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Sawdust In Our Food

I recently watched a YouTube video and heard "sawdust in our food." I was like, what on earth? So I watched and then I did some research. Sawdust or cellulose is added to many of our prepared food products that we buy at the grocery store. It sounds awful but it is considered to be food grade quality so it is part of adding fiber to foods. Let's take a closer look.

Apparently, back in the 1700s in Europe, there was not enough wheat and flour to go around. People started adding sawdust to flour to make it go further. Yuck...Here in the USA, there was much more wheat but over the years, they figured out how to add fiber to food through cellulose which is organic.

After many years, food inspections started so they had to figure out how to add sawdust in our food aka cellulose that is organic to get past the inspectors. Apparently, now it just passes through you and does not harm the body. That just does not sound right to me.

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Sawdust In Our Food - 8/12-8/18/2024

Monday, August 12, 2024

I felt pretty good when I got up this morning. I got ready for the day and went out to open the store. I started mailing out the orders that I pulled yesterday. After several hours, I just wanted to curl up and go to sleep. I could barely stay awake. I went in the house around 11:30am and stayed in. I just laid down for the rest of the day. Right before 5pm, the pay stubs came so I got up and wrote paychecks.

David canned a bunch of salsa in our home kitchen today while I was resting.

Close to 8pm, I went out to put the goats and chickens away for the night, came in, showered, and then fell asleep on the couch. I got up and went to bed around 11:30pm and slept pretty well.

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Sawdust In Our Food

Okay, let's have a chat about something you might find shocking: sawdust in our food. Yes, you read that right. It seems unbelievable, but many processed foods contain cellulose, which is essentially wood pulp, or what you might call sawdust.

Now, hold on before you start throwing everything in your pantry away. Let's break down exactly what this means, why it's happening, and which foods you need to watch out for. Spoiler alert: making your own food might be the way to go. Yes, it is the way to go. Grate your own cheese. Bake your own bread.

First off, you might be wondering why on earth anyone would add sawdust to food. The answer is cellulose. It's a type of plant fiber that's abundant in wood. Food manufacturers use it because it's cheap, adds bulk, and doesn't change the taste of the food.

Cellulose in food is used primarily as an anti-caking agent, thickener, or filler. It's also used to improve the texture and fiber content of food products. Because it's non-digestible, it passes through your digestive system without being absorbed, which can make it appealing from a dietary fiber perspective.

But come on, the idea of eating something that originated as sawdust is gross, right? Imagine having a bowl of cereal in the morning without realizing it's got finely powdered wood pulp inside. Disgusting, isn't it?

You might be wondering if cellulose in food is even safe. According to the FDA, cellulose is generally recognized as safe (GRAS). But just because something is deemed safe doesn't mean we should be excited about eating it. Especially when it comes to food additives that are gross such as sawdust.

Let's dive into some common foods that have sawdust in them, starting with processed bread. Have you ever noticed how some loaves stay soft for an unnaturally long time? That’s often due to the cellulose added to them.

Cellulose can also be called carboxymethylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, or MCC on the ingredient lists on food packaging.

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Tuesday, August 13, 2024

Good Tuesday morning. I had a good night and, so far, I feel good this morning. I got up and ate some more probiotic yogurt earlier. I just ate some toast. I am listening to last night's X interview with President Trump and Elon Musk. It is very good.

We have had problems with our internet since we moved to the country. In fact, we have three separate internets, one for our home where we do a lot of work, one for Fulfillment and Production, and one for the Farm Store and David's office in the building next door. The buildings cancel each other out so we have to switch depending on where we are.

Today, David had the internet company come and update the internet for Fulfillment and Production to see if it is any better. The guy was here for quite a while. It seems to be working okay.

My stomach felt good for most of the day but I have had my moments today. Little Trump is getting big. His legs got very tall all of a sudden. I think he will end up being a big doggie.

It is currently 3pm and 100° Fahrenheit. The grass is turning brown and there is no chance of rain for the next ten days. So depressing...

I have been pulling and closing seed orders all day long. No customers have come but it is back to school time in our area. We have a million plants for your fall garden so come by and get some. It is almost time to plant the fall garden.

