Pesticides, Fruits and Vegetables, and Eating Organic

Pesticides in your produce? How can we protect ourselves from eating too much pesticide residue with our fruits, vegetables, and other food?
Watch this news report for more information:



Of course, you can choose to minimize or eliminate how much pesticides you eat: Buy Organic! When you eat organic produce, you can be assured that it is virtually chemically-free. Organic foods are those grown naturally, without the use of pesticides and herbicides or other chemicals. AND...
Organic foods have been tested for their nutritious quality. They have been proven to contain far more nutrients than their "chemically-influenced" counterparts. Best of all, organic tastes better!

Traditional Japanese Nutrition: prevent disease with these 3 habits

The Japanese diet has always been healthy and more nutritious, especially when compared to Western eating. What's their secret?

Being an island, their diet relies heavily on fish. That's the first ingredient in a nutritious diet. Seafood contains omega fatty acids that contribute to such basic functions as brain activity and hormone balance. (Americans- there was a good reason your mother made you drink cod liver oil).

Next, the Japanese eat a variety of vegetables. You will notice that a bounty of fresh vegetables make up a typical Japanese meal. They are usually eaten raw or steamed, which keeps them in their most nutritious states.

Last, Consciousness plays a big role: the Japanese make their meals a personal and creative experience. They fill their plates with colorful combinations and decoratively-sculpted pieces. (Eating a variety of colors also gives your body the variety of vitamins and minerals it needs). They put time and attention into their meals. Transforming them into art masterpieces is part of the eating journal.

If Western cultures like the US used these 3 habits in their meal preparations, we could rid ourselves of many preventable diseases!

To get a "taste" of 'Tokyo Taste', the first international gastronomical summit, watch this video clip:

Are we gaining weight as vegetarians? Hmmm...

One nutritionist describes how vegetarian diets can contribute to weight gain. There are several different styles of vegetarianism, including veganism. And with each preference come different options. For example, vegans usually reject all foods derived from animals, which limits their foods moreso than the less-strict styles of vegetarianism.

How nutritious is a vegetarian diet?


BUT...there are 2 sides to every story, right?...
If vegetarians watch the amount of calories they eat, and understand basic nutrition, then they may be the healthy humans on Earth.

So, when adopting a vegetarian lifestyle, here are some things to consider as you make food choices, to keep you eating healthy and maintaining a healthy weight:
* Watch your calories. Learn portion sizes so you don't overeat.
* Don't assume "It's healthy, so I can eat more of it." Your body might not need that many calories.
* Know how much food your body needs.
* Mix vegetables with proteins and grains. Avoid eating just one type of food with a meal.
* Cook for yourself. Use herbs and spices. You can even grow your own, at home!
* Include a variety of protein sources in your meals. Avoid eating just soy-based meat alternatives, or excessive gluten-based foods.
* Learn innovative, fun ways to cook.
* When you eat out, avoid veg munchies with over-the-top calories like fried mozarella, bread baskets, dressings applied "for you" to your foods, chips, veggies dipped in sauces (ranch, for example, may contain hydrogenated oils and trans fats), and french fries.

If you are lacto-ovo-vegetarian, then you include dairy in your eating habits. Watch out for cheeses, cottage cheese, sweetened yogurt, and other sources of excessive fat and sugar. Actually, limit your dairy and lactose intake.

If you are a pesco-veg, then you also eat fish. Fish is one of the healthiest foods, loaded with Omega Fatty Oils. Try to eat a variety. Avoid the breaded, fried, boxed/frozen types. Season them with fresh herbs like dill, basil, and rosemary. Yum!

If you are a vegan, always be aware of balance. Don't eat too many grains and grain-based products. Look for healthy nut butters, seeds, and sprouted foods.

Vegetarians can be the healthiest people, but it takes attention to details to maintain a healthy weight and great eating habits.

Diets and Carbs: where are the plants?

This recent video report about diets leaves me with the same curiosity...
"Where are the veggies and fruit?"



The value in a low-carb diet:
This type of eating limits how much refined flour and processed foods we consume. Sugar and white flour are regular staples in the American diet, so a healthy diet limits this. This is especially good for insulin levels.

Long-term, however, consuming plants (fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds) is critical for good health.
The solution?

If you choose to eat low-carb, then restrict your carbs from sugar and processed foods. Eat mostly vegetarian-style, with good-quality protein like fish and lean meats. Most importantly, get your carbs from the nutrient-rich plants like vegetables and fruit!