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Your body is a complex machine made up of systems working together to function at its best. Just like any machine, your body needs fuel or energy to run. Choosing the best fuel for your body is important. What is good for someone else, may not help your body achieve optimal functioning. One thing rings true, however, everyone should avoid fuel that is loaded with chemicals. The human body is not capable of recognizing and using them. They become toxic and cause illness and disease. Choosing the proper fuel and avoiding toxic options can help prevent illness, give you lasting energy and promote good health and longevity. In a culture where processed foods outnumber the healthy options, how do you know what to choose? Fancy labels and marketing make many processed foods appear healthy, but the truth in these foods lies in the beyond the marketing on the front of package in the ingredients label. Turn to the side of the package and get to know what was put into the food and do your best to avoid the following ingredients as a start to cleaner eating: High Fructose Corn SyrupThis cheaper version of naturally occurring sugars found in fruits is derived from cornstarch. It has grown in popularity as a less expensive alternative to making food sweet and can now be found not only in candy or cookies, but also sauces, ketchup, soups and salad dressings. Why should you avoid it? HFCS has been linked to obesity, inflammation, cancer and diabetes. Instead: Reach for foods with naturally occurring sugars like fruit. When your sweet tooth strikes, chose sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup. Hydrogenated Oils (Trans Fats)This chemically enhanced fat was created to increase the shelf life of foods and enhance flavor and texture. It has since been banned but companies are allowed to include trace amounts. Learn to read INGREDIENTS and look for terms such as "Partially Hydrogenated" or "Hydrogenated" and place them back on the market shelf to live a long long life there! Why should you avoid it? Trans Fats have been proven to increase LDL or "bad" cholesterol which could lead to heart disease or stroke. Instead: Choose foods high in healthy fats such as avocados and nuts. Opt for extra virgin olive oil vs. vegetable oil when cooking. Artificial ColorIn his book Food Rules, Michael Pollan writes, "Don't eat breakfast cereals that change the color of your milk". Artificial color found in popular sugary cereals, sodas and rainbow colored candies as well as condiments, baked goods and even foods like pickles and beverages.
Why should you avoid it? Artificial color, usually listed in the ingredients as Red, Yellow or Blue followed by a number, have been linked to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, thyroid cancer and allergies Instead: Focus on whole foods that do not add artificial dyes. Comments are closed.
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Welcome!I'm Liz. Mom, wife, teacher, Health Coach. My passion lies in everything health and wellness. When new research and trends pop up, you can bet I am finding the best resources to information, weeding out the not so good and making the great easy to digest. From meal planning and recipes to exercise and mindfulness, wellness touches upon so many dimensions. Your path to optimal health is out there and I can help you find it. Archives
December 2022
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