Rose Singarella, Health Educator
Indeed, when it comes to our health, our food choices are so important. Grocery shopping is a good place to start, and to learn. What we bring home and have at our fingertips will make a huge difference in how and what we are eating.
For those of you who will be having sessions in person with me, part of your program very early on, is going shopping with me. I will teach you what to buy and not buy, why, and how to plan and prepare meals. Health food stores are a big presence these days, which is wonderful. The overall variety, and the organic choices are plentiful. Unfortunately, the health food stores are also offering a new breed of junk food. So one must remember, just because you purchased it there, is not a guarantee that its "healthy". You will be amazed at what you will learn while shopping with me. My goal is to inspire confidence and joy while you shop. We will have so much fun together! I will teach you how to shop at regular grocery stores, specialty shops, Costco, Trader Joes and open markets.
For those of you who will be having sessions with me by phone and email; I will soon have recommended grocery lists here on this website.
click on this link below, please wait a moment.
How to select and store luscious fruits.
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HEALTH BOMB 1. RENT THE MOVIE, "KING KORN" ITS A MUST!
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has become a modern-day plague. Not only does it contribute to our obesity epidemic, but it has also been linked to:
- Pancreas dysfunction, diabetes and insulin resistance
- High cholesterol and heart disease
- Cancer
- High blood pressure
- Anemia
- Liver damage
- Infertility
- And more
Sadly, the average consumption of fructose has doubled between 1980 and 1994. Soft drinks and some fruit drinks are a major source of HFCS, but it is also found in many other products, from crackers to salad dressing.
Fructose contains zero enzymes, vitamins or minerals — and it leeches micronutrients from your body.
Why is it found in so many products? Because, after air, water, and salt, it’s the cheapest ingredient in the American food chain (and we know how the food industry likes to save money…)
I’d also urge you to be on the lookout for HFCS in its many “disguises” — conveniently (for the food industry) labeled as chicory, inulin, iso glucose, glucose-fructose syrup, fruit fructose, and others.
Another major “health torpedo” you want to watch out for is…
HEALTH BOMB #2:
Gluten — Wheat (and other grains containing gluten) is NOT your friend. My experience has shown that you could well be one of the estimated 1 in 10 people who have at least a subclinical intolerance to gluten protein. This is actually a food allergy. And I think its actually more than 1 in 10.
I recommend avoiding gluten, even the organic whole-grain types.
Gluten intolerance has been linked to miscarriage, autism, intestinal disease (including irritable bowel syndrome), malnutrition, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, and developmental delay in children, just to name a few. Oftentimes, your gluten sensitivity may present with various unexplained symptoms.
Getting rid of these two health bombs will go a long way toward improving your health.
Heres the truth about processed soy and other grain products.
Health food stores have their own breed of junk food.
Particularly processed soy products, tofu, soymilks, soy ice creams, soy candies, soy cookies, soy cheese, soy bread, and on and on......... These products are radically processed and ultimately unrecognizable from its original natural self, which is fresh soy bean pods, the kind we get at japanese restuarants, called edamame. Edamame is wonderful to eat and that is the way I recommend ingesting soy.
Any and all heavily processed foods regardless of their source and regardless of where you buy it, it is best to avoid it. Food closest to its original state delivered by nature is always superior to anything and everything anyone can make out of it.
Be alert when shopping, especially at the health food store! They are offering more and more heavily processed foods everyday! Though admittledly if one were to eat processed foods you are still most likely better off getting it at a health food store.
When buying processed food.....the least amount of ingredients the better. If the list is long, and many ingredients listed are strange,unpronouncible and foreign, I recommend avoiding it.
For the most part the healthiest foods are in the organic produce isle!
Quick note; I strongly, emphatically advise AGAINST using a microwave oven to cook your food, even to just heat it up! I never ever use one! I will have more info. on this soon.
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Autolyzed, hydrolyzed, glutamate, glutamic acid, hydrolyzed, autolyzed
HIDDEN SOURCES
OF PROCESSED FREE GLUTAMIC ACID (MSG)
NAMES OF INGREDIENTS THAT CONTAIN ENOUGH MSG
TO SERVE AS COMMON MSG-REACTION TRIGGERS
The MSG-reaction is a reaction to free glutamic acid that occurs in food as a consequence of manufacture.
Low fat and no fat milk products often include milk solids that contain MSG. Low fat and no fat versions of ice cream and cheese may not be as obvious as yogurt, milk, cream, cream cheese, cottage cheese, etc., but they are not an exception.
Protein powders contain glutamic acid, which, invariably, would be precessed free glutamic acid (MSG). Glutamic acid is not always named on labels of protein powders.
Drinks, candy, and chewing gum are potential sources of hidden MSG and of aspartame and neotame. Aspartic acid, found in neotame and aspartame (NutraSweet), ordinarily causes MSG type reactions in MSG sensitive people. Aspartame is found in some medications, including children's medications. Neotame is relatively new and we have not yet seen it used widely. Check with your pharmacist.
