Challenges — Mamavation

2 Week Challenge Campaign 12 Wrap-up

April 11, 2013 By MrBookieboo 5 Comments

It’s hard to believe that we just wrapped up our 12th Mamavation Two Week Challenge. When I first started doing these for Leah a couple years ago I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Looking back at the past 12 challenges I can see the results of everyone’s hard work. To date the Mamavation two week challenge has helped shed 1330 pounds and 902 inches! That’s pretty amazing for a simple little workout that takes 30 minutes or less.

Here are the details of the 12th challenge:

81 people signed up, 43 finished.

117 pounds and 92 inches were lost.

To date: 1330 pounds and 902 inches have been lost.

Grand Prize Winner #1: @all_about_savin

Grand Prize Winner #2: @sticemichelle

Runner-Up: @cynthiaejenkins

Runner-Up: @krosinus

Winners please contact @momma_oz to claim your prize within 5 days of notification

Don’t worry, we’ll be back soon with another Mamavation Two Week Challenge. Keep an eye on the #Mamavation and #2weekchallenge hashtags for more details.

Here are the individuals that completed the 12th Mamavation 2 week challenge:

@1980dodge

@acwilliams1223

@akajanerandom

@all_about_savin

@allnewhealth

@bkstar00

@brenam24

@carrigansjoy

@coloradomom

@crunchybchmama

@cynthiaejenkins

@dancingvalentin

@foodallergybuzz

@irishred02

@jackie23t

@jeanae

@johnna_r_t

@kimtracyprince

@krosinus

@laundrydayblues

@lindsayfamily

@lumpytoleandee

@mom4less

@mommahunt16

@momvantage

@monicazyoung

@mrsleftybrown

@nccarterfamily

@nicole_johnson

@ohmariana

@onmyvtporch

@pgreen730

@poniabaum

@rachhabs

@ronaleeakarose

@sensiblysara

@simplyjunebug

@slap_happi

@slockwood33

@sticemichelle

@tink4everbell

@wifemummynurse

@wonderwomanmoma

Filed Under: Challenges, Dadavation, Featured, Longterm, Uncategorized

Earth Footwear World of Good Power Pinner Ambassadors #WorldofGood

March 25, 2013 By Mamavation 19 Comments

Thank you to everyone who applied to the Earth Footwear World of Good Power Pinner Ambassador Campaign. We received over 400 amazing applications and we loved watching you all on Pinterest. Thank you for the overwhelming support. And now we would like to announce the people who will be creating some amazing content for you all to enjoy.

Congratulations to the following bloggers:

1. Diane Jeannot-Nassy of PhilZENdia. (Pinterest Page)
2. Donna Chaffins of Blog by Donna. (Pinterest Page)
3. Ashley Whipple of Cute as a Fox. (Pinterest Page)
4. Mickey Coutts of A Helicopter Mom. (Pinterest Page)
5. Jennifer Medeiros of Makobi Scribe. (Pinterest Page)

We also chose two alternatives and are sending them shoes in case the other five bloggers are not able to participate for some reason.

1. Meagan Paullin of Sunshine and Sippy Cups. (Pinterest Page)
2. Angela Sellari of About A Mom. (Pinterest Page)

Make sure to follow these bloggers on Pinterest from April 1st to April 22nd, Earth Day, to enjoy what they come up with. For now, we will be shipping them their favorite shoes from the Spring season. We are so excited to see our shoes involved in helping us create a World of Good in the Month of April. Take a peak at what shoes the bloggers selected.

Diane chose the Petunia, Bayhaven, Zephyr and Paradise
Donna chose the Caraway, Gale, Eden and Sugarpine
Ashley chose the Breeze, Willow, Sugarpine and Crosswind
Mickey chose the Gale, Camellia Too, Sugarpine and Vista
Jennifer chose the Eden and Sugarpine

The 2013 Spring Earth Footwear Collection. Which is your favorite?

