MSG is Monosodium glutamate, and is commonly known as MSG, Ajinomoto, Vetsin, or Accent, is a sodium salt of glutamic acid. MSG is a food additive and it is commonly marketed as a "flavour enhancer".
It is found in the following foods:
most canned soups of the US food industry
most beef and chicken stocks of the US food industry
most flavored potato chip products of the US food industry
many other snack foods
many frozen dinners
almost all US-originated fast foods
instant meals such as the seasoning mixtures for instant noodles
People Sensitive To MSG
It was in1995 that a report acknowledged an unknown percentage of our population may have a reaction to MSG and develop several symptoms which include:
• burning sensations in the back of neck, forearms and chest
• numbness in the back of the neck extending to the arms and back
• tingling, warmth and weakness in the face, temples, upper back, neck and arms
• facial pressure or tightness
• chest pain
• headaches, nausea, rapid heartbeats
• broncho-spasm (difficulty breathing)
• drowsiness and weakness
Food label names that always contain some MSG:
monosodium glutamate
hydrolyzed protein
monopotassium glutamate
textured protein
glutamate
hydrolyzed oat flour
glutamic acid
yeast nutrient
gelatin
autolyzed yeast
calcium caseinate
yeast extract
sodium caseinate
yeast food
Accent
Glutavene
Ajinomoto (in Oriental foods)
Food label names that often contain MSG, or create MSG during processing:
malt extract
carrageenan
malt flavoring
bouillon
barley malt
broth
maltodextrin
stock
whey protein
natural beef flavoring
protein isolate
natural chicken flavoring
protein concentrate
natural pork flavoring
protein
fortified flavoring
pectin
natural flavoring
protease enzymes
seasoning
enzymes
soy sauce
protease
sauce extract
Basically it's a lot of boring info to say, AVOID MSG and all its forms. Restaurants are the worst offenders. Limit how much you eat out. It's sad, but true. Read labels. Find out what's in your food.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Friday, November 16, 2007
partially hydrogenated oils
This was the very first thing I eliminated from our diet. Boy, it's in EVERYTHING!!
What is it? Why is it bad?
What is Hydrogenation?
Hydrogenation is the process of heating an oil and passing hydrogen bubbles through it. The fatty acids in the oil then acquire some of the hydrogen, which makes it more dense. If you fully hydrogenate, you create a solid (a fat) out of the oil. But if you stop part way, you a semi-solid partially hydrogenated oil that has a consistency like butter, only it's a lot cheaper.
Because of that consistency, and because it is cheap, it is a big favorite as a butter-substitute among "food" producers. It gives their products a richer flavor and texture, but doesn't cost near as much as it would to add butter.
What is wrong with it?
Trans fat is known to increase blood levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad" cholesterol, while lowering levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL), known as "good" cholesterol. It can also cause major clogging of arteries, type 2 diabetes and other serious health problems, and was found to increase the risk of heart disease. Many food companies use trans fat instead of oil because it reduces cost, extends storage life of products and can improve flavor and texture.
Basically your this oil acts like saturated fat in your blood stream. It's like eating red meat all the time.
PHO is in crackers, pastries, boxed foods, pretzels, cakes, and a whole assortment of foods. Restaurants use this trans fatty oil to cook things in too.
And why do we care?
Heart disease is the number one killer of women in this country.
It's all those crackers and goodies we eat.
If you have high cholesterol, and you don't stop eating things with PHO, you aren't going to get any results.
It's just a bad, cheap filler, and READ LABELS. Don't buy things with Partially Hydrogenated Oils. If you see the word "hydrogenated," don't buy it.
And don't eat it. (Except on special occasions....) :) It honestly can kill you. Especially if you are a woman.
What is it? Why is it bad?
What is Hydrogenation?
Hydrogenation is the process of heating an oil and passing hydrogen bubbles through it. The fatty acids in the oil then acquire some of the hydrogen, which makes it more dense. If you fully hydrogenate, you create a solid (a fat) out of the oil. But if you stop part way, you a semi-solid partially hydrogenated oil that has a consistency like butter, only it's a lot cheaper.
Because of that consistency, and because it is cheap, it is a big favorite as a butter-substitute among "food" producers. It gives their products a richer flavor and texture, but doesn't cost near as much as it would to add butter.
What is wrong with it?
Trans fat is known to increase blood levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad" cholesterol, while lowering levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL), known as "good" cholesterol. It can also cause major clogging of arteries, type 2 diabetes and other serious health problems, and was found to increase the risk of heart disease. Many food companies use trans fat instead of oil because it reduces cost, extends storage life of products and can improve flavor and texture.
Basically your this oil acts like saturated fat in your blood stream. It's like eating red meat all the time.
PHO is in crackers, pastries, boxed foods, pretzels, cakes, and a whole assortment of foods. Restaurants use this trans fatty oil to cook things in too.