Binders and fillers for medications, nutrients, and supplements, both prescription and non-prescription, enteral feeding materials, and some fluids administered intravenously in hospitals, may contain MSG.
According to the manufacturer, Varivax–Merck chicken pox vaccine (Varicella Virus Live), contains L-monosodium glutamate and hydrolyzed gelatin both of which contain processed free glutamic acid (MSG) which causes brain lesions in young laboratory animals, and causes endocrine disturbances like OBESITY and REPRODUCTIVE disorders later in life. It would appear that most, if not all, live virus vaccines contain MSG.
Reactions to MSG are dose related, i.e., some people react to even very small amounts. MSG-induced reactions may occur immediately after ingestion or after as much as 48 hours.
Remember: By FDA definition, all MSG is "naturally occurring." "Natural" doesn't mean "safe." "Natural" only means that the ingredient started out in nature.
Hidden MSG Sources;
MSG is often used instead of salt or in additon to salt. It often causes unpleasant reactions including headaches, palpitations, sweating, nausea, a burning sensation in the torso, pressure around the cheeks or jaws and may even trigger asthma, migraines or depression.
MSG or Monosodium Glutamate, is often found in Chinese food, seasoned potato chips, canned and packaged soups, gourmet seasonings, dry-roasted nuts, processed meats, instant gravies, TV dinners, garlic powder etc.
Read food labels carefully to identify MSG disquised under these names:
Hydrolyzed "Vegetable" Protein,
Calcium Caseinate, Hydrolyzed Protein,
Yeast Extract, Hydrolyzed "Plant" Protein,
Textured Protein, Plant Protein Extract,
Autoylzed Yeast, Sodium Caseinate,
Hydrolyzed Oat Flour, Hydrolyzed soy protein
Whey protein Whey protein isolate
Glutamate Gelatin
Addictives that may contain MSG:
Malt extract, Flavoring,
Malt flavoring, Natural flavoring,
Bouillon, (powder/cubes),natural Beef or Chicken Flavoring,
Broth, Seasoning,
Stock, Spices, citric acid
| Hydrolyzed Soy Protein -- The extraction process of hydrolysis involves boiling in a vat of acid (e.g., sulfuric acid) and then neutralizing the solution with a caustic soda. The resultant sludge is scraped off the top and allowed to dry. In addition to soy protein it contains free-form excitotoxic amino acids (e.g., MSG) and other potentially harmful chemicals including cancer-causing chemicals in many cases. A newer method of hydrolysis involves the use of bacteria by itself or in addition to the chemical processes described above. There is a possibility that genetically-manipulated bacteria may be used. The food industry sometimes uses large amount of hydrolyzed proteins as a "taste enhancer" because it contains significant amounts of MSG (monosodium glutamate). This is what is known in the food industry as "Clean Labels" -- adding MSG to food, without having to list it as "MSG" on the label. In almost all cases, hydrolyzed soy protein contains a significant amount of genetically-manipulated soy. The hydrolyzed protein products currently added to foods should be considered a detriment to one's health. There are much healthier sources of soy protein and soy nutrients. Recommended Reading: Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills by Neuroscientist Russell Blaylock, M.D. ______________________________________________________ |
Nuts truly are SUPERFOODS! They should be a daily part of a healthy diet. Rich in usable, absorbable, high quality protein, good fat, iron, all the B vitamins for the nervous system, fabulous calcium great for bones and a good sleep inducer, Good quality calcium from food helps those who have trouble sleeping well. Nuts have many other wonderful powerful nutrients. They really are a wonder food!
Of course they have to be raw, organic and unsalted to be healthy. Eat 2 to 4 oz. a day. Do not mix nuts with other proteins or starches, eat with big salads and veggies, or as snacks. Always keep nuts in the car, eat those instead of stopping for a coffee or candy bar! When eating them with salads, soak them first in a bowl with a minced, fresh heirloom, organic ripe tomato and fresh squeezed organic lemon juice, celtic salt, and herbs. mix in salad, Delicious!
To get the “Best nuts” and "Angstrom minerals;" click link below on this page. click link for nuts. I feed myself only these “special” nuts. I eat them everyday.
Angstrom minerals are excellent if you want or need “Extra calcium.” Beyond what the algae has. Do read up on the Angstrom minerals, you will find them fascinating. Perfect for adding to our drinking water. All the bottled water we drink nowadays is “dead” water.
Their nuts are unique, you cannot get them at any health food store. What makes them so "SPECIAL" is they do a very careful process with their organic raw nuts and seeds. They soak and germinate them, and then dry them in a food dehydrator at a very low temp so the viability, vitality and life force of the raw organic nuts remains intact. The process of soaking/ germinating makes them so much easier to digest. They are a lot lighter, not so heavy, and crunchier too. I used to do this for years for myself at home when I had a dryer.
