First thing I realized that my road trip to a healthy lifestyle had many dead end streets, detours and road blocks. Mostly, through manufactured food because of all the extra stuff put in the food to make it more appetizing, appealing and give it a longer shelf life.
The first thing I removed from my diet (circa 2005) was high fructose corn syrup because it has no nutritional value. I don't care what side of the fence you are on with this ingredient, is it safe to consume it or not? whatever! You can not deny that it is empty calories and does NOTHING for the body and is stored as FAT. I eventually included all artificial sugars, Splenda, sucralose, Sweet and Low, saccharin, Equal, NutraSweet, and aspartame. I am not convinced that Stevia in the manufactured state is safe and healthy. Although, growing the herb and using it in tea and baking is wonderful and I have personally consumed it that way. I do not add any kind sugar or sweetener to drinks. I still occasionally enjoy a sweet treat, but now that I'm not consuming wheat, I've cut WAY back. (but this is a recent development and a subject for a different time)
I advocate the consummation of REAL sugar (organic and raw is best) even though it is manufactured. (Look for a CARBON FREE label. This means they make their own electricity from the byproduct of the process of making sugar and you can also support a healthier environment) However it is a simple, natural and centuries old process. The cane stalk is boiled down to extract the liquid and then the liquid is evaporated and crystals left behind (same process as salt) and then for our dazzling eyes it is bleached, a process I don't 100% support BUT it is way lesser evil than the chemical process of artificial sweeteners. I know this process first hand, because I grew up in sugar country.
Moderation is the key especially with the consumption of sugar (and sweeteners). Does it really have to be in everything??? The answer is an obvious NOOOOO! Once you kick your sugar (artificial sweetener) addiction and begin tasting real food you will be amazed! Things like fruit will be amazingly sweet and beef (w/o that gross layer of crap ass steak sauce or ketchup) will be juicy and succulent and oh so tasty! I implore you dear reader to let go of your attachment to sugar (which is also linked to many health issues such as obesity and depression and anxiety) you will begin your journey to happiness. You will be on the road to your destination to a healthy you!
xox
Ursula
The first thing I removed from my diet (circa 2005) was high fructose corn syrup because it has no nutritional value. I don't care what side of the fence you are on with this ingredient, is it safe to consume it or not? whatever! You can not deny that it is empty calories and does NOTHING for the body and is stored as FAT. I eventually included all artificial sugars, Splenda, sucralose, Sweet and Low, saccharin, Equal, NutraSweet, and aspartame. I am not convinced that Stevia in the manufactured state is safe and healthy. Although, growing the herb and using it in tea and baking is wonderful and I have personally consumed it that way. I do not add any kind sugar or sweetener to drinks. I still occasionally enjoy a sweet treat, but now that I'm not consuming wheat, I've cut WAY back. (but this is a recent development and a subject for a different time)
I advocate the consummation of REAL sugar (organic and raw is best) even though it is manufactured. (Look for a CARBON FREE label. This means they make their own electricity from the byproduct of the process of making sugar and you can also support a healthier environment) However it is a simple, natural and centuries old process. The cane stalk is boiled down to extract the liquid and then the liquid is evaporated and crystals left behind (same process as salt) and then for our dazzling eyes it is bleached, a process I don't 100% support BUT it is way lesser evil than the chemical process of artificial sweeteners. I know this process first hand, because I grew up in sugar country.
Moderation is the key especially with the consumption of sugar (and sweeteners). Does it really have to be in everything??? The answer is an obvious NOOOOO! Once you kick your sugar (artificial sweetener) addiction and begin tasting real food you will be amazed! Things like fruit will be amazingly sweet and beef (w/o that gross layer of crap ass steak sauce or ketchup) will be juicy and succulent and oh so tasty! I implore you dear reader to let go of your attachment to sugar (which is also linked to many health issues such as obesity and depression and anxiety) you will begin your journey to happiness. You will be on the road to your destination to a healthy you!
xox
Ursula
