Me Stomach

The differences between a vegan and plant-based diet

2019-01-10T12:51:00.000-05:00

By Julia Aspen, Sponsored by Independence Blue Cross

Pixabay/Pexels.com

As more people begin embracing healthy lifestyles, diets consisting of “ whole foods” and plants have become increasingly popular. Widely observed events like “Meatless Monday” are evidence of this growing trend. There is a difference, however, between what is considered a plant-based diet focused on whole foods and a traditional vegan diet.

What to know about going vegan

People who commit themselves to a vegan diet do not eat any animal-based products whatsoever. This means that vegans abstain from eating foods like meat (including seafood and shellfish), dairy, and eggs, as well as products derived from animals, like honey and gelatin.

Vegans generally see their preferences as a lifestyle choice rather than simply a diet, and this is the core difference between veganism and a plant-based regimen. For example, vegans not only refrain from consuming animal products – they also avoid things like leather, beeswax, and any product that has been tested on animals. Veganism is a philosophy, or a way of living, rooted in a general desire to exclude all forms of cruelty to and exploitation of animals for any number of things, from food to clothing to skincare items.

Just because someone maintains a vegan diet, however, doesn’t mean they are practicing healthy eating habits. Many highly processed foods that contain lots of sugar and carbohydrates are still technically vegan, yet they don’t contain the raw plant power typically associated with a vegan lifestyle.

The ins and outs of a plant-based diet

A diet based solely on plants is similar to that of a vegan diet in that both exclude animal products altogether. In addition to cutting out animal foods and byproducts, those who choose a plant-based diet also tend to avoid processed and overly refined fare for nutritional and environmental reasons. Fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds are all naturally occurring substances, and are therefore fair game for anyone who subscribes to a plant-based routine.

Why the difference matters

A person’s diet is often deeply important to who they are and what they stand for. Because it can be such a personal matter, your diet can even be strongly tied to your identity. For most vegans, it’s not a matter of not being able to eat animal products. Rather, it’s a matter of making the conscious choice not to do so. Regardless of the various reasons behind someone’s choice to be vegan (or vegetarian), it inevitably becomes part of their identity.

Setting aside any personal reasons for going vegan or switching to a plant-based diet, there are also a slew of health benefits, as well. Recent studies show that swapping animal protein for plant protein can reduce your chances of heart-related illness, including coronary heart disease, as well as many risk factors that lead to diabetes.

Whether you opt for a vegan lifestyle for humane or environmental reasons, or if you want to give a plant-based diet a try when setting new health goals, maintaining a healthy balance in what you eat is the key to success. If you’re thinking about going vegan, or even if you’re simply trying to integrate more fruits and vegetables into your daily meals, it’s important to make sure you continue to nourish your body and get the vitamins and minerals you need to feel your best.

For additional guidance on adopting a vegan or planted based diet, consider nutritional counseling to help you make a healthy transition. If you’re an Independence Blue Cross (IBX) member, you can consult with a registered dietitian up to six times each year at no cost. Search for a participating registered dietitian using IBX’s online provider directory.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information on this web site is for general information purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or health care provider on any matters relating to your health.

I have a Food Addiction!

2018-10-21T14:18:00.000-04:00

It has been awhile since I've been here. Still struggling to get that BMI down. I realized today have the only addiction I've ever had and it is food.

As long as am in control, I'm ok. But once the triggers hit, I have a hard time stopping. Typically I fast a lot, because that is the only way I know how to control the addiction. The other downside, food just sticks to me. Even with all the exercising. I can't even imagine if I didn't exercise, I would be even bigger.

I'm not giving up and recognize the challenges, especially with the holidays coming. Other foodies don't understand why you don't want to indulge. I have willpower and not giving up.

See yo soon!

In the latest issue of Atlanta MultiSports Magazine!

2016-07-07T15:31:00.000-04:00

Honored to be in the latest issue of Atlanta MultiSports Magazine. Digital copy out now and on newsstands.

Putting in some miles!

2016-07-07T15:22:00.000-04:00

Since May, I have been riding in some charity rides. I did the ALS ride which was around 56 miles. I rode for American Cancer, 30 miles. I rode 30 miles for Stockton University's college scholarship foundation ride. Next ride is July 17th, for children of fallen police officers. It will be 66 miles.

The month of June was the Great Cycle Challenge to raise money for Children's cancer. The goal was 100 miles and I ended up doing 332 miles plus raised money

Pictures below of some of the rides.

In historic first, FDA approves genetically altered salmon

2015-11-20T06:13:00.002-05:00

Here is another reason to read labels!

If you want to find the latest thing approved by the FDA, don't bother with the pharmacy. Try the fish freezer.

