Different weight loss programs will tell you about different ways to lose weight. One thing they may all tell you is to check the ingredients of the foods that you eat. There are a few things you may want to look for when checking packaged food ingredients. If it is something that you recognize like “water” then it is safe, if it is something that is questionable like “hydrogenated cottonseed oil” you should probably leave it on the shelf.
The following isn't a packaged food, but a fast food item. If you are watching what you eat, the same principle applies when it comes to restaurant food if you can get a hold of the ingredients. This is the amount of stuff that they put in one McDonalds chicken sandwich:
McChicken® Patty:
Chicken, water, salt, sodium phosphates. Battered and breaded with: bleached wheat flour, water, wheat flour, food starch-modified, salt, spices, wheat gluten, paprika, dextrose, yeast, garlic powder, partially hydrogenated soybean oil and cottonseed oil with mono -and diglycerides, leavening (sodium acid pyrophosphate, baking soda, ammonium bicarbonate, monocalcium phosphate), natural flavor (plant source) with extractives of paprika. Prepared in vegetable oil (Canola oil, corn oil, soybean oil, hydrogenated soybean oil with TBHQ and citric acid added to preserve freshness). Dimethylpolysiloxane added as an antifoaming agent
There are many things that bother me about the ingredients in this sandwich. First of all, that is a lot of stuff to put in one silly chicken sandwich. Secondly, some of these ingredients don’t even sound like food. I’ve made chicken sandwiches before, NONE of them needed monocalcium phosphate or an antifoaming agent. I would want to know why theirs do need it. Thirdly, there is sometimes hidden MSG in food flavoring even if it is “natural flavoring” and even if it wasn’t, why does a chicken sandwich NEED flavoring? Aren’t we just looking for a chicken flavor? If so, what ever happened to just adding simple spices to kick up the flavor?
As always questions, comments and furthermores are valued and welcome.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
Weight Loss
In my experience as a personal trainer, weight loss was the number one reason why people started an exercise program. I often hear of people trying to count calories and fat and wonder why they can’t lose weight.
Many health professionals are finally starting to look at issues that involve something other than counting calories and fat. Problems with weight and obesity can be routed in a couple different problems, however, when I look at the way Americans eat, I wonder why there are so few of us having problems with weight. Have you ever looked at the ingredients in processed foods or fast foods? MSG is sometimes a hidden ingredient in the flavoring of processed foods. Some doctors say that MSG and artificial sweeteners have some influence in weight problems and obesity.
In upcoming posts we will continue to explore other problems with the American diet.
Many health professionals are finally starting to look at issues that involve something other than counting calories and fat. Problems with weight and obesity can be routed in a couple different problems, however, when I look at the way Americans eat, I wonder why there are so few of us having problems with weight. Have you ever looked at the ingredients in processed foods or fast foods? MSG is sometimes a hidden ingredient in the flavoring of processed foods. Some doctors say that MSG and artificial sweeteners have some influence in weight problems and obesity.
In upcoming posts we will continue to explore other problems with the American diet.
Health Food Stores vs The Supermarket III
In previous posts, I've listed reasons why people are afraid of shopping at health food stores. I've mentioned how people are afraid that the products won’t be as effective and how people are afraid that the food won’t taste very good. The one thing left to discuss is the high prices at health food stores.
People definitely an issue with price. I shop at Whole Foods stores, and recommend Whole Foods stores, but understand why so many insist on referring to them as the "Whole Paycheck" stores. The prices, I admit, can be overwhelming. The thing is, it’s harder to mass produce real food than it is to mass produce junk. Food industries often add a lot of cheap junk to stretch what was once real food, but of course, the quality plummets. If you want quality, you're going to pay for quality; if you're going to buy cheap food, you will get cheap nutrition. I admit once again that it isn't always easy living with those prices, however, I don't have a choice. If I don't buy quality food, I will not live a quality life. It depends on how badly you need to live well. If you're like me and the other stuff just makes you fatigued and spacey, you do whatever you need to in order to make it work. Once I saw what the junk does to my body in comparison to what the quality products do for my body, I couldn't go back, no matter how feasible the cheap prices were.
A physician, (a Bastyr University graduate), once adressed the fact that good health costs money when she was lecturing at the Southwest School of Naturopathic Medicine in Arizona. I believe it was one of the most important statements that I walked away with that day. She said that you can worry about the money, however, in the end somebody is going to get paid. You’re going to pay your grocer or your doctor, but again, in the end SOMEBODY is going to get paid.