And why do we care?
Heart disease is the number one killer of women in this country.
It's all those crackers and goodies we eat.
If you have high cholesterol, and you don't stop eating things with PHO, you aren't going to get any results.
It's just a bad, cheap filler, and READ LABELS. Don't buy things with Partially Hydrogenated Oils. If you see the word "hydrogenated," don't buy it.
And don't eat it. (Except on special occasions....) :) It honestly can kill you. Especially if you are a woman.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Organic Processed Foods
Basically if we only shopped the outer perimeter of a grocery store, and never went into the aisle, we be the most healthy.
But, seriously, who does that? Me, maybe, one day!!! (A long time from now.... :) )
The fact is, processed food is just not the best thing for you. It usually has too much sodium and tons of artificial ingredients.
BECOME A LABEL READER. I can't stress how important that is. If you read a label, and can't pronounce a word, or you don't know what something is, than chances are, you shouldn't be eating it.
Easier said than done, right?
Maybe not.
There are organic, or "natural" versions of most processed foods. Or....
This may not be the time to get on my "cook from scratch" bandwagon, but I'll go ahead and stick my toes in the water.
I was a processed food eater for a long time. Then I got out my cookbook. I found recipes for almost everything I used to cook in a processed way.
Did it take more time?? Yep. Is it a sacrifice of time? Yes. Did I have to schedule more cooking time? Yes.
But~~~~ it's cheaper to cook from scratch. Really. And it goes with out saying that it's far, far more healthier.
I honestly believe that it's the artificial ingredients we put into our bodies that are responsible for a large part of our western culture's health problems.
But that's a little preachy. My goal is to offer facts, without opinions. I'm not doing a good job of that today!!
So, in the next couple of days, I'm going to talk about things to avoid in your foods. The ironic thing is, none of these things are found in fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains. Isn't that something? If we all ate like that, what would happen? I lump myself into that question, because I've been lazy here lately. I'm not doing a great job either!!!!
Time after time, I read accounts of people who have beaten diseases and illnesses by changing their eating habits. It's amazing.
I'm praying for God to help me get un-lazy and rededicated about how important it is to treat His temple correctly.
But, seriously, who does that? Me, maybe, one day!!! (A long time from now.... :) )
The fact is, processed food is just not the best thing for you. It usually has too much sodium and tons of artificial ingredients.
BECOME A LABEL READER. I can't stress how important that is. If you read a label, and can't pronounce a word, or you don't know what something is, than chances are, you shouldn't be eating it.
Easier said than done, right?
Maybe not.
There are organic, or "natural" versions of most processed foods. Or....
This may not be the time to get on my "cook from scratch" bandwagon, but I'll go ahead and stick my toes in the water.
I was a processed food eater for a long time. Then I got out my cookbook. I found recipes for almost everything I used to cook in a processed way.
Did it take more time?? Yep. Is it a sacrifice of time? Yes. Did I have to schedule more cooking time? Yes.
But~~~~ it's cheaper to cook from scratch. Really. And it goes with out saying that it's far, far more healthier.
I honestly believe that it's the artificial ingredients we put into our bodies that are responsible for a large part of our western culture's health problems.
But that's a little preachy. My goal is to offer facts, without opinions. I'm not doing a good job of that today!!
So, in the next couple of days, I'm going to talk about things to avoid in your foods. The ironic thing is, none of these things are found in fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains. Isn't that something? If we all ate like that, what would happen? I lump myself into that question, because I've been lazy here lately. I'm not doing a great job either!!!!
Time after time, I read accounts of people who have beaten diseases and illnesses by changing their eating habits. It's amazing.
I'm praying for God to help me get un-lazy and rededicated about how important it is to treat His temple correctly.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
The most important foods to eat organic
To me, it's dairy. The hormones and antibiotics are very scary to me. And personally, just my opinion, it's the reason children are developing so early. And largely. Know what I mean??
So a gallon of organic milk at Publix is $4.99. And it goes on sale. Regular milk is not far behind price wise. I'm not so particular on cheese, but we eat a lot of rice cheese, which is a later post. But if your kids eat a lot of cheese, then it's necessary to get organic.
I cook with regular cheese, because it's basically a small amount, and I do have to pick and choose financially.
Meat is important also. We don't eat red meat. It's a choice I made 11 years ago, and mainly I did it to keep me from eating a lot of junk. I also got up close and personal with a very sweet cow. It's funny, but true. I just couldn't imagine eating one after petting that sweet thing and looking in those sweet eyes. Okay, laugh away. It's true and I'm embarrassed!!!
I don't get to eat a lot of organic meat, again because of the cost. Publix has "natural" meat, that although it's not organic, it's better than the alternative. I love Costco's chicken. It's semi-all natural, and affordable.
