So what’s the minimum requirement for staying healthy and “regular” in the number two department? Well, at least one normal bowel movement a day is the minimum according to health experts, but two or three is the optimum amount. I don’t know about you, but I certainly couldn’t poop 2-3 times a day. Once a day is definitely enough for me!
Quick Treatment for Constipation
So what’s the minimum requirement for staying healthy and “regular” in the number two department? Well, at least one normal bowel movement a day is the minimum according to health experts, but two or three is the optimum amount. I don’t know about you, but I certainly couldn’t poop 2-3 times a day. Once a day is definitely enough for me!
Amazing Detox Drink
The following detox drink can cleanse and rid the body of toxins. It naturally helps you heal by speeding up your metabolism, burning extra fat, lowering blood pressure and most importantly, fighting diabetes.
If you think that it is too good to be true, then try it out yourself and experience the positive results.
Benefits:
Benefits:
Cinnamon is an excellent spice which is well-known for maintaining glucose level and improving insulin sensitivity in type II diabetic patients as stated in a study published in the ‘Proceedings of the Nutrition Society’ journal. It was found that after taking the Cr supplementation (a compound present in cinnamon); glucose, insulin, cholesterol and HbA1c levels were all improved in subjects with type II diabetes.
Apple Cider Vinegar can lower blood pressure when consumed daily as it contains acetic acid – a compound known to decrease blood pressure or hypertension. The antihypertensive effects of acetic acid and vinegar were proven in a study published in ‘Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biochemistry’ journal in which the spontaneously hypertensive rats showed significant decrease in blood pressure and rennin activity when given acetic acid or vinegar.
Lemon Juice is a good source of flavonoids which are known for their antioxidant properties. Vitamin C is the most abundant antioxidant in lemon. Since it contains antioxidants, lemon juice helps fight free radicals in the body, thus strengthening our immune system. The antioxidant properties of lemons are supported in this study which showed that the lemon flavonoids suppressed oxidative stress in diabetic rats.
Honey offers numerous benefits to our body due to the presence of a variety of nutrients from enzymes, minerals and vitamins to polyphenols. This was supported by an article published in the ‘Journal of the American College of Nutrition’. In short, honey contains many health components that favor good health.
Recipe for an Incredible Detox Drink:
Ingredients:
Preparation and Consumption Method:
Simply add all the ingredients together in a blender and mix them well. Drink the mixture first thing in the morning before having breakfast. Since it takes approximately only 2 minutes to prepare, do not store the drink. Instead, make one each day after waking up for best results. Drink this for at least 3 months or longer.
Apple Cider Vinegar can lower blood pressure when consumed daily as it contains acetic acid – a compound known to decrease blood pressure or hypertension. The antihypertensive effects of acetic acid and vinegar were proven in a study published in ‘Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biochemistry’ journal in which the spontaneously hypertensive rats showed significant decrease in blood pressure and rennin activity when given acetic acid or vinegar.
Lemon Juice is a good source of flavonoids which are known for their antioxidant properties. Vitamin C is the most abundant antioxidant in lemon. Since it contains antioxidants, lemon juice helps fight free radicals in the body, thus strengthening our immune system. The antioxidant properties of lemons are supported in this study which showed that the lemon flavonoids suppressed oxidative stress in diabetic rats.
Honey offers numerous benefits to our body due to the presence of a variety of nutrients from enzymes, minerals and vitamins to polyphenols. This was supported by an article published in the ‘Journal of the American College of Nutrition’. In short, honey contains many health components that favor good health.
Recipe for an Incredible Detox Drink:
Ingredients:
- Cinnamon- 1 teaspoon
- Apple Cider Vinegar- 2 tablespoons
- Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice- 2 tablespoons
- Raw Honey- 1 tablespoon
- 12 to 16 oz or one glass of water
Preparation and Consumption Method:
Simply add all the ingredients together in a blender and mix them well. Drink the mixture first thing in the morning before having breakfast. Since it takes approximately only 2 minutes to prepare, do not store the drink. Instead, make one each day after waking up for best results. Drink this for at least 3 months or longer.
Tips For Walking Faster
Power walking is called by many different names - power walking, fitness walking, health walking. Power walking is commonly used to represent an exaggerated walking style. This style of overstriding and exaggerated arm movements is often linked with injuries. Because of this I don't generally use the term power walking. A better term for a healthful energetic walking pace is "fitness walking".
Fitness walking is much more than a stroll or nature walk. When fitness walking you incorporate the muscles of the upper body making it a GREAT aerobic activity. It burns approximately the same calories as running, yet it is much easier on the body. Because more muscles are used it burns calories much quicker than less aggressive walking. It also tones muscles in the buttocks, thighs, hips, shoulders, upper back and abs. Most fitness walkers average about 12 to 15 minutes per mile.
Unlike racewalking there is no official definition. There are no rules. If you walk at a purposeful fitness walking pace using good technique you are a fitness walker. Use tips above to insure good walking form and to increase your pace.
Here are 7 tips for walking faster:
1. Use good posture. Walk tall, look forward, (not at the ground) gazing about 20 feet ahead. Your chin should be level and your head up.