People definitely an issue with price. I shop at Whole Foods stores, and recommend Whole Foods stores, but understand why so many insist on referring to them as the "Whole Paycheck" stores. The prices, I admit, can be overwhelming. The thing is, it’s harder to mass produce real food than it is to mass produce junk. Food industries often add a lot of cheap junk to stretch what was once real food, but of course, the quality plummets. If you want quality, you're going to pay for quality; if you're going to buy cheap food, you will get cheap nutrition. I admit once again that it isn't always easy living with those prices, however, I don't have a choice. If I don't buy quality food, I will not live a quality life. It depends on how badly you need to live well. If you're like me and the other stuff just makes you fatigued and spacey, you do whatever you need to in order to make it work. Once I saw what the junk does to my body in comparison to what the quality products do for my body, I couldn't go back, no matter how feasible the cheap prices were.
A physician, (a Bastyr University graduate), once adressed the fact that good health costs money when she was lecturing at the Southwest School of Naturopathic Medicine in Arizona. I believe it was one of the most important statements that I walked away with that day. She said that you can worry about the money, however, in the end somebody is going to get paid. You’re going to pay your grocer or your doctor, but again, in the end SOMEBODY is going to get paid.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Feedback on Laughter
"I AGREE THAT LAUGHTER IS A GOOD STRESS RELIEVER BUT WHEN ONE IS AROUND TOXIC PEOPLE IT IS SURE HARD TO LAUGH. ONE HAS TO STAY AWAY FROM PEOPLE WHO ARE TOXIC. IT'S SOMETHING THAT IS AN ONGOING BATTLE ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU’RE SURROUNDED WITH TOXICITY! IT'S ALWAYS GOOD TO HAVE A GOOD LAUGH. MORE IMPORTANTLY, SOMEONE YOU CAN JUST 'LET IT ALL OUT'"
I know what you mean. My opinion, however, slightly differs on one point and I'll share this to empower and encourage you. Yes, it is difficult to laugh when you have ANY toxin around you. For sensitive individuals like you and I it especially seems difficult when that toxicity is generated by people's actions; however, I ALWAYS try to laugh about my dark days. I can't say that I'm always successful, but I do try. When I have difficult people in my life, it's even MORE important to find the comedy.
I remember having a toxic roommate situation several years ago. That was most difficult for me because she was a horrible toxin and she was in my house. Laughter was essential at that particular point in my life. It was the only way I could keep going until I was able to improve my situation. You see, when you laugh at your trials, you take away the power that it has over you. Take Jeff Allen; if you knew of his VERY DIFFICULT past you would wonder how he makes a living making people laugh. Once you understand what laughing at your worst times can do for you, you wonder why more people with dark days don't turn to comedy as a method of therapy.
You and I see eye to eye on what you said about having someone around to “let it all out” with though. On that point, I agree with you with all my heart and soul. The one thing that is more powerful than finding the comedy in your dark days and laughing about it, is laughing with someone. Then your past bad days brighten your "today" and someone else’s "today" simultaneously. Often, THAT is what comedy is all about.
I know what you mean. My opinion, however, slightly differs on one point and I'll share this to empower and encourage you. Yes, it is difficult to laugh when you have ANY toxin around you. For sensitive individuals like you and I it especially seems difficult when that toxicity is generated by people's actions; however, I ALWAYS try to laugh about my dark days. I can't say that I'm always successful, but I do try. When I have difficult people in my life, it's even MORE important to find the comedy.
I remember having a toxic roommate situation several years ago. That was most difficult for me because she was a horrible toxin and she was in my house. Laughter was essential at that particular point in my life. It was the only way I could keep going until I was able to improve my situation. You see, when you laugh at your trials, you take away the power that it has over you. Take Jeff Allen; if you knew of his VERY DIFFICULT past you would wonder how he makes a living making people laugh. Once you understand what laughing at your worst times can do for you, you wonder why more people with dark days don't turn to comedy as a method of therapy.
You and I see eye to eye on what you said about having someone around to “let it all out” with though. On that point, I agree with you with all my heart and soul. The one thing that is more powerful than finding the comedy in your dark days and laughing about it, is laughing with someone. Then your past bad days brighten your "today" and someone else’s "today" simultaneously. Often, THAT is what comedy is all about.
Health Food Stores vs The Supermarket II
People sometimes have a difficult time with the idea of living a healthy lifestyle. One problem people have reside in false notions about health food store items. They believe that they aren't as good as the products that are toxic or processed; nothing is further from the truth. The health food stores just offer more choices; often healthier choices. Many of the products I buy are just as effective and they are healthier in the long run; in other words, they are BETTER.
I admit, it took me a while to find good and effective natural products that I’m happy with on a whole. This is why I post information about my favorite products. At least my readers won’t have to look too far unless a product isn’t available where they are. This is a real bummer for me as well as you when it isn't. The good news is, often these products can be purchased online if not from your local health food store. Often, you can buy them online at a cheaper price than at a health food store too.
