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What is Local Food?

Posted on July 25th, 2008 by joshua

You probably know how certain foods make you feel. The foods we choose, not only have an impact on our bodies but also on our environment.  Most people do not think about the energy and resources it takes to get the food to the table. Our food travels far and wide before it lands on our dinner table. This journey is referred to as food miles. The more distance the food covers the larger the impact on the environment. Think about it.

The cherries or corn you bought at your grocery store were not grown out back. They had to come from a farm hundreds or thousands of miles away. They probably traveled by truck or plane, which used fossil fuels. The same goes for meat. The corn that cows are fed require oil-based fertilizers. Before you buy meat, get to know where it came from. Get to know your local farmers or ranchers and look for meat that is grass-fed, certified organic and local, whenever possible. When food is locally produced and sold you cut energy use and leave a smaller impact on the environment.

Benefits of buying local food:

  • tastes better
  • supports local farm families
  • promotes environmental sustainability
  • fresher and contains less pesticide residue than regular produce

Check out more benefits on buying locally. 

 

 

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Joshua Rosenthal on Martha Stewart Living Radio

Posted on July 23rd, 2008 by joshua

 

Joshua Rosenthal, founder and primary teacher of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, will be a live guest on the Living Today show on Martha Stewart Living Radio Today, Wednesday, July 23 at 4pm EST.
In a live interview with host Mario Bosquez, Rosenthal will address the confusion people experience in deciding what to eat and also discuss the challenges and opportunities that exist in America’s current healthcare system.
Tune into Sirius Satellite Radio station 112 for tips on how to cater your diet to your individual needs, not based on any one theory or diet style. Learn to understand your cravings and why you crave certain foods. And discover other ways to nourish your life beyond the foods you eat.
 

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Crowd Out don’t Cut Out

Posted on July 21st, 2008 by joshua

 

The relationships we have with food are a lot like the relationships we have with some people. You may have those people in your life that do not make you feel good about yourself or cause unnecessary stress, but you cannot get rid of them because they have been present for a while.
 
The same goes with food. There are foods that taste good and have been a part of your diet for a while, but you know they aren’t good for you. Getting rid of these foods is like taking heroin away from a heroin addict. It can be very difficult to say goodbye to them.
 
There’s good news. You do not need to get rid of these foods completely, but rather bring in more of the good. We call this idea crowding out. It’s hard to eat five fruits and vegetables a day and binge on ice cream. Try incorporating more vegetables that are high in vitamins and minerals. The great thing is you can eat a lot of them without gaining weight! If you fill your body with healthy-nutrient dense foods it’s only natural that cravings for unhealthy foods will lessen substantially.
 
It may be helpful to organize your day so those healthful foods are easily accessible, especially when you feel like snacking at work or when you are traveling. Then you can make it to your evening meal without impulsively eating junk food because that’s the only thing available.
 
This change will not happen overnight, but over time you will notice that you are able to crowd out those foods that do not provide the valuable nutrients. This natural process will lead you to notice that by slowly crowding out you will not feel deprived.
 
Have you tried to crowd out a food? How did it make you feel?

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The World of GMOs

Posted on July 18th, 2008 by joshua

 

Many experts estimate that about 70 percent of the foods in grocery stores in the U.S. and Canada contain genetically engineered ingredients, most commonly referred to as genetically modified organisms (GMOs). A GMO is any organism in which the genetic material has been altered or shuffled around in a way that does not occur naturally.
 
This technology allows individual genes to be transferred from one organism to another. GMOs on the market have been given genetic traits to provide protection from pests and diseases or resistance to pesticides, or to improve the quality of the crop. The most prevalent GM crops were created to resist harsh chemicals. Farmers who use GM crops can spray their fields to kill everything growing in the area except the food crop. Imagine what is being killed in our bodies when we eat these foods.
 
