It Is A Wonderful Day For Pie!

It’s a wonderful day for pie!

 

This Family Guy clip got me thinking about how Thanksgiving is certainly a wonderful day for pie! It is also a great day for turkey, gravy, stuffing and mashed potatoes. Do you see anything wrong with this spread? I’m not trying to rain on your Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade folks, but I don’t see one vegetable in sight! And my apologies to all of my green bean and sweet potato casseroles’ fans but it’s hard to justify those as actual “good-for-you” vegetables.  

Walking, Not Watching

In case you just returned from a week on Mars, you might not have heard that there was a really big storm this past week on the East Coast.  The reports said it would be powerful, and those reports were right.  Parts of New York and New Jersey were absolutely decimated. I live near DC so I was lucky… we did not get the brunt of Sandy’s wrath. It rained a ton - some nearby areas got 10 inches in less than 36 hours. There were some power outages, minor flooding and downed trees. But for the most part, damage was minimal in northern Virginia. Unfortunately for our fellow Americans just a few hours north, things were much worse and my heart and prayers go out to them.

Vote YES on Your Health

Back in May, I wrote a blog post called Genetically Modified Nonsense about efforts to require labeling of genetically engineered (GE) foods – commonly referred to as Genetically Modified Organisms or GMO’s. I decided to revisit the issue as there is an important ballot initiative in California on this very topic which will be decided on November 6^th – along with the minor issue of who will be President of the United States.

Bacon Brussel Sprouts

Doesn’t this time of year make you want to eat some comfort food?  As weather cools down, I like to trade-in my favorite summer salads in exchange for some hearty roasted veggies. Last night it was broccoli, the night before that it was squash and peppers, and tonight it is going to be brussel sprouts!

We might not always think of vegetables as comfort food, but when you prepare them well, they will definitely hit the spot. Many of us should make it a habit to use vegetables to replace some of what I consider to be “fattening” side dishes like potatoes, pasta and rice. 

We Are Hungry

All of this thinking and writing about calories is making me HUNGRY… and apparently, I am not the only one!

Now that kids are back in school, there is a calorie controversy brewing in cafeterias across the U.S. The issue of the day is new school lunch guidelines.  Students are hungrier than ever because schools are now serving up significantly smaller portions of “healthier” food. Kids at Wallace County High School in Kansas are fighting back with a boycott and this music video parody called “We Are Hungry.”

Calorie Counting Conundrum

As many of you might have heard, McDonald’s started posting calorie counts on their menus across America this week. This move is garnering some praise for the fast food giant. Before we jump on the “McDonald’s is doing their part to combat diabetes and obesity” bandwagon, everyone should understand that this move simply preempts federal regulations that will require all restaurant chains with more than 20 locations to post calorie counts in their stores.  In essence, McDonald's proactively did something that will soon be required of them to do any way.  Marginally helpful, yes.  A selfless act of good corporate citizenship? Probably not.

I'm Back!

Perhaps you noticed… perhaps you didn’t… I haven’t written a blog post in quite a while. I admit it’s been a LONG summer hiatus. I’d like to tell you the reason you haven’t heard from me is because I took a nice long sabbatical – you know - travelled to exotic places to renew my spirit and of course, to study the health and eating habits of some of the few indigenous populations left in the world… Unfortunately, that is just not the case.

Too Big of a Gulp?

For weeks, I have planning to write a very thoughtful blog post about New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s controversial proposal to ban the sale of large sodas and other sugary drinks. You have no doubt already heard about the proposal to combat obesity – which is likely to be adopted later this year and is expected to take effect next spring.
The truth is I have quite a few thoughts and opinions about it, but before I get into all of that, I just have to share Jon Stewart’s hilarious take on the proposal courtesy of the Daily Show.

Genetically Modified Nonsense

Much to the annoyance of many of you that know me personally, I spend a lot of time trying to “educate” friends and family about what is really in our food. In fact, I often use this blog as my own little megaphone to pester people into caring about the integrity of our food supply.

Most Americans are well-meaning.  Given a choice, we’d like to eat more natural locally-grown and healthier food – provided it is easy to find and doesn’t bust our family budget.  Ignorance is our real enemy – most of us simply don’t know what is actually in our food.  That’s why you have The Real Skinny – now no one can pretend no one ever told them that there might be something really “bad” for them in the foods they consume every day.

