There are a few foods that I don’t bring into my kitchen anymore. I used to be less strict, but now I keep these foods away out of respect for my body.
**A Note**
Before I list these foods out, I want to acknowledge the many of you who are very health conscious, and probably don’t even have these foods in your house. But, I’m sure that you have some colleagues or friends who still hang onto a few of these foods. My suggestion is to use this article as a manifesto about what we stand for together. It’s also not meant to make anyone feel bad about themselves (Several years back, I was still eating cheetos and rootbeer). Please feel free to re-post this article (include this note and the author credit below) on social media sites, and also link it to your blogs.
Here’s what I keep away from my kitchen:
1) Drinks sweetened with fake sweeteners ~ This is what the Livestrong Foundation recently wrote about a popular drink:
“Questionable Ingredients
These drinks contain ingredients associated with known health risks. Two of Crystal Light’s ingredients — aspartame and acesulfame potassium — have been linked with a risk of cancer, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest. Aspartame might also lead to neurological concerns. CSPI recommends caution with colorings Red 40 and Blue 1 found in Crystal Light, as they can cause allergies. The Center warns to avoid colorings Yellow 5, which has a risk of cancer, and Yellow 6, which has a risk of tumors. More research is needed for conclusive evidence on these ingredients.”
Here are my thoughts: If there is controversy around certain foods or ingredients, I’d rather not consume them. I also dislike the flavor of fake sweeteners.
2) Sugar Cubes ~ I used to eat these when I was little, and they were a fun snack to steal out of the cupboard. The problem is that they can be really tempting if you have sugar cravings, and because they are small, it’s easy to overeat them. Too much sugar can cause weight gain, fatigue, arthritis, migraines, and a low immune function. There are many delicious natural sweeteners that I prefer over refined sugar. Coconut crystals are a current favorite (they are great if you are pre-diabetic), and you can also use raw local honey, dates, or fruit.
You do have my full support to keep a bag of organic sugar in the house if you grow kombucha (the tangy fermented tea that is full of probiotics to help digestion).
3) Unnatural Food Coloring ~ My little brother used to go nuts when we gave him red licorice. Fake colors can cause food intolerance symptoms in some people, and you may notice mood reactions as well. I’m also not comfortable putting extra chemicals in my body, especially after learning that many fake colors have lead and arsenic in them.
4) Non-organic fruit ~ Peaches, strawberries, apples, and other fruits easily soak up chemical pesticides. Organic produce is widely available now, and it’s worth it, especially in flavor.
5) American Cheese ~ I like my little bits of food luxury, and American cheese just doesn’t stand for luxury. I will admit that I actually do like the taste of American cheese. It’s something I ate as a child, and it brings back good memories. Sadly, American cheese is made from the leftovers of the cheese making process. The whey to make this product has been scraped off of cheese equipment. Aren’t you worth a high quality, organic cheese, like a sharp pecorino or something shipped over from France?
Yes, you are.
Your assignment:
If you happen to have any of these foods lingering in your kitchen, consider getting rid of them this week. Make room for fresh food that will support your health. If these foods used to be in your past, but they never come home now, please forward this email and re-post this list to spread the knowledge about making healthier and happier choices.
© 2011 Ava Waits
photo courtesy of pachd.com
