Stop Eating Refined Sugars!

The title of this post is just about as ironic as saying, "stop smoking cigarettes!" but I feel like nobody thoroughly understands the science behind processed sugar; fancy diets warn you of refined sugars because it "makes you fat", but that's the extent of an explanation. While it is true excessive consumption of refined sugars result in weight gain, thus bringing on the plethora of health problems associated with such, that's just the tip of the iceberg.

A refined sugar is one that has undergone some sort of processing; this includes white, brown and powdered sugars, as well as corn syrup. The refinement process depletes any nutritional value the source could've had to start with. Sugar cane and beets are both used equally to manufacture refined sugar in the United States, and it is also important to note that one of the most popular GMO crops are sugar beets. Most of these sugars are not vegan, not even vegetarian. Once the juice has been pressed and heated from sugar canes (in order to form a solid from a liquid), animal bone char is used to remove impurities, which are carbon remnants of heated animal bones. While some sugar manufacturers use granular carbon versus bone char, it's hard to figure out who uses what. Brown sugar is white sugar with molasses added, and powdered sugar is where white sugar has been finely milled, sometimes combined with a starch (like tapioca). Corn syrup is made from the starch of corn, and you should be especially wary of the high fructose variety as it has been shown in studies to kill lab rats almost twice as quickly as white sugar.

It would be in your best interest to steer clear of artificial sweeteners as well. Saccharin, sucralose and aspartame, sweeteners who hide under aliases like Sweet 'n' Low and Splenda, are nothing but chemical shit storms that  kill off gut bacteria (which is where most of your immune system lies), slow your metabolism and cause nerve damage (why many people will suffer headaches/migraines and memory loss) just to name a few. Artificial sweeteners literally excite your neurons to death.

It has been found that refined sugar is more addictive than what was thought to be the most addictive substance: cocaine. The Mercola Article "Is Sugar More Addictive Than Cocaine?" states there was a study conducted in lab rats where they not only picked sugar in a choice between it and cocaine, but switched their addiction from cocaine to sugar and worked harder for it. Since refined sugar consumption has spiked within the last fifty years, our anatomy and physiology haven't been given the chance to catch up, so our reward systems get over-gratified and gives way to addiction formation. Refined sugars increase blood sugar levels within 15 minutes of consumption, which means insulin levels increase, which is going to take excess sugar and convert it into glycogen to store in the liver for energy later, then all of the excess is going to be stored as fat. "Sugar highs" which end in an epic failure described as a "crash", occur because foods that are high in sugar and low in everything else (nutrients and fiber, specifically) don't allow for a slow, constant release of sugar to keep the body satisfied over a period of time. These bad boys also create a more acidic environment in the body, which has been proven time and time again to give way to cancer cell growth and reproduction. Refined flours in a sense are very similar to refined sugars, as all of their nutritional contents have been stripped and left to nothing but a starchy base (check out my Instagram post on carbs). While humans have a natural sweet tooth, it is for foods such as fruits, not boxed, "baked" goods.

What kind of sweeteners should you reach for instead? Natural ones like maple syrup, raw cane sugar, coconut sugar, date syrup, brown rice syrup and agave nectar are all excellent. If you're looking for a "zero calorie" sweetener (I put that in quotations because I absolutely HATE that phrase) check out stevia. Be wary of purchasing stevia from the grocery store, as many of them aren't REAL stevia like they claim to be. I would check out a vitamin or natural foods place, and look for the liquid instead of solid, as well as the USDA certified organic seal. Remember folks, not only is your body your temple, but you are what you eat, so make it COUNT!

Sources:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/05/sugar-vegan-bone-char-yikes_n_6391496.html

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/01/21/corn-syrup-toxic.aspx

http://www.naturalnews.com/053275_artificial_sweeteners_gut_bacteria_metabolic_dysfunction.html

http://www.naturalnews.com/041307_Aspartame_artificial_sweeteners_obesity.html

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2007/08/23/is-sugar-more-addictive-than-cocaine.aspx

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2001/07/14/insulin-part-one.aspx

           

Being Vegan While Ballin' on a Budget

For those of you who don't follow me on Instagram, Snapchat or couldn't already tell, I am a foodie. To me, there is nothing more satisfying and comforting than a delicious meal; I eat for my soul as well as my health, which is something a lot of people skip out on.