2. Keep your chest raised, and shoulders relaxed (shoulders down, back and relaxed).
3. Bend your arms in slightly less than a 90 degree angle. Cup your hands gently. Swing arms front to back (not side to side - arms should not cross your body.) Do not swing elbows higher than your sternum (breast bone). Swing your arms faster and your feet will follow.
4. Tighten your abs and buttocks.. Flatten your back and tilt your pelvis slightly forward.
5. Pretend you are walking along a straight line. Resist the urge to elongate your steps. To go faster -- take smaller, faster steps.
6. Push off with your toes. Concentrate on landing on your heel, rolling through the step and pushing off with your toes. Use the natural spring of your calf muscles to propel you forward.
7. Breathe naturally. As you walk, take deep, rhythmic breaths, to get the maximum amount of oxygen through your system. Walk fast enough that your breathing is increased yet you are not out of breath.
Common mistakes made by walkers...
Fitness walking is much more than a stroll or nature walk. When fitness walking you incorporate the muscles of the upper body making it a GREAT aerobic activity. It burns approximately the same calories as running, yet it is much easier on the body. Because more muscles are used it burns calories much quicker than less aggressive walking. It also tones muscles in the buttocks, thighs, hips, shoulders, upper back and abs. Most fitness walkers average about 12 to 15 minutes per mile.
Unlike racewalking there is no official definition. There are no rules. If you walk at a purposeful fitness walking pace using good technique you are a fitness walker. Use tips above to insure good walking form and to increase your pace.
Here are 7 tips for walking faster:
1. Use good posture. Walk tall, look forward, (not at the ground) gazing about 20 feet ahead. Your chin should be level and your head up.
2. Keep your chest raised, and shoulders relaxed (shoulders down, back and relaxed).
3. Bend your arms in slightly less than a 90 degree angle. Cup your hands gently. Swing arms front to back (not side to side - arms should not cross your body.) Do not swing elbows higher than your sternum (breast bone). Swing your arms faster and your feet will follow.
4. Tighten your abs and buttocks.. Flatten your back and tilt your pelvis slightly forward.
5. Pretend you are walking along a straight line. Resist the urge to elongate your steps. To go faster -- take smaller, faster steps.
6. Push off with your toes. Concentrate on landing on your heel, rolling through the step and pushing off with your toes. Use the natural spring of your calf muscles to propel you forward.
7. Breathe naturally. As you walk, take deep, rhythmic breaths, to get the maximum amount of oxygen through your system. Walk fast enough that your breathing is increased yet you are not out of breath.
Common mistakes made by walkers...
- Do not over stride
- Do not use too vigorous arm movements
- Do not look at the ground
- Do not hunch your shoulders
- Do not carry hand weights or place weights on your ankles
Top 10 Foods That Burn Belly Fat
Belly fat, a common problem where the mid-portion comes bulging out. We all hate it because it stops us from wearing skirts or dresses because the belly portion is too evident. Start by knowing the reasons for fat accumulation in your tummy so that you can take the necessary steps
Why fat accumulates in your belly?
- Hormonal changes: women acquire fat around their belly mainly due to some hormonal changes in her body after menopause. With the hormonal change, metabolism gets weaker resulting in fat accumulation around belly.
- Genes: If obesity runs in your genes, it will happen and you can’t help it.
- Too many calories: with excess calories intake, it transforms into fats. Excess junk food; make it difficult to burn so many calories, resulting in fatness.
- Stress: its human nature to eat too much under stress, eventually leading to fat accumulation.
- Lack of sleep: it leads to indigestion resulting in gas formation and puffs up your belly making it look flabby.
How fat accumulates in your belly?
Carbohydrate, protein and fat rich foods serve as a catalyst to produce energy to perform various functions. The excess is stored as fat in the fat cells of our body.
With fat foods, the fat cells run out of space and then get stored within muscle linings.
They are mainly present in the waist, hips and chest area and when there is no more space in the cells, it starts accumulating in the muscle linings leading to a flab.
Losing this additional fat from the problem areas are one of the biggest concerns for many of us. We have established this already. Now what do we do about it?
Besides exercising, you also need to have a proper diet that includes food to reduce belly fat. Your diet and exercise combo should be such that you’ll burn more calories than you consume. Teenagers are lovers for fast and fatty foods. But if you are really serious to reduce the embarrassing waistline, then you need to give up on those high-calorie tasty foods.It is time to look up some of the foods that burn belly fat.
Fat Burning Foods
1. Fruits: Fruits are very low calorie content, rich in vitamins and minerals. Establish this as an essential food to burn belly fat in your diet!
Citrus fruits like orange, lemon, kiwi, tangerine, fresh limes are excellent fat burners that boosts metabolism and the acid present in it burns fat faster compared to other fruits.
Other fat-burning fruits include apple, watermelon, grapes and strawberries.
2. Vegetables: are rich in minerals and water content, their calorie content is lower than fruits. And this makes it another essential addition to our diet as foods that reduce belly fat.
Cabbage, broccoli, tomatoes, spinach, beans; peas are all very rich in minerals and have nil fat content in them.
Include them in your meal for best benefits.
3. Pulses: Pulses or dalis rich in amino acids, low on calories, and fat. Simple boiled dal is healthier than fried or spiced up dal. Eat right to reap health benefits.