The Eden, available in blue, black, camel & red

The Paradise, available in off white, brown or black

The Camellia Too, available in white, black and alpaca

The Caraway, available in red, black or light tan

The Bonsai Too, available in black & light khaki

The Vista, available in blue, alpaca, spice & off white

The Sugarpine, available in red, alpaca & black

The Breeze, available in spice, teal, white & pewter

The Zephyr, available in brown, spice & sand

The Crosswind, available in black, white & alpaca

The Gale, available in alpaca, white, teal & spice

The Downeaster, available in black & brown

The Bayhaven, available in buscuit, black & red

The Sundew, available in red, black & brown

The Barranca, available in black & sand

The Willow, available in red, black & alpaca

The Petunia, available in brown & black

Disclaimer: Earth Footwear has been a client of Bookieboo LLC for close to four years. And for the purposes of this campaign, we are managing the day to day logistical operations. Each blogger will be compensated with two pairs of shoes and $200 for their time and effort.

Filed Under: Challenges, Featured, Leah's Posts, Longterm, Uncategorized

Join the Mamavation 5K March 30th

March 20, 2013 By Mamavation 31 Comments

Mamavation Virtual 5K A few weeks ago, we celebrated the conclusion of Mamavation Mom Boot Camp – Campaign 15 by joining together for a virtual 5K. And some of you missed it and we don’t like for anyone to feel left out, so guess what? We’re doing it AGAIN!

Do you need to get into shape? Do you need a challenge to motivate yourself? OR do you love running and would like to join in with us? Join the Mamavation Community and run/walk another 5K on March 30th 2013!

How do I join in?

It’s simple really. You don’t need to meet us anywhere. It’s virtual, so we will all be walking together in our own communities, but chatting about it online. All you have to do is go to MAP MY RUN and calculate a 5K in your own neighborhood and run/walk it on March 30th with us.

When is it?

Saturday, March 30th

What time should I start?

It doesn’t really matter, but most of our girls do it in the morning and mid afternoon.

Who should I do it with?

You can do it by yourself, with your family, with some friends, etc. We just want YOU doing it.

Is there a special hashtag?

#Mamavation5k

Is there a prize?

Absolutely. Two participants will win $25 Paypal payout. And two participants will win a pair of New Balance shoes.

How do I enter to win the prize?

First – RSVP to this post by hitting the Linky below

AND THEN during the day of the 5K make sure to tweet a sweaty picture of yourself after it’s over using the hashtag #mamavation5k. We will be monitoring that hashtag and drawing a winner at random that evening.

What if I can’t run?

No worries. We also are encouraging walkers. It’s really just an excuse for you to get moving.

PLEASE HELP US PROMOTE BY TWEETING AND FACEBOOKING THIS

I’m running a virtual 5K with #Mamavation on March 30th. Would u like to join me? http://bit.ly/YGWaHR #mamavation5k

So join us on March 30th for another Virtual Mamavation 5K. We also encourage you to join our forums to chat about it there with others.

Make sure to hit the linky below if you are participating and Download the Race Bib to add to your Race Wall

Mamavation-Virtual5K_2013-Bib

Filed Under: Challenges, Featured, Leah's Posts, Longterm, Uncategorized

March #iheartOmron Running Challenge Ambassadors

March 5, 2013 By Mamavation 46 Comments

It’s all in the wrist.

Omron just announced their new Strapless Heart Rate Monitor (HR-500U) in January. And we’ve already seen it become part of a challenge where bloggers lost 287 Lbs & 223 inches. And today, we are starting a new challenge, but this time it’s all about running intervals.

25 bloggers will get to test out the new HR-500U for three weeks and let us know what they think. Omron has eliminated the strap, so now when it comes to monitoring and staying in THE ZONE, it’s all in the wrist. Then by connecting the monitor via USB cable and integrating it with Omronfitness.com, they can transfer data and track progress over time and share achievements via email, Facebook and Twitter with friends, family or healthcare professionals from their own personal dashboard. And finally, we are celebrating our campaign with a virtual 5K at the end. Everyone is welcome to join us on this day and run in their own community.

Campaign: March 11th-30th

Virtual 5K: March 30th

We received close to 400 applications for this campaign. It was tough to come up with a final count, but we had to. Congratulations to the #iheartOmron Running Challenge Ambassadors!