I'll write another post later on down the road about why I am vegan, but to put it simply it's because I care. There are far too many people in this world who say horrible things are horrible, but then do nothing to improve the situation. Animal cruelty, environmental destruction and diet related illnesses are all worldwide issues I'm very passionate about. Being vegan is my personal protest against such, as well as how I can help be part of the cure. 

I get a lot of responses out of people once they find out I'm vegan, both positive and negative, but one of the most common excuses I hear against my lifestyle is, "it's too expensive". I always think that is a bit silly, as staples in a vegan diet such as oats, potatoes, pastas, beans and rice are amongst the cheapest foods in the world. However, I then put two and two together realizing that being vegan to a lot of people means replacing real meat with plant-based mock meats/substitutes, which can get rather pricy.

I will be the first to tell you that I LOVE vegan alternatives; marshmallows, nut and soy milk yogurt and ice-cream, cheez, tofu dogs and seitan bacon just to name a few. While these options are delicious, they are expensive to consume on a daily basis and should be thought of as junk food/treats. Replacing animal-based processed food with plant-based processed food is of course much better for the animals, but not necessarily you. Use these options as a treat or lazy meal and your wallet will thank you. 

Trust me when I say I'm not rolling in cash. However, I love myself entirely too much to treat my body like a trashcan. I save money by not paying for things like T.V., which poisons your brain; I recommend cracking open a book instead sometime. Let me also mention that eating organic and eating vegan are NOT THE SAME THING. Many vegans understand the importance of eating organic, but taking things one step at a time is a key to success. I suggest checking out the Environmental Working Group's Clean Fifteen and Dirty Dozen lists to figure out what you should buy organic versus what is okay to buy conventional. A good rule of thumb is foods with thin skins (like berries) are dirty due high water content, easily penetrable and thus retain more chemicals, while foods with thicker skin (like potatoes) are the opposite. All this aside you can be vegan and organic on a budget, you just have to know when and where to shop, as well as what to buy.

