A Reflection of Us...

We met when we were just 18 and 20 years old; like most other young adults we were young and full of ambitious dreams. One of our favorite past times was camping; we spent many clear nights under the stars and moon laughing and chattering about our future together.

Never once did the word “Autism” enter our starlit dreams and midnight conversations.

No, instead we painted an ideal about our life together and our future children… They would be perfect, a combination of the two of us. They would have their father’s wit and my compassion splashed with our analytical natures.

…In the shadow of our youth, our relationship would be challenged as we faced autism together, but like anything else lay in our path we faced it together and became stronger than before it existed.

We no longer go camping in nature as there are too many obstacles that threaten our daughter’s safety. Instead, we pitch the tent in our backyard, with the comfort of home at our finger tips. Just this past Labor Day weekend, we lay awake under the moon in our backyard with our youngest daughter obsessively reciting scenes from Dora the Explorer.

I laid there listening to the non-stop chattering that has become comforting to me, thinking about how we have had to redefine our dreams and plan for an uncertain future. I am certain there are other couples who have been drafted into the autism journey that are no longer able to identify with the life they had before autism too. As often as I say the autism doesn’t define us, it has become a part of our identity, our lifestyle, and our future.

Today, I reflect on a young couple naively entering the journey of their lives with an uncertain future. Yet… through the hills of this journey we continue to adore each other. We still have quiet passion and humor. I am so relieved to share this journey with my best friend and lover. It is he who keeps me strong after days of no sleep, or hours of worry… it is he would supports me unconditionally to move forward with not only the autism, but anything I decide I want to explore and put my attention to.

I am grateful I can participate in life with this man of integrity, passion, and strength. And I know that if there is anyone who is going to help me conquer this thing in our life called autism, it is my husband. Together we unite and are better because of it…

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In My Opinion... This Doesn't Lay to Rest the Connection

“Latest autism figures should dispel any fears about the MMR jab being linked to the condition, say experts.”

This article jabs my buttons…

Autism rates back MMR jab safety

By Michelle Roberts Health reporter, BBC News

One of the arguments that many (including myself) have used about the autism/vaccine connection is that you just don’t see 1 out of 100 adults walking around with autism. Yes, there ARE some, but those numbers just are not as staggering as those among our youth, right? Well, according to a resent “small” study that is precisely what is occurring. Yep, that is the claim; 1 out of 100 adults do indeed have autism.

Assuming you read the article, I will share some of my thoughts…

How were the 7500 participants in this study selected? AND by what criteria were they classified? Was there enough diversity in its selection to be able to generalize this to the entire adult population concluding that this disproves the MRR/autism connection?

Assuming there was... Still think about those numbers!! 1 out of 100 adults have autism... where are they?

Next time you are in church, the grocery store, the office or even at a family function.... remember 1% of the people in attendance should (according to this research) have autism.

The truth is that there are still children who are developing typically who have a sudden regression; how can we ignore this common sense? But... Dr. Wakefield's research was discredited, right? Interesting how every politician, scientist, doctor or mom that speaks out about this connection is discredited. Who is making that determination... big pharm, scientists funded by the manufacturers, politicians with deep pockets?

Certainly, not the mothers and fathers who painstakingly watched their child regress into autism.

But.. for the sake of argument, let's assume these numbers are accurate... then how are these adult autistics functioning and who is taking care of them? Daily and often through the night I strategize how our daughter is going to be able to develop the appropriate skills and resources to live a productive life now and into adulthood... And yet, here we have 1% of the populace doing it without intervention... I am not buying it!

(And I mean NO disrespect if you are an adult experiencing autism...)

Finally, I have to reiterate mercury not is safe for the human body, brain or nervous system… guys in the yellow suits w/ masks are deployed when a thermometer breaks in a high-school science lab or at the local VOA store (those are true stories)… And, of course, the FDA advises pregnant women to reduce their consumption of fish during pregnancy because of the mercury content... Yet, we are injecting it directly into pregnant women through the RhoGam shot or young infants and children via routine and flu vaccines…

This research just doesn’t lay the autism/vaccine connection to rest for me. In fact, I see it as a way to try to pacify a community that is getting louder and a smoke screen for the rest of the people.

