The high fructose corn syrup debate

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a large topic of debate in nutrition circles lately. And frankly it drives me nuts. I was furious with the ads from the Corn Refiners Association came out saying HFCS isn't that bad. 

Here are some of their arguments: 

• The American Medical Association (AMA) recently concluded that "high fructose corn syrup does not appear to contribute to obesity more than any other caloric sweeteners."
• Research confirms that HFCS is safe and nutritionally the same as table sugar. 
• HFCS has the same calories as table sugar. 
• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration  claims HFCS is "generally recognized as safe."
• HFCS keeps foods fresh, enhances flavors, retains moisture and maintains consistent flavors. 

Here is where I get on my soap box. 

As to the comment from the AMA, "does not appear" is the biggest research copout trick out there. No one ever said it was worse than those other sweeteners, so that argument is irrelevant. And comparing it to table sugar doesn't make too much sense either, considering studies are showing that too much of that is bad for us too. 

I am sure that the corn syrup part isn't all that bad. It is the high fructose part and what they had to do to alter it thats makes me check my food labels twice. Its a preservative! How can that be good to eat? Our bodies were designed to eat fresh food, not chemicals to make it last longer so that the companies can make a buck. 

Their main argument is it's fine in moderation but frankly, it seems as a culture, moderation has left our vocabulary. Most things are fine in moderation, but it is the keeping it in moderation part that is tricky. 

Here are some of the ads that ran about high fructose corn syrup. 

Healthy food on a budget

Its official, the country is in a recession, and has been for a while. I know from personal experience, the majority of my paycheck is spent on food, and attempting to eat healthy makes the bill even larger. On the Canadian Broadcasting Centre's Web site, Tara Kimura addresses food shopping on a budget (just because it's from Canada, doesn't mean it's not valid here too).

Kimura talks about the penny pinching culinary skills that rose out of past economic hardships (like world wars and economic depressions). But we seem to be in a bit of a pickle. Most foods that are budget and waistband friendly seem to be non existant. Or are they? Why can't we do what our grandmothers (or great grandmothers) did?

We have easier options! Simple as that. Who wants to go through the trouble? But there are some simple ways you can have the best of both worlds.

Registered dietitian Andrea Holwegner gives these tips.

• Shop fresh, seasonal produce.
• Frozen fruits and veggies are a great alternative. They are frozen at the peak of freshness, and they may be better than some fresh fruit you are grabbing, and it can be cheaper.
• Dried or canned legumes (beans, lentils and such) are the cheapest sources of protein. And on a personal note, so is tofu. Take the cringe off your face and try it! There are many ways (like baking) to cook it that changes the texture and enhances the flavors you add.
• Buy grains in bulk (like oatmeal, instead of instant pouches). They last a while and are budget friendly.
• Buy the pasta and rice plain and add your own flavor. Its cheaper, and you can get a variety for less.

Basic line, get creative. Look up recipes from times when the economy was worse than it is now, and see how all those families made it work. Think of it in a positive light, cut down on the expensive stuff while you can, and it will seem oh so much better when you indulge.

Eating green means more than just veggies

You can't go far without hearing something about green. A new green car, a new green clothing line, it seems like everything is going green these days. But what does that mean? Basically it is anything that is good for the environment. But when we think of our food going green, the first thing that pops into our mind is vegetables.

But that is not necessarily the whole picture. In an article in the Modesto Bee, writer Chris Macias highlights Gopal Kapur and his passion for green food.

"Think of Kapur as more of a food philosopher, and one who's preaching a meal plan to promote environmental and social awareness," Macias said.

Instead of emphasizing a restrictive diet, Kapur's Family Green Survival program only focuses on modifying your diet two days a month. The days you follow the program are called "survival eating days" which Kapur recommends once a month, is to eat 800 to 1,000 calories per day, a reality for poor people around the world.

So what does going green mean when it comes to what's on your plate? Eating foods raw (obviously not meats, that would be gross and unsanitary) and using less electronics on your food is the main idea of the plan.

Another way he goes green is by omitting bottled water. Less waste when hydrating, he claims.

"The average American eats 3,654 calories per day, and that spikes to 5,000 in the holidays," said Kapur. "In the developing world, people eat 800 to 1,400 calories a day. 'Survival eating' is a day to eat like the poor people eat. It's not about guilt, but to be appreciative of our abundance and have empathy for people who don't have as much as we do. If you're hungry by the end of the day, be thankful you're hungry by choice and not out of need."

Maybe following the survival guide everyday is a bit excessive, but think about the impact of your food not only on your body, but also the world around you.



This recipe may not be entirely raw, but it is pretty darn close, and delicious! It is from Heidi Swanson's recipe blog.

Healthier holidays

The Holidays are right around the corner and no matter what you celebrate, there is most likely food involved... Lots of food. 

It's the phenomenon that motivates New Year's resolutions; the pounds that magically appear between Halloween and Jan. 2. In her article, Elizabeth Giorgi talks about the problems and potential solutions to packing on the holiday pounds. 

Problem 1: Holiday comfort foods.

At the end of the ear, low fat substitutes may not curb the craving. Which can be alright, as long as it is all in moderation. 

"Eat smaller amounts of calorie-dense foods, and larger amounts of fruits, vegetables and other such foods," the article states. 

Problem 2: Old-fashioned recipes. 