After 4pm, we actually had a customer. He bought seeds, no plants.

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Sawdust In Our Food

Shredded cheese is another culprit. Ever wondered why pre-packaged shredded cheese doesn’t clump together? It’s because cellulose is used to coat the shreds, preventing them from sticking. Actually, it is not that hard to grate your own cheese.

Next on the list are baked goods like muffins, cakes, and pastries. Many commercially produced items include cellulose to add bulk and improve texture. Knowing this might make that store-bought cupcake a little less appealing. It is time to start baking bread and cake from scratch. Many times I do. I never add sawdust. Do you?

Salad dressings are also offenders. The creamy texture in some low-fat or fat-free dressings can be attributed to cellulose acting as a thickener. So, you’re essentially pouring liquefied sawdust on your greens. This is so gross. Time to learn how to make our own salad dressing.

Sauces and soups also often contain cellulose. Next time you’re enjoying a hearty bowl of your favorite canned soup, remember that some of its thickness might be thanks to wood pulp. Hmmm, hmmm, good, I mean bad. Sawdust in my soup? No. I will make it homemade from now on.

Ever bought pre-packaged frosting? It's likely it has cellulose as well. You might want to consider making your own frosting if you want to avoid eating sawdust with your cake. I will definitely be making my own frosting from now on.

Ice cream is another treat that often contains cellulose, especially the low-fat or diet versions. It helps to maintain the creamy texture without adding fat. Can you believe that? Sawdust in our ice cream! Gross!

Even some nutritional bars, especially those labeled as high in fiber, may also contain cellulose. It’s worth checking the labels if you want to stick to natural ingredients.

Fast food is not exempt. Many fast food burgers, especially the buns, contain cellulose. Next time you're in the drive-thru, keep this in mind. Burgers and tacos also contain cellulose aka sawdust. So when you are paying $10 for a lunch at your favorite fast food joint, you are getting sawdust in your burger bun. Yuck!

Now that we’ve highlighted some foods with sawdust in them, let’s discuss why the government allows this in the first place. Essentially, cellulose is classified as a safe food additive, so manufacturers are within their rights to use it.

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Wednesday, August 14, 2024

This morning, I still felt bad. David and I went into Pleasanton as David had a doctor's appointment. We bought a few things at HEB while we were there. We came home and I had to take a nap. In fact, I took three and each time I fell asleep, I was rudely awakened. First, by a text from David, second by Sue Ellen barking, and third, by the alarm going off on my phone. I was trying to fill the pond. Matt turned the water on, but did not hit the lever under the faucet so no water went into the pond. Meanwhile, I set the timer for two hours and thirty minutes. When I checked on the pond, it was still empty. I am now filling it for real.

I still feel bad. I think I am dehydrated and it feels miserable.

We had two customers today. Matt waited on both of them because I did not feel up to par.

It is 4:30pm, 100°, and windy. Matt went back to Pleasanton to pick up some medication for David.

Masterchef was back on tonight for two hours and we had a good time watching.

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Sawdust In Our Food

The main reason for its use is cost-efficiency. Cellulose is a cheap way to add bulk and improve texture while reducing actual food costs. This is especially attractive for large-scale producers looking to maximize profits.

Additionally, using cellulose can extend the shelf life of products. This makes them more convenient for both consumers and retailers, although at what cost?

While cellulose isn't harmful, it’s not exactly nutritious either. It doesn't absorb into your body like vitamins or minerals do, so you’re essentially eating empty calories.

The presence of cellulose in food highlights the broader issue of food additives. The additives may be safe, but they often dilute the nutritional value of our food, making it important to read labels and make informed choices.

This raises another important point: knowing what you're eating. By staying informed about food additives that are gross such as sawdust, you can make better decisions for your health.

Making your own food is a great way to avoid unnecessary additives. This way, you control exactly what goes into your meals, ensuring you’re not unknowingly consuming stuff like sawdust.

Home-cooked meals are not only tastier and healthier, but they also provide peace of mind. When you prepare your own food, there's no second-guessing what strange ingredients might be lurking in your plate.