"Paleo" Chicken Taco Salad

I recently concocted the easiest Crockpot chicken recipe on the planet (no joke) and now I am not ashamed to admit that I am obsessed with it. Seriously... I make it at least once a week! I use the chicken for everything from tacos to salads to snacks. Since I am in the middle of a 30 Day Paleo Challenge (no grains, dairy or legumes), I whipped up some of my “Chicken Verde” to share with some friends in my version of a “Paleo Taco Salad.” Of course, this means there is no shell, beans or cheese… BUT I promise you won’t miss it! It is really good!! But, hey, don’t take my word for it – just try it!

Eat Healthy - Buy Local

I recently read an article about a Swiss woman who died of starvation after giving up all food and water, believing she could live on a spiritual diet of sunlight. Hmmm… there are so many things I could say here but out of respect for the dead, I will refrain.

This story got me thinking though… While most of us know we cannot survive on sunlight alone, do we really know what it takes to live full, lasting, productive and truly healthy lives – you know beyond just “surviving?”

Spring Break

Do you ever have a week where no matter how hard you try, it seems like you will never be able to check everything off your “to-do” list? I am having one of those weeks… In fact, I’ve had several of those weeks – all in a row! Between work craziness and too many personal obligations, I feel as though I am not doing anything well. Don’t you just hate that feeling?

While lately it feels as though I am barely keeping my head above water, I am grateful to have a good job and to have extra-curricular activities that bring so much joy to my life.  And hey, that includes writing this blog!

Sugar is STILL the Devil!

Anyone else out there break into the Easter basket this weekend? Perhaps, like me, you had a few too many treats and not enough greens. Given all the chocolate bunnies, eggs, jellybeans and peeps still hanging around this day after Easter, I thought I would explain again why I like to say that sugar is the devil!

Last week, in case you missed it, 60 Minutes aired a report entitled “Is Sugar Toxic?” I highly recommend you watch the brief 14 minute video if you haven’t done so already.

Not So Thin Mints?

I have a bit of a bone to pick with the Girl Scouts of America. I know they are well meaning. In fact I admire what they stand for and I support many of their activities. This time of year, however, I always get a little irritated with them, because I’ve had just about enough with their annual cookie sales. Do Americans really need another avenue to pump more processed sugar into their already sugar-stuffed diets? 

If Americans only ate a couple of Girl Scout cookies each year – assuming they also ate plenty of fruits and veggies of course - it probably wouldn’t be the end of the world. Sadly, that is not the case. Most of us eat Girl Scout cookies by the boxful and we rarely eat enough of those other nutrient-rich foods like vegetables and fruit.  When was the last time you heard of someone saying, “I’m going to put down this box of Samoas so I save enough room for some steamed broccoli?”  

Hungry For Change

I don't know about you but I have had a hard time "eating right" lately. I keep finding excuses to eat things that I know are not good for me... but for some reason I do it anyway! Does that ever happen to you? Fortunately, I received a little bit of inspiration today in the form of this 90 minute film called "Hungry for Change." This film is really great and explains exactly why we do things that we know can harm us, among other things. I knew immediately upon watching it that I had to share!

Heart & Wheat

Since I started this blog last year, many friends have been sending me articles they know I might be interested in. Two of the best that I have read in recent weeks were sent to me by followers of this blog (thanks and keep them coming). Since they were so informative and I am such a “giving” person, I thought I would share them with you!

Death By Beef?

I know that after a weekend of St. Patty’s Day, March Madness and Girl Scout cookies, I am probably the last person you want to hear from this early on Monday morning. You think that I am going to rant about the evils of beer, corned beef, green food coloring, and generally just rain on your fun. You would be correct about this most days – but not today.

I am here to deliver some good news for all of you omnivores out there -- red meat is actually really good for you.

The Real (Bad) Thing

I would like to dedicate the following post to my father.  My dad is one of my favorite people. Of course I love the old guy, but I also really like him and enjoy his company.  I have many traits that I am proud to say “I get from my dad” including my love of music, my enthusiasm/obsession for exercise, my obnoxious laugh and the fact that I always have to be right!

There are a couple of my dad’s traits, however, that I am happy to report I did not retain for the long haul. They include mysteriously “disappearing” from family functions when there is work to be done, and a love of donuts and soda.  But I am not writing today to lecture you about loving donuts

Reality TV Proves Sugar is the Devil!

This week’s blog post is for all of my friends that roll their eyes when they see “The Real Skinny” hit their inbox each week. To be fair, these friends that I am referring to were probably just trying to be nice in signing up to follow my blog in the first place. They don’t actually care to get lectured each week about what I consider the evils of America’s food supply and they probably hit delete before they finish the first paragraph -- “Uh-oh, here she goes again."

