries and place them in a high speed blender along with remaining ingredients. 
2) Blend until you get a smooth, creamy texture. 
3) Pour in glasses, garnish with goji berries and sprinkle with hemp seeds.

BENEFITS: Research shows that eating berries -- like blueberries, acai berries, cranberries, strawberries, and cherries -- offer definite health benefits. It may be because berries like the goji berry are filled with powerful antioxidants and other compounds. Goji berries also have compounds rich in vitamin A. Antioxidants minimize damage from free radicals that injure cells and damage DNA. When a cell's DNA changes, the cell grows abnormally. Antioxidants can take away the destructive power of free radicals.

TO CLEANSE OR NOT TO CLEANSE?

To do a cleanse or not to do a cleanse? That is the question on the minds of many in the New Year. Cleanses are said to do everything from detoxing the body to helping you lose extra weight to boosting energy and to improving overall health. But, are they safe? Do they really work? And will they help you lose weight like the celebrities claim they do?

In a nutshell, it depends on the cleanse. Cleanses that are the most popular in 2013 — cleanses that rely on fruits and veggies — are okay for most.

"Anytime you decrease the amount of food you take in at the same time you are increasing your nutrient concentration, something healthy generally takes place," says Georgianna Donadio, Boston nutritionist and author.

This past year, there are four cleanses that seem to be most popular, Donadio says. While all of the most popular cleanses of 2013 have the same aim to clean out certain areas of your body and decrease the work of the digestive system, some last just 28 hours, while others last weeks. 

The first most popular cleanse of 2013 is the BluePrintCleanse, which is a juice-only cleanse that typically lasts three to five days. 

Second, is the LOVE cleanse from Organic Avenue, which stands for "Live. Organic. Vegan. Experience." This one is a five-day cleanse consisting of all green drinks, which include cucumber, kale, cabbage, apples, broccoli and lemons. 

Third, is the 48 Hour Super Charge cleanse by David Kirsch. This cleanse includes two days of nothing but liquids, which are his signature "pink lemonade" containing cranberries and milk thistle aimed at detoxing the kidneys and liver. 

Lastly, is the Cleanse Program by MD, which is a 21-day protein drink twice a day with an evening meal of steamed veggies.

"For a healthy individual these cleanses are 'safe' in that they should not cause any harm to the body," Donadio says. "They are short-termed and do contain a high concentration of nutrients that should prove to be healthful."

However, these cleanses can be harmful for people with blood sugar or insulin conditions, for anemic individuals or for people on medications that require they eat solid foods in order not to have a reaction, Donadio cautions. Also for people who exercise a lot, this type of low-calorie, liquid-based dieting can cause fainting, low blood pressure or dizziness.

"The best cleanse is to recognize that we have to eat half of what we normally eat and eat living, nutritious food and remove 'junk' from our diets," Donadio recommends.

This article courtesy of Shape.com

Put down the ding dongs and pick up the dumbbells

2014 Resolutions. Do any apply to you?

- Limit the alcohol consumption
- Get back on track
- Stop stuffing my face, especially at night
- Fit into my clothes
- Feel good about myself
- Stop avoiding mirrors that seem to be everywhere
- Feel good about my body
- Stop stress eating
- Commit to taking care of my body and stop talking about it

DON'T WAIT. NO EXCUSES. IT'S TIME.

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Partner Training
Booty Camp Training for Women - starts Thursday, January 2
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Visit SerfassTraining.com for details and have a Happy & Safe New Year!

10 Fat Burning Foods

www.SerfassTraining.com

Raw Vegetables - Great snack option. Low in calories and high in water content and fiber, keeping you satisfied longer.

Watermelon, Pears, Apples - High in water content so they take up more room in your gut, signaling the body that you've had enough to eat.

Green Tea - Stimulates the body to burn abdominal fat. To get the most benefit, drink several times a day.

Coffee - Revs your metabolism. Avoid adding sugar.

Quinoa - 8 grams of hunger-busting protein and 5 grams of fiber in one cup. It's as easy to cook as rice and packed with nutrients such as iron, zinc, selenium, and vitamin E.

Tabouli - High in fiber and protein but low in fat and calories.

Cinnamon - Stabilizes blood sugar levels, curtailing appetite.

Greek Yogurt - Twice as much protein as other yogurts. Protein takes longer to leave the stomach, keeping you satisfied longer. The body burns more calories digesting protein than carbs.

Eggs - High in protein, keeping hunger at bay. Plus, the amino acids in eggs help build lean muscle which may help rev your metabolism.

Oatmeal - Three things going for it: fiber-rich, whole-grain oats, lots of water. Nutritious and filling combination.

FREE Outdoor Workout for Women Only

Come on ladies. It's FREE and going to be gorgeous this Thursday.  Come join me...

• Thursday, Oct 3rd at 6:30pm for just 45 minutes.
• Total Body Booty Camp workout for women only. No men allowed.
• Meet other fun, supportive females.
• Location - Carl Schurz Park at 84th & East End Ave.
• www.SerfassTraining.com for details and contact information. 

Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

You've probably heard of Apple Cider Vinegar, but you may not understand why it's so healthy for you and how easy it is to consume.  Add a dash to your salad dressing or glass of water on a daily basis.  Here's why:

1. Prevents indigestion

2. Cures hiccups

3. Clears a stuffy nose

4. Soothes a sore throat

5. Beats exhaustion

6. Cuts down on nighttime leg cramps

7. Whitens teeth

8. Clears armpit odor

Full list of benefits click here.