What's Going On: The Ugliness of Food Additives

We all know (or should know) that the food industry is far from perfect. It is masked away behind pretty packaging and a million tasty distractions and word jargon to make you not think about what you are eating. Ultimately, most consumers just don't care what they eat. I could give you a million reasons why you should care, but for today we'll start with an obvious one and somewhere to start from if you're looking to improve your overall well-being; stay away from Food Additives--and why you should do so. 

They're lurking in everything, usually behind names you can't pronounce. Chances are (as mentioned with beauty products post) if you can't pronounce it you probably shouldn't be letting it near your body. So what should you stay away from when it comes to Food preservatives? And why? 

Sodium Benzoate (aka Benzoic Acid)

Chances are you've heard of this nasty bugger, or at least seen it on ingredient lists before. This preservative is used in fruit juice, carbonated drinks and pickles to help prevent the growth of microorganisms in these acidic foods. If you don't know why you should stay away from it, here's why; it's evil!! 

Sodium benzoate may cause hives, asthma, or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, and may adversely effect behavior in children, particularly those with ADHD.

Further, when sodium benzoate is used alongside ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in an acidic solution, a reaction occurs that causes the formation of benzene, which causes cancer.

U.S. officials and members of the beverage industry have known about this problem for some 15 years, and drink makers were supposed to reformulate their products to prevent the problem over a decade ago.

Keep an eye out for the following: sodium benzoate, benzoic acid and potassium benzoate. All members of theparabenfamily of chemicals and pose potential risks when combined with ascorbic acid. There are MANY synonyms for parabens.

Propyl Gallate

This preservative, used to prevent fats and oils from spoiling, might cause cancer. It's used in vegetable oil, meat products, potato sticks, chicken soup base and chewing gum, and is often used with BHA and BHT

BHA and BHT

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) are used similarly to propyl gallate -- a preservative to keep fats and oils from going rancid. Used commonly in cereals, chewing gum, vegetable oil and potato chips (and also in some food packaging to preserve freshness), these additives have been found by some studies to cause cancer in rats. If a brand you commonly buy uses these additives, look for a different variety, as not all manufacturers use these preservatives.

Sodium Nitrite (Sodium Nitrate)

Sodium Nitrite (or sodium nitrate) is used as a preservative, coloring and flavoring in bacon, ham, hot dogs, luncheon meats, corned beef, smoked fish and other processed meats. These additives can lead to the formation of cancer-causing chemicals called nitrosamines. Some studies have found a link between consuming cured meats and nitrite and cancer in humans.

Any Nitrate and/or Nitrite should be avoided. 

Sulfites (Sulfur Dioxide, Sodium bisulfite)

This preservative prevents discoloration in dried fruits, wine, processed potatoes, and some fresh shrimp. Sulfiting agents destroy vitamin B-1 and may cause severe allergic reactions, particularly among people with asthma. Certain kinds can even provoke life-threatening asthma.

This is a nasty one and is found in tons of packaged foods! 

Look for anything that ends in "sulphite/sulifte" as well (ie. metabisulphite). 

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

Perhaps better know as "MSG", it is not a preservative but a "food enhancer" added to products,

Has been known to cause pressure on the head, seizures, chest pains, headache, nausea, burning sensations, and tightness of face. This chemical actually "tricks" the brain into thinking food tastes good so develops food addictions. It can literally make dirt taste good. It is a huge huge huge one to avoid and can be found in far too many products. 

Ultra Pasteurization

Ultra-pasteurization refers to a type of high-temperature processing that gives milk and dairy products an extended shelf life of up to 50 days. Also known as "ultra-high temperature" (UHT), this process may damage the fragile components of milk, for instance flattening milk proteins so that enzymes can no longer help break them down. According to Lee Dexter, microbiologist and owner of White Egret Farm goat dairy in Austin, Texas in a Weston A. Price article, "If such proteins pass into the bloodstream (a frequent occurrence in those suffering from "leaky gut," a condition that can be brought on by drinking processed commercial milk), the body perceives them as foreign proteins and mounts an immune response. That means a chronically overstressed immune system and much less energy available for growth and repair.