1. Greta Funk of Gfunkified as @gfunkified
2. Sarah Maseto of Adventures With My Boys as @Mamasarahjane
3. Rachel Lacy of Following in My Shoes as @Rachel_L
4. Rebecca Gavalda of Formerly Known as Rebecca as @Ruthemomof
5. Heather Montgomery of Running With Sass as @RunningwithSass
6. Lisa Luth of Run Fast Mama as @Runfastmama
7. Catherine Davis of Food Family & Finds as @FoodFamilyFinds
8. April Ockerman of Insights by April as @InsightsbyApril
9. Heather Gannoe of Run Faster, Mommy! as @Runfastermommy
10. Ashley Capps of Freckleberry Finds as @Freckleberrymom
11. Angela Bishop of Nine More Months as @AngMBishop
12. Sarah Spittle of In The Know Mom as @Intheknowmom
13. Erin Kreitz Shirley of Dig Deep Play HARD as @PowerFitness
14. Dagmar Bleasdale of Dagmar’s Home as @DagmarBleasdale
15. Jo-Lynne Shane of Musings of a Housewife as @JoLynnes
16. Jennifer Drummond of Peanut Butter and Peppers as @JenatPBandP
17. Lisa Johnson of Lisa Johnson Fitness as @LisaJohnson
18. Kristy Bernardo of The Wicked Noodle as @thewickednoodle
19. Desiree Peeples of Mommy Reporter as @MommyReporter
20. Sara Brunazzi of Endorphin Mom as @RunBanshee
21. Katherine Barlett of Our Whiskey Lullaby as @KbWhiskey
22. Felice Devine of The Happy Runner as @TheHappyRunner
23. Michele Gonzalez of NYC Running Mama as @NYCRunningMama
24. Monica Olivas of Run Eat Repeat as @RunEatRepeat
25. Kim Bouldin of Gluten-Free is Life as @Gfreeislife

Three #iheartOmron Alternates were selected as well and they will receive product and will be given the opportunity to participate in case any of the other bloggers are not able to fulfill the requirements.

1. Tiffany Washko of Nature Moms as @TiffanyWashko
2. Donna Hup of Donna’s Deals and More as @Donnahup
3. Dani Holmes-Kirk of Weight Off My Shoulders as @IrishEyes1982

So now what? Well, you can follow this amazing team by watching the #iheartOmron hashtag on Twitter and by looking out for their post later in the month. And if you would like to join us for a virtual 5K on March 30th with the #iheartOmron team, we welcome you. Participants will be entered to win cash. A post with more instructions is soon to come.

And for those of you who are looking for a good challenge, check out the Mamavation Two Week Challenge 3/11-24.Thanks again to everyone who applied.

Filed Under: Challenges, Featured, Leah's Posts, Longterm, Uncategorized

Omron Strapless Heartrate Monitor Interval Running Challenge

March 1, 2013 By Mamavation 70 Comments

Our last campaign with Omron Fitness was so successful, Mamavation is doing round two with 25 more bloggers, but this time it’s going to be about running and the Strapless Heart Rate Monitor (HR-5ooU).

This monitor helps you work out SMARTER and is easier to use than other heart rate monitors. They’ve eliminated the strap, so now when it comes to monitoring and staying in THE ZONE, it’s all in the wrist. The monitor alerts you when you are in the right heart rate zone to ensure an optimal workout. Walking 10,000 steps a day is recommended, but you can also achieve the same benefits walking 5,000 steps at a higher exercise level. Wanna cheat like the pros and still get a better workout? Let the Strapless Heart Rate Monitor from Omron help you. By connecting the monitor via USB cable and integrating it with Omronfitness.com, users can transfer data and track progress over time and share achievements via email, Facebook and Twitter with friends, family or healthcare professionals from their own personal dashboard.

Cool. Easy. An improvement on technology.

Details about Opportunity:

We are searching for 25 bloggers that have active blogs and also utilize other social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest & Instagram.
Each blogger will receive the Strapless Heart Rate Monitor (HR-5ooU) valued at about $150
Bloggers will receive a 3 week training plan to get them ready to run a 5K or higher depending on their level of fitness
Each blogger will also be compensated $150 cash after all terms are met via Paypal
In addition, the top 5 bloggers who put out the best effort will receive an additional $50 in compensation

What is Required during Campaign:

Bloggers are required to follow the 3 week interval running plan created by @MrBookieboo and use the Omron strapless heartrate monitor in each training session to help get them ready for a 5K or higher
Bloggers are required to run a virtual 5K or higher on 3/30 somewhere around their home
Bloggers are required to create ONE post with information about their time with the Omron Strapless Heartrate Monitor
Bloggers are required to use the platform on OmronFitness.com to connect their HR-500U and tweet and Facebook their results after workouts
Bloggers are required to tweet at @MrBookieboo after they have finished every workout

Important dates to remember:

Applications close on March 5th
Bloggers are selected on March 6th
Campaign starts on March 11th
Campaign ends on March 30th with a virtual 5K. Everyone is encouraged to participate.