4. Oats: Oats contain insoluble fiber and some carbohydrates that curb your hunger, give you strength for better workout and reduce fat content in your body. Oats come fourth in the list. Having a bowl of oats with skimmed milk for breakfast is the best thing you can opt in the morning. When you are buying oatmeal, make sure that you choose one that is flavorless. Flavoured oats contain sugar and chemicals. Oats being high in fibers and help in digestion properly.
5. Almonds and walnuts: Nuts keep your stomach full for a longer time and they are good fats that do not add to your calories. Nuts in general are a good source of nutrients to burn fat for girls who are vegetarian. Nuts are full of omega-3 fat that increases energy and metabolism.
6. Eggs: An egg is a protein rich food that is low in calories and fat. Having one boiled egg daily will help burn belly fat. Other than being a rich source of proteins, minerals and anti-oxidants, eggs also contain an amino acid called leucine. This acts as a catalyst in burning extra fats. So having an egg during breakfast is a must for teenagers.
7. Fish: Salmon, mackerel, tuna are rich in protein, include good fatty acids (omega 3 acid) and mono saturated fatty acids that boost metabolism and are good belly fat burning foods.
8. Water: Have lots and lots of water to increase your metabolism and burn fats.
9. No sugary foods: All sugary foods should take a back seat in your diet list. Avoid them altogether except on occasions.
10. Whey proteins: These proteins can be consumed as supplements to reduce weight. They burn the fats and help building muscles.
Losing belly fat is really not a big issue if not genetic. Some practices, some precautions, and you will be ready to flaunt a wash-board stomach.
Carbohydrate, protein and fat rich foods serve as a catalyst to produce energy to perform various functions. The excess is stored as fat in the fat cells of our body.
With fat foods, the fat cells run out of space and then get stored within muscle linings.
They are mainly present in the waist, hips and chest area and when there is no more space in the cells, it starts accumulating in the muscle linings leading to a flab.
Losing this additional fat from the problem areas are one of the biggest concerns for many of us. We have established this already. Now what do we do about it?
Besides exercising, you also need to have a proper diet that includes food to reduce belly fat. Your diet and exercise combo should be such that you’ll burn more calories than you consume. Teenagers are lovers for fast and fatty foods. But if you are really serious to reduce the embarrassing waistline, then you need to give up on those high-calorie tasty foods.It is time to look up some of the foods that burn belly fat.
Fat Burning Foods
1. Fruits: Fruits are very low calorie content, rich in vitamins and minerals. Establish this as an essential food to burn belly fat in your diet!
Citrus fruits like orange, lemon, kiwi, tangerine, fresh limes are excellent fat burners that boosts metabolism and the acid present in it burns fat faster compared to other fruits.
Other fat-burning fruits include apple, watermelon, grapes and strawberries.
2. Vegetables: are rich in minerals and water content, their calorie content is lower than fruits. And this makes it another essential addition to our diet as foods that reduce belly fat.
Cabbage, broccoli, tomatoes, spinach, beans; peas are all very rich in minerals and have nil fat content in them.
Include them in your meal for best benefits.
3. Pulses: Pulses or dalis rich in amino acids, low on calories, and fat. Simple boiled dal is healthier than fried or spiced up dal. Eat right to reap health benefits.
4. Oats: Oats contain insoluble fiber and some carbohydrates that curb your hunger, give you strength for better workout and reduce fat content in your body. Oats come fourth in the list. Having a bowl of oats with skimmed milk for breakfast is the best thing you can opt in the morning. When you are buying oatmeal, make sure that you choose one that is flavorless. Flavoured oats contain sugar and chemicals. Oats being high in fibers and help in digestion properly.
5. Almonds and walnuts: Nuts keep your stomach full for a longer time and they are good fats that do not add to your calories. Nuts in general are a good source of nutrients to burn fat for girls who are vegetarian. Nuts are full of omega-3 fat that increases energy and metabolism.
6. Eggs: An egg is a protein rich food that is low in calories and fat. Having one boiled egg daily will help burn belly fat. Other than being a rich source of proteins, minerals and anti-oxidants, eggs also contain an amino acid called leucine. This acts as a catalyst in burning extra fats. So having an egg during breakfast is a must for teenagers.
7. Fish: Salmon, mackerel, tuna are rich in protein, include good fatty acids (omega 3 acid) and mono saturated fatty acids that boost metabolism and are good belly fat burning foods.
8. Water: Have lots and lots of water to increase your metabolism and burn fats.
9. No sugary foods: All sugary foods should take a back seat in your diet list. Avoid them altogether except on occasions.
10. Whey proteins: These proteins can be consumed as supplements to reduce weight. They burn the fats and help building muscles.
Losing belly fat is really not a big issue if not genetic. Some practices, some precautions, and you will be ready to flaunt a wash-board stomach.
Green Tea With Orange For Weight Loss
Green tea is especially amazing for cleansing the whole organism and maintaining vitality.
Adding orange and peppermint in green tea is the recipe for the drink that accelerates metabolism and cleanses the organism. It’s ideal for those who want to lose weight.
Drinking only one cup of green tea makes wonders- accelerates the metabolism for 12 % , regulates the sugar in the blood, reduces the risk of heart attack and various types of tumors, increases immunity , so as the mood.