The most common genetically engineered crops in the United States, which is the largest grower of GM crops in the world, are canola, corn, soy and cotton. Genetically engineered soy, corn and canola are used in many processed foods, but the government does not require labeling of these foods and regards these foods as generally safe. During the past decade, food safety experts have identified several potential problems with genetically engineered food crops, according to reports from the Union of Concerned Scientists. These problems include negative health and environmental effects.  To avoid these foods, be a food detective. Look for labels that say “GMO free” or organic.
 
To learn more about the GMO industry, check out this French documentary called "The World According to Monsanto" about the agricultural company Monsanto and genetically engineered foods they create. Check it out now, it may not be available to view for much longer. The topic of GMOs is still very controversial and this movie exposes information about this mammoth industry.

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Water: The Necessary Ingredient

Posted on July 16th, 2008 by joshua

 

The body is 75% water, so it makes sense that this essential fluid must be continually replenished. We can go for a month without food, but we can live only two or three days without water. But how much? Eight ounces? Six ounces? It is confusing! People typically just don’t drink enough water, but it’s important to realize needs will differ from person to person.

Dehydration is one of the primary causes of cravings. The body doesn’t send the message that you are thirsty until you are on the verge of dehydration. When you feel hungry, and before you grab an unhealthy treat, drink a full glass of water. Then touch in with yourself to see if you are still hungry. If you’re excessively thirsty, ask yourself if you’ve been eating a lot of salty foods or dry, baked flour products. Many physical problems, including headaches, urology problems and kidney stones, are also a result of chronic dehydration.

Keep a bottle or cup of pure spring water with you and sip it throughout the day. As you drink, notice how your body responds. When you start to consume more water you will begin to crowd out beverages like coffee and soda and it may also improve your health in other ways.

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The Buzz on Caffeine

Posted on July 14th, 2008 by joshua

Millions of Americans jump-start their days with a cup of coffee, and then drink another cup or two or three throughout the day. Starbucks stores and others have proliferated throughout the country and throughout the world. More and more people try to move faster and faster to keep pace with the increasing demands of modern society. Not surprisingly, coffee represents 75% of all caffeine consumed in the United States.

 
Drinking coffee isn’t just a matter of personal taste. It has become a cultural habit, an entertainment and a form of comfort. It’s warm, it’s foamy; and it tastes good with sugar, chocolate powder or cinnamon on top. It’s an enjoyable social moment, a ritual and a symbol of dynamic, busy, working people.
 
Coffee producers spend a lot of time and money to reassure the American public that drinking coffee isn’t bad for their health. A recent New York magazine article acknowledges that media sends Americans mixed messages on how good caffeine really is for us. Here are two headlines highlighted in the article: “Caffeine may help prevent autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis,” and “Drinking moderate amounts of coffee is believed to slash rates of Parkinson’s disease.”
Caffeine, the essential ingredient of coffee, is said to enhance alertness, concentration and mental and physical performance, and its negative side effects are downplayed. But coffee does have some health risks. It inhibits the absorption of essential minerals, such as iron, magnesium and zinc, as well as B vitamins. Many studies have also linked heavy coffee consumption with higher risks for miscarriages, osteoporosis and heart disease.
 
Do you rely on coffee? How does your body react to caffeine?

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Healthy Diet + Exercise = Better Work

Posted on July 11th, 2008 by joshua

 

Which profile best fits you?
A) Wake up, exercise, eat a well-balanced breakfast, then head off to work.
B) Rush to work without breakfast, work until lunch, grab a slice of pizza and then back to work until it’s time to go home.
A recent Washington Post article says if you fit profile A, you will be more productive in the workforce than if you fit profile B. Think about it.
Our bodies are made to move, so the more active you are the more likely you are to stay energized and focused throughout the day. And while, the occasional piece of pizza will not hurt you, remember to think each day about the kind of food that will fuel you.
It really doesn’t matter when you exercise, the important point is to find exercise you love and do it consistently. Consider what time of day is best for you to get physical activity. Some people prefer to exercise first thing in the morning, while others prefer to later in the day.
No one right way of eating or exercising works for anyone. When you find what works best for you, your health will improve and so will your productivity at work. And your boss may thank you.