How to Apply

Share this post on two of the social media platforms of your choice like Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. (If you decide to tweet or pin this post, please also include the #iheartOmron hashtag.) If you decide to tweet please use this “PAID #FITNESS OPP: @OmronFitness needs 25 bloggers for #Mamavation Running Challenge. Apply here,http://bit.ly/13uETt2 #iheartOmron”
Fill out the application below
Preferential treatment will be given to bloggers who are ALSO part of the Mamavation forums. If you would like to join click here for details.

SPECIAL JOB FOR ONE BLOGGER: I’m looking for ONE blogger out of this group who can help us adjust the running plans of the more seasoned runners. We will be welcoming runners that go well beyond a 5K as well and since Mamavation is a 5K kinda community, we can use some additional help. We are specifically looking for someone who can help us by being a mentor to the runners, someone who has run LOADS of marathons, someone who knows their stuff. This position will get paid an EXTRA $200 as a retainer fee to help us configure plans for the runners that are doing beyond a 5K. Do you like to mentor? Then check off the last question “I wanna mentor” part of the application please.

Warning: Mamavation is a NO WHINING ZONE. If you need to whine, go elsewhere please. Sour grapes are totally not cool because they spoil the enjoyment of the people who are selected. Mamavation gets lots of opportunities. Please be considerate of others.

Disclosure: Bookieboo LLC is being compensated to administer and organize this campaign. We are also compensating bloggers for their time and honest opinions about the product.

Filed Under: Challenges, Featured, Leah's Posts, Longterm, Uncategorized

Mamavation Virtual 5K March 9th

February 15, 2013 By Mamavation 40 Comments

Mamavation is hosting a virtual 5K on Saturday, March 9th and we would LOVE for you to join us! Do you need to get into shape? Do you need a challenge to motivate yourself? OR do you love running and would like to join in with us? Mamavation is running/walking a 5K virtually in honor of the Mamavation Moms this campaign.

The Mamavation Moms go through a grueling seven week boot camp and after it all, part of their contract stipulates they must run a 5K, so we decided to do it with them this time. And for those of you who can’t run, don’t worry, we are also encouraging walkers to join us. AND there are prizes for participants. It’s a win-win for everyone!

How do I join in?

When is it?

Saturday, March 9th

What time should I start?

It doesn’t really matter, but most of our girls do it in the morning and mid afternoon.

Who should I do it with?

You can do it by yourself, with your family, with some friends, etc. We just want YOU doing it.

Is there a special hashtag?

#Mamavation5k

Is there a prize?

Absolutely. Two participants will win $25 Paypal payout. And two participants will win a pair of New Balance shoes.

How do I enter to win the prize?

All you need to do is RSVP to this post down below in the Linky AND THEN during the day of the 5K make sure to tweet a sweaty picture of yourself after it’s over using the hashtag #mamavation5k. We will be monitoring that hashtag and drawing a winner at random that evening.

What if I can’t run?

No worries. We also are encouraging walkers. It’s really just an excuse for you to get moving.

PLEASE HELP US PROMOTE BY TWEETING THIS

I’m running a virtual 5K with #Mamavation on March 9th. Would u like to join me? http://bit.ly/XdZXwE #mamavation5k

So join us on March 9th for a Virtual Mamavation 5K. We also encourage you to join our forums to chat about it there with others. Make sure to hit the linky below if you are participating.

Filed Under: Challenges, Featured, Giveaways, Leah's Posts, Longterm, Uncategorized

40 Days of Water Challenge with Blood:Water Missions Facebook Party

January 31, 2013 By Mamavation 13 Comments

Mamavation is participating in a 40 Day Water Challenge with Blood:Water Missions, a faith based non-profit that brings water resources and healthcare to African nations. From February 13th to March 30th, we will be drinking nothing but water for 40 days and then donating the money we saved to Blood:Water so they can bring clean drinking water to communities in Uganda.

This is what Blood:Water Missions did in 2012, so you get an idea of what we are joining forces with.

In the United States we take things like clean water for granted. Uganda has issues with clean water. Basically, they don’t have it. These are the people who will be directly impacted by your participation.

More details about Uganda.

AND to kick off this challenge, we are throwing a Facebook Party!!!