Food colouring

Avoid the food colorings blue #1 and #2, red #3, green #3 and yellow #6. These food colorings have been linked with cancer in animal testing. Blue #1 and #2 can be found in beverages, baked goods and candy. Red #3 is used to dye fruit and candy. Green #3 is added to candy and drinks. Yellow #6 is added to beverages, gelatin, sausage and candy. 

Also look out for: Ponceau 4R, Conchineal Red A, Sunset Yellow FCF, Orange Yellow S, Allura Red AC.

Tartrazine

Tartrazine is another Food Coloring, this one is far too common. 

May cause allergic reactions and asthmatic attacks and has been implicated in bouts of hyperactivity disorder in children. Those who suffer from asthma, rhinitis and urticaria may find symptoms worsen after consumption.

Sulphur dioxide

Sulphur dioxide reacts with a wide range of substances found in food, including various essential vitamins, minerals, enzymes and essential fatty acids. Adverse reactions include bronchial problems (particularly in those prone to asthma), hypotension (low blood pressure), flushing tingling sensations or anaphylactic shock. 

International Labour Organization says to avoid E220 if you suffer from conjunctivitis, bronchitis, emphysema, bronchial asthma, or cardiovascular disease.

Olestra

Olestra is a synthetic fat that is found is some potato chips. Olestra can cause severe cramps, gas and diarrhea. Olestra also blocks the absorption of vitamins from healthy sources such as fruit and vegetables.

Potassium bromate.

Potassium bromate is used to increase volume in flour and breads. It has been shown to cause cancer in animal test subjects. Small amounts can pose risks for people.

Sweeteners:

Aspartame- May affect people with PKU (phenylketonuria). Recent reports show possibility of headaches, blindness, and seizures with long-term high doses of aspartame.

Saccharin- The International Agency for Research on Cancer has concluded that saccharin is possibly carcinogenic to humans.

Always make sure you read food labels. If you're ever uncertain about something look it up--better to be safe than sorry. 

Remember taking care of your body helps take care of your general well-being and happiness as well! You are what you eat! 

Peace & Love,

xo

~Bianca

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Love, Life, Happiness: Being Fit & Healthy, Part 1...

First, let's make one thing clear. There is no "perfect" body shape, and beauty is not a defined concept. True Beauty comes in all different shapes and sizes. Individuality is so much more beautiful than unrealistic magazine pages. Second, everyone has their insecurities, that just seems to be the way humans are. 

What is important though is being healthy and feeling good. So whether your goal is to lose a couple pounds, tone up, or just plain be happy and healthy, this post might be for you.

This topic has come up a lot lately, so I thought now was a good time to share for all those that have asked, and for those that are wondering; what I do to stay Fit & Healthy... 

I may have been blessed with a good metabolism, but it takes more than just that to stay fit and healthy. I'm a health nut (for those that didn't already know) & this includes me working on my body. Diet & Exercise are the key to any rockin' bod! So I'll get right to it then shall I?

Quite simply; I'm Vegan, and my Diet is Gluten & Wheat Free, Sugar-free, Coffee-free, and packed full of Fruits and Veggies. And I don't really drink alcohol (meaning I might decide to drink if I really feel like it, so once every several months, if that).
Now I know this may seem terrifying to some of you and you're probably thinking to yourself "Dear Lord! What do you EAT?!" Well, the answer is LOTS! I love Food and I love to eat! So make no mistake about it, my belly is always happy ^_^. The North American diet is quite possibly the most unhealthy in the world, and our soaring Cancer and Illness rates are enough to prove it. Trendy diets are also bullshit. They hide behind fancy scientific jargon that SEEMS to make sense only because people Want to believe them. 