If you aren’t a fan of its taste, adding flavors like orange and peppermint will help you fall in love with this drink.
Ingredients:
- 1 liter of water
- 1 orange
- 5 teabags green tea
- Fresh peppermint
Preparation:
Add 5 teabags green tea in boiled water. Let it stay for 3 minutes and then lei it cold. Slice one orange. Leave the white part of the peel. Put the tea in a big jar and add the slices and the peppermint.
Then, close the jar tightly and leave the ingredients to unite well during the night. One person can drink half of the amount in the jar during the next day.
Take this drink before every meal for great results.
Best Way to Cleanse Your Body of All Toxins Naturally
You
know that your body is full of toxins if you can see a recurrence of
illnesses such as fatigue, colds, or even infections. Microorganisms and
bacteria can also attack. However, with one drink of a special
beverage, you can eliminate toxins from the body.
There
is no time like the now to start eliminating toxins from the body.
While it may sound too good to be true, all you have to do is give it
one shot and see the positive effects all for yourself. This particular
juice not only combats the toxins in your body but can also promote
healthier digestion and increase energy.
So What Do You Need for This Juice?
The ingredients are simple
- 1 glass of water
- 4 apples
- 1 lemon
- 1 fresh root ginger (grated to the equivalent of 3 teaspoons)
Make
sure that the food you use is organic. Peel the lemon and put it, the
ginger root, apples, and water all into a juicer. It is best to drink
this juice in the morning prior to breakfast on an empty stomach. The
goal is to be able to feel the signs of the toxins leaving the body and
feeling the health improvements before you actually consume food.
Drink up and feel better!
5 Breakfast Smoothies for Weight Loss
If you're struggling with overweight for a longer period, then it's time you seriously consider implementing some changes in your diet and revolutionize the idea of weight loss. It is important to combine ingredients which belong to different food groups which have powerful weight loss effect when mixed together. It is of vital importance to include foods which are.
Best fitness trackers of 2015
Whether you want to get fitter, lose weight, or just monitor your activity levels, a fitness tracker can be a great starting point, but picking the right one can be difficult. Here Gizmag looks at the things to consider when selecting the right tracker for you, as we run through our selection of the best fitness trackers available in 2015.
The best fitness trackers 2015
Withings Activité Pop
A budget-conscious follow-up to the Activité, the Withings Activité Pop puts solid activity tracking into a standard but stylish watch. The Pop can track steps and distance when walking and running, as well things like swimming and sleeping, with progress towards your daily goal shown via an analogue feedback loop on the watch, or via the companion apps. Because the $130 Activité Pop uses a classic watch battery, it should last for eight months before you need to worry about power.
Jawbone Up Move
The Jawbone Up Move is as simple as fitness trackers get, and that can be a good thing. Clip this onto your clothes and it will track your steps, active time, idle time and, if worn in a wrist strap over night, your sleep movements. The interface of a clicky button and flashing lights can be more useful than you'd imagine whether checking progress towards a goal or telling the time. However, in our time with the $50 tracker, the feature we were most impressed with was its companion app which presents information clearly and gives actionable advice thanks to a Smart Coach feature.
Misfit Shine 2
This slimline aluminum puck can be worn in a traditional watch wrist-strap, clipped onto clothing, or in one of the available necklace mounts, and is one of the most stylish trackers available. A ring of 12 LEDs is used for activity feedback, notifications of incoming texts or calls, or to tell the time, and the Shine 2 also has a vibration alarm. Another trick of the $100 waterproof tracker, in addition to good activity tracking, is the ability to use it to control other devices for things like wirelessly taking a selfie with your phone via a tap of the capacitive touch sensor.
Moov Now
Not just an activity tracker, the Moov Now is also a coach which will push you to make the most of your workouts. In activity tracking duty the Moov Now will monitor your active minutes rather than steps or distance. However, Moov Now really shines when using its omni motion 3D sensor to coach your form and count reps as you work out. Strap it to your wrist or ankle depending on whether you are running, cycling, or boxing, and vocal coaching can be heard through the companion iOS and Android apps. The waterproof $80 tracker also boasts a six month battery life.
Garmin Vivoactive
The first of our selection of fitness trackers to boast GPS tracking, the Garmin Vivoactive is also the most smartwatch-like. A touchscreen face lets users pick specific activities (run, walk, bike, swim, golf) to track, or log their progress towards a daily step, distance or calorie goal. It's also used for displaying smart notifications (which ping up speedily), or controlling music playback on your phone or a wirelessly connected Virb action camera. Connect IQ lets you customize the look of the watch and download apps for things like logging where you've parked your car, or keeping tennis scores. A fully charged battery will give you around four days' use of the waterproof tracker, though using GPS will severely reduce this. While it lacks built-in heart-rate monitoring, the $200 Vivoactive can be used with external ones.
Mio Fuse
Heart-rate tracking is the headline attraction of the Mio Fuse, this means that in addition to the usual activity and fitness tracking, the Fuse can tell how hard you are pushing yourself. Because this is built into the wrist wearable, there's no need for a chest strap to ensure you are working out in the right heart-rate zone, you can see it by glancing down at the LED display. The companion app is not the strongest of the bunch, but Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity means it can connect with dozens of fitness apps and other devices. The silicone strap is comfortable but the bulky and sports-centric look probably mean this $150 tracker isn't one to wear to the office.