Who: Mamavation Community
Where: Mamavation Facebook Fan Page
When: Tuesday, February 12th from 8-9:30pm EST (5-6:30pm PST)
Theme: 40 Day Water Challenge and bringing water resources to communities in Uganda
RSVP: Please RSVP to this event here on Facebook

We don’t have any giveaways, but this isn’t really about giveaways is it? This is about helping people in communities that are less fortunate than us, cleansing your body with water for 40 days and watching what happens, AND feeling good about doing both of those things.

Help us promote this party and challenge and receive some good karma!

1. Tweet this message

Facebook Party!! Join #Mamavation on 2/12 to kick off the #40days of water challenge. Bring water 2 Uganda! http://bit.ly/YmdDHG

2. Share this post on Facebook
3. Share this Facebook Event page
3. Pin these graphics on Pinterest
4. Stumble this post

If you would like to join this 40 Day Challenge with Mamavation, you don’t need to be part of the community to join in, but please hit the linky below so we know you are joining us! Thanks!!

Disclaimer: I’m actually starting this challenge early on Feb. 5th so that I can go to Blissdom and have an alcoholic beverage. I’m also NOT getting rid of my coffee in the morning, but I’m double taxing myself for it. In the end, it all works out better for Blood:Water.

Filed Under: Challenges, Featured, Leah's Posts, Longterm, Twitter Parties, Uncategorized

Omron Strapless Heart Rate Monitor Fitness Challenge

December 10, 2012 By Mamavation 202 Comments

Omron has a brand new product, the HJ-323U connected pedometer! Combining all the activity-enhancing features of 3D smart sensor technology pedometers with Omron’s web-based solution and software, the HJ-323U downloadable pedometer provides an engaging and information-driven way to improve one’s health. By connecting the pedometer via USB cable and integrating it with Omronfitness.com, users can transfer data and track progress over time and share achievements via email, Facebook and Twitter with friends, family or healthcare professionals from their own personal dashboard.

Cool. Easy. An improvement on technology.

Measure the success of your #iheartOmron Challenge with your new 510W Scale from Omron. The Full Body Sensor Body Fat and Composition Monitor and Scale is a breakthrough device to measure your body composition at home. It measures 5 fitness indicators including body fat %, BMI, weight and more. The innovative Full Body Sensor is the only at-home body composition monitor that accurately measures your entire body. It uses 6 advanced sensors; 2 for your hands and 4 for your feet. Clinically proven to be as accurate as expensive medical devices professionals use.

Lastly, celebrate the success of your challenge with the new Strapless Heart Rate Monitor (HR-5ooU). This monitor helps you work out SMARTER and is easier to use than other heart rate monitors. They’ve eliminated the strap, so now when it comes to monitoring and staying in THE ZONE, it’s all in the wrist. The monitor alerts you when you are in the right heart rate zone to ensure an optimal workout. Walking 10,000 steps a day is recommended, but you can also achieve the same benefits walking 5,000 steps at a higher exercise level. Wanna cheat like the pros and still get a better workout? Let the Strapless Heart Rate Monitor from Omron help you. By connecting the monitor via USB cable and integrating it with Omronfitness.com, users can transfer data and track progress over time and share achievements via email, Facebook and Twitter with friends, family or healthcare professionals from their ohttp://www.mamavation.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=10201&action=editwn personal dashboard.

Cool. Easy. An improvement on technology.

Would you like to work with Omron as a Challenge Ambassador? Read the details below:

25 bloggers will enter a 30 Day Challenge with Mamavation and Omron using their connected pedometer and scale. At the end of the challenge, they will be rewarded with the Strapless Heart Rate Monitor. Each blogger will be given a fitness plan and instructed to workout 5 days a week. They will also be supported and given accountability by the Mamavation community and encouraged to join for daily inspiration. Click here for details on how to join the Mamavation community. While an Omron Challenge Ambassador, they will need to share their experiences on their blog, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and/or Instagram weekly. They will NOT have to show their weight, but they will need to send it privately to Mamavation Leadership for verification. Bloggers are also competing for additional cash that will be awarded to three individuals that work exceptionally hard and lose lots of weight. Then after the challenge is over, they will be the stars of a twitter party on February 20th from 8-10pm EST about fitness, heart rate acceleration, and Omron. Bloggers will be compensated $300, plus product valued at $280, plus fitness plan, plus the love of Mamavation. And three of them will win additional cash: 1st prize $500, 2nd & 3rd prize $250 each.

