I’m talking about the ‘bad foods’ from our diet. First, why do we eat? The reason we eat is to obtain NURTIENTS. Did you know that the definition of ‘FOOD’ is: that which is eaten to continue life, provide energy and promote growth and repair of tissue. Essentially we need vitamins, minerals, enzymes, essential amino acids (proteins) and essential fatty acids (Omega 3 and 6). That is the true reason for eating.

Second, we need to stay away from the ‘Bad Guys’. Let me tell you about 3 bad guys.

1. Enriched Wheat -

This sounds pretty healthy. However, the majority of the nutrients are in the parts that they remove. The bran and the germ has B vitamins, healthy fats, minerals, fiber and more than 99 phyto-nutrients which are known to prevent diseases. So, they have to ‘enrich’ it with synthetically produced nutrients such as thiamin which is derived from coal tar from China!

The companies now have to mask the fact that they are not using the whole grain. They use phases like ‘stone ground’, ‘fortified’, ‘cracked

wheat’, ‘unbleached’, ‘durum semolina’ and ‘multigrain’. To make sure it has whole wheat, look in the ingredients box and make sure it says ‘whole wheat’ or it is refined.

2. Trans Fats -

These were invented by scientists for foods to hold-up better in food production and have a longer shelf life. They are unsaturated fats that are found in many packaged and commercially fried foods and packaged snacks. Also, they have almost no nutritional value.

The food package may state ‘Zero trans fats’, but look at the list of ingredients. If you find ‘partially hydrogenated vegetable oil’ you found trans fats. You ask: “How do they get away with this?” If a serving contains less than 0.5 grams of trans fat, by law, they can advertise this as containing zero. Also, the manufacturer decides the serving size. Who eats only six chips?

3. High-Fructose Corn Syrup -

HFCS metabolizes differently than sugar and research shows that it may be responsible for higher triglycerides (fat). HFCS does not allow the release of a hormone (leptin) which makes you feel full. Thus, you eat more and this contributes to obesity.

HFCS is a man-made sugar as is exceptionally sweet. So, manufacturers can use less and because it’s cheap they have higher profits. Again, it’s at our expense, literally!

I picked these three because it constitutes up to 90% of consumed calories for the majority of Americans. The way you need to eat, should include more fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and whole grains. Even the American Cancer Association advises us to do this. By the way, the word ‘Diet’ means: a regulated course of food and drink to promote health or for weight control. So, when I talk with you about your diet, I’m talking about a way to improve your health.

So, Happy 2009 and let‘s make this the year much better then the last especially in Happiness, Health, Peace and Wealth.

Sincerely,

Dr Jim Di Blasi