• Don't limit yourself to one grocery store I shop at about 4-5 different grocery stores. Some have fresher and/or more affordable produce, better vegan junk food options and bulk pricing available. 
• Eat a variety While I have some staple foods, I try to eat from a diverse source to increase nutrients. Plus, sales switch up frequently so try to shop accordingly.
• Eat locally and seasonally Foods that don't have to be imported to the country or even your state will ALWAYS be cheaper than those that do. Local, seasonal produce supports small businesses/farmers and increases nutrient contents since they're left longer to ripen. It takes nothing but a quick internet search for local market seasons/times. I'll even let you in on a little secret: those who get there early get the best picks for the cheapest prices!
• DIY Fresh (and even dried) herbs can get pricy, but you definitely want to use them as they have medicinal properties. Buy some seeds and grow them yourself; all it takes is sunlight and water.... not even patience since they grow so quickly! Sprouts are even easier: get yourself a mason jar and a sprouts lid (less than five dollars), fill it up with 2 tablespoons of seeds and the jar three-quarters of the way with water, soak overnight, rinse in the morning and then keep the jar tilted upside-down near sunlight. Rinse three to four times a day and in about four days you'll have sprouts for a million salads! You can also make nut milk (soak nut of choice for 4-6 hours, drain, combine with water in blender, filter), butter and veggie burgers (spices, herbs, qunioa, potatoes, ketchup, beans and soy sauce) for much cheaper than what they'd cost you to buy.
• Dried over canned ALWAYS While beans are more convenient canned, dried is cheaper and better for you as cans frequently have a plastic/BPA ridden liner between the food and the can. Always make sure to soak dried prior to cooking, but if you buy canned make sure they're rinsed prior to consumption.
• Root vegetables and complex carbohydrates will save your life The key to satiation, blood sugar balancing and healthy bowel movements. Plus, they're mega cheap. From rices of all colors (brown, black, white, pink and even green) to quinoa, lentils, sprouted bread, oats, potatoes, onions, carrots and even beets, it's hard to get bored. As far as pasta is concerned, try reaching for whole-grain, bean and/or brown rice varieties instead of semolina just for increased nutrient content (they're also heavier/more filling).
• Frozen fruit over fresh This goes for fruits that tend to be more expensive fresh such as mango, pineapple and berries. I use these guys in smoothies, banana ice cream and oatmeal, so being frozen doesn't make a difference and they last longer. 
• Staple fruits are the cheapest fruits Bananas, apples and oranges! Lemons are also very important as they're great for making your own salad dressings and adding to water.
• Fancy juices are not necessary Everyone knows I love me a delicious bottle of GT's kombucha every once in a while, but don't spend you money on overpriced juices. It is much more affordable and healthier to just put the effort into throwing the fruits and veggies in a blender and making your own. Aside from this, water should be one of the only things you're drinking. Take your weight, divide it in half, and that's the amount in ounces that you should be drinking every day. 
• Get those greens in spinach, kale, arugula, romaine, butter lettuce, whatever it may be, get two varieties at a time: one for salads and one for smoothies. 
• Treat Yo'self *hopes I've got Parks and Rec fans reading this* it is absolutely OKAY to pick up the Gardein Fishless Filets and the Hail Merry Macaroons. 
• Mini-Meal Prep I don't plan out what I'm going to eat each day of the week, but there are those foods you know will be delicious and easy no matter what: tacos, burgers, spaghetti, pizza, soups. I always make sure to keep tortillas, noodles and vegetable broth on hand. 
• Don't overdo it with soy There is a decent amount of controversy out there over soy, but here is what I have to say about it: MUST be organic, fermented is good (tempeh, miso) and tofu is fine to have every once in a while (as the Japanese who eat a lot of it have the lowest rates of cancer in the world). It is a great source of protein, but estrogen-mimickers in unfermented soy products can pose an issue when eaten excessively. 
• Take 1-2 grocery trips a week Dried goods and root vegetables will keep for long periods of time, but restock on the other veggies and fruits weekly to ensure freshness.  

At the end of the day, please don't ever swap your health for cheapness and/or convenience. You've got two choices: pay the price for a quality diet now and live a long, healthy life, or have your health suffer later due to self neglect and pay in medications and treatments. If you can afford a new Coach purse or the latest Jordan's, you can afford the $0.79 for an organic kiwi.   

The Problem With Plastics

Has anyone ever taken a moment to realize just how much of everyday items are plastic? Children's toys, phone cases, grocery bags, bottles, disposable cups, plates, and cutlery, containers, car parts, lining of metal cans, netting, decor... you get the idea. Plastic was practically the savior of our planet when it was first invented: costs next to nothing to manufacture, and yields boatloads at a time. Of course, this meant satisfaction as demands were met amongst the world's fast-growing population during the early 1900s. However, with every seemingly wonderful invention, there were unexpected consequences the world would be dealing with for years to come. Let's get one thing straight: Plastic never breaks down, or if it does takes a very, very long time to; their molecules are non-reactive. Where does it go? Well, if it can't be recycled (which by the way, not everything you throw in the recycling bin can be) then it's got one of two options: The ocean, or a landfill.

Trash washes up on beaches all of the time, and living not even an hour away from one I can personally attest to this; it gets caught up in major ocean currents and just circulates, circulates, circulates. Environmentalists have pictures floating all over the internet, in books and magazines of turtle's shells growing around where a six-pack ring got stuck, bird's wings and beaks being broken from netting as well as dolphin and shark fins being rubbed raw; showing everyone the destruction we have plastic, and ultimately ourselves, to blame. Scenarios like I have listed result in death amongst species. For example, birds need to fly in order to find food and navigate migration patterns, and they can't do those things with broken wings. Also, in the wild there is no bandaging to ensure proper healing, or medicine to prevent against infection, resulting in inevitable death from plastic netting. If you have any sort of simple understanding of science, you know that a population decrease in one species can cause a domino effect on the entire ecosystem. In addition to this, as conscious beings humans have a duty to protect the planet and all that inhabit it, instead of taking advantage and doing the complete opposite.