The AquAdvantage Atlantic salmon has made history – along with a generous serving of controversy — by becoming the first genetically engineered food animal approved for sale in the U.S. Genetically modified fruits and vegetables have been sold for more than 20 years.

Because of its genetic modifications, the Food and Drug Administration said the new variety of salmon "meets the definition of a drug."

The AquAdvantage contains a gene from its close cousin, the Chinook salmon, as well as a bit of molecular machinery, takenfrom the ocean pout fish, which turns on the growth gene year-round, instead of only in the warmer months. The added genetic material helps the AquAdvantage salmon — produced by AquaBounty Technologies, a Massachusetts biotechnology company — grow twice as fast as ordinary farmed salmon, even though they eat 10% less food.

Those traits offer clear advantages for fish farmers. The decision will have much less of an impact on consumers, said Gregory Jaffe, director of the biotechnology project at the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

That's because the new salmon will make up a tiny fraction of the overall market, he said. In general, genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, offer the biggest benefits to food producers. While genetically modified corn and soy beans may save money for farmers, they don't lower prices enough for shoppers to notice a difference, Jaffe said.

Critics of GMOs – who are worried about the products' health and environmental risk – already are calling for a boycott, even though AquaBounty hasn't yet announced when its salmon will be available. Although the FDA has said that AquAdvantage is just as safe and nutritious as other salmon, some worry that scientists can't completely understand the potential health risks of GMOs, simply because they're so new. Others worry that the fish could escape their enclosures, contaminating wild fish populations.

The FDA has said AquaBounty's extensive containment system makes it "extremely unlikely that the fish could escape and establish themselves in the wild." The fish will be farmed in tanks on land, not in the water, in Panama and Canada.

Those assurances don't reassure everyone.

"Moms buy 85% of the food. If we don't buy it they can't sell it, regardless of the corrupt lawmaking," said Zen Honeycutt, founder of an advocacy group called Moms Across America, which opposes GMOs.

But boycotting AquAdvantage could be tricky.

That's because the salmon may not be labeled as genetically engineered. According to the FDA, there's no legal requirement for companies to label foods as genetically modified.

Consumers Union, the policy and advocacy arm of Consumer Reports, has called on Congress to pass legislation requiring such labels.

For now, people who want to avoid GMOs should look for products whose manufacturers label them as organic or non-GMO, Jaffe said.

Fish fans can also choose wild-caught salmon. According to the FDA, none of these fish have been genetically altered.

Here's How Much Mouse Poop, Maggots, and Cigarette Butts Are Allowed in Your Food!

2015-11-20T05:08:00.000-05:00

See for yourself in the link below!
Read it here

Great article on Vegan Meats and Meat Substitutes

2015-08-12T11:18:00.004-04:00

When I decided to give up meat, it was an impulsive decision that was many years in the making. You see, for most of my life I talked about wanting to be a vegetarian (I had not yet learned the term “vegan”) but I loved meat too much. It was what I ate at every meal every day. Then one day I watched a film about the animals that became the meat on my plate and I never ate another bite of any meat. That doesn’t mean, however, that I stopped loving the taste of meat or that I don’t miss it because over six years later, I still do. That’s why I make vegan versions of all my favorite meaty dishes. Because if I can have all dishes I love in a cruelty-free way, why wouldn’t I?

I make lots of veggie-centric dishes too but when I get cravings for something meaty, I turn to vegan foods that I can turn into delicious meaty meat-free dishes. There are lots of packaged vegan meats and meat substitutes you can buy but this guide is about using less processed foods to substitute for meat. I’m proof that it is completely possible to go from being a big meat-eater to a satisfied, happy meatless vegan. Here is the ultimate guide to vegan meats and meat substitutes.
1. Tofu

Tofu is a great substitute for meats including pork, chicken, beef, and seafood in recipes. It’s made from soybeans and is high in protein and calcium. Tofu has been a staple of Asian cuisine for ages, but most people think of tofu when they hear the words “vegetarian” and “vegan.” Tofu gets a bad rap as being soft, spongy, bland, and tasteless, but that doesn’t have to be true. Buy extra-firm tofu and press the heck out of it. Or, freeze it and then press it. Tofu can be as firm and chewy as meat. It also has an amazing ability to absorb flavors through spices and marinades, so be liberal with seasoning before cooking it. Read more about 6 Tips that Will Make You Love Tofu, 7 Steps to Make the Perfect Tofu Dish and Tofu: How to Avoid 5 Common Cooking Mistakes and then try these recipes: Crispy Tofu Nuggets, Tofu Pot Pie Casserole, Tofu “Shrimp” Scampi, Grilled Buffalo Tofu Po’ Boy with Apple Slaw, Badass Vegan “Fish” Sandwich, Vegan Tofu “Scallops,” General Tso’s Tofu and even Vegan “Liverwurst.” You can also learn How to Make Epic Vegan BBQ Tofu Wings and 10 Ways to Cook Tofu with Global Flavors.

