Debate/Discussion: Gummy Vitamins

Have you seen them? They were originally marketed as an "easier" way to get kids to take their vitamins. 

When I was a kid I had to take chalky, Flintstones, chewable, vitamins with my oatmeal (and cod liver oil capsules). They didn't taste great although I did enjoy the shapes of the Bedrock clan! 

These gummy vitamins are delicious! They taste just like candy. I had to look closely at the bottle. Just to make sure my brother hadn't filled an authentic vitamin bottle with gummy bears to trick me! No, the bottle clearly states that you take two a day and it will provide you with your daily vitamin intake.

There are even gummy vitamins for adults. My mom takes a multivitamin and some extra calcium in the form of a gummy. Yes, those two are super delicious! The calcium ones are square and dense and just yummy! I could eat the entire bottle but you are only supposed to take two a day.

DEBEATE/DISCUSSION: DO THESE GUMMY VITAMINS "WORK"?

I use the word "work" for lack of a better term. But what I'm getting at is do these vitamins really contain what they say in the bottle or is it just a lot of sugar? Is a gummy vitamin really the best way to take a vitamin? All that sugar can't be good for your teeth, for example. 

Then again, maybe any way you can get kids to take vitamins is the "right way"? If that's the case, then why make gummy vitamins for adults?

On the other hand, even the vitamins I take say that the statements haven't been scientifically proven...So if you take that view, gummy vitamins aren't any less authentic than the pills.

Maybe I'm just one of those people who thinks that if it's too good to be true than it probably is. Although that's strange for me because I'm not a pessimistic person.

Perhaps I'm being a little over analytic after watching Food Inc. last night (please watch this movie!). For those of you who've seen it, you know what I mean. 

I'm just really picky when it comes to food and health in general. I take anything I hear "with a grain of salt."

For a long time I never took vitamins because I didn't really trust them. I do take a multivitamin now and that's mainly because I'm vegan and highly active. At this point in my life I feel like it couldn't hurt.

I've also suffered from anemia in the past. So I know that it's hard to get all the nutrients we need from foods. I'm not against vitamins and I'm not really against gummy vitamins either. It's just amazing that something that tastes like candy is good for you!

My family is in love with vitamins. I mean my mom alone has practically ALL of the B-vitamins, calcium, folic acid, iron pills...you name it, she takes it. So seeing them around isn't new to me. Like I said at the beginning, I used to take them when I was a kid.

I don't know, what do YOU think? Have you ever tried gummy vitamins? Do you take them now? What are your opinions on them? What are your opinions on vitamins in general?

Weekly Recipe: Cabbage and Pinto Bean Stew

This vegan recipe was so delicious! It was so delicious that I completely forgot to take pictures of it and it lasted 3 days! But the following pictures resemble it pretty well.

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I'm extra proud because I created this recipe without performing a google search! Meaning, I created it! There are probably tons of similar recipes out there but none like this one! 

Cabbage and Pinto Bean Stew

1 16 oz. bag dry pinto beans

1 head of cabbage

1 zucchini

1/2 large onion

12 oz asparagus

1 red pepper

1/2 cup to 1 cup baby carrots (cut in half)

1 Tbsp. garlic salt

1 tsp. Italian blend seasoning

2 small bay leaves

black pepper

red pepper flakes

1 tsp. rosemary

a good amount of extra virgin olive oil

2 Tbsp. white vinegar

1 Tbsp. cornstarch (optional)

 a crockpot

Rinse beans carefully then add them to the crockpot. Put in enough water to cover the beans about 2 inches. Add all the spices and the olive oil. Cook on high for 3 hours. Meanwhile chop up all the veggies into medium-large sized pieces. You don't want to dice the veggies because they will turn to mush. Refrigerate until the beans are done. 

Once the beans are done add the veggies. Add enough water to just cover the veggies. Here is also a good time to adjust the seasonings. Cook for 4 more hours on high or until the veggies are soft. When it's completely done add the vinegar. The cornstarch is optional to thicken it a bit. Serve with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

I LOVE vinegar with cabbage so I added another tablespoon to my dish. But dress it up however you like. This recipe was perfect because there were a lot of vegetables in the fridge that I needed to use up. Plus, I'd been meaning to make some beans for awhile. There are at least 8 packs of beans in my cupboard! But I never have the time, or patience, to cook them. This recipe was perfect for that.

This stew is hearty so you don't need to add anything else to it! It is so good! It's also ridiculously easy to make. Just chop up the veggies and throw them in the crockpot. Then continue with your day. It tastes like a lot of effort was put into it though. It's also incredible healthy. Tons of vitamins and minerals and very low-fat.

Things I'm Loving (October Edition)

Here we are again with odds and ends that I've used over and over again and love in October. I can't believe it's already been a month since my last post. But go check it out if you haven't already! 

OK, let's get started.