9 Ingredients to avoid in processed foods

As a matter of fact just STAY AWAY from processed foods.  I try to as much as possible but i found this on a blog that I will post the link:

from: Black Fitness Blog http://www.blackfitnessblog.com/2010/05/9-ingredients-to-avoid-in-processed-foods/ as of 6/28/2010

Many packaged foods that seem healthy often contain fillers, preservatives and other ingredients you don’t want in your diet. It is always preferable to choose products that have only a handful of ingredients, all of which should be recognizable.

One test to know whether an ingredient is healthy is to ask yourself whether your grandmother would recognize it. If not, there is a good chance the ingredient is less natural food and more man-made chemical. Another good test is whether or not you can easily pronounce the ingredient. If you feel like you need a science degree to pronounce it properly, chances are the ingredient is worth avoiding.

If you do have to resort to a processed food for a snack or dinner (anything canned, packaged, etc.), try to avoid those that contain the ingredients listed in the following chart. Although this isn’t an exhaustive list, these ingredients are some of the most highly processed and least healthy of all:

Ingredient: Artificial Colors
Why is it Used?: Chemical compounds made from coal-tar derivatives to enhance color.
Why is it bad?: Linked to allergic reactions, fatigue, asthma, skin rashes, hyperactivity and headaches.

Ingredient: Artificial Flavorings
Why is it Used?: Cheap chemical mixtures that mimic natural flavors.
Why is it bad?: Linked to allergic reactions, dermatitis, eczema, hyperactivity and asthma. 
Can affect enzymes, RNA and thyroid.

Ingredient: Artificial Sweeteners (Acesulfame-K, Aspartame, Equal®, NutraSweet®, Saccharin, Sweet’n Low®, Sucralose, Splenda® & Sorbitol)
Why is it Used?: Highly-processed, chemically-derived, zero-calorie sweeteners found in diet foods and diet products to reduce calories per serving.
Why is it bad?: Can negatively impact metabolism.  Some have been linked to cancer, dizziness hallucinations and headaches.

Ingredient: Benzoate Preservatives (BHT, BHA, TBHQ)
Why is it Used?: Compounds that preserve fats and prevent them from becoming rancid.
Why is it bad?: May result in hyperactivity, angiodema, asthma, rhinitis, dermatitis, tumors and urticaria.  Can affect estrogen balance and levels.

Ingredient: Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO)
Why is it Used?: Chemical that boosts flavor in many citric-based fruit and soft drinks.
Why is it bad?: Increases triglycerides and cholesterol.  Can damage liver, testicles, thyroid, heart and kidneys.

Ingredient: High Fructose Corn Syrup
Why is it Used?: (HFCS) Cheap alternative to cane and beet sugar.  Sustains freshness in baked goods. Blends easily in beverages to maintain sweetness.
Why is it Bad?: May predispose the body to turn fructose into fat.  Increases risk for Type-2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke and cancer.  Isn’t easily metabolized by the liver.

Ingredient: MSG (Monosodium Glutamate)
Why is it Used?: Flavor enhancer in restaurant food, salad dressing, chips, frozen entrees, soups and other foods.
Why is it Bad?: May stimulate appetite and cause headaches, nausea, weakness, wheezing, edema, change in heart rate, burning sensations and difficulty in breathing.

Ingredient: Olestra
Why is it Used?: An indigestible fat substitute used primarily in foods that are fried and baked.
Why is it Bad?: Inhibits absorption of some nutrients.  Linked to gastrointestinal disease, diarrhea, gas, cramps, bleeding and incontinence.

Ingredient: Shortening, Hydrogenated and Partially Hydrogenated Oils (Palm, Soybean and others) Industrially created fats used in more than 40,000 food products in the U.S.
Why is it used?: Cheaper than most other oils.
Why is it bad?: Contain high levels of trans fats, which raise bad cholesterol and lower good cholesterol, contributing to risk of heart disease.

GF Day 5 Take 2

It's been 5 whole days.  FIVE. I've been quite good on this so far 100% sticking to it.

I've been drinking my water like im supposed to.  Today I had GF Enviorkids brand cereal with milk for breakfast.

