Posts Tagged ‘Processed Foods’

Everything in Moderation – Is It Really The KEY To Good Health?

July 16th, 2010

moderationWe here this statement time and time again – that “everything in moderation” is the key to achieving good health. But this statement is actually incorrect.

Why? Because everybody’s version of ‘moderation’ is different.

One person might think that having 1 soft drink a day is a little, so that must be OK. On the other hand, somebody else might think that having 3 soft drinks a day is little – so that must be OK too.

But the truth of the matter is, there are some foods that we shouldn’t be eating at all! So we really need to scratch the statement – “everything in moderation” because it really isn’t the key to achieving good health.

A lot of food is toxic on the body, they actually do it harm. Many foods deplete our immune system and deplete our bodies of vitamins and minerals.

So it’s time to get rid of the belief – “Everything in moderation!”

A lot of us are led to believe that food found on a shelf is actually healthy. That there is some governing body authority protecting our health – but this is not true!

There are no agencies out there that protect us by checking every single ingredient for chemicals and preservatives.

Most of us take better care of our houses, our gardens, our computers and TV’s. They come with a manual, and instruction book – but we come with nothing!

We’ll walk into a grocery store and pick up a box because it says “healthy” – but never actually take the time to read the ingredients.

If you pulled up at a gas station and it said ’sulphur dioxide’ – you would ask, “What is that?” Because you know your car won’t work if you put the wrong fuel in it. But we never ask “What ingredient is preservative 202?” that appears on our box of Krispy Kreme donuts – but we should.

The word ‘healthy’ – is not regulated by anybody. Just because it says “healthy” on the box doesn’t mean that it actually is. Which is why you want to try and avoid as much food as you can that contains artificial colours and preservatives.

Just as Yuri explains in his book – ‘Eating for Energy’ - your diet should not incorporate a lot of processed food. Eat food as nature intended us too – as close to it’s original state as possible.

Food inside a box is certainly not as good for you as that which is picked off a vine or tree.

So start being very selective about WHAT you put into your mouth is … because your health is directly related to what you eat – not just how much.

Regards,

 

Audra Starkey

[The Healthy Shift Worker]

  

No More Junk Food in Schools?

December 1st, 2009

060202_junk_food_hmed_12p.hmediumWow, I can’t believe it!

This morning as I was passing by a TV in the gym, I heard them say that the school board in Hamilton, Ontario is looking at removing ALL junk food from all of their schools.

I never watch the news because I don’t feel it’s incessant negativity provides any value to my life, but I have to say that I was impressed by what I heard this morning.

I don’t know what has taken school boards so long to realize the detrimental effects junk foods have on the health and performance of kids and teenagers, let alone everyone else.

Hopefully, this movement will spread to other much bigger school boards who are unfortunately being paid off by companies like Coca-Cola and Pepsi to carry their vending machines and pollute their students.

There have been countless studies showing the harmful effects of sugar and processed foods on the behaviour and academic performance of adolescents. Similar studies have been conducted on prison inmates with results showing increased aggression and delinquent behaviour in those whose diets are rich in “junk food”.

I remember when I was in high school, our cafeteria menu choices consisted of chicken burgers, fries, patties, pizza, candy bars, pop, and some other garbage. I don’t even think the offered the option of fruit, let alone vegetables.

It was a sad state of affairs and I don’t think the situation has improved much in most schools.

But today’s news is encouraging.

What do you think about the state of junk food in our schools? I’d love to hear your thoughts.