Nowadays it has become overwhelming to filter through the many fads, diets, pills and weight loss scams. The food available in supermarkets has become depleted of nutrients and replaced with food-like products- processed, refined and full of chemicals. It is so important to read ingredients and be aware of what you and your family are consuming. Unfortunately, labels can be misleading and difficult to understand. The food industry and big sugar companies have become difficult to trust often putting misleading “diet” “fat free” or “zero calorie” labels on foods. Simply put, the food industry’s goal is to produce food that is cheap, cost effective and has a long shelf life in order to maintain a profit.

Here are some common ingredients and foods that should be avoided:

1. MSG

MSG (Monosodium glutamate) is a very common flavour enhancer and known to be added to Chinese food and in most cubes/powders for broth (like Maggi and Knorr).

It may taste yummy in the short term, but the negative health effects far outweigh the taste. Have you ever felt sick, sluggish, tired or gotten a headache after eating Chinese food? Those are the effects of MSG.

2. Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, maltitol, sorbitol, sucralose, to name a few,  can be found in diet and regular pop drinks, sports drinks, juices, desserts etc… They trick your taste buds as they are hundreds and sometimes thousands of times sweeter than sugar.

So, what’s the big deal? They affect your insulin hormone and research shows that artificial sweeteners prevent your body from producing GLP-1, a hormone that controls blood sugar levels. To top it off, they can cause many side effects such as migraines, nausea, insomnia, abdominal and joint pains, depression and serious health issues depending on how much your consume. Evidence also suggests that exposing your taste buds to these intense sweeteners makes them less receptive to natural sources of sweetness such as fruit. Then you’re more likely to seek out sweeter and sweeter foods. Sweeteners can cause you to overeat, tricking your gut and interfering with your body’s hunger signals.

3. Added Sugars

Sugars are added to foods or beverages when they are processed or prepared. This does not include naturally occurring sugars such as those in fruits and vegetables. There are at least 61 different names for sugar listed on food labels. These include common names, such as sucrose, high-fructose corn syrup, barley malt, dextrose, maltose and rice syrup to name a few.

4. Artificial Food Colouring

Artificial food colouring is unfortunately in a lot of children’s snacks and candy like M&Ms, smarties and icing. They are made in a lab with chemicals derived from petroleum.

Here’s why you need to avoid them at all costs: Artificial food colouring has been linked to long-term health problems such as cancer. Synthetic food dyes have also been shown to cause an increase in hyperactivity in children as well as a negative impact on their ability to learn. Did you know that food products containing artificial dye are required to have a warning label in the U.K.? There is no such requirement in North America.

Artificial food colouring has been linked to long-term health problems such as cancer, increase in hyperactivity in children as well as a negative impact on their ability to learn.

5. GMOs

GMOs are genetically modified organisms that make plants and meat products. GMOs are created by mixing the DNA of plants, animals, viruses or bacteria in a laboratory. Have you noticed bananas no longer have seeds? Maybe you’ve seen the mixed fruits like “grapples” (grapes and apples) or “pluots” (Plums and apricots).

Eating GMO is disastrous for our bodies. There are many studies done on GMOs and some have linked the side effects to gluten sensitivity, tumors, breast cancer cell growth, birth defects and stomach inflammation. One study links glyphosate (herbicide) to autism, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. When you ingest Glyphosate , you are altering the chemistry of your body. Some have linked the side effects to gluten sensitivity, tumors, breast cancer cell growth, birth defects and stomach inflammation to GMO.

6. Processed Foods

Processed foods are foods that have been altered from their natural state and contain preservatives. Some examples include packaged slice cheese (Kraft singles), sliced deli meat, hot dogs, packaged muffins/pastries, chips, soda, diet soda, most cereals, cake, candy, chocolate bars, “lunchables”, hot dogs, cookies, fast food, refined grains (most breads), crackers, nutella, the “fake” peanut butter (contains hydrogenated oils), commercial brand salad dressings, “convenience foods” like microwaveable meals, most packaged/boxed foods and so on and so forth.

Processed food can cause serious health issues like cancer, heart disease, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

In conclusion, these preservatives, additives and sugars are addictive and affect your body in many ways. They affect your metabolism (how your body processes foods), energy levels, mood, sex drive, brain function, fertility, productivity, it can cause serious health issues like cancer, heart disease, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

This information can be very overwhelming. Letting go of bad habits is hard but it CAN be done. Take small steps and understand why these processed foods are bad for your body, health and wellness. To help you understand, I highly suggest watching a few documentaries about the food industry such as Food Inc., Food Matters, Food Choices, Fed Up, Vegucated and Hungry for Change. I don’t mean to suck the fun of food but it’s important to know what you’re putting in your body and how it affects you. Go through your cupboards and fridge and see what you should toss. This is a journey and change for the best.

I highly suggest watching a few documentaries about the food industry such as Food Inc., Food Matters, Food Choices, Fed Up, Vegucated and Hungry for Change.

OK, so what should we eat?

Clean whole foods. Whole foods are REAL foods like vegetables, fruits, raw nuts, legumes, potatoes, rice (preferably brown or wild), quinoa, eggs, lean meats, fish etc. Whole foods  are nutrient-rich and help prevent and treat certain diseases.

We all know it takes 21 days to make or break a habit and the 21 Day Fix program does just that. In 21 days, you can create good habits of regular exercise and eating proper balanced meals. 21 Day Fix  is a
complete package consisting of a fitness program, meal plan and shakeology. The exercise portion includes total body workouts for beginners and intermediates. The meal plan is easy to follow and focuses on portion control and no calorie counting!

This package also includes a nutritional shake called Shakeology.  Shakeology has 70+ ingredients, 41 of which are defined as “superfoods”—foods that are
loaded with essential nutrients that enhance energy, boost immunity, reduces cravings, improves digestion and moods. It’s perfect for an on-the-go meal or snack or to refuel your body and muscles post workout.

Catch you later!

Coach Louise 🙂