Lunch was a mixed green salad with 1/2 avocado, grilled bellpeppers - Chicken - purple onion (it was a kabob stick from WF that I got last night and roasted in the oven) and balsamic vinegrette from Trader Joe's.

Dinner....not too sure yet.  I have some leftover turkey meat that i made for tacos the other day and since i now have almond cheese, I think I'll make some turkey enchiladas with green olives (sounds weird but my aunt made it and it was really good). And a GF beer.  Yes a GF Beer.  =)

I almost didn't go to the track today but since i missed Wed and Thursday, I have to make up lost workouts. 

I did 2.0 miles.  I will do something tomorrow morning before my sisters party.  Hopefully I can make it to my dad's this weekend so I can do some swimming with my lil chola's and lil cholo. =)

This week I've lost 3lbs so far.  (well, I'm wearing jeans so it should be 5lbs lost).  We started this weight challenge 2 months ago and if my guesstimation is correct then I've lost 10 lbs.  But im not telling these broads at work.

I may not win the competition (I might have if i wasn't such a procrastinator!) however, I'm winning my health.

Gluten, Gluten, Gluten...

Although the following section pertains mainly to GI and Celiac Diseases, there are persons who have not been tested to be Celiac.  There is also Gluten sensitive/allergic persons.  It can range from mild to severe.  Persons with other Auto-Immune Diseases (Hyper/Hypo Thyroid) who remove gluten from their daily intake show alleviated symptoms to their conditions.  I myself have done this and my thyroid symptoms improved dramatically.  Gluten is so over-processed and in virtually almost all of your foods as a filler that I believe your body doesn't know how to process this chemically engineered wheat product aka Gluten.


From Jackson | Siegelbaum Gastroenterology http://www.gicare.com/diets/gluten-free.aspx 6/16/10

Purpose
Gluten is the protein part of wheat, rye, barley, and other related grains. Some people cannot tolerate gluten when it comes in contact with the small intestine. This condition is known as celiac disease (sometimes called non-tropical sprue or gluten sensitive enteropathy).

Of great concern and interest is the fact that nine out of ten people with celiac disease do not known they have it. A simple blood test can give the physician the first clue to this disease.

In patients with celiac disease, gluten injures the lining of the small intestine. This injury can result in weight loss, bloating, diarrhea, gas, abdominal cramps, and/or vitamin and mineral deficiencies. When patients totally eliminate gluten from the diet, the lining of the intestine has a chance to heal.

Prebiotic Plant Fiber
A prebiotic is not a probiotic, which are beneficial bacteria taken by mouth. These probiotics are present in yogurt, other dairy products and pills. Prebiotics, on the other hand, are the necessary plant fibers that contain both oligofructose and inulin. These two fibers are the main nourishment for the good bacteria that reside in the gut. These fibers are rich in chicory root, Jerusalem artichoke, leeks, asparagus and others. Gluten containing wheat and barley also contain these prebiotics

Health Benefits from Prebiotic Fibers

There is now ample information in the medical literature to indicate that a prebiotic rich diet leads to demonstrable health benefits. These include:

• Increased calcium absorption
• Stronger bones and bone density
• Enhanced immunity
• Reduced allergies and asthma in infants and children
• A lower blood triglyceride level
• Appetite and weight control
• Lower cancer factors in the gut

Celiac Wheat-Prebiotic Dilemma
Nature has played a trick on celiac people. Wheat and wheat products provide over 80% of the prebiotics that North Americans ingest. Yet, celiac patients must assiduously avoid wheat, barley and rye. How do they then feed their good colon bacteria and get the health benefits, as outlined above? They must favor the other vegetables and fruits, as listed in the prebiotic section below. Additionally, they should consider a gluten free prebiotic supplement such as Prebiotin.

Special Considerations
Removing gluten from the diet is not easy. Grains are used in the preparation of many foods. It is often hard to tell by a food's name what may be in it, so it is easy to eat gluten without even knowing it. However, staying on a strict gluten-free diet can dramatically improve the patient's condition. Since it is necessary to remain on the gluten-free diet throughout life, it will be helpful to review it with a registered dietitian.

