Last week we concluded our organic talk by diving deeper into sustainability using fish as our example. At that time I promised you we were done with organic but I lied – sorry! I need to clarify one more thing - my Dole comment. Over this past week some readers have voiced their confusion over my comment since I did not explain myself very well, so here is my explanation:
Read MoreThe whole premise surrounding organic food makes it really tough for consumers and nutrition expects because there is no clear consensus for what to do. Even as I’m writing this I’m telling you two different things because I’m also conflicted. I don’t want to tell you not to eat organic food because some of it is better for the environment or promotes fair trade between the farmer and consumer. But on the other hand some organic products are a huge marketing ploy, for example Dole bananas. Here’s my advice – eat more fruits and vegetables whether it be organic or not. Try to buy local or sustainable products and just be more conscious regarding where your food is coming from. One step at a time - right?
Read MoreA lot of consumers think organic food is healthier for us because it doesn’t contain pesticides, it has more vitamins and minerals, and it promotes the development of a community. Unfortunately, consumers are misinformed because organic food CAN contain pesticides, it does NOT contain more vitamins and minerals, and in some circumstances it can actually be worse for the environment - all the wrong ingredients for developing a community. So, if organic is not the answer then what is? Sustainability!
Read MoreWarning! For the next couple of weeks I’m introducing politics into Food Yourself only because I feel organic foods are misunderstood. Consumers truly believe that ‘organic’ foods are healthier, safer, and better for the environment, but unfortunately I don’t buy it. For the next couple of weeks I’ll tackle these assumptions, and hopefully lead you down a path towards sustainability rather than suckerville.
Read MoreI know you’re out there…all you pill poppers who love to take endless amounts of vitamins and minerals…but the question is are they all necessary? A couple of weeks ago we talked about omega 3 supplementation and I promised you a post on multivitamins, so here it is. Plus this also gives me the chance to tackle a reader’s question on protein powder.
Read MoreValentine’s Day is just around the corner, so why not surprise your loved one with a basket of nutritious red strawberries? What’s that? Did I hear you say strawberries aren’t in season? Well, did you know that frozen strawberries could actually be more nutritious than fresh strawberries? Can’t beat the gift of health!
Read MoreNow that you know heart-healthy fats exist, adding flavor and texture to your food while providing energy and vitamins to your body, I thought this would be a good time to introduce you to my two friends omega-3 and omega-6. Both of these guys are essential fatty acids. ‘Essential’ means you need to eat foods containing these two fatty acids because your body is unable to make them by itself.
Read MoreIs it just me or is buying a loaf of bread getting really complicated? I have to admit, I grew up eating boring old brown bread, but the moment I moved out I made the switch to white. I tricked myself into believing that the nutrient content was the same and it was just the big bad food companies trying to confuse us…well it looks like my parents were right all along – don’t you just hate that!
Read MoreIn 2009, approximately 2.5% of adults in the United States and 4% of adults in Canada followed a vegetarian diet. Additionally, 20 to 25% of Americans reported eating at least 4 meatless meals a week. Vegetarianism has been growing in popularity due to consumer concerns surrounding the economic and ecological impact of eating meat-based diets. So, what are the alternatives? A recent reader expressed her interest in fake meat, which unfortunately is not the answer to a meatless meal, so I’ll spend some time here discussing meat alternatives.
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