Fitbit Charge HR
This is one of the most popular fitness trackers on the market, and with good reason. The Charge HR uses the same great app as other Fitbit trackers and adds heart-rate tracking into the mix to give a better picture of your activity. When we reviewed the Charge HR earlier this year, we were impressed by how small the device feels compared to most others with built-in heart-rate monitoring. We also felt that it was one of the few trackers at the time styled to fit in whether you were working out at the gym or going to the office. Nice features of the $100 wrist-wearable include the ability to view tracked data (or the time) on its OLED screen and the option of sleep tracking in addition to logging steps, distance, floors climbed, and active minutes.
Polar A360
The A360 is one of the latest fitness trackers from Polar, a firm which has the pedigree of launching the world's first wearable wireless heart monitor back in 1982. The A360 incorporates wrist-based heart rate monitoring along with 24/7 fitness tracking and smartwatch-like notifications, all of which can be seen on a nice color touchscreen display. In addition to the usual tracking, the A360 can be used with Polar's Smart Coaching to assess your fitness and training, and will vibrate to let you know if you are being inactive. The waterproof device costs $200 and is said to last for up to two weeks on a full charge.
Microsoft Band 2
Continuous heart rate monitoring and GPS, along with the activity tracking of steps, calories burned and sleep quality give the Microsoft Band 2 an impressive array of fitness credentials. However, its abilities go way beyond that with specific workout and monitoring tools for sports including running, biking and golf. A bright full-color curved touchscreen also gives access to email, texts, and calendar notifications, and the $250 Band 2 works with Windows Phone, Android, and iPhone. If using Windows Phone, you can also use the built-in microphone to speak to Cortana.
TomTom Spark (Cardio + Music)
The TomTom Spark (Cardio and Music) offers more functions than most of the other trackers here. In addition to solid all-day activity tracking, there's also heart-rate monitoring, GPS for logging where you have been running or cycling with greater accuracy, and built-in storage for music. This can then be listened to as you work out via Bluetooth headphones, and might mean you can leave your phone, or MP3 player, if you still use one, at home. Waterproofing also means you don't have to take it off when showering or doing the washing up, which in our experience means not having the opportunity to forget to put it back on. The TomTom Spark (Cardio + Music) retails for $250 and its companion MySports apps now make it easy to review your activity.
Fitbit Surge
The Fitbit Surge takes what's good about the Charge HR and adds features including GPS tracking, the ability to see detailed smart notifications and increased battery life of up to a week. Given this is all on top of some of the best general activity tracking and heart-rate monitoring, it should make it a no-brainer. However, to fit all of this in means the device is significant bigger and less stylish than its stable-mate. The screen also moves from an OLED to a monochrome LCD touchscreen. The $250 tracker uses the same great companion apps as other Fitbit trackers.
Basis Peak
The sensor-packed Basis Peak offers some of the best tracking available at the moment, monitoring heart rate, steps, calories burned, sweat levels, skin temperature and sleep quality. GPS is the only big metric missing. When we reviewed the bulky but stylish tracker earlier this year, we were disappointed by the lack of ability to time workouts with a stopwatch, mediocre compatibility with other apps, and the sluggish delivery of smart notifications from your phone to your wrist. However, we're glad to say it looks like Basis was listening, as it's since addressed these issues with firmware updates, making the $200 Peak a tracker to be reckoned with.
Conclusion
As you can see, despite the impending threat of smartwatches, there is a growing number of fitness and activity trackers vying for that spot on your wrist (or wanting to be clipped onto your trousers). Hopefully this guide has helped you decide which features are going to be important for you, whether that's what you want to track, where you want to wear a tracker, and importantly, what you intend to do with the information.
If you're not sure whether you'll get much use out of a fitness tracker, the less expensive models (or indeed apps on your phone) can be a great option. You can suss out if you'll continue looking at your data after the first week, how you intend to use the information to change your behavior, and whether you need a certain style of tracker enough to justify the cost. We find that getting competitive with friends can be a great motivator to rack up a few extra steps, or remember to put your tracker on in a morning.
For some, advanced features such as heart-rate tracking are going to be a must, though for others it could be seen as a quick way of draining your battery. The same goes for GPS tracking: if you mostly work out at the gym, it's probably not going to be worth the extra cost.
Whichever tracker you opt for, we hope it helps you achieve your fitness goals, whether you are training to run a marathon, or just being reminded to get up and move during Netflix binges.
7 Processed Foods to Never Feed the Kids
It may be easy to reach for one of these foods when your child is hungry, but have you ever really thought about what’s inside those processed convenience foods targeted at kids? Flip those colorful cartooned packages over and you’ll find almost as many artificial colors lurking in the ingredients. That list of ingredients is a long and confusing jumble of chemicals and carcinogens, like what you’ll find in these 10 cancer causing foods. Let’s take a closer look at what effects these foods are having on your child’s health, along with alternative choices you can make to safeguard their future.
1. Pepperidge Farm’s Goldfish
These fishies are a pantry staple in many homes with kids. I admit, I grew up on them myself. They appear healthy with a label that totes whole grain, real cheddar, and no artificial preservatives. However, a look at the ingredient list shows just why these unnaturally orange snack crackers should stay off of your child’s plate.