2. Tempeh

Tempeh is firmer than tofu and has a more grainy texture. It is made from fermented soybeans and has a nutty flavor. It’s packed with protein as well as fiber, calcium, and vitamins. One of the advantages to cooking with tempeh is that you don’t have to press it. Just slice it, dice it, or grind it up in a food processor. If you find tempeh to be a bit bitter, however, try steaming it for a few minutes before using it. I find tempeh to be the perfect texture to emulate fish in recipes. It also is a great substitute for ground beef in chilies and other dishes. For tips on cooking with tempeh, check out How to Use Tempeh and What it’s Best Paired With and 6 Amazing Ways to Eat Tempeh. Try tempeh in these recipes: Tempeh “Fish” and Chips, Tempeh “Crab” Cakes, Tempeh “Tuna” Salad, Tempeh Piccata, Buffalo Tempeh Meatballs, Vegan and Gluten-Free Tempeh Meatballs, Vegan Tempeh Gyros, Butternut Squash Tacos with Tempeh Chorizo, Balsamic BBQ Tempeh Ribs, Vegan Sloppy Joes, Vegan Tempeh Reuben Sandwiches, and Gingery Maple Glazed Tempeh on Baby Greens Salad. For more ideas, check out 25 Super-Rad Recipes Made with Tempeh.

3. Seitan

If gluten is not an issue for you, turn to seitan for the most meat-like texture. Seitan is processed wheat gluten and it is a great source of protein. Depending on how you flavor it, seitan can be similar to chicken, beef, or pork. Seitan has a dense, chewy texture that can hold up to grilling, frying, braising, or anything else you want to do with it. You can buy it in stores, but don’t be intimidated. It’s not as hard to make seitan as you might think. Read How to Make Perfect Seitan and then try these delicious dishes made with seitan: Seitan Steak with Beurre Blanc Sauce, Seitan Pot Roast, Balsamic BBQ Seitan Ribs, Homemade Seitan Hot Dogs, Homemade Vegan Italian Sausage, Seitan Kebabs with Sangria Tomato Salad, Seitan Portobello Stew, Seitan and Mushroom Bourguignon, Seitan Wellington with Creamy Spinach Sauce, and “Chicken” Green Chili with Hominy Posole.

4. TVP

TVP or texturized vegetable protein is an inexpensive, easy to use ingredient. It’s dehydrated soy, and once you rehydrate it, you can do just about anything with it. It comes in granules or chunks. You can use it for ground beef dishes, to make cutlets, or delicious burgers and meatloaves. It is also listed sometimes as TSP or texturized soy protein. Get The Low-down on Textured Vegetable Protein (with Product Picks and Recipes!). Try this delicious vegan Irish “Lamb” Stew, this lovely Chik’n Salad with Cranberries and Pistachios, Tacos Sin Carne and Mini BBQ Soy Curl Taco Bowls with Pickled Onions.

5. Gluten-Free, Vegan Meat

When I became gluten-free, I really missed seitan. I searched the web for gluten-free seitan recipes, tried them all and was thoroughly disappointed. So I set out to make my own gluten-free version of seitan. That’s how my baby, V-Meat, was born along with its siblings, V-Chicken, V-Turkey, and V-Sausage. The recipe uses several different flours and proteins to make a vegan meat that has a texture similar to seitan and can be flavored multiple ways for versatility. It can be sliced, rolled, made into cutlets, chunks or links and can be used in lots of recipes. I have used it to make French Dip Sandwiches, vegan “chicken” and “turkey” cutlets, and even Thanksgiving dinner. Read Finally! A Gluten-Free, Plant-based Meat Recipe to learn how to make V-Meat and then check out the recipes for Gluten-Free Vegan Chicken and Gluten-Free Vegan Turkey.

6. Jackfruit

Yes, I said a fruit. Jackfruit may be a healthy tropical fruit, but its texture and mild taste make it a wonderful stand-in for meat. If you want the jackfruit to be chewier, just roast it on a baking sheet for 15 minutes. Other than a slight sweet taste, almost like pineapple, the jackfruit is pretty much a blank canvas, so you can use whatever spice and flavor panels you like best – Indian, Mexican, Chinese, etc. It can be used to make pulled “pork” or BBQ jackfruit. Learn all about it in Have You Tried Cooking with Jackfruit Yet? Get Started with These Recipes including my recipes for Jackfruit Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches and Jackfruit Ropa Vieja.