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GFCF Cinnamon Zucchini with Sweet Dumplings

This recipe was inspired by my mother-in-law's zucchini pudding. I know it may sound bizarre at first glance, but... this is so yummy served warm with a scoop of Vanilla Rice Ice Cream! AND it will make your home smell heavenly!!

2 cups Zucchini, peeled and chopped in 1 inch pieces

20 Red Seedless Grapes halved

4 teaspoons Cinnamon

1 cup Dark Brown Sugar

2 TB Earth Balance Buttery Spread- Original

1 cup Sugar

1 cup White Rice Flour

2 teaspoons Baking Soda

1 teaspoon Kosher Salt

½ teaspoon xanthan gum

1 cup Vanilla Almond Milk

Place zucchini in a stock pot with enough water to cover the vegetable. Bring to a boil, remove from heat and let set until the zucchini is tender. Drain off water and add ½ of the cinnamon, brown sugar, grapes and butter. Simmer over low heat for 5 minutes. Pour in baking dish.

In a mixing bowl combine sugar, rice flour, baking soda, remaining cinnamon and salt together; slowly whisk in milk. Pour batter over the zucchini.

Place in 350 degree preheated oven for 30-35 minutes.

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Reflections About My Daughter Being Hit By A Car

My youngest daughter was struck by a car over the weekend on the 13^th anniversary of my father’s death!! She was riding her bike on the sidewalk in front of our house when a teen on a cell phone backed out of her driveway without looking. The driver kept backing up after hitting her; pinning Sahara under the bike and car. She didn’t stop until my husband hit the trunk of her car while yelling, “STOP… MOVE FORWARD!" Had she gunned the car or had my husband not been right behind my child it could have been catastrophic.... The girl got out of the car still talking on her cell phone saying, "I'll have to call you back".

Luckily, Sahara walked away with only 2 scratches!!

So this incident has brought several issues to light with me:

The obvious is that cell phones should not be used in vehicles. As much as we would like to think we can multi-task, the dangers are too great! In a split second, this single distraction almost took a life.

After many people said we should have called the cops, pressed charges, filed an insurance claim… I have to address my thoughts about this. Firstly, my thoughts were foremost on my child’s well-being during the incident; no one existed around us in the moment except me and my child. I never even considered those ramifications until hours later after we determined that she was indeed going to be okay. Secondly, the teen did check on Sahara later that evening and I made it a point to let her know she almost killed a child that evening! I also pointed out that it could have been her 15 month old son behind that car! By the expression on her face, I am sure she is having trouble sleeping as much as I and that is a far more natural consequence than anything a court of law could do. Drawing it out into a legal battle would have been a consumption of my energy that I just don’t have to offer right now. However, please understand that had there been different injuries we would have taken different legal actions.

Or would we… in the time I have had to process this incident, I have also come to terms with the fact that my child could have died Saturday night. So, I ask myself what I would have done under those circumstances and I have to say my response surprises even me… I would have a difficult time destroying two families and therefore I would have advocated for her not to be prosecuted for manslaughter. Why? Again, the natural consequences of taking a life would be far more punishment that anyone deserves. And to rip another mother from another child would be just as catastrophic. Furthermore, you have to consider how those actions would affect the surviving sibling.

So, this makes me realize that there was a higher purpose to this incident. My husband and I have discussed this at great length, as Sahara should not have walked away uninjured. This was a cosmic contract; for Sahara, the teen, or someone else we don’t know, but we are sure that a contract was fulfilled. I am certain this incident probably saved future lives. Whether the teen will act more responsibly or because I vow not to use my phone in a car anymore… perhaps another bystander witnessed this and will act more cautiously or because you are reading this mother’s words… I don’t know. But something larger than us occurred that night.

Sahara shouldn’t have walked away with just two scratches!!

After scooping my limp child out of my husband’s arms, I collapsed into the yard with her. Shaking uncontrollably, everyone around me seemed to fade into the background. Her big sister ran into the house and got ice packs and wet wash clothes. I gentle began cleaning her scratches and touching her; within minutes she was up and walking.

