Organic foods and produce had retail sales that topped $9 billion in 2002, the United States Department of Agriculture also jumped on the wagon by releasing federal guidelines for labeling products as organic. So what are organic foods and are they more nutritionally beneficial that other foods? Well simply put, organic foods must not have, or be produced from ingredients that use chemicals, like pesticides or manufactured fertilizers. They cannot have biological additives, such as growth hormones, and they are grown from seeds that have not been genetically modified.
All the recent short-term studies show that there is no difference between organic foods and conventional foods. There, as yet, is no evidence that they are safer or more nutritious. But there is one thing that is for sure they definitely taste better! Agro-business tends to select seeds based on disease resistance and high yields, flavor and texture become secondary characteristics in the selection process. Because organic produce is grown from older seed varieties known as Heirloom Crops, that for hundreds of years had been selected only for robust flavors and crisp textures, they have an amazing palette of flavor. Try out some organic winter carrots or organic hothouse tomatoes and see if you don't agree.
Healthy Eating at the Vending Machine
Vending machines are tricky; it's just you and a long row of calories. There's no one to hear you order a triple cheese burrito or a chocolaty, chocolate treat. Here are a couple of tips to keep in mind when your trying to remember that D-3 is $1.45.
Vending machine operators put the best selling items in the top rows right at eye level, where they are most likely to draw your attention. Unfortunately the best selling items are usually the highest in fat and calories. Be sure to look around the machine for the other options.- The building manager or facilities manager where you work is ultimately responsible for the vending contracts, if you are unable to find healthy choices in your vending area they are the ones to talk to first. - Look for lower fat snacks like pretzels or healthy choices like nuts or dried fruits. Remember that our bodies are delicately balanced and a little bit of additional fat or calories adds up quickly, so even reducing 30 or 40 calories per serving will make a difference. Keep an eye out for reduced calorie and low fat items. - Share a snack with a good friend during your break, you get half the calories and fat and the time spent laughing and catching up can be more satisfying and refreshing than any choice you could make from a machine.
The holidays are here, officially making it the worst time possible to try and lose weight…but we don’t have to make it harder for ourselves on New Years day. Here are some tips for making our holidays a little healthier.
Look out for trans-fats like “hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated vegetable oils” in shortening and baking mixes; they are as bad for your body as saturated fats. Replace them with poly-unsaturated oils like Canola.
Look for recipes for your traditional holiday favorites that replace added fats and oils with fruit purees or low-fat yogurt. They taste great and you will never miss the added calories.
Remember that our bodies are delicately balanced and a little bit of added fat or calories adds up quickly, so even reducing 30 or 40 calories per serving is a wonderful thing.
Balance a little better during the holiday season, if you know that your are going to a delectable holiday buffet try to eat a little lighter on the days leading up to it. That way we can enjoy the time with friends and family and not worry so much about the impact on our waist-lines.
Can a vegetarian diet supply your body with enough nutrients?
Well… yes Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian eating styles can be healthful. The bottom line depends on your food choices over time. Though lots of studies show a positive link between vegetarian eating and health.
The information I have read says that in general, heart disease, high blood pressure, adult-onset diabetes, obesity and some forms of cancer tend to develop less often among vegetarians than non-vegetarians.
If you're considering a vegetarian lifestyle, follow these tips to help you get started:
Make a list of all the meatless dishes you already enjoy
Try some of the vegan menu selections here at the Wild Herb
Browse through vegetarian cookbooks and write down recipes that sound appealing
Go to one of our local natural food stores and check out some vegan foods
Try a few products made with soy
Trans-Fats and "Partialy Hydrogenated Oils"
So what's up with trans fats? You are going to hear a lot about them in the coming months as new FDA regulations make manufacturers label the trans fat content of their products. Trans fats are produced when liquid oil is hydrogenated to improve its shelf life and flavor, the resulting chemical change in these previously poly- unsaturated fats make them as bad for your cholesterol levels as the saturated fats found in animal products and butter. Not only do they raise your bad cholesterol levels like saturated fats, they also lower your good cholesterol levels too!
So where are all of these trans fats coming from? FDA reporting shows that 40% of the average Americans daily intake of trans fats comes from pastries, cookies, crackers and bread. Another 17% comes from stick type margarine. We can all lower our intake by almost 60% by simply changing to a soft tub or liquid style margarine, like those from Promise and Smart Beat, and avoiding bread and snack items that contain "Partially hydrogenated vegetable oil". Reading through the tiny print of ingredient listings will soon be easier though. Many nutrition labels have the trans fat content listed already and all food manufacturers must include this information by 2006.