The person who prepares the patient's food much fully understand the gluten-free diet. Read food labels carefully:

• Do not eat anything that contains the following grains: wheat, rye and barley.
• At one time, oats were thought to contain some gluten. It has now become apparent, however, that oats frequently were processed in machines that also processed wheat. Most manufacturers no longer do this, although if there are any questions, a person should get reassurance from the manufacturer by mail, email or phone.
• The following can be eaten in any amount: corn, potato, rice, soybeans, tapioca, arrowroot, carob, buckwheat, millet, amaranth and quinoa. (Millets are also a mild thyroid peroxidase inhibitor and probably should not be consumed in great quantities by those with thyroid disease, this includes soy, soybeans which are linked to be Isoflavones which may affect fertility.  Buckwheat in sensitive people can be fatal, it provokes IgE-mediated anaphylaxis)
• Distilled white vinegar does not contain gluten.
• Malt vinegar does contain gluten.

Grains are used in the processing of many ingredients, so it will be necessary to seek out hidden gluten. The following terms found in food labels may mean that there is gluten in the product.

• Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP), unless made from soy or corn
• Flour or Cereal products, unless made with pure rice flour, corn flour, potato flour or soy flour
• Vegetable Protein, unless made from soy or corn
• Malt or Malt Flavoring, unless derived from corn
• Modified Starch or Modified Food Starch, unless arrowroot, corn, potato, tapioca, waxy maize or maize is used
• Vegetable Gum, unless made from carob bean, locust bean, cellulose, guar, gum arabic, gum aracia, gum tragacanth, xantham or vegetable starch
• Soy Sauce or Soy Sauce Solids, unless you know they do not contain wheat  

Any of the following words on food labels often mean that a grain containing gluten has been used.

• Stabilizer
• Starch
• Flavoring
• Emulsifier
• Hydrolyzed
• Plant Protein

GF Day 2 Take 2

I was supposed to go to the track this morning, but I ended up going to bed late (stupid Super Mario World) so i barely made it to my AM meeting where I had a Yogurt and GF Granola from Trader Joe's.

By 11am I had already had 82 oz of water.  I HAVE to drink as much as i can as early so Im not up and out of my seat every few minutes at the end of the day when i need to be in my chair.

Went to the track and did 1.75 miles of walking because my legs are sore and because I have practice tomorrow.  Although now I may not go because I have to take my friend to the SF airport.

Lunch, my friend brought some Baked Turkey Breast and sauteed Green Beans in EVOO.  It was really good.  My mom had leftover Cocido so I'll have that for dinner.

I have to do a few things after work so I may not make it to the track.  I'm working on a painting for my sisters birthday this weekend.

As of right now, I've had 116+ oz of water. 

I was told that you should be drinking at least 64oz/day or 1/2 your weight in ounces whichever is greater.

How to Kick Start Your Metabolism: Gluten Free Yes, No and Alternamtive Foods

Simple Ways to Kick Start Your Metabolism Detox Diet

Recommendations:

Pay careful attention to labels, buy foods which have minimum processing and preservatives.

Avoid anything which has a hydrolyzed ingredient, MSG, yeast extracts, corn syrup, evaporated cane juice etc.

 Again check labels for amounts of added sugars. Don’t eat while dehydrated….drink water first. This will help you from slipping and eating something sweet or from the “no” list.

If you have a thyroid problem, I suggest staying away from Soy and Gluten as much as possibe.  I was reading up on this (because I have a low metabolism due to underactive thyroid) and click on the following:  Article #1  and/or Article #2

Now, I'm not saying I have Celiac Disease but I feel a lot better Gluten free, my skin is clearer, I'm less bloated, I have more energy and i lost a lot of weight.   Also I will be posting something on Edocrine Distrupters AND Goitrens. BAD BAD BAD! for Thyroid issues or persons with any other Auto-Immune Diseases.

Foods prohibited on a gluten-free diet:

Any bread, cereal or other food made with wheat, rye, barley and oat flours or ingredients and byproducts made from those grains.