Enriched wheat flour might sound good, but it means so many natural nutrients were stripped away in the processed flour that things have to be added back in. The iron added is a metallic form that our bodies just can’t absorb fully. As for the folic acid, research now shows that the fortification of foods with folic acid is linked to cancer.
Moving on to the cheddar cheese–it’s not organic. That means the cows ate a diet of genetically modified grains and then produced milk for the cheese. We’ve already discussed the dangers of GMOs and the importance of organic dairy. Conventional dairy may also contain rbST, another Monsanto product. The cows are injected with this genetically engineered hormone to stimulate milk production.
It’s already banned in Canada, Europe, New Zealand, and Australia. The use of rbST, in turn, causes other health problems, such as mastitis, that need further treatment with antibiotics. This increases antibiotic resistance, a dangerous problem which is then passed on to humans. These are all reasons enough to flush these fish, and this is only the third ingredient. That cheese also contains annatto as a coloring agent. Although it’s from a natural source, the seeds of the achiote bush, annatto has been linked to irritable bowel syndrome.
Finally, the vegetable oils. Unlike olive or coconut oils that are extracted from pressing, vegetable oils are made in a very unnatural way. The oils are heated to unsafe temperatures, oxidized and then treated with petroleum solvents. Then the oil is treated with chemicals to make the color and odor of the oil more pleasant. On top of that, they are also made from GMO crops like corn and soy.
Better Alternative- Annie’s Organic Cheddar Bunnies
These certified organic and Non-GMO project verified snacks are an easy swap out to the familiar fish. Annie’s Organic Cheddar Bunnies do contain organic annatto extract. Annatto is actually found in most crackers, but you won’t find any of the other ingredients of concern above.
Best Alternative- Mary’s Gone Crackers
One of my favorite crackers, these are free of all the ingredients to avoid listed above. They too are certified organic and Non-GMO project verified. Mary’s Gone Crackers are made from organic brown rice, quinoa, and seeds, so they are also gluten free.
2. Kellogg’s Pop-Tarts
“Baked with real fruit” catches your eye on the front of the package, but turn it over and you’ll see a different story. The filling is about 10% fruit. So what’s in the other 90%? More enriched flour, soybean and palm oil, GMO after GMO, artificial colors, and so much sugar!
These processed pastries have dextrose, sugar, and both corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup. All made with GMOs, like the goldfish above. If you see “sugar” on the label, it comes from genetically modified sugar beets, not cane sugar like you may think. Refined sugars spike insulin levels and feed cancer cells.
Even that “real fruit” is still a cause for concern. The dried apples, strawberries, and pear are sprayed with pesticides. In fact, apples are the most contaminated item on the EWG’s dirty dozen list.
A common ingredient in food’s marketed towards kids and teens is artificial dyes and colors. These vibrant and fun looking colors are actually toxic chemicals that cause hyperactivity in children and allergies. This particular flavor of pop-tart contains Red 40, Yellow 6, and Blue 1. Yellow 6 might sound familiar, as it’s the dye that many petitioned to remove from Kraft Mac ‘n Cheese. The toxins in these dyes are known to cause cancer, hyperactivity in children, asthma, skin rashes, migraines and even affect your child’s learning ability. Most are already banned in other countries too. Caramel color, which has shown to cause lung cancer in mice with longterm exposure, also made it into this breakfast food.
Although this label doesn’t list monosodium glutamate, also know as MSG, it does list gelatin. This is used in the icing of the product and commonly contains MSG. This is linked to obesity, intestinal issues, migraines, skin rashes and brain damage.
Better Alternative- Nature’s Path Frosted Maple Brown Sugar Toaster Pastries
These breakfast pastries won’t contain any GMOs or persistent pesticides. Nature’s Path Frosted Maple Toaster Pastries are certified organic and Non-GMO project verified as well. They are also trans fat free. Although you will find caramel color, it’s organic class I. It’s the only caramel color that can be certified organic, and is minimally processed with limited additional ingredients.
3. Nestle Nesquik Chocolate Milk
Seemingly a healthier choice than soda and energy drinks, this is a deceptive beverage. It’s even a staple in school lunches. Aside from the aforementioned dangers of conventional dairy, this Nesquik is loaded with sugar. One bottle (listed as two servings) has a whopping 48 grams! Even if a child were to only consume half the bottle, that’s still double the recommended daily amount of 12 grams (3 teaspoons) of sugar. Research shows Excess sugar consumption leads to heart disease, diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, obesity, liver problems, and reduced brain power.
Natural and artificial flavors are towards the end of the ingredient list in this Nestle Nesquik Chocolate Milk. Don’t be fooled by the term “natural” because it has little bearing on if something is healthy. As for artificial flavors, they can contain hundreds of chemicals with side effects ranging from allergies to behavioral issues in children.
Carrageenan is a thickening agent used in many types and brands of milk. It has recently become controversial because studies on animals have shown gastrointestinal inflammation, intestinal lesions, ulcers, and malignant tumors. If you see carrageenan on the label, it’s also a possibility that it contains MSG.
