We learned several tips and techniques for preparing fresh fruits at the January class. Fresh fruit is an easy, delicious real food choice. Choose fruit that is 'in season' and become familiar with the 'Dirty Dozen' list so you know which organic fruits to buy to minimize pesticide exposure. Take advantage of this precious food gift from God.
Fresh Fruit Options, Part 1: Grapefruit and Oranges
Fresh Fruit Options, Part 2: Apples and Pears, and Lemons
Fresh Fruit Options, Part 3: Pineapple
Fresh Fruit Options, Part 4: Mango
Snack Options:
Choose good snacks, there are many options.
Easy Snack Options
Read Ingredient Labels:
Read Labels
During our discussion time, in addition to better snack options, we talked about choosing glass instead of plastic and glass bottle options. We also evaluated several different brands** of chicken soup and chicken stock. We saw that most contain MSG, an ingredient on my 'foods to avoid' list. Be sure to read the ingredient labels on foods you purchase. Ideally you will buy less and less foods that have ingredient labels, because even if organic, these are processed foods. As Jennifer mentioned in her update, not only does eating the 'better' quality processed foods not bring about improved health, but they are expensive. Know what you are buying and eating.
During our discussion time, in addition to better snack options, we talked about choosing glass instead of plastic and glass bottle options. We also evaluated several different brands** of chicken soup and chicken stock. We saw that most contain MSG, an ingredient on my 'foods to avoid' list. Be sure to read the ingredient labels on foods you purchase. Ideally you will buy less and less foods that have ingredient labels, because even if organic, these are processed foods. As Jennifer mentioned in her update, not only does eating the 'better' quality processed foods not bring about improved health, but they are expensive. Know what you are buying and eating.
**The one brand of chicken stock that I had found that did not contain hidden MSG was Whole Foods 365 Organic brand. HOWEVER, they have changed the label recently and have changed the ingredients to include yeast extract. I no longer recommend this product. Learn to make your own broth! (At the March class tomorrow night, March 19th, I will demonstrate how to bake a chicken and make homemade broth.)
Discussion:
During our group discussion time, we discussed if and how what we eat affects us physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I think the physical effects are pretty obvious to everyone, and many have recognized the 'foggy' brain and ADD affects of foods on our mental clarity. Less obvious are the emotional and spiritual effects. I know when I am not feeling well and my brain is muddled that I am more easily upset. I think emotions rise and fall as blood sugar levels fluctuate wildly from all the sugar that Americans eat. But probably most concerning is the spiritual effects of foods. Two things were pointed out in class. One person mentioned that it was hard to stay focused with prayers when her brain was 'foggy' from foods, and another person mentioned that when we are sick, we need care from others rather than being a person who can help others. Think about how the food you eat affects you.
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