(Mandatory: 5 blog posts, “before” and “after” pics, weekly weigh-in pics you ONLY need to share with Mamavation Leadership, 5 Facebook posts, 50 tweets w/ specified hashtag, 5 Pins or Instagram posts, link up to Mamavation blogging carnival for additional comment love, & participation in twitter party. Anything else is just gravy, but we LOVE gravy when it’s the fat burning type.)

The challenge will go from January 13th to February 10th and twitter party on February 20th from 8-10pm EST.

If you would like to be considered for the Omron Fitness Challenge, please fill out this application below AND let your friends know you have applied by sharing on both Twitter & another social media platform of your choice, preferably Facebook. Please use #iheartOmron when tweeting. Applications close on 1/3 and participants will be announced on January 4th on twitter by Leah Segedie @Bookieboo.

Reminder: If you fill out this application, don’t forget to “share” about this opportunity. Only people who “share” will be considered. Thank you!

Filed Under: Challenges, Featured, Leah's Posts, Longterm, Uncategorized Tagged With: challenge, mamavation, omron, Omron Fitness, paid opportunities, sponsor

2 Week Challenge Campaign #11 Wrap-up

November 20, 2012 By MrBookieboo 3 Comments

Just when I thought the Mamavation 2 week challenge couldn’t get any better you ladies go out and amaze me. 127 people signed up for the 11th 2 week challenge and 69 people finished losing a combined total of 272 pounds and 130 inches!!! After 11 campaigns the total loss stands at 1213 pounds and 810 inches. Incredible work everyone!!

Remember that it is YOUR hard work and dedication that ultimately makes you successful. Mamavation and Bob Harper can provide you with the tools to succeed but it takes a commitment to yourself to see things through. You can do this – most of you already are.

Special thanks to Bob Harper @mytrainerbob for partnering with Mamavation and supplying the workouts.

Here are the winners of the 11th Mamavation 2 week challenge:

Grand Prize: @mommyoflittlei

Runner-Up: @ohiocatfish

Runner-Up: @lumpytoleandee

Winners please contact @momma_oz to claim your prize within 5 days of notification

The next 2 Week Challenge will be in early January. You won’t want to miss this one, trust me Keep an eye on the #Mamavation and #2weekchallenge hashtags for more details.

Here are the individuals that completed the 11th Mamavation 2 week challenge:

@1980dodge

@acowboyswife

@acwilliams16

@adisneyfamly

@allnewhealth

@april_in_nola

@bkstar00

@blahblahblah410

@btc_blog

@candypo

@carlylanemorgan

@collerhead

@comebackmomma

@creativekristi

@crunchybchmama

@dancingvalentin

@divalocks10

@fbbmomma

@ff12a

@fitmomtraining

@frostedfingers

@gratefulhoops

@gypsychai

@highimpactmom

@hmgiraffy

@insighstbyapril

@irishred02

@itscheapash

@jeanae

@jjeard

@johanna_r_t

@jweaver05

@kathill

@kbunn

@kelliefish

@kimtracyprince

@kittenbritches

@krissy_r

@lilhopr

@lindsay_blogs

@lisajoythompson

@lisanoel03

@lkzhbg

@lumpytoleandee

@mbranconier

@mellanhead

@miacupcake

@mom4less

@mommyoflittlei

@momvantage

@monicazyoung

@nichols0907

@nicole_johnson

@notdiyheather

@ohiocatfish

@pgreen730

@poniabaum

@ronaleeakarose

@runningrachel

@ruthemomof

@salmonrunner

@saralynseymoore

@scottdevisser

@stblissout

@susieqtpies

@tawnireller

@tink4everbell

@wa_tracy

@smexyangelt

Filed Under: Challenges, Dadavation, Featured, Longterm, Uncategorized

GMO Kitchen Cabinet Awareness Challenge

November 13, 2012 By Mamavation 7 Comments

Where are the GMOs in your kitchen? If you live in the United States or Canada, chances are you have several sneaky little products in your kitchen cabinet that are full of genetically modified ingredients. Mamavation is organizing a kitchen cabinet awareness challenge to help moms find them. I’m NOT asking moms to throw these items away, I’m only asking you to find them in your cabinet, take a picture of them and write about what you found. (There are also some stickers you can print out and label if you want to as well.) If you want to throw the GMOs away, go right ahead, but I recognize that some people MAY not have the ability to throw away food. That’s okay. But let’s educate ourselves and our communities on where they are.