For those seeking in-depth information on why you shouldn't be eating certain foods, I highly recommend picking up the book "Skinny Bitch". It is a no-nonsense guide to stop eating crap and to eat right and to, well, be a Skinny B*tch. They explain everything straight and to the point in a savvy and humorous way to understand healthy eating habits. 

For myself, here's a breakdown....

Veganism:  If you don't want to do it for ethical reasons then maybe doing it for your body will convince you? If you think not eating meat is enough, here's a reality check: Breast milk can grow an 8-pound baby into a 24-pound toddler! And that's just humans, not Cows! Milk is intended to allow for the biggest growth spurt of a person's entire life. Mother nature did not mean for us to continue drinking milk thereafter. And FYI, we are the ONLY creatures that do so, AND that drink milk from another species 0_o. To the point: Dairy=Fat. Period. So be a Healthy Vegan. 

Carbohydrates: Carbs have had a terrible rap for no good reason. Low-Carb diets have got to be one of the dumbest trendy diets in existence. Sure, let's eat shit loads of meat and cut out fruits and veggies!?? The truth about Carbs is simple: Some are good, some are bad. But cutting out all Carbs is a recipe for disaster. Stay away from Simple Carbohydrates, they are evil and void of nutrition (and will go straight to your thighs ~_^). This includes white flour, white pasta, white rice, and white sugar. Pay attention! Most cereals, bread products, cookies, muffins, etc. fall under this category. 

Complex Carbohydrates are the kick-ass good ones with healthy starch and lots of fiber that your body needs for energy. These include; potatoes, barley, corn, brown rice, beans, lentils, quinoa, millet, whole wheat, and vegetables. And fruit! Fruit is awesome & your body will love it!

Sugar: is the devil in the form of food. Remember this well. Not only does your body store it as fat but it also messes with your moods--it turns me into a psychotic, depressing mess! If you're craving something sweet then there's lots of healthy options. To start, bake your own goodies and use Agave Nectar (or organic cane sugar or maple syrup) instead of the refined stuff. Craving chocolate? Grab some Vegan Chocolate sweetened with beet sugar, such as Endangered Species brand. Or hop online for lots of other choices. :) Or how about some Soy or Coconut or even Rice Ice Cream sweetened with Organic Cane Sugar or Agave Nectar? See, there are yummy alternatives to satisfy your sweet-tooth. ~_^

The Rest... 

I cook almost everything from scratch which gives me a lot more control over what I put into my body. Processed Foods usually contain most of the ingredients you should be avoiding, as well as corn starch and other fillers, and unhealthy oils and nasty preservatives and colorings. Steer clear. No matter what. As far as eating out goes, I don't often for the same reasons I don't eat processed foods. When I do eat out I'll choose healthier dining spots and go for high-veggie dishes instead of greasy foods. 

I eat several small meals a day as opposed to three large ones. This is a much healthier choice, providing you with a steady supply of calories and therefor energy as you need it. It also means you're not going hungry for hours between meals and then bloating with over-sized portions come supper-time. I also make sure I drink my two liters of water a day.

Lastly, if you need a little extra help in getting into new eating habits and not over-eating, then I recommend the website Nutrimirror. It is essentially a food log where you can keep track of calories, but I like it because you start to feel guilty if you have to log in the bad foods you've been eating, making it pretty convincing to eat better. I don't however recommend using it long-term simply because food should not control your life and counting calories is a bore. Use it to develop new eating habits. Once you're in the swing of those new habits, ditch it and keep doing what you've been doing ;).

It may seem a bit intimidating at first, but all it takes is adjusting to new eating habits. Trust me, once you change your diet you will stop craving unhealthy foods and will wonder why you ever ate junk in the first place. It will stop tasting good to you, I promise.

Check out the second part to this Segment for exercise. ;) 

Til then, 

Love & Peace

~Bianca xo

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