This past week I’ve been teaching my health science class students at South Seattle Community College about food labels.  Specifically, we’ve been learning about what the many ingredients are and what they mean.  I’m pleased how disgusted the students are getting as they learn the truth about whats in the junk foods they eat.  I’ve been able to use those bags of Cheetos they walk in with to class as perfect examples of how much crap and chemicals are in our food. 

There are many ingrediens to look out for when reading a food label.  The top 3 to watch out for include: 

1. High Fructose Corn Syrup.  this is the most comon added sweetener in processed foods and beverages.  High fructose corn syrup is a highly refined, artificial product.  You can find this ingredient in many food products such as frozen pizza, crackers, cereal, candies, sweetened yogurt, baby food, ketchup, cookies, beer, sodas, juices, etc.  Don’t buy it if you see this ingredient listed. 

2. Partially hydrogenated oils.  Code word for trans fat.  There have been links between trans fats adn diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes

3. “Enriched” flour.  Code word for refined flour.  Enriched flour is flour in which most of the natural vitamins and minerals have been extracted. This is done in order to give bread a finer texture, increase shelf life and prevent bugs from eating it (bugs will die if they attempt to live off it).

Other ingredients to watch out for include: BHA, parabens, sodium  nitrite, caramel coloring, MSG, food dyes, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, palm oil, soybean oil, potassium bromate

As I have mentioned in earlier blog posts, a good rule of thumb is to buy foods that don’t require a label.  Those foods would be things like fruits, veggies, fish, lean meats, and nuts.  The more you can eat of food in its true and wholesome form, the better off your health will be. 

Posted by admin | in Nutrition | No Comments

Hi and Happy Thursday!
I’m currently reading a book called “first thing every morning” and I just finished the chapter on time.  How often have you said to yourself “if only I had more time?”  Personally, I feel like I say this to myself at least 3x a day.  Reading this book has really helped me put some things into perspective and better manage how I use my time.  I wanted to share with you an excerpt from the book regarding “time”

six terrific truths about time:

First: Nobody can manage time. But you can manage those things that take up your time.

Second: Time is expensive. As a matter of fact, 80 percent of our day is spent on those things or those people that only bring us two percent of our results.

Third: Time is perishable. It cannot be saved for later use.

Fourth: Time is measurable. Everybody has the same amount of time…pauper or king. It is not how much time you have; it is how much you use.

Fifth: Time is irreplaceable. We never make back time once it is gone.

Sixth: Time is a priority. You have enough time for anything in the world, so long as it ranks high enough among your priorities.

This book has everything you need to energize your life—reflections, stories and quotes that’ll lift your spirits and lighten your load. The authors insights on more than 50 topics will help you to turn your life around…one day at a time. I highly encourage you to purchase this book!

Enjoy your day!
Jill

Posted by admin | in Clients, Mind Set | No Comments

I get asked so often for recommendations of what protein/nutrition bar is ok to eat.  There are a ton of bars out there and what you need to know is that many of them are unhealthy.  In some cases, a Snickers bar is more healthy than some of the so-called nutrition bars out there. 

The biggest tip when choosing a nutrition bar is to read the label.  The lesser the number of ingredients the better.  And, look for ingredients that you know and can prounounce.  

For example, lets look at the ingredients of a Larabar compared to the Think Thin Bar.

Larabar Banana: Almonds, Dates, Unsweetened Bananas

Think Thin Bar: protein blend soy, glycerin, maltitol, soy crisps, cocoa powder milk, peanuts, canola oil, tricalcium phosphate, …..and much more but I’m too tired to list them all:)

So, do you see the difference?!  When it comes to eating healthy the biggest and best tip is to eat more whole, nutrient dense foods.  Vegetables, fruit, lean protein, seeds, nuts, seafood, beans….. in fact, here is a link to a site that lists the foods to eat

Healthy Foods List  <—– click here for the list

My Top 3 Nutritious Bars 

1. Larabar

2. Kind Bar

3. Raw Revolution Bar

Of course, there are many more out there that are healthy.  I find I can get one of these 3 at my local grocery store. If you have a question or recommend a bar please leave me a comment here.  Thanks and have a fantastic day.

Posted by admin | in Uncategorized | 5 Comments

Just a quick image here reminding you of proper nutrition rules.   With so many diets out there its no wonder people get confused on what they should eat.  But, one thing is for sure.  Your diet should consist mostly of wholesome foods (foods like fruits, veggies, beans and lean proteins).  I always recommend this kind of eating and not for weight loss, but for health.  The more whole the food is the more nutrients it contains which is how we keep the cells of our bodies healthy.

Posted by admin | in Uncategorized | No Comments

Posted by admin | in Uncategorized | No Comments

Posted by admin | in Uncategorized | No Comments