But, PLEASE, I beg you… don’t hit delete this week. Whether you are a reality TV show junkie or just looking for a good laugh, you won’t want to miss this one! I saw this clip on another blog I follow – Rubies & Radishes. This blog is written by a woman who follows the Paleo lifestyle and blogs about it. If you want to read more about her you can check her out  here (she seems pretty cool).

Not So Golden Arches

In honor of our first President’s 280^th birthday last week, I thought I would share a kitschy story I read online.  A woman in Nebraska found a McDonald’s Chicken McNugget that she claims looks like George Washington. She is trying to hawk the THREE year old McNugget on EBay to raise money for a summer church camp. Last bid I saw was for $356! Good for her… better that she auctions it off as a piece of history than actually eats it!

This little prize piece of journalism reminded of another recent article I read about Chicken McNuggets.  If you’ve ever seen Fast Food Nation or Supersize Me, perhaps this won’t seem like such shocking news to you, but there isn’t much chicken in a Chicken McNugget.

The Unhealthy Truth

I must admit that sometimes I get discouraged about all the scary information I keep uncovering about our food supply. I feel an obligation to share it with people -- and that's why I started this blog -- but I hate to be a Debbie Downer all the time.  You may not believe this from my apocalyptic blog posts, but I actually think of myself as a “half glass full” type of gal. 

Thankfully, I continue to get inspired by people who are doing amazing things to help us stay healthy and fit.  For instance, I recently finished reading a book titled “The Unhealthy Truth.” It is written by Robyn O’Brien, a full-time mom.   After her youngest daughter had a violent reaction to eggs, she decided to dig and do some research about what was happening to her daughter's body.  She became a true expert about the toxins in America’s food supply. Her initial search for answers about kids’ food allergies led her to an even scarier reality: whether you are dealing with acute allergic reactions or a semi-tired, cranky, “blah” feeling, it is our very own food supply that is most likely the culprit. Our food is literally making millions of us sick. 

Healthy Hearts for Valentine's Day

I thought I would lay off all the lecturing this week and send you a yummy dessert recipe instead! It is Valentine’s Day after all!

I actually made this yummy and EASY dark chocolate candy over the holidays. It was a huge hit among all my family and friends. I think it will make a perfect gift for that someone special in your life. And if you don’t want to share - I promise not to tell.

Mr. Sandman... Bring Me a Dream...

Do you wake up each morning to an alarm, and immediately hit the snooze button while chastising yourself for staying up too late watching Leno or SportsCenter?  Do you find yourself day-dreaming about the good old days in kindergarten when your teacher forced you to take a nap everyday? Perhaps you have just resigned yourself to the fact that you have too many things to do and there are simply not enough hours in the day. So sleep can wait.  After all, you can sleep when you’re dead, right? 

Unfortunately, if you operate this way for too long, you might find that your eternal slumber starts a bit sooner than you might like. If you are like most Americans, you need more sleep, period. 

Fiber: Friend or Foe?

I was recently discussing some of the benefits of the Paleo way of eating with a friend who also eats this way. (See, I don’t just blog about this stuff – it’s a regular topic of real live conversation.)  He expressed his surprise at… well, how do I say this politely? …the relative ease of elimination while eating so much meat and fat.  

I told him that it actually makes a lot of sense when you think about it. Have you ever heard of a constipated lion? Animals in the wild that eat what they were meant to eat have no problems with bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation. They don’t need relief from Bean-O or Ex-Lax. They eat, they go, end of story. I have to imagine it used to be pretty much the same for us as humans before we started eating all the processed garbage we now call food.

Fat is NOT the Enemy

I have been in a war with fat for most of my life. In fact, I cannot remember a time in my life when fat was not my enemy. Like most of you, I grew up believing that eating fatty foods made me fat. Accordingly, I tried to limit my fat intake as much as possible. It wasn’t until very recently that I became aware that this notion of “fat equals fat” is totally and completely false. What is baffling to me is that with all the evidence to the contrary, doctors, nutritionists and health experts are still so attached to this worn-out theory that they continue to promote it. 

Don't Take the Subway

I heard two interesting pieces of news this week…

First, in case you missed it, Hostess filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.  Hostess makes all of those little diabetes-ticking-time bombs I deplore like Twinkies, Ho-Hos and Wonder Bread. I know I should not applaud the loss of a major American manufacturer in this economy but I can’t say I was sorry to hear this little nugget.

