Foods To Avoid- The ABC's

Hey guys and gals!

So as some of you may know, I am kind of obsessed with trying different things with nutrition. I don't believe in diets but I do believe in making healthy choices, which includes cutting out certain foods. I have become an avid label reader. I go by the rule that if I can't pronounce it, then I probably shouldn't be eating it. Here are a few things that you should REALLY avoid:

Aspartame- Aspartame is an artificial sweetener used in many sugar-free foods and beverages (such as Diet Coke). It is also used in Splenda. it contains methanol, aspartic acid, and phenylalanine which have been proven to alter brain function, nerve damage, and systemic organ complications. Also, studies have revealed that aspartame clinically worsens any borderline predisposing illness, and complicates certain known medical illnesses like Parkinson's, diabetes, allergies, and mental disorders. (Description courtesy of Sadie Miley).

Genetically modified organisms- GMOs. If you have seen the groundbreaking documentary Food, Inc. then you already know why these are so bad. GMOs are most commonly found in your local grocery store's produce section, as well as about every other aisle which contains processed food. The most dangerous of all GMOs are corn and soybeans. GMO corn and soybeans are especially evil because about 90% of processed food contain corn or soybean products. GMO corn is also fed to livestock. The FDA does not require labeling for GMOs. The FDA also does not require labeling on organic meat to say whether or not it has been fed genetically modified food. GMOs have been linked to cancer, as well as other horrible diseases. If you would like to stay away from genetically modified fruits and vegetables I would recommend to find a local farmer's market, and of course always ASK where exactly they get their produce from, or where they buy their seeds. Most commonly genetically modified fruits and vegetables are:

1. Corn
2. Soybeans
3. Alfalfa
4. Tomatoes
5. Squash (zucchini)
6. Sweet peppers
7. Rice

Monosodium glutamate- aka MSG. MSG can be found in almost everything which is processed. Horrible for you! MSG triples the amount of insulin the pancreas creates. MSG can cause migraines. It has been linked to obesity, diabetes, autism, ADHD, and Alzheimer's. One of the reasons why MSG is so dangerous is because FDA rules require no labeling at all. Which means that you can be eating it without knowing it! Companies are also very sneaky when they do use MSG and it can be found under other names. Here's a list of its other identities:

• Monosodium Glutamate
• Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
• Hydrolyzed Protein
• Hydrolyzed Plant Protein
• Plant Protein Extract
• Sodium caseinate
• Calcium Caseinate
• Yeast Extract
• Textured Protein (Including TVP)
• Autolyzed Yeast
• Hydrolyzed Oat Flour
• Corn Oil

Propylene glycol- Propylene glycol is used as a solvent and emulsifier in many different food products. It can also be found in other household products like toothpaste, deodorant, mouthwash, certain hair care items, and lotions. Propylene glycol is used in tobacco products and also found in ANTIFREEZE. I'm sorry, but I do not want to eat something that contains a chemical product that can be found in antifreeze. Propylene glycol has very similar qualities to the highly toxic ethylene glycol. Almost all fast food restaurant have ingredients that contain propylene glycol, including Chick-Fil-A and Panera Bread. 

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I will be adding many more things to this list. As you may be able to tell I have thoroughly researched each of these items, and it can be a little time consuming. 

I hope that you will take this advice into consideration and realize that I do not intend to scold people for not knowing any better, but merely to educate. Unfortunately, many of us have been raised to not know any better when it comes to nutrition (myself included). Growing up we always ate very healthy but not until a few years ago did my family start researching what is actually IN the food we eat. We have come to realize that it is not only what you eat, but also the other factors that go behind making the things that we eat that, that truly matter. I acknowledge that each and every individual are in different stages of their journey to better health and nutritional enlightenment, and I will admit that I am still pretty new to this myself! 

If you have any suggestions or corrections on what I have posted I would LOVE to hear back from you! If you would like to suggest a few more additions, be my guest. 

Abby