Processed foods containing wheat, gluten-derivatives, or thickeners. These foods include hot dogs, ice cream, salad dressings, canned soups, dried soup mixes, non-dairy creamers, processed cheeses, cream sauces, and hundreds of other common foods.

• Alcohol
• Any breads or wheat products such as wheat tortillas
• Anything that does not say GLUTEN FREE on the packaging
• Barley, bulgur, couscous, kamut, Oatmeal/oats, rye, spelt, wheat, sprouted wheat
• Beef (all kinds)
• Butter
• Caffeinated beverages (Soda’s of any kind, & Coffee)
• Canola oil
• Cheese (all kinds)
• Deli Meats
• Dried Fruit
• Fruit Juices, all fruit juices
• Ham
• Hot dogs and buns
• Miso
• Oatmeal/oats
• Peanut Butter
• Pistachio’s and Peanuts
• Sausage
• White Flour Foods – Pasta, Bread, White Rice

  

YES FOODS

BEANS & GRAINS – All Beans, Amaranth, Brown & Wild Rice, Brown Rice Pasta, Buckwheat, Corn Tortillas, Edamame, Millet, Quinoa

BEVERAGES – All Unsweetened: Water, Soymilk, Rice Milk, Green & Herbal tea, Coconut Milk/Water

DAIRY – Eggs, Milk (Fat Free – 2%), Yogurt (Plain, Low/Non Fat & Unsweetened) ( I Love using Greek Yogurt Fat Free Plain from TJ's and I have recipes for dips too.)

FRUIT – Berries (Fresh & Frozen good for shakes & Breakfast Options), Fresh Fruit (all kinds; keep Grapes & Watermelon to a minimum due to sugar content)

PROTEIN – Chicken Breast (Organic, No Skin), Cornish Hen, Lamb, Fish/Seafood (Any kind), Turkey

SNACKS – Hummus, Gluten & Wheat free bars, Gluten & Wheat Free Cereal (WF has a great selection of Gluten Free Cookies, especially the Pecan Cookies)


SPICES/EXTRAS – Almond Butter, Dark Chocolate (1oz & must be over 80% Dark), Flax Seed, Honey, Nuts (Fresh & Raw only...NO Peanuts or Pistacios), Olive Oil, Salsa (Homemade, if store bought make sure it’s wheat & gluten free), Sesame Seeds, Vegetable Soup, Wheat & Gluten Free crackers

VEGETABLES – All, Avocado, Edamame, Olives

 NO Foods Alternatives:

Alcohol

  Well there is no alternative so just stay away from the hooch.

Any breads or wheat products such as wheat tortillas
  Whole Foods has Brown Rice Tortillas and Gluten Free Bread (it's kinda dense so I just stayed away from the bread period).  If I did have an urge, for a burger I'd use the Ezekiel 4:9 Sesame bread which is really good and you can freeze portions you do not use.  Corn Tortillas are the best and are on the YES food.  GF Bread options are not available yet at Trader Joe's. 

Anything that does not say GLUTEN FREE on the packaging
  Just stick to Gluten Free.

Barley, bulgur, couscous, kamut, Oatmeal/oats, rye, spelt, wheat, sprouted wheat
  I've used a mixture of Amaranth & Millet as an alternative to a nutty flavored kind of breakfast meal.  You can also use Quinoa which is high in Calcium (1 Cup cooked is equivalent to the calcium in 1 gallon of Milk.)

Beef (all kinds)
  I know, I know but just stick with this.

Butter
  I sometimes would use Vegan butter.  It's not processed and still taste really good. I use Earth Brand or Earth Something from Whole Foods.

Caffeinated beverages (Soda’s of any kind, & Coffee)
  I kicked the Soda habit long ago but Coffee was hard but it's better you have less of an addition to it for the mornings.  I switched to Tea and used flavor infused honey sticks (from Target) for my tea or Agave Nectar as a liquid sugar substitute (you can get this for $2.99 approx at Trader Joe's).

Canola oil
  Not a problem since I love Extra Virgin Olive Oil so much that I take 1TBSP with lemon juice in the AM when doing gluten free.  Helps your digestive system and your skin looks FABULOUS!

