Day 112- Nutrition Bite

"The fastest way to restore wellness is to stop putting into the body the things that have caused the physical problem to develop in the first place, and then give the body the nutrients it needs to repair and rebuild itself. The body is self-healing when the infraction is stopped and proper nutrients provided."

Rev. George Malkmus

Day 57-Nutritional Bite

If you are interested in avoiding genetically modified food or conventionally grown food, reading fruit labels is important. Here is a legend to reading fruit labels:
Conventionally grown = 4 digits
Organically grown = starts with a 9, eg. 9_ _ _ _ (5 digits)
Genetically modified = starts with an 8, eg. 8_ _ _ _ (5 digit)

Sugar Preacher's Experience
I found a key to reading fruit labels on COMFOOD (Tuft's community nutrition list serve) and thought it was interesting. I usually pay attention to the store signs stating whether the fruits or vegetables are organic. Now, I also read the fruit label digits.

Day 40-Nutritional Bite

Reading the amount of sugar on food labels is a critical skill if sugar reduction is your goal. The USDA suggests the daily recommended intake for added sugar should be less than 47 grams. Most foods have added sugars; thus, 47 grams will add up quickly. The link below also mentions serving sizes, daily recommended values, etc...
http://content.scholastic.com/content/collateral_resources/pdf/a/afhg_reading_food_labels_101.pdf

Sugar Preacher's Experience
As I cook by scratch, I know exactly the added ingredients in my foods. Also, I have learned to use alternative sugars in my recipes such as applesauce, brown rice syrup, and maple syrup. The game is more complex at the grocery store. I spend more time reading food labels and making sure there is no added sugars. However, if you are not eliminating all sugars just reduce to less than 47 grams.

Day 39-Nutritional Bite

Reading food labels is a key to a healthy diet! First read the ingredients. Each product should have the ingredients printed on the package or label. The ingredients are listed from largest to smallest amount (by weight) in the food item. This means a food contains the largest amount of the first ingredient listed and the smallest amount of the last ingredient listed. If you read sugar as the first ingredient, you might want to think twice.

Sugar Preacher's Experience
I purchased a granola bar at Whole Foods and didn't carefully read the ingredients. Brown rice syrup was listed, but I didn't notice brown sugar until after I had eaten the bar. Oops... I did eat a little refined sugar. Reading food labels is becoming easier for me. Avoiding foods with refined sugar is my goal!

Day 11-Nutritional Bite

Common grocery shopping tip--eat before you shop. When you go grocery shopping, make sure you are not hungry! Shopping on an empty stomach can lead to unnecessary and impulsive buying. You will be more prone to buy junk food. 

Sugar Preacher's Experience

On my way home from the gym, I visited the grocery store. I was so hungry and tempted to purchase refined sugar foods vs. sweets. I purchased fresh pineapple and dates as a substitute for my sugar cravings. These foods were a satisfying replacement. My goal is to create a blog that will be helpful and meaningful to you! 

Day 4-Nutritional Bite

Food prices have increased 3.7 percent in the past year and may jump as much as 7 percent by year’s end, according to the consumer price index. The food price jump contributes to unhealthy eating. The mayo clinic posted tips on April 2, 2008 how to save money on groceries. Please click on link for more details.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/food-and-nutrition/MY00022

Sugar Preacher's Experience
Groceries are becoming more and more expensive. Dining out can be less expensive than food preparation, especially if you are ordering from the $1 Menu at McDonalds. Fast foods are more popular due to time demands and grocery price increases. However, fast foods usually have less nutritional value than home prepared food. Eating non-refined sugar is difficult with fast food chains located on every corner in NYC. Focus is the key!!