The best magazine
While there are volumes of information on this subject, There are some common things that occur daily that is often swept under the rug, and even generally ignored by the public until something terrible happens, like a major recall or a massive sickness occurs.
Even then, what happens after it is all over, do they put a bandage on it or fix it permanently? One of the biggest things are fillers.
While companies use a variety of things to make products last longer, and taste better, one of the things that has been on everyone's agenda lately has to do with corn related products.
You have seen the commercials about the pros and cons of using corn as a sweetener, and additive and a preservative.
The thing to consider about corn is that it isn't unhealthy for the most part, otherwise we would all be dead.
The problem is the amount we consume on a regular day to day basis.
Many of us have some kind of corn related cereal product, corn flakes, or other sweetened cereal.
Then later on when you want a snack, you open a bag of corn chips, have some corn nuts, or other snack with corn sweeteners.
When it's dinner time, you eat meats that may contain corn as a filler, or that was eaten by the animal.
So during the course of the day, you may have eaten at least four or five different corn related products, and even more that you many not be aware of.
Many times, healthier foods are much more expensive than cheaper, fattier foods.
For people who don't have a lot of money to spend on groceries, how can they ever expect to eat healthier when these products are often twice as expensive.
Just look at an every day item that may be in everyone's household, margarine.
We use it to flavor our food, as an ingredient in cooking, and many other uses.
Any products that have low cholesterol, or zero trans fat, or even ingredients that promote good cholesterol, are often twice or even three times higher than the regular brands.
How can anyone who is on a fixed income afford that.
Unfortunately, manufacturer's are well aware of this and are geared that way, and know that the cheaper we buy the more profits they make.
As long as they have us tied in this way, the prices of healthier foods will never come down.
Ranchers and farmers who are in charge of our meat supply are not different.
Animals are kept in tight spaces, with little or no sunlight, no exercise, and are often fed will chemicals and additives to make them bigger.
Many different kinds of fillers are used, including corn and 'bone' meal.
Where do you think that 'bone' meal comes from? Dead animals of course.
You're older horse may not be going to the glue factory after all, but to feed your neighbors livestock instead.
It's no wonder we hear about animal diseases that cause meat products to be recalled.
And don't forget, some of your pet's foods may also contain these ingredients.
Fast food companies are no different either.
We see commercials all the time from many different restaurants, their catchy phrases like-'I'm - it!' as well as many others.
We see advertisements geared towards our children, drawing them in with kings and clowns, toys that can only be found in kids meals, and other young people eating their food products.
Do you know why you only see hot young people taking customer's orders in those commercials? Because if they showed some poor worker who is fifty pounds or more overweight from years of eating free and 'discounted' meals, you would probably run screaming into the night.
It's true, they do offer 'healthier' choices, but these are again, usually more expensive.
Plus it always seems that the more healthier choices they make available, the more discounted items are made available as well.
The competition for the biggest and baddest burger or sandwich is always happening, and the crazy combinations of ingredients can give you a heart attack just thinking about it.
It's no wonder our country has one of the highest populations of overweight and obese people in the world.
It's okay, because we as consumers can do things about it.
While you may not be able to win against these big corporations as a whole, there are plenty of ways you can protect yourself and your family.
Eating more meals at home rather than going out to fast food is a big start.
Don't worry, there are plenty of other people who will gladly take your place in line.
Researching what ingredients are in processed foods, and trying to purchase less.
Read ingredient labels on the things you buy.
Don't take printing on packages that say, low cholesterol, zero trans fat, at their word.
Whenever possible, pick the most healthy items you can, even if it's the healthiest of the cheapest.
Try to stay away from processed food items, like fish sticks, ready made burritos and things like that.
Other things that you can do is get out more.
Walk down to that burger place instead of driving once in awhile.
By a food sealer, so you can buy meat or other products in bulk and split them up at home.
Buy whole roasts, and ask the butcher to cut them into steaks or whatever.
99% of the time they will do it for free.
Buy a food dehydrator and make healthy snacks.
Even the best products like fruit rolls or nuggets or bars still have some kind of preservative in them to keep it fresh.
Dehydrators allow you to dry and preserve fresh fruit, vegetables, and a wide variety of herbs, so you know exactly what kinds of snacks you and your family consume.
Source: ...