Monday, May 13, 2013

Quote #001

In order to fly, you have to let go of the world you’re hanging on to. - Kurek Ashley


Wednesday, May 1, 2013

FOODS THAT ARE SURPRISINGLY UNHEALTHY

Trail Mix
Some trail mixes that include nuts coated in salt, sugar coated fruit, and junk food treats like chocolate and peanut butter chips. For a healthier alternative look for trail mixes without salts and sugars.

"Fat Free" Junk Foods
There are many natural, healthy foods that have zero fat, like fruits and vegetables. Packaged fat-free foods like cookies, ice cream, and snack foods. Oftentimes they have just as many if not more calories than their full-fat equivalents and are full of unhealthy sugars; calories and sugar are what make you gain weight. Fat is not always the enemy. In fact, new research actually shows that full-fat dairy products are better for you than skim or reduced-fat.

Reduced Fat Peanut Butter
Reduced-fat peanut butters have the same amount of calories as their regular counterparts, only with more sugar. Regular peanut butter can be a source of monosaturated fats, which are pretty good for you.

Sports Drinks
Most sports drinks, especially Gatorade, contain around 125 calories, all from refined sugar. Now, if you're a professional athlete recovering from a game or you just ran a marathon, you might need the sugar and electrolytes to replenish but water is best.
Granola
Most granola cereals have too much sugar, very little fiber, and can have up to 600 calories in just one cup. Granola is best when sprinkled in small amounts on top of yogurt.

Packaged Meats
Cold cuts may are often processed and contain very high levels of sodium. Instead, look for low-sodium turkey meat and make sure it is not processed.

Baked Potato
A lot of us love to top our baked potatoes with everything like sour cream, butter, cheese, bacon, and even chili.Potatoes have a very high glycemic index, even higher than table sugar, and they lack nutritional content, so to top it in heavy dairy products makes it an even unhealthier meal. Try a sweet potato instead, which won't raise your blood sugar and has many vitamins.

Ramen Noodles
Ramen noodles are not only cheap, but they have empty calories, no protein, no nutrients and contain a large amount of sodium.

CousCous
Couscous are made of refined wheat and is no more nutritious than plain white pasta. Instead, try whole wheat couscous or quinoa.

Diet Soda
Not only are diet sodas nutritionally deficient, but artificial sweeteners can increase your risk of heart disease and diabetes. Freshly squeezed fruit juices are a better alternative if craving a sweet beverage.

Frozen Yogurt
Many "frozen yogurts" is not yogurt but a sugary, ice, creamy substitute. For a healthy frozen treat, get some full-fat Greek yogurt, preferably naturally-sweetened with fruit or honey, and put it in the freezer.

Banana Chips
They have to be cooked at extremely high temperatures meaning that they still contain carcinogenic substances. You can still consume them but not too many.

Veggie Burgers
Veggie burgers are made in a variety of ways, and some of  those ways are unhealthy. Most veggie patties are made with a lot of fillers like corn starch, soy, and gluten, which reproduce the texture of a burger but give you a lot of calories without much nutrition. Although some are unhealthy, there are veggie-filled burger alternatives and brands.

Prepared Salads
Remember that you can't control the portions of the ingredients that many restaurant use. Some of these salads have high quantities of dressings, bacon, salt, cream, and other not so healthy toppings. Make sure you order the dressing on the side and substitute grilled chicken or fish instead of beef or pork.

Cream Cheese
Our favorite breakfast condiment may not be as healthy as you might think. Its high in  fat content, and doesn't have the protein or calcium of other cheeses


"The greatest wealth is health."
Peace & Love