MOTIVATION: inside out fitness. Great fitness and health starts from the inside out. Your mind is possibly the most important muscle you’ve got. Strengthen your mind and your body will follow. Ignore the needs of a tired, stressed and anxious mind and your body feels the consequences big time. Same goes with food and nutrition. Feed your body crap, and that’s exactly how you’ll feel. Like crap. Eat like that and it shouldn’t be a mystery why you’re struggling to have the energy you need to work out. But feed your body nutritious and real fresh foods and you’ll have what you need to meet your fitness goals. It starts on the inside. Get fit inside out. High-res

MOTIVATION: inside out fitness.

Great fitness and health starts from the inside out.
Your mind is possibly the most important muscle you’ve got. Strengthen your mind and your body will follow. Ignore the needs of a tired, stressed and anxious mind and your body feels the consequences big time.
Same goes with food and nutrition. Feed your body crap, and that’s exactly how you’ll feel. Like crap. Eat like that and it shouldn’t be a mystery why you’re struggling to have the energy you need to work out. But feed your body nutritious and real fresh foods and you’ll have what you need to meet your fitness goals.
It starts on the inside. Get fit inside out.

1 week ago
MOTIVATION: ditch the diet soda. We’re constantly looking for a magic substitute for all the things we “shouldn’t” eat. We switch out one thing for another thing that’s diet/low fat/zero calories/yadda yadda yadda. But when it comes down to it, there aren’t magic substitutes for all those “bad” things — just don’t eat them. That’s the brutal honest truth. Within that category, we find diet soda. Continue reading from the pros… (via No More Diet Soda: Why Your Body (and Your Budget) Will Thank You via LearnVest - Where life gets richer) Buying diet soda can take a toll on your grocery bill–and on your health. Find out the most major risks with this informative article from YouBeauty: Chances are, you already know that diet soda is too good to be true. With that sweet taste and zero calories, something’s gotta give. And chances are, it’s your waistline and your health. In fact, study after study shows that diet soda is likely failing you in its pounds-free promise and putting your health at risk at the same time.  Weight Gain Diet soda drinking correlates with both increased waist circumference and a heightened body mass index. What’s up? One possible explanation is that diet soda disrupts our ability to feel full. Scientists have found that, at least in rats, having something artificially sweetened before a meal leads to greater food consumption at chow time. In general, sweet tasting foods and drinks appear to increase our appetite. Read the full article here on learnvest.com

MOTIVATION: ditch the diet soda.

We’re constantly looking for a magic substitute for all the things we “shouldn’t” eat. We switch out one thing for another thing that’s diet/low fat/zero calories/yadda yadda yadda. But when it comes down to it, there aren’t magic substitutes for all those “bad” things — just don’t eat them. That’s the brutal honest truth. Within that category, we find diet soda. Continue reading from the pros…

(via No More Diet Soda: Why Your Body (and Your Budget) Will Thank You via LearnVest - Where life gets richer)

Buying diet soda can take a toll on your grocery bill–and on your health. Find out the most major risks with this informative article from YouBeauty:

Chances are, you already know that diet soda is too good to be true. With that sweet taste and zero calories, something’s gotta give. And chances are, it’s your waistline and your health.

In fact, study after study shows that diet soda is likely failing you in its pounds-free promise and putting your health at risk at the same time. 

Weight Gain

Diet soda drinking correlates with both increased waist circumference and a heightened body mass index. What’s up? One possible explanation is that diet soda disrupts our ability to feel full. Scientists have found that, at least in rats, having something artificially sweetened before a meal leads to greater food consumption at chow time. In general, sweet tasting foods and drinks appear to increase our appetite.