7. Mushrooms

When you want that savory, meaty taste, that umami, mushrooms are the way to go. Their flavor is rich, earthy, and meaty, especially cremini or Portobello mushrooms. They are healthy and filling and can replace meat in any recipe. They can stand in for meat to make Mushroom and Walnut Chopped “Liver” Pate or for sliced meat to make a Mushroom Philly Cheesesteak. Try mushrooms in this Mushroom Stroganoff or as a vegan “Lamb” Burger. You won’t miss the meat in these Portobello Mushroom Burgers, Portobello Wellington, Shitake Bacon, Garlic Portobello Meatless Balls, Mushroom Mutter Masala, and Portobello Mushroom Steaks. For more recipes, see 10 Delicious Ways to Cook with Mushrooms.

8. Lentils

Lentils have always been a stand-in for meat since the beginning of veganism. Lentils are hearty and can replace ground beef easily. Lentils come in a variety of colors such as green, red, brown, and black. They cook up quickly, are inexpensive, and a small amount goes a long way. Read 10 Delicious Ways to Eat Lentils and then try Red Lentil Burgers with Kale Pesto, Lentil Meatballs, Double Decker Lentil Tacos, Hearty Lentil and Brown Rice Burgers, BBQ Lentil Meatball Sandwich, Lentil Tacos, Lentil and Mushroom Shepherd’s Pie and South Indian Lentil Stew.

9. Beans and Legumes

Beans and legumes are inexpensive, healthy, filling, and there are so many to choose from: black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, aduki beans, navy beans, chickpeas, split peas, peanuts and black-eyed peas, to name just a few. Beans make hearty soups, stews, and chilis that will taste meaty without the meat. Read 10 Ways to Cook Beans with Global Flavors and then try Hearty Hoppin’ John Sliders with Lemon Aioli Sauce and Sauteed Greens, Hoisin Black Bean Burgers, Black-Eyed Pea Italian Sausages, Chickpea “Tuna” Salad, Three Bean and Sweet Potato Chili, Black Bean, Corn and Walnut Vegan Burger, Vegan Spicy Italian Sausage, and Kidney Bean Walnut Burgers with Mississippi Comeback Sauce.

10. Other Foods

Other foods that can substitute for meat include eggplant, cauliflower, potatoes, beets and coconut. Eggplant has a rich, meaty taste and it’s very versatile. If you think you’re not a fan of eggplant, read 10 Ways to Cook with Eggplant and then try it in these Eggplant Crunchburgers, Vegan Mozzarella-Stuffed Eggplant Meatballs, crispy Eggplant Fries with Marinara Dipping Sauce, and spiralized Eggplant Noodles. Cauliflower is highly underrated even as a vegetable but amazingly, it can also stand-in for meat. Read Do You Really Know How to Cook Cauliflower? Here are 10 Ways and then try Orange Cauliflower, Sweet and Sour Cauliflower, Roasted Buffalo Cauliflower Bites, and Cauliflower Piccata. Beets are nature’s candy. They are sweet and delicious and perfect for salads, but they have another side to them. Beets are also earthy and work well in savory dishes that usually have meat. Amaze your guests with a beautiful platter of Beet Carpaccio and then treat them to Roasted Beet Burgers with Cumin-Scented Ketchup. For more recipes, see 10 Ways to Cook with Beets. Potatoes are hearty, satisfying and versatile. You can mash them, fry them, boil them, bake them, or roast them. Turn them into burgers like this Spicy Potato Cauliflower Burger, Sweet Potato and Kale Patties and this Moussaka Burger with Béchamel Cheese Sauce. For more ideas, see 10 Global Ways to Cook with Potatoes and Got Sweet Potatoes? Here are 10 Ways to Cook with Them.

It is totally possible for meat-lovers to eat satisfying, meaty foods without giving up their healthy, compassionate plant-based diet. For even more tips and ideas, see 5 Tips to Make Meatless Food Taste Meaty, 10 Vegetables that Can Substitute for Meat, and 10 Vegetables You Can Make Burgers With. And when someone inevitably asks you why you’re vegan if you want to eat meaty foods, tell them it’s because you can be both compassionate and satisfied at the same time and that’s a win-win.

Beyonce Faces Backlash After News about Vegan Diet!

2015-06-09T14:16:00.002-04:00

The other day Beyoncé announced the news about how she keeps her weight off by being a Vegan. She received a lot of backlash from this due to the fact she still wears animal products. Another problem is people think she is just another celebrity marketing her new venture, The 22-Day Revolution. It could be true or not.

I have been a vegetarian for over 3 years and just last week was thinking about changing my diet to a vegan based diet. I didn't say I was going to become a total vegan, I said a diet based around what vegans eat. I think people should at least give a person a chance to become something compared to them lashing out because overnight you want them to become something you have been either your whole life or for many years. Its like telling someone that used to smoke that now is wearing a patch, they are still smoking!