A mother’s touch is healing; not some placebo effect, but truly healing. This is why children innately ask for their mother’s to touch their boo-boos and to kiss them. A mother permeates healing energy to her child allowing the boo-boo to genuinely feel better. This is the same phenomena that can explain why others heal ailments and mend bones simply when laying hands.

That evening when we went inside and lay on the couch together, I immediately activated Reiki and began energy work. This was the first Reiki session I had given to someone else since being attuned for the Master level just a couple nights before. She lay completely still for 50 minutes as I channeled energy to her. As soon as I was done, she jumped up and started laughing, talking, and dancing. I am not sure I can put into words what transpired, but I do know that she no longer limped and whined after this session.

I am certain that Sahara was protected that evening by entities that we couldn’t see.

I am aware that my spirituality strengthened that evening.

AND

I am grateful that my child is alive!!

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What Spirituality Means to Me

To me spirituality is how you define and express your relationship with the source (commonly known as God).

God is the universal life force that animates and organizes all of creation. This life force resides in each of us, in all things, and all places. This source is pure love and light; and vibrates at the highest resonance. It is how we remember to tune into the source and stay centered in the light that brings us our spirituality.

I believe that we have cosmic contracts that we need to fulfill in this lifetime. I believe that when you are ‘wronged’ it is a cosmic contract unfolding and that it presents an opportunity for growth. I believe that nothing is coincidental. I believe that even though our path is pre-ordained we still posses the power to change the future, past and present. I believe that we are all connected and one. I believe that we all have spirit guides and angels who have been assigned to guide and support us on this journey. I believe that the more humans that start to resonate at a higher level the more the planet and human kind can heal and transform. I believe…

This belief system has evolved over the past decade and a half. However, the more Reiki I perform on myself and others the more I become aware of and experience this energy on a personal level. Performing Reiki and channeling the universal life force is like remember who I am as a part of the source. Since practicing Reiki, I have personally experienced fewer negative emotions. And when I do, I am more quickly able to re-center myself and am more aware of the higher purpose of situations. I find myself thinking more on a global scale rather than just in my corner of the world.

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A Hidden Treasure.... Indian Run Falls

As I have said before, I love the metro-parks in the Central Ohio area. Here is another hidden treasure that is in our backyard that I had no idea existed until yesterday.

Indian Run Falls, Dublin Ohio.

Although we really ventured there to see the waterfall, it happened to be dry yesterday. Without realizing it, we ended up hiking on the limestone shelves that should have been rushing with water. We were in the middle of the path of a waterfall, the energy was incredibly peaceful. What an experience! How often do you get to walk where a waterfall should be rushing?

After exploring this hidden treasure, we ventured up to the path and walked around the cliff embankments. Now, we understood that the fall itself was to be 25 feet… but don’t let that mislead you (like it did us). The cliffs are Hocking Hill sized cliffs with limited fencing. The trail had observation decks to sit and enjoy the scenic view.

After hiking around the horseshoed path we ended up in the Indian Run Falls Historical Cemetery which was established in 1813 and restored in 1975. The family and I were able to walk around each weathered stones with reverence and fascination. I love walking in cemeteries... They are full of history, energy, and they just offering a feeling of comfort to me.

We were able to hike the path back with less angst then the first time around knowing that the cliffs were there. And with that knowledge, attention to where the kids were at all time came easier. I look forward to being able to take them back when the water flows on the fall...

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My Spiritual/Healing Journey

Many of you know I have been on a spiritual/healing quest for the past decade or so… well, last night was momentous occasion for me. After our aura and chakra class, Reiki Master Dave Scarbrough attuned me to Level 3 Reiki!

Dave is a wonderful soul with many gifts and much love to share. I highly recommend Dave as a mentor on your spiritual/healing journey! You can find him on my face book list of friends or contact him directly at reikidaveohio@yahoo.com or you can visit his personal website at http://reikidaveohio.webs.com/ .

The attunement was powerful! I felt incredible energy in and around me especially around my heart chakra and hands. I have tried many modalities, and Reiki is the one thing I have found to offer consistent change without experiencing a momentary high just to go back to old patterns. With consistent use and the practice of meditation, you continue to build and channel energy!