Read the full article here on learnvest.com

2 weeks ago
MOTIVATION: food to fight stress. So often we “reward” ourselves with crappy food to “celebrate” our workouts or “eating well” for a few days. But those rewards that push us backwards aren’t doing anyone any good. In fact, they’re negating the benefits of all our hard work. Below are some foods that are indulge-worthy and also help fight stress. (via 7 Foods to Fight Stress) 7 Foods to Fight Stress via Linnea Jensen More so than any other emotion, tension and stress can wreak serious havoc on our precious bodies. The good news is, we have a choice. The first step is to change the way we listen to our stress. Anxiety happens inappropriately when our body’s needs are not being met. So in a moment of tension, there are two choices — to take it literally or to take action and move out of it. Moving out of it can be as simple as taking initiative, and eating the right foods. Certain healthy foods can actually help tame mindless munching and cravings, and lower overall anxiety levels. Below are 7 of my favorites: 1) Dark Chocolate. Eating healthy does not mean eating boring foods. This enticing substance can actually help you to alleviate symptoms of stress when eaten in moderation. Dark chocolate is high in flavonoids which are potent with relaxation properties. Chocolate also contains phenethylamine, a chemical that enhances mood. The darker the chocolate, the more of these substances you are getting. Generally, opt for bars with 70% cacao or higher. 2) Spinach. This lean, green leaf is high in magnesium which improves your body’s overall response to stress and stops blood pressure from spiking. 3) Oatmeal. Have you ever noticed that when your body is stressed you crave carbohydrates? Your body is incredibly intelligent and demanding that you get back to feeling balanced. Follow that craving and choose nutrient rich complex carbohydrates. Oatmeal takes the cake on this one. Complex carbohydrates help you to produce serotonin, a relaxing hormone that can reduce anxiety’s negative effects. Oatmeal’s fiber rich qualities allow the body to absorb it at a much slower pace and prolong the serotonin boost. For those of you with low blood sugar, this is your solution to make sure your levels are in check for longer periods of time. 4) Walnuts. If you have high blood pressure, walnuts are your new best friend. Eating at least 1 ounce a day prevents blood pressure from rising, and keeps your anxiety levels in check. If you already tend to have higher levels of adrenaline and anxiety, do yourself a favor and don’t make your heart work over time. 5) Sunflower seeds. Sunflower seeds contain a high source of folate, which helps your body produce the feel-good brain chemical and take control of our emotional responses. 6) Blueberries. The high potency of antioxidants in these berries counteracts the production of cortisol, which is the number one chemical that is released during stressful times. 7) Salmon. Two words = omega threes. These fatty acids can actually reverse stress symptoms entirely by boosting serotonin and lowering anxiety hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. 

MOTIVATION: food to fight stress.


So often we “reward” ourselves with crappy food to “celebrate” our workouts or “eating well” for a few days. But those rewards that push us backwards aren’t doing anyone any good. In fact, they’re negating the benefits of all our hard work. Below are some foods that are indulge-worthy and also help fight stress.

(via 7 Foods to Fight Stress)