Completed the TD Bank Five Boro bike ride!

2015-05-29T16:29:00.000-04:00

May 3rd, I completed the Five Boro ride in NYC. They shut down the streets and bridges. Over 33,000 bike riders participated. I loved it. See pictures below.

Vegan life

2015-01-30T00:43:00.000-05:00

I gave up meat 3 years ago and now ready to embark on my next journey. Going to give up diary, bread and sugar. Let's see how this works!

5 Vegan Staples for Beginning Vegans

Here at PETA, we meet lots of people who need help getting started on the path to kind cuisine. While any seasoned vegan will tell you that there are plenty of delicious, fresh, and creative vegan meals out there, we’re here to help with step one: getting the basics down.

Next time you’re mulling over recipes, writing up a shopping list, or preparing for a potluck, make sure that you have these five items on hand. We’ve chosen them based on their affordability, their versatility, and their health benefits. A win-win-winsituation!

Tofu

This versatile meat substitute can be seasoned as many ways as meat can be and can also be baked, fried, and grilled! If you’re super new to tofu, try lightly coating cubed portions of tofu with salt and pepper and frying it in a little oil in a pan.

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Beans

Beans are a popular college staple for vegans and nonvegans alike, and for good reason: They’re cheap and have lots of protein! For an on-the-go meal, use beans from a can. But if you want to keep things extra cheap—and get DIY points to boot—buy dry beans in bulk and cook them yourself. Like tofu, they’re very versatile.

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Grains

With beans come grains—usually rice. But if you’re new to the nonmeat world, you may not realize how many varieties of rice are out there. Wild rice, basmati rice, white rice, and brown rice all make excellent sides to round out a meal or serve as a base for a stew or stir-fry.

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For a little extra nutritional boost, try other grains—quinoa in particular. Dubbed “the mother of all grains” by the Incas, quinoa is a superfood. Exceptionally high in protein and a good source of dietary fiber, magnesium, iron, and calcium, it’ll fill you up and meet your nutritional needs.

Faux Milk

Soy milk is the darling of milk substitutes, but it’s not the only delicious option. Rice milk and almond milk are great, too, and typically are available without flavoring (which is great for cooking and baking) or with vanilla flavoring to give your cereal a little sweetness. You can even make it yourself if you’re up for the challenge.

Bonus: Unlike milk from animals—which is meant for animal babies (duh!)—soy, rice, and almond milk can be stored in your cupboard at room temperature until you’re ready to open them. So stock up!

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Seasonings

We’ve said it once, and we’ll say it again: Vegan foods can be prepped a lot like meat can—but without the inherent cruelty. To ensure that your diet is cruelty-free but flavorful, jumpstart your new eating aspirations with some seasonings. There are loads to choose from, but a few good starter seasonings include basil, cayenne, cumin, curry powder dill, garlic salt, and rosemary. To make your meals really pop, buy seasonings fresh at a farmer’s market or grocery store.

McNugget Secret Ingredient: Molded Chicken Mush

2014-12-10T05:10:00.000-05:00

The secret is out!

This is How Your Hot Dogs are Made [Video]

2014-06-17T05:51:00.000-04:00

Colonoscopy completed and the results are in!

2014-05-30T18:04:00.000-04:00

I received a clean bill of health! Don't have to get another one until 10 years from now.

Prep for Colonoscopy

2014-05-29T12:50:00.000-04:00

I'm typing as I seat! Just started the prep for my first Colonoscopy. Looking forward to getting it done. The plan afterwards is to try to eat as clean as possible.

Started T25!

2014-02-04T07:20:00.001-05:00

I started T25 on my birthday January 27, my 52 birthday! In one week lost 6.8 ibs and feel great! Stay tuned for my progress.

A New Year!

2014-01-10T10:11:00.002-05:00

A new year but still struggling! But I'm not giving up! 2014 is the year!

Another year past!

2013-09-29T10:49:00.000-04:00

Here we are 3 years later and still looking for the ABS! I'm still working hard and not giving up, they will appear in time!

Eating Tilapia is Worse Than Eating Bacon

2013-08-22T00:28:00.000-04:00

I’ve written before about the dangers of farmed fish. Most people agree that eating fish is a healthier option for us. And the truth is, it really is! Fish is a low fat, high protein food that has a range of health benefits. However, given what we know of fish and its sources today, I need to clarify the myth that all fish is healthy.

Fish may not always be good for you. Fish can either be incredibly healthy or detrimental to our health, depending on where it’s sourced. There’s a world of difference between fish caught in the wild, and farm bred or farm-raised fish.