The second piece of news of interest to me was that Subway was ranked for the third year in a row as the #1 restaurant for healthy options in America. Subway was also voted as America’s favorite brand.

Apparently, I am in the minority.  I don’t consider Subway healthy and it’s not my favorite American brand. I would actually categorize Subway right along with all the other fast food restaurant chains out there.  Better than McDonald’s, maybe, but not by much. 

Most of you are probably scratching your heads a bit right now… “But isn’t Subway good for us?” That is certainly what Subway believes and most mainstream nutritionists say is the case. But I don’t think so.  In fact, I don’t believe eating a Subway sandwich is all that nutritionally different from eating a Twinkie. Now, I know you think I have totally lost it, but hear me out.

I freely admit that I am not a scientist, doctor or nutritionist, but I have spent years reading books, articles, websites and magazines written by scientists, doctors and nutritionists. You could call it a hobby of sorts – some might call it an obsession. Either way, I consider myself a student of health, nutrition and fitness. And all of my research has convinced me that what we are constantly being “fed” about nutrition in America is false. We continue to count calories and eat whole grain, low-fat, over-processed foods (like Subway) in an effort to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle.

How that working out?  Almost 70% of the adult population in the United States is overweight and 30% is obese.

If you missed my last blog entry, I introduced the notion of eating a Paleo diet that is based on the way our hunter-gatherer ancestors ate before the agriculture revolution.  To refresh your memory, the basics of the Paleo diet include eating lean meats, vegetables, fruit and healthy fats like nuts, seeds, avocado and olive oil while avoiding all grains, dairy and legumes. Meat, veggies and fruit are the foods your body was meant to consume.  Our bodies evolved to be able to process these nourishing foods for fuel.

Similarly, our bodies were not made to process grains, dairy or legumes. These foods are very difficult for our bodies to digest properly.  But don’t take my word for it.  The following snippet is taken from Robb Wolf’s website and is written by Amy Kubal, a reputable Registered Nutritionist, explaining the specifics of what happens in your body when grain, dairy or legumes are consumed:

The foods that are not part of a paleo lifestyle; grains, legumes, soy, dairy, etc, all contain proteins and/or anti-nutrients that our bodies were not designed to handle.  Grains contain large protein molecules called ‘lectins’.  The digestive system doesn’t have the ‘equipment’ necessary to breakdown lectins, which means, they just hang around in the gut.  These ‘loose canons’ have the ability to bind to certain gut receptors and then act as ‘keys’ unlocking a door that lets them out into our bodies.  Unfortunately, lectins were ‘born in a barn’ – not only do they not close the door as they leave, but they also damage the gut on the way out.  This is how the gut gets ‘leaky’ and it doesn’t end there.  Since the lectins are not part of the ‘normal’ environment, the body doesn’t recognize them and the immune system, standing on guard, initiates an attack on the strangers creating antibodies against them.  The antibodies made have a striking resemblance to other proteins normally found in our systems.  This leads to an autoimmune response (the body attacking itself).  The story is similar for legumes and dairy, both of which also contain proteins, anti-nutrients and protease inhibitors that irritate the gut in much the same way as lectins.  While many may feel exempt from the whole process, claiming that they feel fine – this may not necessarily be the case.  While some may be more sensitive to these foods than others, it is likely that removing them will have positive effects across the board.

If you are still with me after all that science stuff, I’d like to go back to my original assertion that eating a Subway sandwich is not that different (nutritionally speaking) from eating a Twinkie… If our bodies were not designed to process grains in general, it stands to reason that a Subway sandwich (made up of wheat flour and some other choice lab chemicals) is basically void of nutrients that our bodies can use for fuel. Even the meats used in a typical Subway sandwich, which do give us some useful protein, are overly processed and loaded with nitrates and other preservatives.  As we discovered above, our bodies are just not designed to process these foods, and they could actually be making us very sick in a number of different ways. Instead, why not fuel our bodies with foods we were born to eat?

New Year’s Resolutions

It is six days into the New Year, a good time to see how we are doing with those New Year’s resolutions…

It’s a year-end American holiday standard, right up there with wreaths, mistletoe, bad fruit cake and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rocking Eve.   We stuff ourselves full of sugary treats, fattening food and alcohol for weeks – then we resolve to lose weight when the calendar hits January.  We expect to wave our magic wand and in one day turn all of our bad habits on their head. “It is a New Year with new possibilities after all,” we tell ourselves…

Like many of you, I overindulged during the holidays and am paying a huge price for it now.