7 Foods to Fight Stress

via Linnea Jensen

More so than any other emotion, tension and stress can wreak serious havoc on our precious bodies. The good news is, we have a choice. The first step is to change the way we listen to our stress. Anxiety happens inappropriately when our body’s needs are not being met. So in a moment of tension, there are two choices — to take it literally or to take action and move out of it. Moving out of it can be as simple as taking initiative, and eating the right foods.
Certain healthy foods can actually help tame mindless munching and cravings, and lower overall anxiety levels. Below are 7 of my favorites:
1) Dark Chocolate. Eating healthy does not mean eating boring foods. This enticing substance can actually help you to alleviate symptoms of stress when eaten in moderation. Dark chocolate is high in flavonoids which are potent with relaxation properties. Chocolate also contains phenethylamine, a chemical that enhances mood. The darker the chocolate, the more of these substances you are getting. Generally, opt for bars with 70% cacao or higher.
2) Spinach. This lean, green leaf is high in magnesium which improves your body’s overall response to stress and stops blood pressure from spiking.
3) Oatmeal. Have you ever noticed that when your body is stressed you crave carbohydrates? Your body is incredibly intelligent and demanding that you get back to feeling balanced. Follow that craving and choose nutrient rich complex carbohydrates. Oatmeal takes the cake on this one. Complex carbohydrates help you to produce serotonin, a relaxing hormone that can reduce anxiety’s negative effects. Oatmeal’s fiber rich qualities allow the body to absorb it at a much slower pace and prolong the serotonin boost. For those of you with low blood sugar, this is your solution to make sure your levels are in check for longer periods of time.
4) Walnuts. If you have high blood pressure, walnuts are your new best friend. Eating at least 1 ounce a day prevents blood pressure from rising, and keeps your anxiety levels in check. If you already tend to have higher levels of adrenaline and anxiety, do yourself a favor and don’t make your heart work over time.
5) Sunflower seeds. Sunflower seeds contain a high source of folate, which helps your body produce the feel-good brain chemical and take control of our emotional responses.
6) Blueberries. The high potency of antioxidants in these berries counteracts the production of cortisol, which is the number one chemical that is released during stressful times.
7) Salmon. Two words = omega threes. These fatty acids can actually reverse stress symptoms entirely by boosting serotonin and lowering anxiety hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. 
2 months ago
MOTIVATION: man food. Foods That Every Man Should Eat By Angelina Helene Beer, Buffalo wings, pizza – these are the things that have been synonymous with the male diet! Times are surely changing as men are realizing that the first step to taking control of their health is found in the foods they eat!  Prostate Cancer and Heart Disease are the two top health issues men are dealing with and including certain foods as part of a healthy diet will combat these. Now it does go without saying there are certain things to include and others to exclude as part of any healthy diet and lifestyle such as – getting regular exercise, eating a balanced diet – as organic and unprocessed as possible including vegetables and cutting back on red meat & alcohol. Below are some guy friendly foods to include: Zinc Rich Foods – Research shows that adequate zinc may protect against cellular damages that leads to prostate cancer. Sexual functioning of the male reproductive system, including increased sperm counts, is also enhanced by zinc. Zinc is also a superstar when it comes to immune health. Topping the list is Oysters! The food highest in Zinc is the Steamed Wild Oyster, which provides 182mg/100gram serving. Another food to include is Pumpkin Seeds & Pumpkin Seeds Oil. In addition to being high in zinc, pumpkin seeds are rich in phytosterols and isoflavones which may prevent benign prostatic hyperplasia (or enlarged prostate). Pumpkin Seed oil has been found to optimize prostate & bladder health with some of the benefits being: strengthening the bladder, diuretic action, reduces inflammation, curative effect on enlarged prostate and may help prevent disorders and discomfort when emptying bladder. Additional sources of Zinc are Veal Liver (keep in mind to keep red meats and animal fats to a minimum as they have been linked to increased incidence of prostate problems – 1x/week is plenty), Sesame Seeds & Tahini and Dark Chocolate & Cocoa (go with raw varieties for the most antioxidant& mineral power!) Heart Healthy Foods – Within this broad range are everyday foods such as: Oats – All around perfect health food – delivering an excellent balance of carbohydrates, fiber (the soluble kind that lowers the risk of heart disease) and protein (10 grams per ½ cup serving!) Beans – Another fiber rich foods that slashes cholesterol, are also high in antioxidants and contains plentiful amounts of vitamins B’s, folic acid and iron. Not to mention they are filling! Studies show that people who ate beans 4 or more times a week were 22% less likely to develop heart disease. Omega 3 Fatty Acids – Help boost the immune system, reduce blood clots, protect against heart attacks, protect arteries from plaque buildup, lower blood pressure, increase good cholesterol and lower triglycerides! Topping this list is Walnuts, more fatty acids than salmon, more anti inflammatory polyphenols than red wine and a great source of protein – all in a tasty little snack (but beware –it’s very easy to overdo the handful serving size). Not to be overlooked, Salmon, is not only a great source of Omega 3’s but also contains astaxthin, a powerful antioxidant. For vegetarian sources try Chia or Flax Seeds. Vegetables! This is worth repeating hundreds of times – eat your veggies! While all vegetables are good for you and provide antioxidants some stand out above the rest. Cruciferous veggies such as Cabbage, Kale, Broccoli, Cauliflower and Brussel Sprouts contain cancer protective phytochemicals called isothiocyanates. Another veggie to include is Beets, this slightly sweet, earthy root vegetable contains betanin pigments that have been shown in studies to lessen tumor cell growth and and anti inflammatory enzymes.    Ok boys – so now you have this great list – I expect you to use it!  See below for some tips on how to include these foods in your everyday life.   Oatmeal – Top your morning bowl with a few sprinkles of walnuts & pumpkin seeds and swirl in some pumpkin seed oil. Beans – Do you hear a hearty Chili calling your name? Whether you choose a vegetarian variety or low fat meat based (ground white meat turkey is excellent here as the added sauce & beans will counterbalance any dryness). But don’t stop there; beans are great tossed with veggies or over a salad. No idea what to do with tahini & sesame seeds? Whip it in the food processor with some garbanzo beans to make hummus Vegetables – Roasted veggies can turn any hater into a lover. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in vegetables. Quick and easy to do – sprinkle broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts with olive oil & sea salt – roast in the oven until tender. Men love chips! Why not make some beet chips? Thinly slice a few raw beets and roast away. A delicious side to any meal or a great on the go snack. Trail Mix – Make a heart healthy, antioxidant trail mix with an assortment of nuts (be sure to include those walnuts & pumpkin seeds), dried fruits and raw chocolate chunks (either buy cacao nibs or break up  dark chocolate bar) photo via. High-res