Okay, but what if you don’t have the time to make everything from scratch? Even then, being aware of what to avoid can help you choose better options when shopping.

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Thursday, August 15, 2024

Good morning! We are having a 40% off Flash Sale this Saturday from 5am CST until Sunday morning at 2am CST. Spend $20 and get 40% off all of our seeds, including seed sets.

The day started out with such promise. Our first customer arrived at 8:50am, ten minutes before we open. Matt took her into the store and she picked out seeds. By the time I got out there, she wanted to look at plants. She bought 11 vegetable plants. But no one else came. It is now time to close. It is 101° and windy. We have watered the plants three times today because the sun is so ridiculously hot.

I wasn't feeling well again so I went in the house for a while. David is making a turkey breast in the rotisserie for dinner which sounds good. I did not pull one order today.

I gathered a bunch of stuff to pack for our weekend trip. More on that later. I hate to pack and unpack. It is such a bother.

This evening, I packed up for a quick trip out of town where we will take a beekeeping class before getting bees.

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Sawdust In Our Food

Start by reading ingredient labels. Look out for terms like “cellulose,” “cellulose gum,” or “cellulose powder.” These are clear indicators that sawdust might be in your food.

Prioritize buying whole foods over processed ones. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and grains are less likely to contain unnecessary additives, keeping your diet cleaner.

Whenever possible, buy products that are organic or certified additive-free. These items may come at a higher cost, but investing in your health is always worth it.

If you still want the convenience of pre-packaged foods, look for brands committed to using natural ingredients. Many companies now cater to consumers who want additive-free products.

Another good habit is to cook larger batches of home-prepared food and freeze portions for later use. This way, you save time and have control over what goes into your meals.

Meal planning can also make a significant difference. By planning your meals and snacks ahead of time, you reduce the likelihood of resorting to processed foods high in cellulose.

And don't forget to spread the word! The more people are aware of sawdust in food, the more demand there will be for better food standards and practices.

Knowledge is power. Understanding what goes into your food can help you make better choices and influence the market. After all, consumers drive demand.

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Friday, August 16, 2024

Good morning! I slept pretty good, the best I have slept in over a week. I have been working on orders all morning.

The sun is bright and hot and the wind is already blowing. We had no customers the entire day. Sales are way down. Small businesses are struggling all over the country because of the high prices of everything with the Biden/Harris administration. Just today, Biden appeared with Harris and told his followers to beat the hell out of all MAGA Republicans. What? Isn't that against the law? How can he get away with this after he has forced prices of food, gas, and everything else sky high? I cannot believe the amount of supporters that Kamala has despite being dumber than dirt.

Anyway, we left at 2pm for Round Rock but got caught in horrible traffic. It took us 3.5 hours to get up here from Rossville on the toll road. We are in a hotel right on a freeway with no food around so we are having to Uber some food in. I am starving.

The food got there. We ordered medium steaks but they sent almost well done. Oh well. We ate them. Better than getting out in that horrendous traffic again. The room is nice except they gave us one washcloth and no extra blanket or sheets for the second bed.

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Sawdust In Our Food

Let’s consider another approach: increasing your dietary fiber through natural sources. Fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains are great options.

By focusing on fiber-rich, whole foods, you naturally eliminate the need for cellulose in your diet. This helps you stay healthier while avoiding unwanted additives.

Juicing fruits and vegetables is another excellent way to boost your nutrient intake. It’s a convenient and delicious method to consume a variety of essential vitamins and minerals.

Don’t shy away from home-baking either. Making your own bread, muffins, and cakes allows you to avoid additives and embrace healthier ingredients.

Experiment with making your own dressings and sauces. Simple recipes using fresh ingredients can be just as flavorful, without the need for cellulose or other fillers.

Investing in a good quality food processor or blender can aid in homemade food preparation, making it easier and faster to whip up nutritious meals.

Join local food co-ops or community-supported agriculture programs (CSAs). These offer access to fresh, locally sourced produce that is less likely to contain additives.