Cheese (all kinds)
  Two words: Whole foods.  They have vegan and Almond Cheese (cheeder, Mozzarella and American).  You really don't notice the differnce.  It may take a little longer to melt but the taste is really the same and it's NOT PROCESSED like other cheese.

Deli Meats
  Anytime I want Deli Meats, I just think of how Head Cheese Deli Meat is made.  Processed and chopped.  Not for me.

Dried Fruit
  Fresh is better.

Fruit Juices, all fruit juices
  I admit around the time I have my montly visitor I CRAVE all the bad things.  So i do splurge in the occasional Orange Juice to calm down my cramps.  But during Gluten free times....I measure my cups.  I dont chug it out of the jug like a sailor.


Ham
  I love me some ham..Ham Sammich's, hambones, hamhocks.  JK.  I do like ham but I don't love it like a newborn baby so go without it.

Hot dogs and buns
  Well there goes my bread pudding.

Miso
  I love me some Miso Soup, but stick with the plan man!

Oatmeal/oats
  I switched to Amaranth and Millet.  It may be an acquired taste but it's really good and filling!

Peanut Butter
  Almond Butter, Cashew Butter and other butters (but not butter butter) seemed to work for me.  I would spread 1 TBSP Almond Butter on a Brown Rice Cake (TJ's and WF) with fresh fruit is a good snack.

Pistachio’s and Peanuts
  I never liked Peanuts anyhow and Pistacio's hurt my braces.  I buy the snack packet sized nuts from TJ's in Almond or Walnut and I don't have to measure and they are not on the NO list.

Sausage
  I will keep my dirty mouth shut.  I love sausage though.  (I willl keep my dirty mouth shut).  I switched to sticking to Turkey. Turkey Sausage, Turkey Bacon, Turkey Ground.

White Flour Foods – Pasta, Bread, White Rice
  Pasta: Brown Rice Pasta, Corn Pasta, Quinoa Pasta (WF and TJ.  TJ has cheaper Brown Rice Spaghetti Pasta, Fusili and Penne).
 
  Bread, this was covered earlier.  They need to come up with a not so dense form.  HOWEVER, however, they do have these AWESOME "Cream Biscuits" at WF that are great to crumble up as an alternative to mashed potatoes, or you can split in half and toast it and taste great with vegan butter or plain or as a bkfst sandwich with turkey and eggs/egg whites. 
 
  White Rice well, I swtiched to Brown Rice and Quinoa.  I have a great recipe for Carmalized Onions with Spinach and musroom that goes great with Quinoa or Brown Rice.  Plus no need for Soy Sauce so less sodium in your diet! YAY!

Finally hit the track

Daily Mile shows I did 2.0 miles.  Liars.

I did 1.5 and 15 Sumo Squats + 10 Squat Kicks.

Im getting familiar with the daily mile site so give me some slack as I correct that issue.  Or maybe the forces in the universe are consipiring against me and telling me to DO MORE!

Hmm...well I guess I can do another 1.5 after work and make it an even 3.

We shall see.

I started drinking water like a camel prepparing for a caravan.  I've already sucked down over 50 flouid ounces which is a good start.  My daily water intake goal is at leat 100 fl oz per day.

Wish me luck.  OH and im upping my 70% Gluten free diet to be at least 95%.  okay 90% (being realistic until payday).

Edit:

After work I had Chicken Udon Soup (Gluten Free!) and although at 9pm when I shouldn't have had anything else, I was a bit hungry for some sweets so I had a cup of GF cereal. 

I drank about 110 oz of water.

SO today was my first day of being 100% gluten free!

NOTE: I finally logged in and was going back in time and reading my old posts.  Today is 6/9/2015 and little did i know then but i know now, Udon Noodles are not GF.

Excuse 1

I should face the scale.  I know im up in weight but i just dont want to see it. I feel it. 

A few people have said oh you look like you've lost weight.  Man do they need glasses.  BUT thanks for the compliment. =)

WHERE IS THE FIRE?!

Okay i have my clothes in my cabinet at work but they are just sitting there collecting dust.

I have my brother's graduation tonight so I can't go to the track after work. Tomorrow unless we travel out of town for my cousin's funeral.

=(