MOTIVATION: man food.

Foods That Every Man Should Eat

By Angelina Helene

Beer, Buffalo wings, pizza – these are the things that have been synonymous with the male diet! Times are surely changing as men are realizing that the first step to taking control of their health is found in the foods they eat! 
Prostate Cancer and Heart Disease are the two top health issues men are dealing with and including certain foods as part of a healthy diet will combat these. Now it does go without saying there are certain things to include and others to exclude as part of any healthy diet and lifestyle such as – getting regular exercise, eating a balanced diet – as organic and unprocessed as possible including vegetables and cutting back on red meat & alcohol.
Below are some guy friendly foods to include:
Zinc Rich Foods – Research shows that adequate zinc may protect against cellular damages that leads to prostate cancer. Sexual functioning of the male reproductive system, including increased sperm counts, is also enhanced by zinc. Zinc is also a superstar when it comes to immune health. Topping the list is Oysters! The food highest in Zinc is the Steamed Wild Oyster, which provides 182mg/100gram serving. Another food to include is Pumpkin Seeds & Pumpkin Seeds Oil. In addition to being high in zinc, pumpkin seeds are rich in phytosterols and isoflavones which may prevent benign prostatic hyperplasia (or enlarged prostate). Pumpkin Seed oil has been found to optimize prostate & bladder health with some of the benefits being: strengthening the bladder, diuretic action, reduces inflammation, curative effect on enlarged prostate and may help prevent disorders and discomfort when emptying bladder. Additional sources of Zinc are Veal Liver (keep in mind to keep red meats and animal fats to a minimum as they have been linked to increased incidence of prostate problems – 1x/week is plenty), Sesame Seeds & Tahini and Dark Chocolate & Cocoa (go with raw varieties for the most antioxidant& mineral power!)
Heart Healthy Foods – Within this broad range are everyday foods such as:
  • Oats – All around perfect health food – delivering an excellent balance of carbohydrates, fiber (the soluble kind that lowers the risk of heart disease) and protein (10 grams per ½ cup serving!)
  • Beans – Another fiber rich foods that slashes cholesterol, are also high in antioxidants and contains plentiful amounts of vitamins B’s, folic acid and iron. Not to mention they are filling! Studies show that people who ate beans 4 or more times a week were 22% less likely to develop heart disease.
  • Omega 3 Fatty Acids – Help boost the immune system, reduce blood clots, protect against heart attacks, protect arteries from plaque buildup, lower blood pressure, increase good cholesterol and lower triglycerides! Topping this list is Walnuts, more fatty acids than salmon, more anti inflammatory polyphenols than red wine and a great source of protein – all in a tasty little snack (but beware –it’s very easy to overdo the handful serving size). Not to be overlooked, Salmon, is not only a great source of Omega 3’s but also contains astaxthin, a powerful antioxidant. For vegetarian sources try Chia or Flax Seeds.
Vegetables! This is worth repeating hundreds of times – eat your veggies! While all vegetables are good for you and provide antioxidants some stand out above the rest. Cruciferous veggies such as Cabbage, Kale, Broccoli, Cauliflower and Brussel Sprouts contain cancer protective phytochemicals called isothiocyanates. Another veggie to include is Beets, this slightly sweet, earthy root vegetable contains betanin pigments that have been shown in studies to lessen tumor cell growth and and anti inflammatory enzymes. 
 