So where should YOU shop? Well, many supermarkets have a health food isle. Of course, I would only take that route if you want to limit your choices or if you already know that the supermarket carries a health food product at a better price. Furthermore, it doesn't hurt to comparison shop. For example, my husband found organic lemons at Wal-Mart for a NICE price a couple of months ago. A Colorado supermarket chain is currently expanding their selection of organic produce which will make it easier for people who don't live very close to health food stores.
As long as you know what you are looking for, a supermarket may not be an entirely bad place to shop. Just understand that your choices aren't limited to highly toxic foods and products that supermarkets usually offer.
I admit, it took me a while to find good and effective natural products that I’m happy with on a whole. This is why I post information about my favorite products. At least my readers won’t have to look too far unless a product isn’t available where they are. This is a real bummer for me as well as you when it isn't. The good news is, often these products can be purchased online if not from your local health food store. Often, you can buy them online at a cheaper price than at a health food store too.
So where should YOU shop? Well, many supermarkets have a health food isle. Of course, I would only take that route if you want to limit your choices or if you already know that the supermarket carries a health food product at a better price. Furthermore, it doesn't hurt to comparison shop. For example, my husband found organic lemons at Wal-Mart for a NICE price a couple of months ago. A Colorado supermarket chain is currently expanding their selection of organic produce which will make it easier for people who don't live very close to health food stores.
As long as you know what you are looking for, a supermarket may not be an entirely bad place to shop. Just understand that your choices aren't limited to highly toxic foods and products that supermarkets usually offer.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Health Food Stores vs The Supermarket
This post is inspired by a project that a girlfriend of mine is doing for school. She has to write about why people shop at health food stores as opposed to the regular supermarkets. What does the health food store have that the supermarket doesn’t besides raised prices? Well, let’s explore this.
In my observation, the supermarket sells products that have a lower price because of their low quality or because of their highly toxic content. People who shop at health food stores either have allergies or they are like me and they realize that their bodies are healthier when the toxicity level in their body and household is low.
When I go to Wal-Mart or other supermarkets and pass the isles with cleaners, I gag or hold my breath. Those things are so potent and toxic; I wonder how more people don’t drop dead from these nasty fumes. The last time I went to the east coast to visit my mom, I remember going to the supermarket with her to search for some quality whole grain bread. I found everything under the sun except that. The breads either weren't whole grain or they had some toxic ingredient like hydrogenated oil, reduced iron or sugar.
I shop at health food stores because I know that my choices aren't limited to that junk. I may have to pay more, but I have made a decision a long time ago that my energy and health is worth the extra money.
In my observation, the supermarket sells products that have a lower price because of their low quality or because of their highly toxic content. People who shop at health food stores either have allergies or they are like me and they realize that their bodies are healthier when the toxicity level in their body and household is low.
When I go to Wal-Mart or other supermarkets and pass the isles with cleaners, I gag or hold my breath. Those things are so potent and toxic; I wonder how more people don’t drop dead from these nasty fumes. The last time I went to the east coast to visit my mom, I remember going to the supermarket with her to search for some quality whole grain bread. I found everything under the sun except that. The breads either weren't whole grain or they had some toxic ingredient like hydrogenated oil, reduced iron or sugar.
I shop at health food stores because I know that my choices aren't limited to that junk. I may have to pay more, but I have made a decision a long time ago that my energy and health is worth the extra money.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Laughter II
Laughter is key in my life. Besides strengthening my relationships, it strengthens the immune system and decreases stress and pain. But then again, the fact that laughter decreases pain isn't exactly a new fact to most people. Think about it, if you are in pain, how much are you thinking about it if you are busy laughing? The only exception to this is when you have an abdominal injury or something. I was just thinking of when my dad came home from surgery on his abdomen many years ago, laughter actually did hurt him. Other than such a situation, laughter is great therapy for any other ailment AND it is great preventive medicine.
I want to also share something interesting I read about laughter in animals. The one that I found most fascinating was the study on laughter in dogs. A dog's laughter sounds like panting, however, this "laughter" type panting was recorded and played for dogs at a shelter, it reduced stress and increased socialization and playing. I found this to be very inspiring, but not very surprising.
So, find time to laugh everyday. One half hour of your favorite comedy per day at least is all that is necessary to reduce stress and strengthen the heart and immune system.
Here is more Jeff Allen:
I want to also share something interesting I read about laughter in animals. The one that I found most fascinating was the study on laughter in dogs. A dog's laughter sounds like panting, however, this "laughter" type panting was recorded and played for dogs at a shelter, it reduced stress and increased socialization and playing. I found this to be very inspiring, but not very surprising.
So, find time to laugh everyday. One half hour of your favorite comedy per day at least is all that is necessary to reduce stress and strengthen the heart and immune system.
Here is more Jeff Allen:
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