During this journey of personal self-development I have been able to not only center myself, but have become clearer on many objectives in my life. I am so excited about how this will change my ability to address the needs of my family and those that are directed to me. Please stay tuned to what I will be doing next... it is powerful and I guarantee you no one else is doing this work here!

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How Well Do You Know Me?

So, I was recently told by a friend that I don't share much on face book, my blog or twitter about who SUSAN really is... Yes, we know your political and autism stance, but who is Susan? My response was that that was a calculated move... But in order to appease this person here is a simple trivia question....

I am sitting the waiting room with 3 other moms at Children's Hospital this morning. Each of us have a child in the social skills group. After 10 minutes of agonizing silence one Mom breaks the silence. Can you figure out which mom is me...

Mom #1: Is talking about the H1N1 vaccine. She is telling anyone that will listen that she is not going to get her kids vaccinated for it. She goes on to ramble about childhood vaccinations in general and how the whole concept just doesn't 'sit easy' with her, besides we all had chicken pox as a child and we are fine....

Mom #2: Is saying yeah, but... our kids are here in a hospital 3-4 times a week with lots of germ exposure (hospitals have more germs than any other public facility) and they are in school now around other kids with yet more germs. Plus if you get the shot you won't get the flu as bad if you hadn't taken it...

Mom #3: Is quietly texting on her cell phone, not daring to enter the debate. Probably texting her husband about the crazy mothers in the lobby today....

Mom #4: Is debating in her head whether or not she should dare chime in or not. By the time she mentions the getting sick actually strengthens the immune system, the conversation abruptly changes to giving childbirth....


Which mom am I... Mom #1,2,3, or 4?

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Mothers, Will You Unite With Me?

Today is 9/9/09 and the voices of our children are about to be heard. I invite you to advocate for the one out of 100 children that are diagnosed with autism. I invite you to be the voice our children do not have. I invite you to be the straw that got the nation to listen!

Nothing ruffles my feathers more than when mothers start to ostracize each other because they have different perspectives on the etiology of autism. Instead of getting into heated debates we should be reaching out and saying, “We agree to disagree, now let’s get things done.”

Let me share with you my perspective.

I find that to say autism can’t be caused by vaccines because your child doesn’t have autism and is fully vaccinated a ridiculous statement. I think that for you to say it can’t be the RhoGam shot because your grandbaby is ‘normal’ and that your daughter got the same shots as I a close minded response. When people say statements like this to me I want to scream, “You are missing the point!”

Let me take a different angle... I started smoking when I was eighteen, and I tinkered with smoking throughout high school and was an avid smoker by the time entered college. For the next ten years, I consistently smoked… sometimes up to two packs a day (graduate school all nighters will do that to you). However, I do not have the dis-ease called lung cancer; why? I smoked and smoking causes cancer. So, is it logical for me to conclude that smoker must NOT cause cancer?

My point is this… just because your child didn’t regress into autism doesn’t mean that the risk and dangers aren’t there. I am not against vaccinations; I oppose the toxins and second most dangerous substance known to man being willingly shoved into our children and expectant mothers. Do you know what your child would be like it he hadn’t been vaccinated? Maybe he would have been even more extraordinary!

Most mothers I know would go to the ends of the Earth for what she believed to be the right thing for her child. I am asking us, mothers, to unite together and use this energy to create a shift. Not just on your home front but nationally.

Demand that the government, scientists, pharmaceutical companies, and media admit we have a national crisis among this generation of children. Demand that fetus, infants, toddlers, and children are no longer subjected to mercury. Demand that we get 3^rd party research from unbiased scientists. Demand that we get the tools we need to see that our children can live productive and healthy lives.

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ATTENTION FRANKLIN COUNTY, OHIO RESIDENTS AND RIDGEWOOD PARENTS!!

Verizon Wireless and the resident of 4243 Dublin Road have taken action to request a variance to allow for the construction of a 120 foot telecommunication tower facing and residing next to the driveway loop where we wait in line to pick up our children at school and in close proximity of the playground.

The applicant is proposing to lease a 40' by 60' area which will contain a 38' by 58' fenced area where a telecommunication tower and tower equipment will be located. The fence will be 8' in height and constructed of wood. The proposed tower is 120' in height. Plans submitted indicate that the tower will also have the capability of colocating two additional carriers. Access to the site will be provided by a 20' access and utility easement.