Ok boys – so now you have this great list – I expect you to use it!  See below for some tips on how to include these foods in your everyday life.  
  • Oatmeal – Top your morning bowl with a few sprinkles of walnuts & pumpkin seeds and swirl in some pumpkin seed oil.
  • Beans – Do you hear a hearty Chili calling your name? Whether you choose a vegetarian variety or low fat meat based (ground white meat turkey is excellent here as the added sauce & beans will counterbalance any dryness). But don’t stop there; beans are great tossed with veggies or over a salad. No idea what to do with tahini & sesame seeds? Whip it in the food processor with some garbanzo beans to make hummus
  • Vegetables – Roasted veggies can turn any hater into a lover. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in vegetables. Quick and easy to do – sprinkle broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts with olive oil & sea salt – roast in the oven until tender. Men love chips! Why not make some beet chips? Thinly slice a few raw beets and roast away. A delicious side to any meal or a great on the go snack.
  • Trail Mix – Make a heart healthy, antioxidant trail mix with an assortment of nuts (be sure to include those walnuts & pumpkin seeds), dried fruits and raw chocolate chunks (either buy cacao nibs or break up  dark chocolate bar)

photo via.

    2 months ago
    MOTIVATION: 4 foods every woman should be eating.  via MINDBODYGREEN: 1. Cruciferous Veggies - Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage and Cauliflower are the BEST. They defend against female cancers, especially Breast Cancer.  The indoles found in cruciferous veggies inactivate the active form of estrogen making them weaker. Also found to have enzymes that de-activate carcinogens and contain compounds that suppress tumors and halt cancer cell growth. One caveat though – women with hypothyroid should eat cruciferous veggies cooked as in their raw form they can inhibit the uptake of thyroid hormone. Quick recipe tip – Slow Roast fresh broccoli stalks with a sprinkle of olive oil, sea salt and crushed garlic – even broccoli haters will be tempted to try this one. 2. Fiber Rich Foods – Whole Grains in unprocessed forms and Beans are needed to “sweep” out excess toxins – including excess hormones. Perfect choices are Brown Rice, Quinoa, Lentils, Split Peas and Garbanzos. Choose dry beans over canned to eliminate preservatives and BPA (found in the lining of most canned products) 3. Healthy Fats – Ovaries depend on unsaturated fats for hormonal balance and fertility. Perfect choices are deep water fish, avocado’s, raw nuts & seeds and unrefined, unfiltered oils like Flax Seed and Olive oil. Flax is especially important as it contains lignans, which balance hormones and stabilize estrogen/progesterone ratio. Added bonus is soft, supple skin, reduced wrinkles and lush hair!  4. Probiotic Rich Foods – Enzyme and Probiotic rich foods not only help with digestive balance but also support the immune system and help with radiant skin in addition to metabolizing and recycling hormones (this is a good thing!) Natural, vegetarian choices are preferred over commercially sold yogurts. Good options are Kim Chi or other types of cultured veggies, kombucha and kefir. Full article here. Photo via. High-res