Cream, butter, sugar, more butter and some extra sugar. Seems like the base for a lot of traditional deserts. A solution? Change up the recipe! There are whole publications dedicated to lightening up your favorite meals, one example, Cooking Light. That way, if you don't want to waste ingredients perfecting your Super Secret Low-Cal Cookies, search for one someone already made. Most likely, no one will notice the difference. 

Problem 3: Pot-lucks and Buffets. 

If where you are eating doesn't have the same health-conscious values as you, it can be hard not to pack on the pounds. The key is to plan ahead and maintain that "moderation" mantra. 

Some things you can stuff yourself with? Salads and broth-based soups. 

Problem 4: Stress levels rise and the temperature drops. 

Stress causes most people to eat more, and with everything going on, its no wonder the pounds pile on. The best way to fight the stress is to work out. Any physical activity can lower stress levels, but yoga and others like it does a great job. Instead of dishing out the big bucks for a class, try finding something on the internet for free, like a podcast. 

Working out also helps with weight management, so keep it as a priority. 

Problem 5: Alcohol.

It adds extra calories, reduces inhibitions and can dehydrate you. An unfriendly combination to your waistline. Just limit your intake and drink lots of other liquids. 

Just for kicks, here is a look at the caloric value of some holiday drinks:

• Hot buttered rum = 418 calories
  
• Margarita = 408 calories 
• White Russian = 355 calories 
• Mud-slide = 295 calories 
• Brandy Alexander = 246 calories 

Problem 6: "I will burn it off after the holidays" mentality. 

Truth is, you will regret it. Losing weight is a lot harder than putting it on. Instead, aim to maintain your weight through the holidays, and then get even more fabulous after Jan. 1. 

Depression cured by food?

An article in the Sacramento Bee points to using food as a possible treatment for depression. 

"There's growing recognition in the medical community that the right food choices can improve your mood," the article states. "Though drugs are often considered the first line of treatment for depression, a dietary change might be all you need, says James Gordon, a psychiatrist who advocates non-drug approaches to depression."

So, what food makes you feel great? 

1. Salmon for the omega-3 fatty acids. 

2. Oatmeal, soymilk and two eggs yields the amino acid tryptophan, which helps release the hormone serotonin in the brain. 

3. Spinach, peas, navy beans, orange juice, wheat germ and avocado are all high in B vitamins which may help some depression patients. 

4. Vitamin D. While the article states taking a supplement may help, most people's daily requirement for the vitamin my be obtained through 15 min of sun exposure a day. It may make your brain's neurotransmitters work more efficiently. 

5. Broccoli and Blueberries are good examples of how vegetables and fruit, when mixed with lean proteins, stabilize blood sugar, which can effect moods. 

6. Whole grains. Also rich in B vitamins, they also slowly release their sugars, because they are complex carbohydrates, which take longer to break down into glucose, the fuel our body needs and loves. 

Foods to avoid: 

1. Red meat. High in omega-6 fatty acids, the article suggests to cut down on these, when omega-3 fatty acids are increased, but it doesn't say why...

2. Fried food, rich in trans fats, along with making you fat, they also decrease neurotransmitter function.  

Maybe the next time your feeling down, try to switch up your diet and see if you can change your mood. 

Interested in a simple and easy salmon recipe? Here is a clip from the show "Good Eats" with Alton Brown on the Food Network. 

People going bananas over new diet in Japan

A new fad diet in Japan has been clearing supermarket shelves of bananas, because the new fad diet is eating a banana for breakfast while sipping warm water. Named the "Morning Banana Diet," the new fad has increased banana sales by 40 percent.

While it may not seem like much, there are other rules to the diet. Broken down it's quite simple:

Breakfast: Raw Banana with warm water.

Lunch: Whatever a "normal" lunch is for you.

Dinner: Same as lunch.

An afternoon snack is allowed, but no deserts, dairy or alcohol. No eating after 8 p.m. and exercise if the mood strikes.

While this all sounds great, what's so special about this diet? I don't really see much, except a cut in calories with having only a banana and water for breakfast.

Some Facts about Bananas:

Averages about 175 calories per banana.
Has 0.33 grams of fat per 100 grams.
12.33 grams of sugar (the good, natural kind, of course) per 100 grams.
2.6 grams of fiber.
1.09 grams of protein.
It contains vitamin A, most of the B complex vitamins, vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc.

All in all, a great fruit. The fad diet claims that the enzymes and fiber in the banana speed up digestion and your metabolism which will make you loose weight.

What do the experts say?

From the startribune.com, "Bananas pack lots of potassium and fiber and few calories (a medium banana has 100 calories). Most Americans don't eat enough vegetables or fruits, so eating more fruit is a good idea. However, different fruits have different nutrients, so variety is essential. Bananas are high in carbohydrates, and Lehrman said people tend to do better with a high-protein breakfast."

'There is no magic bullet, no magic food or one certain thing that's going to help someone lose weight,' said Brenda Navin, a registered dietitian and personal trainer at Woodwinds Health Campus in Woodbury. Claims that one 'miracle' food holds the answer have led to such fad diets as the cabbage soup diet, grapefruit diet, lemonade diet and even a cookie diet."



The video playing in many of the banana-less supermarkets.

Welcome to my blog!

Here it is, hours of brainstorming and I have come up with the perfect blog... Food. Alright, not just food, but more specifically food and diet news and trends.

Every week there are new stories about a new food that will reduce this, or increase that, or is a great source of something, and this is a place with information from all of that. This blog will highlight some of the most interesting stories as well as bits and pieces of other fun information I stumble across.

Enjoy!