WHY SHOULD YOU BE CONCERNED?

*There have been no long-term studies that idicate the health risks from exposure to low-level Radio Frequency/ Microwave (RF/MW) Radiation that is emitted from cell phone towers. *This industrial monstrosity will forever scar our charming school community.

*Homes devalue on average 15% depending how close a homeowner is to a tower.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

*Construct, sign and mail the letter below immediately. The letters must arrive before the September 21st meeting!

*Attend the meeting on September 21st to voice your opinion to the Franklin County Comminssioners!

The time to stop the construction of the cell phone tower is now!

The meeting to decide whether to buld the cell phone tower in Monday, September 21, at 1:30 pm at the Franklin County Courthouse located at 373 South High Street, 26th floor. Case #VA/CU-3668. The matter is decided by the Franklin County Economic Development and Planning.

MORE DETAILS

http://www.franklincountyohio.gov/commissioners/edp/

Go to the calendar and select August 17.

Select Meeting Materials.

Scroll down to Case VA/CU-3668 to view maps and related materials.

MORE INFORMATION REQUESTED

If you have links or information connecting RF/MW Radiation with health hazards please forward to me ASAP. And forward this to every one you know in this county!! Thank You!!

SAMPLE LETTER

Matt Brown

Franklin County Economic Development and Planning

150 S. Front Street

FSL Suite 10

Columbus, Ohio 43215

Dear Mr. Brown,

We are strongly opposed to the placement of a cell tower within our neighborhood at 4243 Dublin Road. The required acreage for a cell tower is 2 acres. Mr. Rob Hinton's propery is only .98 acres. This alone should be enough to prevent the construction of the proposed tower. His property is surrounded by a dense population of homes, landscaping, and an elementary school. The cell tower would further lower property values at a time in our economy when we do not need this to happen.

Although the data in inconclusive, we are concerned about the RF signals emitted from a cell tower in our neighborhood and this close to a elementary school and its play ground. We request that the application by Verizon Wireless for a conditional variance allowing construction of the proposed tower be denied!

Respectfully,

(your name)

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A Day to Unite in Prayer

If you are a Minister, Healer, Reiki Master, Shaman, Spiritualist, or Layperson you understand the power of prayer!

We know that when Jesus prayed He was able to change the weather, feed thousands, cast demons, and raise the dead. He was also able to perform miracles on the sick and heal lepers, the blind, hemorrhaging woman, the deaf, and more!

It is my belief that the power Jesus used resides in us all. Before you say the word ‘blasphemy’, let me explain further… When God proclaimed we were created in His Image and Likeness, that really didn’t mean that He has a physical body like ours, but rather our spiritual body is like His! The spirit that animates the physical resembles The Universal Energy we call God, Spirit, Yahweh, etc.

There are many interpretations, but Jesus declared, “…For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” Jesus gave us the tool to heal and create miracles; simply gather in His name.

Of course He didn’t mean in the physical sense, but energetically, in the Spirit, He would be with us. It is my belief that when this occurs, The God Energy strengthens within and around us; this is when doors open and miracles can and do occur. No matter what religion or belief we have, the power of prayer bridges all gaps creating never ending possibilities.

I ask you to join me on 9/9/09 in prayer for healing, vibrant health, and resources for the autism community.

Take time out of your day, pause, and raise our children and the children of tomorrow up in His name and ask the Lord to protect, nurture and heal them and their families.

May our government, scientists, doctors, and pharmaceutical companies be open to discovering the cause of this disabling condition and take the proper actions to prevent further harm.

May these children and families have productive, quality lives full of enrichment, companionship, and success.

May these children miraculously awaken from the constructs of autism full of expression, life, and joy!

Will you pray with me on 9/9/09 to prove Jesus can provide modern day miracles through us?

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Open Letter to President Obama: Time is of the Essence to Meet with Autism Community

Dear Mr. President,

As I think back to the hope I felt watching your inauguration, tears steam down my face. I had this fallacy that you were going to make an extraordinary difference in our community. I know that it has only been 9 months, but on this issue time is of the essence!