    MOTIVATION: 4 foods every woman should be eating. 

    via MINDBODYGREEN:

    1. Cruciferous Veggies - Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage and Cauliflower are the BEST. They defend against female cancers, especially Breast Cancer.  The indoles found in cruciferous veggies inactivate the active form of estrogen making them weaker. Also found to have enzymes that de-activate carcinogens and contain compounds that suppress tumors and halt cancer cell growth. One caveat though – women with hypothyroid should eat cruciferous veggies cooked as in their raw form they can inhibit the uptake of thyroid hormone. Quick recipe tip – Slow Roast fresh broccoli stalks with a sprinkle of olive oil, sea salt and crushed garlic – even broccoli haters will be tempted to try this one.
    2. Fiber Rich Foods – Whole Grains in unprocessed forms and Beans are needed to “sweep” out excess toxins – including excess hormones. Perfect choices are Brown Rice, Quinoa, Lentils, Split Peas and Garbanzos. Choose dry beans over canned to eliminate preservatives and BPA (found in the lining of most canned products)
    3. Healthy Fats – Ovaries depend on unsaturated fats for hormonal balance and fertility. Perfect choices are deep water fish, avocado’s, raw nuts & seeds and unrefined, unfiltered oils like Flax Seed and Olive oil. Flax is especially important as it contains lignans, which balance hormones and stabilize estrogen/progesterone ratio. Added bonus is soft, supple skin, reduced wrinkles and lush hair! 

    4. Probiotic Rich Foods – Enzyme and Probiotic rich foods not only help with digestive balance but also support the immune system and help with radiant skin in addition to metabolizing and recycling hormones (this is a good thing!) Natural, vegetarian choices are preferred over commercially sold yogurts. Good options are Kim Chi or other types of cultured veggies, kombucha and kefir.
    Full article here.
    Photo via.
    3 months ago
    MOTIVATION: an excuse to post a picture of Dean Cain. It really doesn’t take much. But this article on why OATMEAL is the superman of food was an easy one. Check it out! (via Why Oatmeal Is the Superman of Food) Pity the oat (Avena sativa): Superman in Clark Kent’s garb, a nutritional powerhouse transformed in our culture of convenience into a non-nourishing flake used as a conduit for sugar and artificial preservatives. In this age of health problems linked to diet, the unassuming oat can be our best friend. And oatmeal is the easiest way to go. To pack a nutritional punch, we want to make oats that are closest to their form in nature. The sight test works: Can I tell this is an oat? When this seed is stripped of its parts via rolling or pulverizing, nutrients disappear. Minimally processed oats, which leave them mostly intact, contain natural micronutrients, such as selenium, manganese, and magnesium, which are beneficial for achieving optimal wellness.   The minimally processed oat is a slow digesting carbohydrate, because of its soluble fiber content. Inside our stomachs, water mixes with this fiber to create a gel-like substance that delays the time food goes from the stomach to the small intestine. This increases satiety and tamps down the urge to eat more. Since the small intestine is an absorptive organ, the delay also prevents a sharp spike in blood sugar and keeps the pancreas from going into overdrive. Sugars and simple carbohydrates – the kind found in many processed cereals and breads – break up and pass through the digestive tract quickly, causing blood sugar spikes. In the short term, this creates energy crashes and overeating. Long-term consequences can include the host of Western dietary ailments, including diabetes and obesity. Read the full article here: Why Oatmeal Is the Superman of Food

    MOTIVATION: an excuse to post a picture of Dean Cain.

    It really doesn’t take much. But this article on why OATMEAL is the superman of food was an easy one. Check it out!

    (via Why Oatmeal Is the Superman of Food)

    Pity the oat (Avena sativa): Superman in Clark Kent’s garb, a nutritional powerhouse transformed in our culture of convenience into a non-nourishing flake used as a conduit for sugar and artificial preservatives. In this age of health problems linked to diet, the unassuming oat can be our best friend. And oatmeal is the easiest way to go. 

