A client of mine told me her daughter came home from school saying “-ose means gross”. Her teacher is teaching the class how to read food labels (yay!) and told the class that anything ending in -ose is bad for you. The most common -ose ingredient added to food is high fructose corn syrup. HFCS is a combination of a sugar (glucose) which is changed into and added to fructose. This is added to SO MANY processed foods because of the problematic corn subsidy practice here in the States. These ingredients keep your system hooked on sugar and are linked to obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Next time you’re out food shopping, see if you can have an -ose free experience.
Monthly Archive for February, 2010
NYC is in the midst of a serious snowstorm, 17 inches and counting. Watching the snow fall always makes me look within and feel real quiet. Mother Nature is covering over our world and reminds us to be still. Soon everything will be washed away to start anew in springtime. In our very busy lives, we often forget to be still and hear what our bodies and souls are telling us. There’s some important information here, folks! Even if it’s not snowing where you live, take a moment to quiet your inner chatterbox and be still. This is not easy for all, but I promise in time you’ll get better.
Foodprint NYC sounds like a great (and free!) event happening this Saturday, February 27, 2010. The Foodprint Project will explore the cultural, economic, and historical implications of everything that is food here in the city. From street vendor activism to NYC culinary maps to master composters, this panel and program looks sure to please. Love the logo!
Here is a picture sent to me by one of my clients. She is working to organize more sit-down family dinners in her household. Each member contributes to the process and there is no TV allowed. Aren’t they cute?
Setting aside time for meals is important for everyone, regardless of whether you have three kids, no kids, a partner, roomates or live alone. Taking time to eat and enjoy your food connects you to the experience, and allows your brain and digestive system to work in harmony. How often do you find yourself eating in front of the TV, computer, on the way to work/school, standing up, etc.? Life is busy, but the rewards you reap (both emotional and physical) from making time for your meals is priceless. Remember to give thanks, too!
Everyone has heard this a million times before, but it really is true. The food we eat nourishes (or depletes-depending on our choices) our blood and cells, which are the building blocks for our organs, muscles, nervous and skeletal systems. Food even affects how we feel and think! Next time you sit down to eat, see if you can name all the ingredients in your dish. Is FD&C Yellow #5 or sodium nitrate making its way through your body? Make sure your diet includes plenty of fruits and veggies, whole grains and lean proteins. This will ensure a proper foundation for your body & life.
I’m reading Gail Blanke’s new book, “Throw Out Fifty Things”, and at first I thought she was nuts. Fifty things! Her theory is that once you begin to declutter your home/life, a certain momentum and energy kicks in and propels you forward. You become the person who steps out, not the one who waits for life to happen. The results are unbelievable (and this is just the bedroom), and am feeling lighter already. I am throwing out things I didn’t even know I owned! What I especially love about this book is the section dedicated to recyling, allowing you to purge away while being eco-friendly. Gail is giving away a free online workbook to guide you through the process. Happy clearing!
The truth is, most of us aren’t. Water is essential for clear and healthy skin, flushing out toxins, and proper elimination. Whenever I feel a cold coming on, I double my water intake and am often able to nip it in the bud. To figure out how much water you should be drinking, use this simple formula:
Take your weight (in lbs.)
÷ 2
= Number of fluid ounces you should be consuming daily
Try this and see if you feel better drinking more, or less water daily. Cheers!
Photograph by Sophie Muller
This week Sade released ‘Soldier of Love’, her sixth studio album in twenty- five years. There are two things I really admire about her. First, she has managed to achieve success AND stay out of the limelight for most of her career. It’s refreshing to see an artist that lives like, well, an artist. Her process is an inspiration to me, knowing you can create and walk your own path in this world without submitting to the cookie-cutter pressures of society. Secondly, I am consistently amazed at her gift of expressing love, joy and pain in her lyrics. There’s a great article in this past Sunday’s New York Times where she talks about her emotional process in songwriting, facing life’s difficult decisions, and capturing the moments between dreaming and being awake.
What path are you creating for yourself in this life?
This commercial wins my vote for best Superbowl Sunday ad. Audi showcased their new green car in a humorous way while still bringing to light important environmental no-no’s including not composting, using plastic bags & bottles, candescent lighbulbs and more. Diseases such as asthma, bronchitis and even some cancers are linked to our collective miscare for our environment. In essence, these actions really are crimes! I will post more in the near future on how you can help Mother Earth’s health. Good job, Audi!
Did you know that African-Americans are twice as likely to die from diabetes than other communities?
I’ll be posting various topics on African-American health for Black History Month. Today, Oprah took her audience to church (literally) on the topic of diabetes, calling it The Silent Killer. Why? Because people don’t talk about it! Let’s change that now.
Here are some tips on preventing and managing diabetes from Dr. Oz, Dr. Ian Smith and Bob Greene, respectively.
-Eliminate white products from your diet. This includes white flours, sugars, pastas, breads and rice.
-Avoid fried foods. Bake, grill, or steam your foods instead.
-Exercise is non-negotiable. 30 minutes of exercise a day can lower your risk by 60%.
I could go on forever, for more info on this episode go to: