[Heidi]

I've noticed in lots of the forums that talk about the type of food that we're eating that theres a lot of really unnatural foods being consumed. Does anyone else think that perhaps it's the chemicals and compounds in some of these foods that have led us to where we are today? not only with our obesity levels but our levels of cancer and other illnesses? Part of my journey on my weightloss has been to take my foods back to as natural and whole as is workable for me - whole grains, fruit and veges and lean meats. I'll eat a handful of nuts or seeds instead of a protein bar just cos the list of ingredients on a protein bar wrapper scares the willys out of me. I struggle to imagine that there was much obesity about at all before food ingredients became so difficult to translate! Perhaps it's just my greenie New Zealand upbringing - and I know sometimes it seems convenient but how more convenient can a peice of fruit or a few nuts
be? How does everyone else feel on this issue?

[freebird]

i am sure that unnatural foods have alot to do with health issues, and part of why i am where i am. i too have tried to switch to whole grains and more natural forms of food. i don't do protien bars because i like shakes better. Part of the problem with alot of natural foods is that you can't always tell what good sources it provides. Like banana's and celery don't come with nutritional informaton.that;s not an excuse i like and daily eat bananas and celery. I think that in times gone by they were more healthy not only because they didn't have all of the "convinient" packaged fake foods that you can buy now, but there lifestyles were more active due to necessity.

I've been buying natural peanut butter with no salt, good for me?

[fr1endly2]

HERE HERE HEIDI!
i do believe and agree!
THOSE chemicals and artificial stuff do trigger us to eat more
just what those mfgs want.
I do watch all that stuff and stay with healthy whole grain
natural stuff and feel it contributed to my rapid weight loss
and lack of cravings. ITS only recently i got sloppy and I do
see how its tirggering more eating!

I am on your side and learned this thru doing atkins!

[DocSanae]

OH, YEAH!!
Just looking at the labels of processed food makes me shake my head. The other day, I picked up a soy bar, and ate it without thinking much, then looked at the label on the wrapping. Surprise, surprise. It was a soy bar, but it contained twice as much fat as protein in grams!! That means it the total of calories from the fat was more than 4 times that from the protein!!
Good thing traditional Japanese menus are natural food oriented, and basically wholesome.

Freebird, if you go to sites like
http://www.ars.usda.gov/Services/docs.htm?docid=7783
http://www.mypyramidtracker.gov
you'll be able to get the labels for bananas and celery.

[freebird]

cool thanks Doc will check that out

[Pillows]

It is interesting that you bring that topic up Heidi. I know that my church actually reccommends to its members to try to eat foods in their whole form for good health measures. Our church has what is called the Word of Wisdom and it is used as a guideline for how to have improved health and vitality, recognizing that it is so important for us in our lives. Of course I am not perfect in these guidelines, but I do agree that if someone followed them, they could achieve better health.
Janae

[Heidi]

The trick too Janae is too tell your brain while you're eating the nutritious food, how good it is for you and how it's going to make you feel so wonderful. Sounds a bit 'hippy' I know, but we all know how the minute we tell our body we're depriving it of something all we want and crave and can think about is the thing we're not giving it! It really works!
Heidi

[Pillows]

that doesn't sound too hippy at all.. I tell myself that whenever I work out...lol. Good advice Heidi.. Ya know how much I love ya babe?............................................. ..............................this much and then some...lol.
Janae

[FemmeMode]

Thanks Heidi for bringing it up....
In January I decided that if I was going to take this huge step and have the surgery...then I needed to take responsibility for the foods I was putting in my body as well....

I really did a purge of all the crappy food and our family went all natural...and whole foods. I've really come off of that as I've been trying to ease my way back into normal eating....and have slacked off on the things I know to be true....especially for ME....and my family!! When we were looking for an apartment in NYC....we found a great 'food co-op" and we are going to join....so, I'm committed to get rid of my junkies....and get back on the wagon!!

I still have a sweet tooth...and have tried some of the things the "normal grocery" has offered...and, if you've read any of my other posts....you'll get that it was a big disappointment.

I think one of the biggest things I've learned since Jan. is about hydrogenated oils....or partially hydrogenated oils....OMG!!! I am shocked about this....esp. now that they are to be labeled the familiar 'trans fats'....but, even though some co. label their food 0 grms of trans fat....it doesn't mean that there is none....and if you eat more than one serving...you are definitely getting this bad chemical structure....

ANYWAY....I'll stop here.... (sorry if I'm boring you... :P )

If you are interested in reading more....go to:
DEB's BLOG on Hydrogenated Oils...