Salmon is a must. Buy Alaskan-wild. NEVER farmed. Ever. Some are treated with color too, so avoid that. Farmed fish is a bad idea in general.
Here is a list of the "Dirty Dozen." I do go by this almost religiously.
12 Most Contaminated
I would also add oats to that list.
I would also add to that list anything your kids eat a lot of. Zane is in a banana phase, so I'm buying organic bananas. They are about 50 cents more a pound, and it's worth it. Just for now. Anything they consume a lot of, is worth buying organic. Especially younger children. Their bodies are smaller and pound for pound they metabolize harmful ingredients less efficiently than our bigger bodies do.
More later!!!
So a gallon of organic milk at Publix is $4.99. And it goes on sale. Regular milk is not far behind price wise. I'm not so particular on cheese, but we eat a lot of rice cheese, which is a later post. But if your kids eat a lot of cheese, then it's necessary to get organic.
I cook with regular cheese, because it's basically a small amount, and I do have to pick and choose financially.
Meat is important also. We don't eat red meat. It's a choice I made 11 years ago, and mainly I did it to keep me from eating a lot of junk. I also got up close and personal with a very sweet cow. It's funny, but true. I just couldn't imagine eating one after petting that sweet thing and looking in those sweet eyes. Okay, laugh away. It's true and I'm embarrassed!!!
I don't get to eat a lot of organic meat, again because of the cost. Publix has "natural" meat, that although it's not organic, it's better than the alternative. I love Costco's chicken. It's semi-all natural, and affordable.
Salmon is a must. Buy Alaskan-wild. NEVER farmed. Ever. Some are treated with color too, so avoid that. Farmed fish is a bad idea in general.
Here is a list of the "Dirty Dozen." I do go by this almost religiously.
12 Most Contaminated
Peaches
Apples
Sweet Bell Peppers
Celery
Nectarines
Strawberries
Cherries
Pears
Grapes (Imported)
Spinach
Lettuce
Potatoes (regular and sweet)
I would also add oats to that list.
I would also add to that list anything your kids eat a lot of. Zane is in a banana phase, so I'm buying organic bananas. They are about 50 cents more a pound, and it's worth it. Just for now. Anything they consume a lot of, is worth buying organic. Especially younger children. Their bodies are smaller and pound for pound they metabolize harmful ingredients less efficiently than our bigger bodies do.
More later!!!
Why eat organic?
There are several reasons to eat organically.
Read through this page quickly for an overview...
http://www.heall.com/body/askthedoctor/nutrition/organicfoods.html
Here are my quick reasons:
The food tastes better. They even have more color. Really.
Fewer pesticides and chemicals.
The food is healthier. More micronutrients and phytonutrients. Verified by scientific study.
These 3 reasons are the main reasons we eat organically. There are off shoot reasons for these, but these are the main ones, simply put.
Read through this page quickly for an overview...
http://www.heall.com/body/askthedoctor/nutrition/organicfoods.html
Here are my quick reasons:
The food tastes better. They even have more color. Really.
Fewer pesticides and chemicals.
The food is healthier. More micronutrients and phytonutrients. Verified by scientific study.
These 3 reasons are the main reasons we eat organically. There are off shoot reasons for these, but these are the main ones, simply put.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Where to start
I first started researching natural childbirth even before I knew I was going to have children for sure. My friend, Suzee, was a member of a forum called "Hip Mama." It was my first introduction to anything even remotely natural. My mom cooked healthily growing up, and I had always exercised, but I didn't know anything about the things these people were talking about. I felt like I was reading another language!
When I got pregnant with Laney, I decided on a natural birth, and started researching hard core. That led me to all things natural after the baby is born. Breastfeeding, natural medical choices, and stuff like that. Then I thought, "Well, I did all this to get her here naturally, so what about as she grows?"
Then I got overwhelmed. I remember talking to a sweet girl named Christina. She was a friend of Hayes' and mine, and I was such a newbie. I called her for advice, and she told me anything and everything. Granted, that was what I had wanted her to do, but my head swam, I got all sweaty, and I ran to the nearest McDonalds!
Then I broke it down. Tiny, baby steps. I'm not saying you are going to want to do even a small fraction of the things discussed on this blog, but I just want you to be informed. If you do start, just start small. I'm going to go in baby steps too. That way you won't feel overwhelmed!
When I got pregnant with Laney, I decided on a natural birth, and started researching hard core. That led me to all things natural after the baby is born. Breastfeeding, natural medical choices, and stuff like that. Then I thought, "Well, I did all this to get her here naturally, so what about as she grows?"
Then I got overwhelmed. I remember talking to a sweet girl named Christina. She was a friend of Hayes' and mine, and I was such a newbie. I called her for advice, and she told me anything and everything. Granted, that was what I had wanted her to do, but my head swam, I got all sweaty, and I ran to the nearest McDonalds!