Better Alternative- Organic Valley Chocolate Milk
Not only is this milk certified organic, it’s also fair trade. In the refrigerated version you’ll find no carrageenan or artificial colors and flavors. It is still a chocolate milk, so there is a high amount of sugar in this beverage. It’s easier to limit serving size with Organic Valley Chocolate Milk because it isn’t in a single serving size container. You can also cut it with plain milk.
4. Fast Food Kids Meals
The majority of kid’s meals are made up of a hamburger and fries, which we have already identified as cancer causing foods. Burger King still offers soda with their kids meal, even though other chains have eliminated it. Have you seen the ingredient list in these meals? A cheeseburger contains 70 ingredients! That Happy Meal being marketed to your child is not something you should be happy about. To go line by line with every ingredient in a Happy Meal would take a long time, but you can review all of their ingredients on their website. What I found in my research was non-organic meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables. All of these items contain harmful GMOs and pesticides. In a typical Happy Meal you will find 540 calories, 18 grams of fat, 0.5 gram of trans fat, 790 mg of sodium, and 32 grams of sugar.
What about skipping the burger and fries and choosing chicken? Well Chick-fil-A’s chicken contains MSG in their seasoning and breading. It’s also filled with GMOs, pesticides, and enriched flour, like nearly all of the foods on our list so far. McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets also contain the same things, although they don’t just come right out and say MSG. The natural flavors and seasoning are common ingredients where hidden MSG lies.
Better Alternative- Chipotle
This fast food chain’s motto is “food with integrity” and they are working to stand by this. Although their full menu is not organic or GMO free yet, they do have a detailed ingredient list which labels what items on their menu are organic or contain GMOs.
Best Alternative- Skip the Fast Food
It may seem obvious, but because over 80% of the commercial feed for animals is GMO, it’s difficult to eat out and avoid GMOs. Fast food is usually higher in fat, calories, and sodium than food prepared in our homes. You have complete control over what foods go into your home cooking, unlike what is prepared at a fast food chain.
5. Yoplait Go-Gurt
These yogurt tubes may seem like a healthier snack option when it comes to processed foods. A look at the ingredients shows the typical culprit of conventional dairy. Animal products are the first products you should be buying organic. Along with the genetically modified dairy you’ll find modified corn starch, which is also GMO. Go-Gurt also contains 2/3 of the daily recommended amount of sugar for children in just one tube. The thickener carrageenan, shown to cause intestinal problems in animals, is also used.
An ingredient we haven’t yet discussed is potassium sorbate. This preservative can cause allergic reactions, nausea, diarrhea, and even DNA damage. The convenience of a squeezable yogurt isn’t really worth all of those risks.
Better Alternative- Stonyfield YoKids Pouches
These yogurt squeeze pouches are an organic alternative to the above version. Since the dairy cows are fed an all organic diet, you don’t have to worry about contamination from harmful pesticides and GMOs. Another thing you won’t worry about with Stonyfield YoKids Pouches is artificial flavors or the preservative potassium sorbate. Flavored yogurts do have higher levels of sugar than their plain counterparts.
Best Alternative- Stonyfield Greek Plain Yogurt
This is yogurt at it’s purest and finest. It’s certified organic, high in protein, and low in sugar in relation to other yogurts. It might not be as exciting as squeezable flavored yogurt, but you can add excitement. Try blending it with fresh organic fruit to add sweetness and flavor. You can even freeze the blended mixture to create a healthy greek yogurt popsicle.
6. Kid Cuisine
You’ve seen these frozen tv dinners at the grocery store. They’re adored with cartoon characters and bright colors to catch your kids’ eye. After looking at the long list of ingredients on the package, I found a number of concerning components to this meal. Almost too many to name. Everything you see on the front of the package is GMO–all of it!
You’ll find trans fats in the mono- and diglycerides and partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. The package isn’t the only place you’ll find colors either. This Kid Cuisine has Red 40, Yellow 6, Blue 1,and Blue 2 Lake, and annatto. There is also MSG hidden in the whey protein concentrate, spice blend, natural flavors, soy protein concentrate, and carrageenan.
It might save some time to make this microwave meal, but it will cause more headaches than cooking–literally. In addition to headaches, it can also cause nausea, allergies, hyperactivity, chest pains, heart palpitations, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and more.
Best Alternative- Homemade
TV dinners just aren’t an easy thing to find when it comes to healthier eating. You can find organic components though. Applegate offers organic chicken strips, pair those with a side of organic veggies and a fruit for dessert, you’ve got a meal to please.
7. Hostess Twinkies
Hopefully this is not a surprise on the list. The twinkie has never really gotten a reputation as a health food. The ingredients include partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, shortening, and beef fat–all trans fats. It also has the usual offenders of enriched bleached white flour, high fructose corn syrup, dextrose, MSG, and artificial colors. That means over fortified flour, dangerous GMOS, and toxic food additives and colors.
Better Alternative-Arrowhead Mills Organic Vanilla Cake
If you have a child with a sweet tooth and need a twinkie alternative, try this cake mix from Arrowhead Mills. I recommend swapping the eggs and oil for organic applesauce to get a moist cake with fewer calories and fat. Bake into cupcakes and top with fresh organic whipped cream for more of a twinkie flavor.