Soaking nuts and seeds stimulates the process of germination, not only increasing the vitamin C content, but also increasing Vitamin B content and carotenes (pre-vitamin A). Most importantly, this soaking neutralizes phytic acid, a substance present in the bran of all grains and seeds that inhibits absorption of calcium, magnesium, iron, copper and zinc. Soaking also neutralizes enzyme inhibitors present in all seeds. These inhibitors can neutralize our own precious enzymes in the digestive tract. Complex sugars responsible for intestinal gas are broken down from soaking and a portion of the starch in the seed is transformed into simpler sugars. Aflotoxins (potent carcinogens found in grains) are inactivated. Finally, numerous enzymes that help digestion are produced during the germination process.
The top nuts I recommend;
Almonds
Walnuts
Pecans
Pistacios
Sunflower seeds
Pumpkin seeds
I do not recommend peanuts or cashews,
I strongly recommend ditching the peanut butter no matter what quality it is. In time I will have the whys posted, in the meantime, email or call me and I will tell you why. Buy organic raw unsalted almond butter instead of peanut butter, the difference in healthiness is a million fold. Also, buy raw organic sesame butter, (Tahini) it is an excellent source of protein and fantastic calcium, better than dairy by far! Add a little organic raw honey to it if you want a milder taste. Health food stores carry good tahini.
All nut butters, nuts/seed can be used to make exquisite salad dressings. See my recipes.
All nuts taste so much better germinated. Indeed, they are expensive, yet so worth it. You can buy regular organic nuts at the health food store which are fine, they are less expensive but they are not soaked and germinated. Make sure they are "FRESH" or they will not taste so great. Fresh is just as important as organic and as raw. Of course we all know, the fresher any food is, the better.
"Organic" nuts are way more expensive than Costco or Trader Joes commercial raw nuts, yes, It’s tempting to buy Costco nuts because they are less than half the price of the organic nuts at the health food stores, though I urge you not to.
However, "Organic" is the way to go no matter the cost. Commercial farming practices are so poisonous, people just don’t realize how many insecticides, fungicides, pesticides, and may other "systemic" poisons they are eating when they buy food that is NOT organic.
My goal is to convince you that "organic" is worth it, you are worth it! People think I spend so much more on food. It turns out to be about the same, because I don’t buy, candies, cookies, cakes, ice creams, coffee, chips, canned food, processed foods, sodas, juices, teas, alcohol, sugar, flour, milk, breads, fast foods, meats, dairy, daily Starbucks etc. etc. So I really don’t spend more in the end, for I don’t buy all the junk most do, which undermines health… instead of building it. I can't emphasize strong enough how important ORGANIC is!
So don’t let the price of the germinated nuts at wilderness scare you away, They have the very best organic germinated fresh raw nuts and seeds, that is my first choice for myself and my clients. Second choice is the health food store “ organic” and “raw.”
True it is expensive to eat the best, and to eat everything organic, but your body is worth it and it’s a huge investment in the quality of our life and health! People have so much more time for life, fun, productivity and less doctor bills when they are healthy, not to mention being sick is horrible, and we lose precious time in our lives being unwell.
I always tell people to skimp and cut corners financially on other things, but not on your food, which is the fuel for your body and for every single tiny function your body does for you!
click on this link below to purchase your germinated nuts.
Being a Green Grocery Shopper
While you're browsing the aisles and checking items off your list, think about a few ways you can be a “green” grocery shopper and, in turn, reduce your footprint on the environment.
*Avoid individually packaged items. We often have options to buy items that are “conveniently” packaged in individual units to make packing lunches and eating-on-the-go easier. Food such as yogurt, pudding, granola bars, water, juice, cereal, and snack foods may come in packages of multiple single-serving sizes in addition to larger, “bulk” sizes. Even though the individual sizes do seem more convenient, they also produce more waste with their packaging than the larger sizes. You can buy the larger sizes and then divide up the food at home in reusable containers to avoid the excess trash.
*Bring your own bags Instead of allowing the bagger to bag your groceries in disposable plastic or paper bags, bring your own bags made of cloth, mesh, or other recycled material to reduce the waste and trash produced by grocery bags. Some specialty grocery stores even offer incentives in the form of discounts to people who bring their own bags.
*Avoid as much packaging as you can In the produce aisle, we don"t really need to put our bananas, head of lettuce, or bunch of carrots in a plastic bag? You'll probably end up throwing the bag away anyway, so bypass the plastic in the produce aisle and wait until you get home where you can store the food in a reusable container.
*Buy items in recycled packaging. Many items today are packaged in recycled paper or plastic, which is labeled on the bag or box. Look for items that are labeled as such, and that have a high percentage of recycled content in their packaging. Also look for items that are packaged in recyclable containers – either ones that you can drop off at a designated point, or ones that you can use yourself at home to reduce your own trash.
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