If this isn't enough to upset you, lets talk about the consequences done directly on your body thanks to plastic. Fish humans commonly enjoy eating like tuna and salmon, eat smaller fish. Well, smaller fish eat bits of vegetation floating around in the ocean, and small shrimp. What they think is vegetation isn't always so; a plastic bead bobbing in the water looks close enough! Harmful compounds known as Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) bind to plastic, and are carried everywhere with them; Substances like DDT, BPA, Aldrin and Dioxin, that accumulate in animal fat cells and tissues as they move up the food chain because they are highly concentrated and not easily detoxed. Get this, a CDC study showed more than 90% of the US population tested positive for traces of BPA in their body. A small handful of negative side effects include infertility, birth defects, reduced immune functioning, diabetes, cancer and neurological disorders. Let's not forget plastics are also sitting around in landfills radiating POPs through the soil, where not only fruits and vegetables are grown, but where livestock live as well.


Don't you dare try to justify the internal guilt by thinking, "I'm just ONE person, how can I possibly help such a massive issue?" Ladies and gentlemen, it is NEVER too late to make steps towards change. Here is how you can help.

-Invest in a glass, reusable water bottle Instead of purchasing cases of disposable water bottles. By doing this you aren't feeding corporate companies who are part of the problem, saving money, the planet, resources and yourself. *This also goes for buying glass containers instead of Ziploc bags*

-Take reusable bags to the grocery store You don't have to buy the ones sold at the store specifically labeled as "reusable bags" (which are usually cheap, flimsy and made from plastic), just use whatever you've got laying around the house! Ladies, if you're anything like me, you've got plenty to share. There are actually some places that will give you a discount for bringing your own bags!

-Don't take a store plastic bag if you don't need one I'm talking to you, person who is just buying eyeliner or shaving cream.

-DIY If you eat out for one day, think about the plastic waste you're generating: cup and paper bag from Dunkin Donuts, ice cream container from Diary Queen, bag, box and disposable chopsticks from Chinese takeout... Not only is it the healthier, money-saving option to pack your own meals, but less wasteful as well. This includes growing your own fruits and veggies.

-Support companies who support recycling There are some companies out there like you and I who care about the planet's well being. It'll tell you on packaging if it's made from recycled material (like my business cards!)

-Reuse Instead of going out and buying a brand new couch or game station, see if you can find someone who is giving theirs away. I'm not saying buy something dirty and old, but more than often there are circumstances that make people give things away that are practically brand new (saves $$$ too!). Also, there is this great, unique website called thespotteddoor.com who recycles things like candy wrappers and traffic signs creating baskets and chairs!

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persistent_organic_pollutant


http://ecologycenter.org/factsheets/adverse-health-effects-of-plastics/


http://healthychild.org/easy-steps/know-your-plastics/


http://oceancrusaders.org/crusades/plastic-crusades/plastic-statistics/


http://plasticwastesolutions.com/plastic-litter/


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic

http://www.livescience.com/38981-5-ways-limit-bpa.html


Film, Plastics Paradise: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch

Fluoride: Dental Hygiene Additive or Lethal Poison?

The same question gets asked almost every time someone takes a trip to the dentist: “Do you use toothpaste with fluoride?” According to Dr. William Bowen its purpose is, “to promote remineralization of early caries, and prevent demineralization”. He claims fluoride also appears to have the effect of slowing down decay rates of plaque; aka nasty, cavity-causing bacteria. While most modern dentists praise fluoride as being the savior of our mouths, many health specialists have opposing viewpoints.
 