    To pack a nutritional punch, we want to make oats that are closest to their form in nature. The sight test works: Can I tell this is an oat? When this seed is stripped of its parts via rolling or pulverizing, nutrients disappear. Minimally processed oats, which leave them mostly intact, contain natural micronutrients, such as selenium, manganese, and magnesium, which are beneficial for achieving optimal wellness.  

    The minimally processed oat is a slow digesting carbohydrate, because of its soluble fiber content. Inside our stomachs, water mixes with this fiber to create a gel-like substance that delays the time food goes from the stomach to the small intestine. This increases satiety and tamps down the urge to eat more. Since the small intestine is an absorptive organ, the delay also prevents a sharp spike in blood sugar and keeps the pancreas from going into overdrive. Sugars and simple carbohydrates – the kind found in many processed cereals and breads – break up and pass through the digestive tract quickly, causing blood sugar spikes. In the short term, this creates energy crashes and overeating. Long-term consequences can include the host of Western dietary ailments, including diabetes and obesity.
    Read the full article here: Why Oatmeal Is the Superman of Food
    4 months ago
    (via NYTimes.com) Looking Inside the Twinkie The news that the food maker Hostess filed for bankruptcy protection has triggered a national discussion of its products, including Wonder bread, Ho Hos and that nostalgic lunchbox favorite, the Twinkie. I recently spoke with the food writer Steve Ettlinger, author of the book “Twinkie, Deconstructed,” about the ingredients that go into a Twinkie, why it matters and what happens when you try to make one at home. Here’s our conversation: Q. So what does the story of the Twinkie tell us about processed foods in the United States? A. It tells us that processed foods are part of a very serious industrial complex. I call it the Twinkie Industrial Complex. Processed food ingredients are made in large parts from the most common industrial chemicals, like phosphoric acid and sulfuric acid and ethylene, which comes from natural gas. That, for me, is sobering. I’m not saying„ “Oh, shocker, we rely on petroleum for our food.” Petroleum is needed to transport locally produced organic food too. Petroleum is used for transportation, for pesticides and herbicides, for processing. One thing I noticed in my travels is there are certain food processing hubs in the Midwest where these large plants that process beans and seeds are located. The power needed to run these things is extraordinary. That was very unfoodlike, in my mind, and really surprised me. Q. In the book, you write about visiting a plant that mines phosphorus, an ingredient used in explosives, matches and artillery shells. Why is it used in a Twinkie? A. Phosphoric acid is a fairly common food processing ingredient. It’s also used in cheese processing. It is used in a dry form, ultimately, to make the acidic part of baking powder, which is why I was looking at it. The elementary phosphorus I saw being made was destined to be turned into phosphoric acid. It was being mined in Idaho and sent to a plant in the Midwest, where’s it’s stored in a giant spherical tank because it’s dangerous. It’s odd to see this kind of scale and chemistry and think, ‘Wow, that would be a really great ingredient in a little yellow snack cake.” Q. How many different types of rocks are used to make a Twinkie? A. Five, if you count salt. Gypsum, trona, limestone and phosphorus ore, but a geologist might take issue with calling phosphorus ore a rock. You can argue that over beers. Q. What’s in the white filling of a Twinkie? A. I asked a Twinkie employee I cornered at the exit of the plant. He smiled and said, “If I told you, I’d have to kill you.” It seems that the “cream” is probably partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. I think the key ingredient is polysorbate 60, and possibly cellulose gum. The filling has to be of a consistency that works well in the pumps and tubes that make these things. On the label they call it a “creamy filling.” They don’t actually say what it is. Read the full article here: Looking Inside the Twinkie

    (via NYTimes.com)

    Looking Inside the Twinkie

    The news that the food maker Hostess filed for bankruptcy protection has triggered a national discussion of its products, including Wonder bread, Ho Hos and that nostalgic lunchbox favorite, the Twinkie. I recently spoke with the food writer Steve Ettlinger, author of the book “Twinkie, Deconstructed,” about the ingredients that go into a Twinkie, why it matters and what happens when you try to make one at home. Here’s our conversation:

    Q. So what does the story of the Twinkie tell us about processed foods in the United States?
    A. It tells us that processed foods are part of a very serious industrial complex. I call it the Twinkie Industrial Complex.

