In Rod Stewart’s hit song, “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy,” he sings, “If you think I’m sexy…. And you really need me, come on baby tell me so.” I realize that this is a quasi-love song but, in my world, it could be written about one of our best friends…fiber!
“FIBER?” I hear you laughing and maybe even thinking I have finally stepped over the edge! Hear me out and you will see why all of us should write a love song about FIBER!
So, what is this love affair with fiber all about? Fiber is naturally occurring carbohydrates found in whole fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans/legumes, nuts and seeds. You will not find fiber in any animal products. Synthetic or processed fiber is often added to products, e.g., yogurt with added fiber. As you may recall from one of my previous blogs, we have discussed the differences, benefits, and caveats of processed vs. unprocessed foods. Fiber is no exception.
As you may recall from last month’s blog, Avoiding the Ultra-Processed Food Trap,Part 1 we discussed the concept of processed food. We shared both the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics explanations of processed foods. We reviewed findings from recent research studies on the health effects of consuming ultra-processed foods. We even provided a fascinating video on BBC that showed a UK doctor’s journey on eating 80% ultra-processed food for 30 days. We talked about processed, fast food, also referred to as “Frankenfood.”
Today, we will take a deeper-dive into the subject matter to further understand the difference between minimally processed and heavily/ultra-processed foods. Recommendations on how to gradually wean yourself away from processed ingredients (including “Frankenfood”) will be discussed.
Have you heard about processed foods? Everywhere we look, there is some talk show, video, podcast, book, etc. demonizing processed food as a way to regain your health. We are left to wonder, “What is considered ‘processed food’ and what should we be eating?”
An increasing number of people are understanding the important role a healthy lifestyle plays in the quality and quantity of life. Whether you have tried numerous times to reach your desired health improvement goals (without sustainable success) or are looking for a fresh, new perspective on achieving a healthier and more vibrant YOU, a Health Coach can help you reach and maintain your goals.
I’m Debbie Zimmerman. Thank you for stopping by my blog. If you’re looking for more information about PhytoFit, LLC, you’ve come to the right place.
Are you looking to enhance your corporate wellness activities or improve your return-on-investment? With 30 years of successful corporate wellness management and strategic planning, I have developed award-winning wellness and disease management programs, saving millions in health care costs. I can do the same for you!
“It’s like being pecked to death by ducks!” This is how Manny, one of my old wellness colleagues from New Jersey, would describe the constant torment of sometimes small, but stressful events that hit us from all angles. I’ve parroted the phrase many times in my day, especially now!
Everyone is too familiar with the stressors of Covid 19. Over the last two years, we all have experienced social distancing, nationwide shut downs, a healthcare crisis and annoying, individual protective equipment (masks). We have lived through toilet paper shortages, online education and Zoom meetings, to name just a few.
February can be a very expensive month! For celebrating football fans, Super Bowl represents spending of $17.2 billion (2020). Saint Valentine’s Day tallies $27.4 billion in cards, chocolates, dining, balloons, and bouquets. Then there is the American Heart Month, where the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Heart Association, and other public health officials recognize the nation’s most deadly and devastating disease—heart disease. Not only does heart disease cost $363 billion, but it also claims the lives of 659,000 Americans each year. By the way, that is 1,805 people dying every day or the equivalent of having six (6) jumbo jets falling from the sky—one every four hours! Not only is that a tremendous burden on the health care system, think of the physical and emotional costs.
January is traditionally a time for reflection and a time to think about a fresh, new year. The process typically involves looking back over the prior year at things we did well (or not), thinking about new possibilities/opportunities for the coming year, and committing to some behavioral changes to make those possibilities a reality.
Many of us take the time to complete a list of New Year’s resolutions and “improving health” is usually high on the list with ideas of weight loss, exercise and healthier eating. Everyone has their own perspective of what that means, what it might look like for them, and have some ideas about how to improve their health. Even scientific researchers approach it in various ways.