The most common types of farm-raised fish are
Salmon
Carp
Tilapia
Sea bass
Catfish
Cod
Why is Farm Raised Fish So Bad for You?

1. Can Cause Inflammation

Farm raised Tilapia has always been a popular source for fish, not only because it’s widely available in the US, but it’s also very inexpensive. It’s known in the food business as “aquatic chicken” because it breeds easily and tastes bland. Tilapia is the perfect factory fish; it happily eats pellets made largely of corn and soy and gains weight rapidly, easily converting a diet that resembles cheap chicken feed into low-cost seafood. Recent studies have concluded that eating

Tilapia may worsen inflammation which can lead to heart disease, arthritis, asthma and a world of other serious health problems. People who have started eating more fish as a way to get their dose of omega-3-fatty-acids and lessen their risk of heart attacks should avoid Tilapia. In fact, scientists have found that the inflammatory potential of Tilapia is greater than that of a hamburger or pork bacon!

2. Contains Cancer Causing Pollutants

Farm bred fish may have at least 10 times the cancer causing pollutants compared to the wild variety. This can most likely be attributed to the feeds used on farm-raised fish. Chicken feces is one of the main ingredients in farm fish feed. Not only that, the transfer of pig and duck waste to fish farms is also a very common practice.

3. Contains Antibiotics and Pesticides

Where do farm bred fish get their antibiotics? The crowded conditions of fish farms cause the fish to be more susceptible to disease. To keep them alive, farm owners give antibiotics to the fish to stave off disease. Farm bred fish are also treated with pesticides to combat sea lice. The pesticides used to treat these fish are so deadly that they have been found to kill wild salmon that are accidentally exposed to them. These pesticides are also eventually released in the ocean where they get into the bodies and systems of other marine life.

4. Low Levels of Nutrients

Many of us consume fish, hoping to reap the omega-3 fatty acid benefits that come with it. However, did you know that the omega-3-acids found in farm raised fish are less usable to our bodies compared to wild bred fish, and they also have a lower protein content. Not only that, because farm raised fish are kept in cages, they have the tendency to contain more fat, and can have a higher concentration of omega-6 acids. The problem with getting too much omega 3 and omega 6 acids is that they may cause inflammation to the body

5. Contains Toxic Chemicals

Dibutylin levels (toxic chemical used in PVC plastics) is said to be 6 times higher in farm raised mussels compared to wild ones. Dibutylin is toxic and can impair immune system function while also contributing to inflammation. Dibutylin may be the reason why we’ve seen a rise in asthma, obesity, allergies and other metabolic disorders in the recent years.

6. Contains Even MORE Toxic Chemicals

Dioxin levels (toxic chemical) are 11 times higher in farm bred salmon compared to wild salmon. Dioxin is actually a very toxic chemical that can contribute to cancer and other complications. The problem with dioxin is that once it enters our system, it can take a very long time until it is let out. The half life of dioxin is about 7 to 11 years.

This is why I only eat Wild Caught fish like Wild Sockeye Salmon. Wild caught salmon is loaded with Omega-3 fats, EPA and DHA, and has incredible health benefits. Plus, Salmon contains astaxanthin (A metabolic building block) which has been shown to be 6,000 times more powerful than Vitamin D at absorbing free radicals.

To see all the fish I recommend, check out my free Healing Food Shopping List. If you’re not eating Salmon or another wild caught fish once daily, then I recommend taking a high quality fish oil that contains astaxanthin, like Oceans 3.

Where to Get Wild Caught Fish

1. Local Health Food Stores, Whole Foods. Be careful though, because “wild caught” can be a loosely used term, so ask. Kroger and Publix are starting to carry more organic and wild caught items.

2. Online. This works great for me because I know exactly where my fish is sourced from plus it shows up at my door. This is why I prefer to order wild caught fish online. I trust Vital Choice, it’s where I order my wild caught Salmon and other fish from.

How heart disease may led to James Gandolfni's death.

2013-06-24T10:00:00.000-04:00

James Gandolfini, the larger-than-life Emmy award-winning actor who played mob boss Tony Soprano, has met his end in Rome, due to an apparent heart attack. At age 51, his passing was entirely premature.
As Tony Soprano, Gandolfini insinuated himself into popular culture as the big, menacing, complex and implacable mobster who ruled his criminal empire with old-school, strong-arm tactics. But every tough guy knows that there’s someone – or something – tougher out there. For Tony Soprano, the hit man was likely heart disease.
The much-beloved Gandolfini was by all accounts a marvelous friend and deeply respected by his peers. He had a charismatic personality and a great sense of humor. He was also very overweight, a cigar smoker and a man known to remain at the dinner table until the last strands of pasta and crumbs of tiramisu had been taken care of. As Tony Soprano, he could menace just about anybody. But as actor Gandolfini, his lifestyle vulnerabilities made him an easy target for a highly efficient silent killer.