Then I broke it down. Tiny, baby steps. I'm not saying you are going to want to do even a small fraction of the things discussed on this blog, but I just want you to be informed. If you do start, just start small. I'm going to go in baby steps too. That way you won't feel overwhelmed!
Hi and Welcome!
Sorry it took me so long. I'm happy to be here.
The title is an homage to Hayes. We shop at several stores around town, and one day she said, "I need to go to Golden Harvest and get ......" whatever it was that day. I died laughing, and said, "That must be a new, super cool store, because I've never heard of it...." We laughed a lot about that, because we're weirdos that way! What she said is a combination of store names, as you will see below.
So while I'm on the subject, I'll run down a list of places we, and you, can shop, if you feel so inclined.
Abundant Living-This tiny store is in Calera. It's small, but they have lots of great stuff, and tons of classes on healthy eating and living. Jackie took lots of classes there, and the staff is sweet and informative. They have a veggie coop too, and Jackie used that. The ride is long, but fun and absolutely beautiful. The store is actually a trailer on a huge piece of land, and I love going there just for the views and the peace.
Organic Harvest-This is the store in Hoover where my mom works. That's why I call it "My Mom's Store" but she just works there, and doesn't own it! It's a mini Whole Foods, and I can get everything I need there. Their prices are about as good as Whole Foods too, I have found.
Whole Foods-I don't even need to mention it, but the one thing I love most is they don't look at you all crazy when you take in your canvas shopping bags. They even give you 5 cents off your total bill per bag. I really love that.
Golden Temple-It's in Southside, and although it's a pretty good store, they have a vegetarian cafe that is out of this world. I mean the best, real food you've had. Hayes and I used to go there 4 kids ago, and we'd eat and eat all this wonderful food. And amazing soup. I miss those days!! So if you're ever up there, stop in. They even eschew plastic eatery and use real plates, utensils and cups. A tree hugger's dream! lol!
Millhouse Foods-On 119 in Alabaster. It's a nice stop in, when you're in the area, type of place, but their selection is limited and prices seemed high to me. I know a lady who buys all her produce and things there, so it might work for you! We just aren't down that far usually. But it's nice to know about!
Publix-I can get a lot of things there, but their prices are more on most things. They are a good in a pinch place.
Wal Mart-I hate to say it, because I have serious issues with Wal Mart and their business ethics, but they do have more and more organic options. Look for them if you go. I honestly try not to shop there, but maybe that's a post topic for later.
Target on 280-Thank you for the reminder, Sandi! Yes, Target!!!
The title is an homage to Hayes. We shop at several stores around town, and one day she said, "I need to go to Golden Harvest and get ......" whatever it was that day. I died laughing, and said, "That must be a new, super cool store, because I've never heard of it...." We laughed a lot about that, because we're weirdos that way! What she said is a combination of store names, as you will see below.
So while I'm on the subject, I'll run down a list of places we, and you, can shop, if you feel so inclined.
Abundant Living-This tiny store is in Calera. It's small, but they have lots of great stuff, and tons of classes on healthy eating and living. Jackie took lots of classes there, and the staff is sweet and informative. They have a veggie coop too, and Jackie used that. The ride is long, but fun and absolutely beautiful. The store is actually a trailer on a huge piece of land, and I love going there just for the views and the peace.
Organic Harvest-This is the store in Hoover where my mom works. That's why I call it "My Mom's Store" but she just works there, and doesn't own it! It's a mini Whole Foods, and I can get everything I need there. Their prices are about as good as Whole Foods too, I have found.
Whole Foods-I don't even need to mention it, but the one thing I love most is they don't look at you all crazy when you take in your canvas shopping bags. They even give you 5 cents off your total bill per bag. I really love that.
Golden Temple-It's in Southside, and although it's a pretty good store, they have a vegetarian cafe that is out of this world. I mean the best, real food you've had. Hayes and I used to go there 4 kids ago, and we'd eat and eat all this wonderful food. And amazing soup. I miss those days!! So if you're ever up there, stop in. They even eschew plastic eatery and use real plates, utensils and cups. A tree hugger's dream! lol!
Millhouse Foods-On 119 in Alabaster. It's a nice stop in, when you're in the area, type of place, but their selection is limited and prices seemed high to me. I know a lady who buys all her produce and things there, so it might work for you! We just aren't down that far usually. But it's nice to know about!
Publix-I can get a lot of things there, but their prices are more on most things. They are a good in a pinch place.
Wal Mart-I hate to say it, because I have serious issues with Wal Mart and their business ethics, but they do have more and more organic options. Look for them if you go. I honestly try not to shop there, but maybe that's a post topic for later.
Target on 280-Thank you for the reminder, Sandi! Yes, Target!!!
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