Attending local farmers' markets can also provide you with fresh, additive-free foods, while supporting local farmers and sustainable agriculture practices.

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Saturday, August 17, 2024

The bed was very comfortable but I barely slept, especially when David took the blanket and went to the other bed. I froze. He had the AC on 67 and I could not figure out how to move it. In the process of moving it, I somehow turned off the AC. I cannot see anything without my glasses so I was just pressing some buttons while I froze.

The complimentary breakfast was lukewarm powdered eggs and last night's french fries. It was horrible and we hit up McDonald's on the way to the bee class. 

The bee class wasn't at all what I expected. We knew nothing and still feel that way. We went out to the bee yard with bee suits and it was scary. Enjoy these photos of us. Most were taken by one of the teachers because we couldn't take photos with thick gloves on. I had a hard time staying awake as I did not sleep well the night before.

After the class which ended close to 2:30pm, we met up with some people we had not seen in two years and then drove home. We got home close to 6pm. I was so tired.

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Sawdust In Our Food

Be mindful when dining out. Ask restaurants about how their meals are prepared and if they use any additives. Many places now cater to consumers seeking natural ingredients.

Encourage your family and friends to get involved. Cooking together can be a fun and educational experience for everyone, making it easier to make healthier choices. Making things from scratch will prevent sawdust in our food.

Educate your children on the importance of nutritious foods. This instills good eating habits early on, helping them become more conscious consumers as they grow.

Advocate for better food labeling laws and regulations. The more transparent the food industry is, the easier it becomes to make informed decisions.

Engage with brands on social media about their use of additives. Companies are more likely to change their practices if consumers voice their concerns directly.

Conduct further research on food additives and educate yourself about other common, but lesser-known, additives that might be in your food. Really, just stay away from prepared foods to prevent sawdust in our foods. If we don't buy from the companies that put sawdust in our foods, they will have to change the way they do business.

Take food safety courses or attend workshops to deepen your understanding of food ingredients and safety standards.

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Sunday, August 18, 2024

Well, I got outside sort of late and it was already blazing hot. I got everyone fed and washed the chicken waterers. I also had to rehang the goat feeders. They were too close together so Norton and Alice would block them and not allow Trixie to eat. Such pigs for goats!

We did not go to church as David is sneezing away. It started on Friday afternoon in Austin and he has been sneezing ever since so it is another day at home seeing no one. Oh well. No churches around here want us there anyway. We have been to so many and it always ends the same...I wonder what Jesus will say to us when we face Him? I wonder what Jesus will say to all of the wonderful Christian folks who tossed us? One day, we will find out. I would venture to say that based on my experience, most people who attend church do so either to further business or they use it as a social club. Very few people understand that they need to be the hands and feet of Jesus and serve Him. Sad, but true.

It got up to 104° today. All of the plants were wilting. It is supposed to get hotter this week. I had to go out and water everything so it would still be alive in the morning. What a miserable time with no rain and no relief.

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Sawdust In Our Food

Stay updated on food industry news. Following reputable sources can alert you to new findings and changes in food regulations that impact consumer health.

Listen to your body. Notice how you feel after eating certain foods and adjust your diet accordingly. Sometimes, our bodies can be the best indicators of what we should avoid.

Consider consulting nutritionists or dietitians for personalized advice on maintaining a healthy, additive-free diet.

While it might seem overwhelming, making small, gradual changes to your eating habits can have a significant impact over time.

Remember, the goal is not to be perfect but to be mindful. Every step you take towards reducing the intake of unwanted additives, like sawdust in food, is a step towards better health.

Ultimately, being aware of cellulose in food empowers you to make choices that align with your health and wellness goals.

Once you start implementing these changes, you’ll likely notice a difference in the quality of your food and your overall wellbeing.

Trust us, when it comes to your diet, cutting out the unwanted additives—including food additives that are gross such as sawdust in our food—can lead to a healthier, more satisfying lifestyle.

So next time you’re grocery shopping, remember this chat and make those choices that keep sawdust out of your pantry and delicious, wholesome food on your plate.

To grow your own healthy foods, get the best seeds here from David's Garden Seeds®.

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