Where are the GMOs? GMOs are NOT labeled, so you are going to have to do some label reading and take some general guidelines from Mamavation when searching for them. This can be tricky and you will have to educate yourself a bit, but I’m going to try and make it very easy for you here.

What to do: Go to your kitchen cabinet and pull out 10 items. You should do your entire cabinet, but only 10 at a time to get used to what you are looking for. You will be reading the ingredients portion of the label for each item and deciding whether it is a potential GMO or not. If you believe it has genetically modified ingredients in it, separate it in a pile. When you are finished, take a picture of that pile of food and write a post about what you learned.

Actual stickers you can label products with

Rockstar Options: If you want to up the ante, you can print out stickers and label all your items BEFORE you take a picture AND another thing you can do is choose five or more brands that are questionable and ask them on their Facebook page whether they contain GMOs.

Okay, are you ready? There are three main categories to look for.

__________________________

Category One: The Main Offenders (1st Generation GMOs)

Look for corn, “sugar”, canola, soy, aspartame, or cotton (Hawaiian papaya and some squashes and zucchinis are also offenders, but a minority)

90% of canola is genetically modified
88% of corn is genetically modified
90% of cotton is genetically modified (cottonseed oil in food)
94% of soy is genetically modified
95% of “sugar” is genetically modified. (“Sugar” is sugar beets, which is 95% GMO, BUT “cane sugar” is completely safe.)
100% of aspartame is genetically modified

_______________________

Category Two: Dairy (2nd Generation GMOs)

Conventional feed for cows consists of genetically modified corn and soy. Therefore the only safe dairy source is from “grass fed” cows. If the product contains milk or any dairy product and doesn’t say “organic milk” or “organic dairy” you can assume it is from cows that have eaten genetically modified feed.

________________________

Category Three: Hidden ingredients made of GMOs (This list was taken from the Non GMO Shopping Guide Here.)

Aspartame (also called AminoSweet®, NutraSweet®, Equal Spoonful®, Canderel®, BeneVia®, E951)
baking powder
canola oil (rapeseed oil)
caramel color
cellulose
citric acid
cobalamin (Vitamin B12)
colorose
condensed milk
confectioners sugar
corn flour
corn masa
corn meal
corn oil
corn sugar
corn syrup
cornstarch
cottonseed oil
cyclodextrin
cystein
dextrin
dextrose
diacetyl
diglyceride
erythritol
Equal
food starch
fructose (any form)
glucose
glutamate
glutamic acid
glycerides
glycerin
glycerol
glycerol monooleate
glycine
hemicellulose
high fructose corn syrup (HFCS)
hydrogenated starch
hydrolyzed vegetable protein
inositol
inverse syrup
inversol
invert sugar
isoflavones
lactic acid
lecithin
leucine
lysine
malitol
malt
malt syrup
malt extract
maltodextrin
maltose
mannitol
methylcellulose
milk powder
milo starch
modified food starch
modified starch
mono and diglycerides
monosodium glutamate (MSG)
Nutrasweet
oleic acid
Phenylalanine
phytic acid
protein isolate
shoyu
sorbitol
soy flour
soy isolates
soy lecithin
soy milk
soy oil
soy protein
soy protein isolate
soy sauce
starch
stearic acid
sugar (unless specified as cane sugar)
tamari
tempeh
teriyaki marinades
textured vegetable protein
threonine
tocopherols (vitamin E)
tofu
trehalose
triglyceride
vegetable fat
vegetable oil
vitamin B12
vitamin E
whey
whey powder
xanthan gum

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If you would like to join this special challenge, please help us share on twitter and facebook! Here is a suggested tweet that you can also use for facebook:

I’m joining the #GMOAware Kitchen Cabinet Challenge with #Mamavation! How many GMOs are in MY kitchen cabinet? http://bit.ly/PSuDo3

When talking about this challenge, please use #GMOAware and #mamavation in your tweets. If you are planning on joining the challenge, please leave a comment below and when your post is done come back here and link it up below on the linky. Please also link back here if you are joining the challenge so others know where this all started.

Filed Under: Activism, Challenges, Featured, Leah's Posts, Longterm, Uncategorized