When looking at nutrition labels these are the ingredients that are most important to avoid.
#1 Trans Fat: partially hydrogenated oil; American’s ingest an average of 5.8g of trans fat daily, this translates to 2,117g (almost 5 pounds) per year
#2 High Fructose Corn Syrup: inexpensive sugar substitute made from yellow dent corn that causes belly fat, insulin resistance and a whole host of indirect health problems
#3 Artificial Sweeteners: although these are approved by the FDA they are not without safety risks and best avoided
#4 Sodium: we consume an average of 3,435mg of sodium a day. To keep your blood sugar in check, limit your daily sodium intake to 1,500mg or less
#5 Food Additives:
Artificial Dyes: most artificial dyes are linked to hyperactivity, ADD, and ADHD
Artificial Flavours: blanket term that could include one or hundreds of unnatural additives
Preservatives and Emulsifiers: not all are dangerous but some are known to cause liver and kidney problem, inflammation and cancer.
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Kind Words
In January 2013 I realized I needed to do something to improve my health. I spent 2012 on maternity leave and often neglected taking care of my own health (sleepless nights and caring for a tiny human will do that!). Not to mention the many years before that where health was at the bottom of my list of priorities. Luckily, I discovered Lisa's 30 day green smoothie challenge. The recipes were incredible and a green smoothie drinker was born! But I didn't stop there. Starting each day in such a healthy way led me to consult with a naturopath (it would have been Lisa if we were in the same city), do an elimination diet, and discover that I have sensitivities to wheat and milk. I changed to a whole foods-based diet (most of the time) and took up running. In the span of 8.5 months I went from being tired and sluggish on the couch (literally - I could run for one minute at a time before having to walk) to having enough energy to run the Detroit International Half Marathon. I actually RAN the whole thing! And I lost almost 60lbs along the way! Thank you, Lisa, for being my catalyst. Your challenge kept me interested in a new way of living and saved me! I continue to drink a green smoothie every day for breakfast. What a wonderful way to start each day!
Thank you thank you thank you!!!Imogen Meloche Windsor, Ontario
