Just because food has passed an FDA inspection doesn't mean it's good for you. I'm not here to gripe about the government, but I do believe that the government is controlled by lobbyists, and that they care a lot more about money than our health. It's up to us to know what we are putting into our bodies and not assume that just because it says "healthy" on the label, that it actually is healthy.
I'd like to encourage you to do your homework and read a few books and watch a movie. The books are Master Your Metabolism by Jillian Michaels and Skinny Bitch by Kim Barnouin. These books also have cookbooks that work with them. Now, once you read these, you may feel a little overwhelmed. They recommend an entire lifestyle change. I personally, don't believe it's realistic to make huge changes like that, but you absolutely can make small changes (I've listed a few below) and work towards the bigger changes (I also don't believe in Jillian's thoughts that eating pineapple and papaya are wrong... you don't see anyone sitting at Weight Watchers saying "I just can't stop eating pineapple!). The movie I'd like you to watch is on Netflix and it's called Food, Inc.
All of these things will give you some insight into the billion dollar food industry. You will be shocked at what we unthinkingly put into our bodies. No wonder we are sick!
I'd like to encourage you to try taking on a few of these changes. They are simple changes! Remember that in our goals to become healthier we have to keep continually moving forward, doing more for ourselves and our families!
-Here is a list of the foods that contain the most pesticides and should be bought organic every time; and the ones that contain the least and don't need to be organic
12 Most Contaminated
- Peaches
- Apples
- Sweet Bell Peppers
- Celery
- Nectarines
- Strawberries
- Cherries
- Pears
- Grapes (Imported)
- Spinach
- Lettuce
- Potatoes
- Onions
- Avocado
- Sweet Corn (Frozen)
- Pineapples
- Mango
- Asparagus
- Sweet Peas (Frozen)
- Kiwi Fruit
- Bananas
- Cabbage
- Broccoli
- Papaya
I realize that organically grown products are more expensive than standard items. Which brings me to my next challenge...
-Stop eating out so much. Just cutting back once twice a month will save you around $40 a month. Put that money towards your organic items!
-Trade one meal a week (breakfast, lunch or dinner) for a vegetarian meal. As a nation, we consume a lot of animal protein. Other protein sources are beans, legumes, tofu... the Skinny Bitch cookbook has tons of great recipes (and I got mine for $6 off amazon!). These other sources are usually lower in calories and cheaper to purchase organic. Plus, you don't have to worry about knowing if your meat has been humanely treated. Which brings us to our last challenge...
-TRY to have an idea of whether or not your meat has been humanely treated. I'm no PETA activist. I do stay away from pork and beef but I'm not a vegetarian by any means. BUT as a massage therapist, I have noted that muscles that are put under stress are full of lactic acid. An animal that is being abused will have muscles (which is what we eat) full of lactic acid. Words you should look for are "free range" "grass fed" and "organic". You will have the best luck at Clark's. You can also try and find a local butcher but I haven't had much luck with that route (if YOU do, please let me know!!) These kinds of meats can be pretty pricey. If you can't afford to go that route (I personally can't!) than the next best thing is hormone free, nitrate free and nitrite free (you will find nitrates and nitrites in lunch meats and hot dogs. A good brand to try is Boar's Head, found at Gerrard's and most local delis).
And then I have one challenge for you regarding overall health. Try and change your goal. Everyone says "I want to gain/lose about 10 lbs". Try and narrow your goal down a bit.
I want to run a 5K race (and sign up for one!)
I want to do weight training twice a week to gain muscle
I want to play more actively with my kids
I want to run a 8 minute mile
By giving yourself a reachable goal, you take the focus off of what you AREN'T (skinny, fit, whatever) and put the focus on what you CAN do. You will feel proud for every step you take. Checking the scale everyday will only make you feel bad on those days you're off (have you hidden yours yet???)
Remember that you can ask me any questions and if I don't have the answer, I'll find someone who does!!!
BE KIND TO YOURSELF!!
No comments:
Post a Comment