I have tried weight-loss plans, diets, extreme lifestyle changes- with minimal success. Typically, I stop eating on the plan and gain back all the weight. This year, with the move, I have given up my eating plan and my exercise and I feel awful both physically and emotionally. It's horrible. I'm tired, sluggish and can't wear my favorite shirts and pants.
For the last month, I have been hearing that voice in my head. It's been telling me that I don't want to raise my kids on unhealthy food choices, addicted to sugar and struggling with the weight issues Luke and I have had. I tell that voice, I am TIRED. I need to feed the what is convenient and fast so we can get on to the next activity.
:::CONVICTION::: God has entrusted me to raise these children to the best of my ability and I know I am not giving my all in providing them nutrient rich foods to promote a healthy lifestyle.
I happened upon this awesome blog today. Please go check it out because he keeps it very simple and is well educated on eating right. Eating Rules
He outlines 3 rules to eat by that really make sense to me.
Okay, but WHY?
Whole Grains:
"When you eat whole grains, you get more fiber and more micro-nutrients like folic acid, magnesium, and vitamin E," says Walter Willett, who chairs the nutrition department at the Harvard School of Public Health. "It may be almost impossible to isolate the pieces of the puzzle."
sounds great, but what makes it so special?
Whole grains contain all parts of the grain kernel. But refined grains, like the flour used to make white bread, have had the fiber-dense bran and the nutrient-rich germ processed out, leaving only the starchy endosperm. This means that refined grain is not as rich in essential fatty acids, vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc.
NO high fructose corn syrup:
It seems to be in (see this list) and most say it is contributing to the obesity epidemic in America. So, what are the facts? There are mixed reviews on the HFCS front. Many people assume that HFCS is just like regular sugars. However, there has been extensive research to show the way it is processed is actually worse for your body than regular sugar. Tests done in 2005 show mercury in HFCS due to the way it is processed. I know many people who worry about their children coming in contact with mercury, but I don't know that they realize they are drinking it everyday because it is hidden under another name. That is my main reason for wanting to get back to a more natural eating approach- I simply don't know what the heck my kids and I are eating! If you are more interested in the scientific break down of HFCS, the Almighty Dad has done some great research.
No hydrogenated oils, trans fats :
Hydrogenated oils is used to keep things good for a LONG time. It's number one use is prolonging shelf life in your foods.
“At least 30,000 and as many as 100,000 cardiac deaths a
year in the United States could be prevented if people replaced
trans fat with healthier non hydrogenated polyunsaturated or
monounsaturated oils, according to a 1999 joint report by
researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health and the
Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.” Down with Basics
Trans fat simply put raises bad cholesterol and lowers the good. That's bad news because that raises your risk for heart disease which is the leading killer among both men and women. "Partially hydrogenated" is another term for trans fat! Read your labels to find this sneaky guy!
So, for starters, I think these are 3 great rules to eat by. I am hoping to learn more and more on this subject and how it can relate to our gluten-free daughter as well.
He outlines 3 rules to eat by that really make sense to me.
- eat 100% whole grains
- NO high fructose corn syrup
- No hydrogenated oils, trans fats
Okay, but WHY?
Whole Grains:
"When you eat whole grains, you get more fiber and more micro-nutrients like folic acid, magnesium, and vitamin E," says Walter Willett, who chairs the nutrition department at the Harvard School of Public Health. "It may be almost impossible to isolate the pieces of the puzzle."
sounds great, but what makes it so special?
Whole grains contain all parts of the grain kernel. But refined grains, like the flour used to make white bread, have had the fiber-dense bran and the nutrient-rich germ processed out, leaving only the starchy endosperm. This means that refined grain is not as rich in essential fatty acids, vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc.
NO high fructose corn syrup:
It seems to be in (see this list) and most say it is contributing to the obesity epidemic in America. So, what are the facts? There are mixed reviews on the HFCS front. Many people assume that HFCS is just like regular sugars. However, there has been extensive research to show the way it is processed is actually worse for your body than regular sugar. Tests done in 2005 show mercury in HFCS due to the way it is processed. I know many people who worry about their children coming in contact with mercury, but I don't know that they realize they are drinking it everyday because it is hidden under another name. That is my main reason for wanting to get back to a more natural eating approach- I simply don't know what the heck my kids and I are eating! If you are more interested in the scientific break down of HFCS, the Almighty Dad has done some great research.
No hydrogenated oils, trans fats :
Hydrogenated oils is used to keep things good for a LONG time. It's number one use is prolonging shelf life in your foods.
“At least 30,000 and as many as 100,000 cardiac deaths a
year in the United States could be prevented if people replaced
trans fat with healthier non hydrogenated polyunsaturated or
monounsaturated oils, according to a 1999 joint report by
researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health and the
Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.” Down with Basics
Trans fat simply put raises bad cholesterol and lowers the good. That's bad news because that raises your risk for heart disease which is the leading killer among both men and women. "Partially hydrogenated" is another term for trans fat! Read your labels to find this sneaky guy!
So, for starters, I think these are 3 great rules to eat by. I am hoping to learn more and more on this subject and how it can relate to our gluten-free daughter as well.
