Day 158- Nutrition Bite

To quit feeding the bad habit is essential but not enough. You must also replace it with a good habit. Otherwise you will have an empty space in your life where the bad habit could return anytime. http://www.lifeoptimizer.org/2008/05/26/4-powerful-tips-for-breaking-bad-habits/

Sugar Preacher's Experience
I don't have time to think about sugar today because I was painting my kitchen. I finally took a break to eat dinner at 9 p.m. Staying busy can help replace a bad habit such as a sugar addiction. You don't have time to eat it!!!

Day 157- Nutrition Bite

Eat kale to protect your health! Kale is member of the brassica family with organosulfur compounds that have been the main subject of phytonutrient research. Researchers are currently studying the glucosinolates and the methyl cysteine sulfoxides. Although there are over 100 different glucosinolates in plants, only 10-15 are present in kale and other brassicas. Yet these 10-15 glucosinolates appear to lessen the occurrence of a wide variety of cancers including breast and ovarian cancers. Prevent cancer by eating kale!

Sugar Preacher's Experience
While visiting Seattle last year, I saw a group of people wearing t-shirts printed with "Eat More Kale". At the time, I wasn't familiar with kale, but studied about its properties. I began implementing kale into my diet. Kale provides over 80 nutrients (vitamins, minerals, fiber, etc..). This cruciferous vegetable has amazing health benefits. Happiness is eating kale!

Day 156- Nutrition Bite

Eating processed (refined) carbohydrates will trigger cravings for more carbohydrates and food in general. In some people, eating refined carbohydrates becomes a carbohydrate addiction. This can lead to binging, compulsive overeating, and if the person is stressed, emotional eating. The only way to deal with a carbohydrate addiction is to eliminate all intake of processed (refined) carbohydrate from your diet and seriously limit even 'natural' high carbohydrate foods. As you probably know, processed refined carbohydrates are such things as ice cream, cookies, bread, rolls, buns, pasta, tacos, potato chips/crisps, pizza, cakes, sweets, candy, biscuits, chocolate, cereals, store-bought cooked meats/cold cuts (they have added sugars and additives), sausages/hot dog frankfurters (they have carbohydrate fillers, additives, and sometimes sugar) all sodas, sugars, and foods containing corn syrup, etc.

Sugar Preacher's Experience
I know the list seems to allow no freedom in food choices. However, once you begin sugar shunning, you will start to explore new grains, beans, nuts, vegetables, fruits, etc.. and realize you do have freedom. I don't have a craving for refined sugar after beginning this venture 156 days ago. I was at the farmers market the other day and was going to try some healthy candy so I could blog about it. But instead, I was craving the Indian Samosa at the booth next door and bypassed the healthy candy. Sorry, I just don't care about refined sugar anymore. Try eliminating refined sugar and you will see for yourself!!!

Day 155- Nutrition Bite

Blueberries have a diverse range of micronutrients which provide essential dietary mineral manganese, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin K and dietary fiber. One serving provides a low glycemic load score of 4 out of 100 per day. Blueberries contain anthocyanins, other antioxidant pigments and various phytochemicals possibly having a role in reducing risks of some diseases, including inflammation and different cancers. 

Sugar Preacher's Experience
The other day a blueberry and pear fruit dish was served at a potluck dinner. It was so tasty! I'm off to Costco to buy a carton of blueberries so I can make this fruit salad. We have pears growing in the backyard, and I'm excited to pick them! Natural sugars are the best!!!

Day 154- Nutrition Bite

Native Americans would customarily fast on air for four days (96 hours) and end the fast by drinking 3-4 quarts of herbal tea followed by regurgitation and a sweat lodge. Regurgitation removes toxins in the stomach, and sweating helps excrete poisons that have accumulated in the lymphatic system near the skin. This four-day prayer fast is still followed by dozens of people on ceremonial grounds in northern California. Each day of the fast a different lesson is taught by a spiritual teacher who also monitors the condition of the faster.

-Healing with Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford

Sugar Preacher’s Experience
I think 24 hours once a month is enough fasting for me. However, I admire those who can do it longer. The spiritual and physical benefits of a fast are innumerable.

Day 153- Nutrition Bite

Americans have the greatest incidence of baldness. Hair loss is tied to high-fat, high-protein diets, which damage the kidneys and create acidic blood. Meat and dairy are considered “sweet” in Eastern medicine. Sweet flavor dominates the American diet such as additional sweets, desserts, and sugar-laced foods and drinks. An ancient caution is that too much sweet-flavored food makes the head hair fall out.
-Healing with Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford

Sugar Preacher’s Experience
I am sure glad my hair is not falling out! I might still have head hair because of my 365-day sugar shun??? At least, it is some food for thought…

Day 152- Nutrition Bite

"People are getting alot more fructose from high-fructose corn syrup contained in processed foods and sweetened beverages than from eating fruit."
- Dr. Peter J Havel, D.V.M, Ph.D

Sugar Preacher's Experience
I observe high school students drinking and eating more foods with high-fuctose corn syrup than fructose from fruit. The regular soda machines were removed from the schools in Utah, but the diet coke, minute maid machines, and candy machines remain. Umm.. I guess they are beginning to fight the battle in one direction. I think the Utah schools should simply remove all of the soda and candy machines like NYC public schools did. Today, I forgot my sack breakfast, lunch, and wallet. I am starving!! I did eat the cookie in my desk, which was empty calories. I'll have to try negotiating with the lunch ladies. They might have some healthy foods to spare.