As famous as he was, Gandolfini’s death added only a tiny notch in the belt of the ultimate assassin: heart disease. Gandolfini was just one of the more than 600,000 people to fall victim to fatal heart disease in the U.S. each year. The difference between Gandolfini and all other victims of cardiovascular disease is that he was globally famous.

What we can learn from a meteoric life - lived large and ended too soon - is that no matter who you are, no matter how famous, rich, awarded and popular you become, heart disease can get you.

Obesity is associated with increased rates of heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure and arterial disease. Tobacco smoking is also a major cardiovascular risk factor. Consistently large eating habits can lead to a large coronary event. Gandolfini did it all: lived too heavy, enjoyed his fine cigars and packed in the food. Like a recipe for a perfect marinara, Gandolfini’s life was a perfect formula for a heart attack.

At this point in time, the rules of cardiovascular health are fairly well understood. Eating foods low in fat, exercising daily, eradicating any and all smoking from your life and reducing stress are all factors in maintaining a healthy heart and living longer.

Omega-3 fatty acids from fish appear to be significantly protective to the heart and eating lots of soluble and insoluble fiber helps to regulate metabolism, eliminate waste, control blood sugar and reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Herbs like hawthorn and green tea and supplements like OPC’s and Coenzyme Q 10 can help you to keep your heart healthier, longer. But lifestyle still matters most.

We become attached to celebrities in our imagination. We watch them perform, relate in various ways to the characters they portray, celebrate their on-stage victories and feel for them in their scripted defeats. According to those who knew him, Gandolfini was nothing like Tony Soprano. He was instead a softer, more thoughtful man and a highly driven actor who put his all into his performances and enjoyed a wide range of friends. And that makes his death even sadder.

Nobody here gets out alive. How long we get to stick around depends to a great extent upon how we live. Violate the fundamental code of healthy living and you’ll be taken out. Don’t let television characters, however tough they are portrayed, mislead you into thinking that anybody can sidestep the basics. We are all responsible to live out our days with care for our bodies. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating clean food and avoiding major health risks like smoking are all smart strategies.

James Gandolfini will be missed. The accolades will pour in. His family and friends will weep. The funeral will get international coverage. Talk shows will discuss him for weeks. Re-runs of “The Sopranos” will get a new life. But for the big mob boss whose giant personality dominated television for years, it’s closing time. Bye, Tony. We’ll miss you.

NO SUGAR!

2013-05-01T02:24:00.000-04:00

Been off meat for over a year, now it's time to eliminate sugar. Follow me and see how I do!

Vegan Mock Meats: To Eat or Not to Eat

2013-03-12T11:00:00.000-04:00

It's a cheeseburger! It's a hot dog! It's isolated soy protein?

The vegan diet is at an all-time high in popularity. With celebrities, ex-presidents and even Mickey Mouse getting his vegan fix on, the sales of faux meat-like substances are skyrocketing. 2008 saw more than $4 billion in soy product sales, often the main ingredient in mock meats. But are they really good for you?

Often called "transitional foods" and lauded by animal rights organizations such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) to lure meatheads into a satisfying cruelty free diet, there's mock chicken, turkey, sausages, chorizos, deli meats, even mock shrimp available; but some experts argue that these foods offer their own risks.

Consider the devastating loss of rainforest in Brazil due to farming soy or the toxic chemical hexane used in isolating soy protein, or even the excessively processed nature of mock meats which include lots of salt and a mash-up of unhealthy sounding ingredients. Top selling Boca Burgers contain hydrolyzed wheat protein, disodium guanylate, disodium inosinate, methylcellulose and a 'non-meat' artificial flavor, according to their Web site. And Philip Morris, the giant tobacco company, owns them.

There's no question that adding more fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds is the healthiest diet choice. Treat mock meats like you would regular meats and eat them sparingly or not at all. Definitely stick with brands whose ingredients you recognize and can pronounce. If you do your homework, you can find meat alternatives that are far healthier than others (and certainly healthier than animal-based products.) Here's some faves:

Best of the Bunch

Field Roast: They make slices, roasts, meat loaves and sausages. They're wheat based, so if you're intolerant, you're out of luck. By far, they're the best tasting products available.

Sunshine Burgers: Sunflower seed veggie burgers? Yep. Light-years better than the soy burgers and count 'em, only five ingredients: ground raw sunflower seeds, brown rice, carrots, herbs, sea salt.