For starters, sodium fluoride is one of the most popular treatment compounds and can be found anywhere and everywhere; coincidentally in rat poison as it is in toothpaste and water. Let’s get one thing straight; this stuff is toxic waste—Literally. Sodium fluoride is a byproduct of manufacturing and industry. Waste isn’t just purely this compound, of course, so this more than often is a mixture with lead and arsenic. If that isn’t enough to scare someone, lets move onto the multitude of damage it does to the human body.

4 ppm (parts per million) is the established amount allowed by the Environmental Protection Agency for sodium fluoride in water. There has been Austrian Research done stating 1 ppm can damage DNA repair enzymes by 50%. Dr. Phyllis Mullenix, a neurotoxicologist, experimented with sodium fluoride nineteen years ago, found buildup in animal brain tissue and could immediately link it to disrupted functions similar to Attention Deficit Disorder. It’s only natural to assume that since fluoride is toxic in all ways, shapes and forms it is cancer causing as well; which is absolutely true. Also, fluoride can cause calcium deficiencies because it dissolves it in a solution. Is it coincidental that we are one of the only countries who are allowed to treat our water with it and have approximately 62 million people who suffer from bone issues and disorders? This short list alone doesn’t even begin to cover the actual amount of problems this compound causes.

 

Why is it in our water supply? It is a very cheap compound for water sanitation. Since it’s a manufacturing byproduct the government doesn’t even have to pay for it to be produced! Scientists have easily manipulated and skewed data in order to prove to the Environmental Protection Agency as well as senators and representatives that this stuff is okay to put into the national water supply—and most buy into it because it is literally “too good to be true”. 

Sources:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1295327/?page=1

http://www.holisticmed.com/fluoride/

http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants/basicinformation/fluoride.cfm

http://preventdisease.com/home/tips79.shtml

http://www.washingtonsblog.com/2013/08/israel-joins-most-of-the-world-in-banning-water-fluoridation.html

http://www.aaos.org/about/papers/position/1113.asp

http://consciouslifenews.com/fluoride-toxic-poison-learn-differences-between-natural-synthetic-fluoride/#

Organic vs Conventional vs GMO... What's the Difference?!

Whenever I visit the grocery store and saunter down the produce aisle, I see a variety of people shopping: some calculating if it's cheaper to buy the head of lettuce than the bag, rolling their eyes at the expense of organic, reaching for the sale item with no questions asked, knocking on watermelons... While I do admit commercial grocery stores are expanding their organic produce selection, it still remains much smaller compared to the rest: GMO and conventional. 


What does this mean? According to supply and demand principles, the market for organic produce consumers is smaller than that of it's conventional and GMO counterparts. Why? The answer is quite simple: America is misinformed. Has the difference between the three growing methods ever been taught to anyone in school? Not once in my fourteen years spent in the education system. Are there commercials on TV? If that were the case, my mom would be an expert considering she spends all of her free time watching it. Coverage on popular news networks such as CNN, ABC, NBC and FOX? If so, don't you think more people would know better? For the large majority of America, it boils down to one thing: price. My own, beloved grandfather proved this to me one night. My family had gotten together, and someone had brought a container of strawberries. I politely declined, because they are one of the fruits I don't eat unless organic due to their water content and thin skin (the ability to retain chemicals heightens with these factors). My grandfather's response, "You know she only eats that organic stuff! Must be nice, but it's too expensive for me. I'll go for the other stuff, cheaper in price and the exact same thing". Not to be disrespectful, but you are sadly mistaken, pop-pop.