Best Alternative- Skip the Cakes
Dessert doesn’t have to be part of every meal, but if your child wants something sweet, opt for organic fruit instead. It’s the ultimate convenience food, perfectly prepared by nature. The best part is, it only has one ingredient.
The majority of kid’s meals are made up of a hamburger and fries, which we have already identified as cancer causing foods. Burger King still offers soda with their kids meal, even though other chains have eliminated it. Have you seen the ingredient list in these meals? A cheeseburger contains 70 ingredients! That Happy Meal being marketed to your child is not something you should be happy about. To go line by line with every ingredient in a Happy Meal would take a long time, but you can review all of their ingredients on their website. What I found in my research was non-organic meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables. All of these items contain harmful GMOs and pesticides. In a typical Happy Meal you will find 540 calories, 18 grams of fat, 0.5 gram of trans fat, 790 mg of sodium, and 32 grams of sugar.
What about skipping the burger and fries and choosing chicken? Well Chick-fil-A’s chicken contains MSG in their seasoning and breading. It’s also filled with GMOs, pesticides, and enriched flour, like nearly all of the foods on our list so far. McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets also contain the same things, although they don’t just come right out and say MSG. The natural flavors and seasoning are common ingredients where hidden MSG lies.
Better Alternative- Chipotle
This fast food chain’s motto is “food with integrity” and they are working to stand by this. Although their full menu is not organic or GMO free yet, they do have a detailed ingredient list which labels what items on their menu are organic or contain GMOs.
Best Alternative- Skip the Fast Food
It may seem obvious, but because over 80% of the commercial feed for animals is GMO, it’s difficult to eat out and avoid GMOs. Fast food is usually higher in fat, calories, and sodium than food prepared in our homes. You have complete control over what foods go into your home cooking, unlike what is prepared at a fast food chain.
5. Yoplait Go-Gurt
These yogurt tubes may seem like a healthier snack option when it comes to processed foods. A look at the ingredients shows the typical culprit of conventional dairy. Animal products are the first products you should be buying organic. Along with the genetically modified dairy you’ll find modified corn starch, which is also GMO. Go-Gurt also contains 2/3 of the daily recommended amount of sugar for children in just one tube. The thickener carrageenan, shown to cause intestinal problems in animals, is also used.
An ingredient we haven’t yet discussed is potassium sorbate. This preservative can cause allergic reactions, nausea, diarrhea, and even DNA damage. The convenience of a squeezable yogurt isn’t really worth all of those risks.
Better Alternative- Stonyfield YoKids Pouches
These yogurt squeeze pouches are an organic alternative to the above version. Since the dairy cows are fed an all organic diet, you don’t have to worry about contamination from harmful pesticides and GMOs. Another thing you won’t worry about with Stonyfield YoKids Pouches is artificial flavors or the preservative potassium sorbate. Flavored yogurts do have higher levels of sugar than their plain counterparts.
Best Alternative- Stonyfield Greek Plain Yogurt
This is yogurt at it’s purest and finest. It’s certified organic, high in protein, and low in sugar in relation to other yogurts. It might not be as exciting as squeezable flavored yogurt, but you can add excitement. Try blending it with fresh organic fruit to add sweetness and flavor. You can even freeze the blended mixture to create a healthy greek yogurt popsicle.
6. Kid Cuisine
You’ve seen these frozen tv dinners at the grocery store. They’re adored with cartoon characters and bright colors to catch your kids’ eye. After looking at the long list of ingredients on the package, I found a number of concerning components to this meal. Almost too many to name. Everything you see on the front of the package is GMO–all of it!
You’ll find trans fats in the mono- and diglycerides and partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. The package isn’t the only place you’ll find colors either. This Kid Cuisine has Red 40, Yellow 6, Blue 1,and Blue 2 Lake, and annatto. There is also MSG hidden in the whey protein concentrate, spice blend, natural flavors, soy protein concentrate, and carrageenan.
It might save some time to make this microwave meal, but it will cause more headaches than cooking–literally. In addition to headaches, it can also cause nausea, allergies, hyperactivity, chest pains, heart palpitations, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and more.
Best Alternative- Homemade
TV dinners just aren’t an easy thing to find when it comes to healthier eating. You can find organic components though. Applegate offers organic chicken strips, pair those with a side of organic veggies and a fruit for dessert, you’ve got a meal to please.
7. Hostess Twinkies
Hopefully this is not a surprise on the list. The twinkie has never really gotten a reputation as a health food. The ingredients include partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, shortening, and beef fat–all trans fats. It also has the usual offenders of enriched bleached white flour, high fructose corn syrup, dextrose, MSG, and artificial colors. That means over fortified flour, dangerous GMOS, and toxic food additives and colors.
Better Alternative-Arrowhead Mills Organic Vanilla Cake
If you have a child with a sweet tooth and need a twinkie alternative, try this cake mix from Arrowhead Mills. I recommend swapping the eggs and oil for organic applesauce to get a moist cake with fewer calories and fat. Bake into cupcakes and top with fresh organic whipped cream for more of a twinkie flavor.
Best Alternative- Skip the Cakes
Dessert doesn’t have to be part of every meal, but if your child wants something sweet, opt for organic fruit instead. It’s the ultimate convenience food, perfectly prepared by nature. The best part is, it only has one ingredient.
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