Tofurky: Inventors of the popular Thanksgiving feast, they use non-GMO ingredients and hexane free soy in their slices, tempeh and sausages too. Founder, Seth Tibbott, is about as genuinely awesome as they come. Imagine if your Dad embraced veganism and moved to Oregon to make faux turkey. Awesome, right?

Gardein: Oprah's Conscious Cook, Tal Ronnen, helped formulate these products, and while the ingredient list is a bit long, that's mostly due to the herbs and spices in the products. They're not organic, but they're made from real ingredients and a unique protein blend.

Meatless for one year!

2013-03-05T02:28:00.001-05:00

Since Feb 2012, I haven't eaten no meat or chicken. I can't say I don't miss it and it's hard when I'm around it. But I'm sticking to it. Follow my journey!

You wonder why fruit tastes so good!

2013-02-25T11:36:00.000-05:00

It's filled with SUGAR!

Juicing in 2013

2013-01-10T09:30:00.000-05:00

Received a NutriBullet for Christmas. I have been having so much fun with it. Juicing everything from kale, spinach and various different fruits. Weight should really drop now!

Obese people at 29% higher risk of premature death

2013-01-03T07:16:00.001-05:00

People who are obese have a 29% increased risk of premature death.
This could come as a wake-up call for 8 million women and 4.4 million men in India who are obese (body mass index of 30 kg/m2).
One of the largest analyses done - 100 studies that included 3 million adults - has found that obesity was associated with a significantly higher all-cause risk of death.
In this meta-analysis that looked at 2.7 lakh deaths that occurred in the US, Europe, Mexico, India, Israel, Brazil, Japan, Taiwan, China and Australia, researchers found a 18% higher risk of death for obesity - BMI equal or higher than 30 and a 29% increased risk of death among those whose BMI was higher than 35.
The study says that the presence of a wasting disease, heart disease, diabetes, renal dialysis or older age are all associated with an inverse relationship between BMI and mortality rate, an observation termed the obesity paradox.
Over one in 10 adults, who 20 years and above, are obese globally.
That's over half a billion people (205 million men and 297 million women were obese in 2008).
Researchers say excess bodyweight is an important risk factor for mortality and morbidity from cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers and musculoskeletal disorders, causing nearly three million deaths every year worldwide.
While the number of obese men in India increased from 2.3 million to 4.4 million between 1980 and 2008, the number increased from 2.1 million to 8 million among women during the same period
According to the study that was published on the January 2nd issue of the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA), "Estimates of the relative mortality risks associated with normal weight, overweight and obesity may help to inform decision making in the clinical setting."
Katherine Flegal, of the National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, conducted the study to compile and summarize published analyses of body mass index (BMI) and all-cause mortality that provide hazard ratios (HRs) for standard BMI categories.
All-cause mortality HRs for overweight (BMI of 25 and 30), obesity (BMI of 30), grade 1 obesity (BMI of 30-35), and grades 2 and 3 obesity (BMI of 35) were calculated relative to normal weight (BMI of 18.5-25).
The researchers found that the summary HRs indicated a 6% lower risk of death for overweight; a 18% higher risk of death for obesity (all grades), a 5% lower risk of death for grade 1 obesity and a 29% increased risk of death for grades 2 and 3 obesity.
Professor Majid Ezzati from the School of Public Health at Imperial College London had said, "Excess bodyweight is a major public health concern."
Now, India is in the grip of an obesity epidemic. Experts say the trend needs to be immediately arrested by taxing junk food, restricting food ads and making food labelling clearer.
A study that looked at the burden of overweight citizens in six countries - Brazil, China, India, Mexico, Russia and South Africa - has found that between 1998 and 2005, India's overweight rates increased by 20%. Currently, almost one in five men and over one in six women are overweight. In some urban areas, the rates are as high as 40%.
Published in the Lancet by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development ( OECD), the annual cost of broad-based prevention strategies tackling obesity and other health threats, such as alcohol consumption, smoking, high blood pressure and cholesterol, would be less than $2 per person per year in India.
Obesity is the root for several non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Another study in the Lancet predicted that by 2030, nearly 70% of all global deaths will be from non-communicable diseases like cancer, diabetes, and respiratory and heart disease. Of these 70% of fatalities, 80% will be in less wealthy nations like India.
According to WHO, NCDs - principally cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers and chronic respiratory diseases - caused an estimated 35 million deaths in 2005. This figure represents 60% of all deaths globally, with 80% of deaths due to noncommunicable diseases occurring in low- and middle-income countries, and approximately 16 million deaths involving people below 70 years.
The total deaths from NCDs are projected to increase by a further 17% over the next 10 years.
Up to 80% of heart disease, stroke and type-2 diabetes and over a third of cancers can be prevented by eliminating shared risk factors, mainly tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and the harmful use of alcohol.