I reflect how we cheered, danced and cried as we witnessed history in the making; and now I sit depleted of hope, almost enraged that you continue to ignore the autism community. On September 2, 2009 I saw a great message on a friend’s Facebook wall,

“…thinks that no one should die because they cannot afford health care, and no one should go broke because they get sick. If you agree, please post this as your status for the rest of the day.”

Of course, I reposted it and was amiably pleased to see the message infiltrated through my Facebook network within hours. Then the next day, I was even more amazed to see your response to this posting,

“Barack Obama Encouraged to see this going around today: "No one should die because they cannot afford health care, and no one should go broke because they get sick. If you agree, please post this as your status for the rest of the day."”

But, here is the thing… I am amazed not so much that you (or your PR people) were actually watching what we post… but, more so, that you are watching what we post and what that means about you. Let me explain, you are listening and that means that you have been seeing the outcry of requests from the autism community to meet with you, Michelle, or both… and yet, you continue to not respond. We haven’t even received as much as a “no thank you” in response to this personal invitation.

YET, you responded to a general posting infiltrating the virtual world exactly one week before the requested meet-up with Angela Warner, military mom and autism advocate representing many. Your non-action speaks louder than words, Mr. President.

I am aware you will make an education public address to the youth of America on Tuesday afternoon… please understand that 1 out of 150 (some say 60 now) of these children are inflicted with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). They have communication barriers, cognitive and developmental delays, and sensory deficits… I am certain the majority will not be able to comprehend what they are listening to over the public audio system.

When my daughters’ schools announced that they would be allowing the address to be piped through the classrooms, my initial response was to question how effective this was going to be. Apparently, you are more optimistic than I. I know that my five year old along with the other children experiencing ASD will not comprehend a word you say. In fact, she may have broken thoughts of why the teachers are being intrusive on her set routine to make her listen to this abstract voice that she cannot decipher.

It would probably do you, the voters, the parents, and our children better to meet with the parents on the front line; not only about autism, but education, health care, and the false idealization of no child left behind.

It does take a village, Mr. President, but the village needs elders with integrity that are willing to listen to what the villagers are saying. So, I ask, "Will you listen to what we are saying? Will you meet with Angela Warner on September 9th? Will you help us address this epidemic among our youth? Will you reinstall hope in a community that feels left behind?"

Thank you for your action!
Susan Richardson
Mother, Wife & Autism Advocate

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Grocery Voyeur Discovers Nutritional Yeast

Are you a grocery voyeur? You know nonchalantly looking to see what treasures are on the conveyer belt ahead of you. Then you hear the chatter in your mind, “Where in carnation did she find that gluten free pizza kit?” Or “Man, I gotta try that chocolate torte someday.”

Truth be known… your higher brain kicked into motion the moment you stepped into the store and you followed the same path that you have followed each and every time you shop; never veering off the familiar path and perfectly avoiding other shopping carts on auto-pilot. (Just like when drove your car to the store that day… It’s okay, we all do it.)

Well, last week I decided to abort routine and mindfully go shopping; the kids were in school, husband at work, and I was off to expand my horizons. I won’t bore you with all of the labels I read (and let me tell you there was many!!) or all the answers to the questions I asked the annoyed employee who couldn’t get away from me soon enough.

But, let me share with you the find of the day... nutritional yeast! Yep, you heard correctly… nutritional yeast.

The gluten free tag hanging on the side of the bulk bin caught my eye and drew me in. I started reading the label and discovered not only is this food packed with, well, nutrition, but it claimed to be a great substitute for butter and cheese as well. I couldn’t resist… I scooped a cup of it from the bulk container and added it to my other treasures.

According to Wikipedia nutritional yeast is deactivated yeast similar to brewer’s yeast and is “produced by culturing the yeast with sugarcane and beet molasses”.

Nutritional Yeast has sodium, potassium, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, protein, calcium, iron, thiamin (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacin, vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin B12, biotin, pantothenic acid, phosphorus, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, chromium, and molybdenum.

I have incorporated it as a condiment this week without resistance from the pickiest of picky eaters. I have found that sprinkling it on popcorn or hiding it food is an easy way to get some great nutrition into your little (and big) ones. Stay tuned for future recipes containing this fabulous find.

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