GMO, Genetically Modified Organism: Most popular crops include soy, cotton, sugarbeet and corn. These are plants that have had their DNA altered/combined with the DNA from another organism to form more desirable, "efficient" traits. For example, there has been a tomato plant engineered with Alaskan Salmon DNA. This way the tomato can be grown out of season and won't freeze. May I make note that hybrid and heirloom seeds are NOT GMOs. The process used to create a GMO is always done in a lab, does NOT occur naturally, and the long-term effects on the human body are collectively and best described as unstudied and unknown. While scientists who were hired and paid by the same company that created GMO seeds did a fast-tracked study claiming they were safe for consumption, independent studies have been done by other scientists all over the world proving GMO seeds contribute to disorders and diseases such as tumors, cancer, Alzheimer's, infertility and birth defects. Companies in America are not required to label whether or not a product contains GMOs, but more than likely you are eating them since these and conventional crops are the most populous and therefore the least expensive. There are also GMO seeds engineered to be "pest resistant" that go by the name of "Bt" or "Round-Up Ready", which attempts to eliminate the use of pesticides, herbicides and insecticides. However, nature (bugs, weeds, etc.) knows how to evolve, develop tolerance and find an alternate route to survive. Most of the time GMO crop owners will have to purchase extra pest/herb/insecticides, conveniently manufactured by the same company as the seed. Let's also not forget that the company who decided to create and patent this technology, Monsanto, was originally (and still is) a chemical company, creator of the chemical warfare used during the Vietnam War, Agent Orange. This might just be my personal opinion, but I don't think any human being has the right to put a patent on Mother Nature. There is an obvious reason as to why over sixty countries worldwide have banned the possession, growth and distribution of these seeds. 


Conventionally Grown: These crops come from a plain old, non-GMO seed, however farmers spray them with herbicides, insecticides and pesticides. If the plant you're eating doesn't fall under what I listed as a popular GMO crops, it comes from a conventional one. Tolerance is built amongst nature in these sorts of crops, too, and thus the strength and/or amount of chemicals increases overtime. These crops, along with GMO, are most commonly associated with the phrase, "feed the world" because they apparently produce more yield than organic. Taking a closer look at crop yield, these sorts of numbers come from commercially owned, mono crops. Mono crops are when one type of plant/seed on a farm is grown for miles and miles. Organic farmer's yield is lower only because they understand the importance of diversity when growing food, and therefore have many different crops on the same piece of land. Different plants enrich and take different nutrients from the soil, but when you constantly grow one type of crop on one piece of land you don't get that sort of diversity, resulting in nutrient deficient produce. Chemicals also contribute to the death of very important fungi and microorganisms in the soil, and yet again depriving the food you eat of essential nutrients. Any coincidence that seven out of the ten leading causes of death in the United States are diet related with the majority of it's citizens eating these sorts of foods?


Organic: Organic crops are those that are grown with a normal seed, and without the use of conventional chemicals. According to the USDA's website, organic certified farmers must, "preserve natural resources and biodiversity, support animal health and welfare, provide access to the outdoors so that animals can exercise their natural behaviors, only use approved materials, do not use genetically modified ingredients, receive annual on-sight inspections and separate organic food from non-organic food". Organic food is more expensive than conventional and GMO due to the fact that they don't get nearly as many, if any, subsidies because not as many people purchase them. Also, organic farmers must pay for inspection and labeling in addition to typical farming expenses, and then still need to make a paycheck. In conclusion, the growing process is not what makes organic food more expensive. Think about it, organic farmers don't pay for pesticides or patented seeds like the other two options, so that alone cuts costs! No to mention, when you buy organic you're supporting smaller, family-owned businesses versus large corporate companies who could care less about your health, so long as they're generating a profit.

Hopefully I've done my first blog post justice and informed everyone well enough to make more conscious decisions when visiting the grocery store! Just remember what you are spending your money on speaks volumes: it is one of the most powerful decisions you can make in showing who/what you support. The picture below explains how to find which types of produce according to their stickers. Until next time!

 


Sources:
https://www.organicconsumers.org/old_articles/monsanto/agentorange032102.php
http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentidonly=true&contentid=organic-agriculture.html
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/282929.php
http://www.nongmoproject.org/learn-more/
http://www.collective-evolution.com/2014/04/08/10-scientific-studies-proving-gmos-can-be-harmful-to-human-health/
Documentary Films:
-Food Inc.