    Processed food ingredients are made in large parts from the most common industrial chemicals, like phosphoric acid and sulfuric acid and ethylene, which comes from natural gas. That, for me, is sobering. I’m not saying„ “Oh, shocker, we rely on petroleum for our food.” Petroleum is needed to transport locally produced organic food too. Petroleum is used for transportation, for pesticides and herbicides, for processing.

    One thing I noticed in my travels is there are certain food processing hubs in the Midwest where these large plants that process beans and seeds are located. The power needed to run these things is extraordinary. That was very unfoodlike, in my mind, and really surprised me.

    Q. In the book, you write about visiting a plant that mines phosphorus, an ingredient used in explosives, matches and artillery shells. Why is it used in a Twinkie?
    A. Phosphoric acid is a fairly common food processing ingredient. It’s also used in cheese processing. It is used in a dry form, ultimately, to make the acidic part of baking powder, which is why I was looking at it. The elementary phosphorus I saw being made was destined to be turned into phosphoric acid. It was being mined in Idaho and sent to a plant in the Midwest, where’s it’s stored in a giant spherical tank because it’s dangerous. It’s odd to see this kind of scale and chemistry and think, ‘Wow, that would be a really great ingredient in a little yellow snack cake.”
    Q. How many different types of rocks are used to make a Twinkie?
    A. Five, if you count salt. Gypsum, trona, limestone and phosphorus ore, but a geologist might take issue with calling phosphorus ore a rock. You can argue that over beers.
    Q. What’s in the white filling of a Twinkie?
    A. I asked a Twinkie employee I cornered at the exit of the plant. He smiled and said, “If I told you, I’d have to kill you.” It seems that the “cream” is probably partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. I think the key ingredient is polysorbate 60, and possibly cellulose gum. The filling has to be of a consistency that works well in the pumps and tubes that make these things. On the label they call it a “creamy filling.” They don’t actually say what it is.
    Read the full article here: Looking Inside the Twinkie
    4 months ago
    MOTIVATION: eating good shit. (via the lululemon blog:) what’s up with kale? reap the benefits of kale Momma’s right (but isn’t she always?). Vegetables are jam packed with various vitamins and nutrients and kale is no exception. The dark green has an abundance of antioxidants that help fight off cancer-causing free radicals and can also aid in lowering cholesterol and reducing inflammation. nutritional value One cup (130g) of kale contains: over 1000% of your daily-recommended value of Vitamin K(supporting bone growth and regulating blood clotting) over 350% of your daily value of Vitamin A(helps vision, growth, bone formation, tissue repair and red blood cell production) 5g of fibre(like yoga, fibre helps the digestive system function and detoxify the body) 35 calories  Get the whole scoop on kale here!

    MOTIVATION: eating good shit.

    (via the lululemon blog:)

    what’s up with kale?

    reap the benefits of kale

    Momma’s right (but isn’t she always?). Vegetables are jam packed with various vitamins and nutrients and kale is no exception. The dark green has an abundance of antioxidants that help fight off cancer-causing free radicals and can also aid in lowering cholesterol and reducing inflammation.

    nutritional value
    One cup (130g) of kale contains:

    • over 1000% of your daily-recommended value of Vitamin K
      (supporting bone growth and regulating blood clotting)
    • over 350% of your daily value of Vitamin A
      (helps vision, growth, bone formation, tissue repair and red blood cell production)
    • 5g of fibre
      (like yoga, fibre helps the digestive system function and detoxify the body)
    • 35 calories 

    Get the whole scoop on kale here!

    4 months ago