Tags: Career, Food, Healthy Tips, Primary Food // Add Comment »

Spotlight on Madonna

Posted on July 9th, 2008 by joshua

 

If you are one to read gossip magazines or websites, you are privy to the latest celebrity diets, workout routines and relationship news. America was intrigued when Oprah went on her 21-day vegan cleanse. More celebrities are trying on different diets to see how they feel throughout their hectic days. Some may think these vegan, vegetarian diets and cleanses are extreme, but so is a high-profile lifestyle.
Lately, media has swarmed Madonna about her relationships—hey, at least she’s exploring what nourishes her in that area of primary foods—but years ago when she told America that she was following a macrobiotic diet and converting to Kabbalaism people questioned her sanity. Was this Material Girl just out to get more attention?
Macrobiotics may seem extreme to some, but if you look at the roots it is really about simplifying and taking food in its most natural state, which may benefit such a high-profile celebrity like Madonna. Translated, literally, macrobiotics means “great life,” promising longevity, peace of mind and optimal.
The basic foundation of a macrobiotic diet is to eat local, whole and traditional foods in accordance with your bio-individual needs. Macrobiotics has a reputation of being a strict diet. It can be, but that really depends on how you practice it. But the idea of simplifying and bringing peace of mind could be really beneficial for someone as busy and in the spotlight as Madonna.
With the combination of a healthy, simple diet and her spiritual practice, no wonder Madonna has been a superstar since the 80s.
As more celebrities try out new eating habits more Americans are inspired to change theirs. How could a healthier way of eating support your busy life?

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What’s for Breakfast?

Posted on July 7th, 2008 by joshua

 

People always say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Americans love breakfast food, like eggs, bacon and home fries or pancakes topped with butter and whip cream. On the other hand, some people feel like they are too busy to eat breakfast. Starting your day with the fuel that works best in your body can set the tone for your whole day.
 
A recent post on the Yahoo! food blog unveiled the horrid facts about “fat-inducing” breakfasts that are available at breakfast food chains. Have you ever thought about how you feel after you eat breakfast at IHOP or McDonalds? Or when you cook breakfast at home?
 
What is your favorite breakfast? Try expanding your idea of what breakfast should look like. It doesn’t have to be fruit and cereal or waffles and eggs. Vegetables, whole grains, fish and other highly nutritious foods can be eaten at any time of day, including in the morning. Check out our breakfast recipes for ideas, they are simple to prepare and will help broaden your breakfast palette.
 
Once you get into a healthy breakfast habit, you will see the benefits and a healthy morning meal will naturally become part of your day.
 
If you are not sure what type of breakfast is right for you, try experimenting. Explore eating a different breakfast every day for a week.
Day 1: scrambled eggs
Day 2: scrambled tofu
Day 3: oatmeal
Day 4: boxed breakfast cereal
Day 5: muffin and coffee
Day 6: fresh fruit
Day 7: fresh vegetables
 
Jot down what you eat and how you feel, both right after the meal and then again two hours later. Which breakfast foods worked best for you?
 

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Happy Independence Day!

Posted on July 4th, 2008 by joshua

 

Happy Independence Day! As we celebrate America’s freedom, take a moment to think about the freedom in your life? Are you doing what you want to be doing with your life? Is anything holding you back and preventing you from living life freely, like your job or a particular relationship?
My father has a bumper sticker on his car that says, “This is your life, not a dress rehearsal.” I love this idea. Take on your dreams. Don’t wait for next month or when you lose 20 pounds or for the kids to be older, start now. I encourage you to check in with where you are and where you want to be. Take some time to do a visualization exercise and ask yourself these questions:
Where do you want to be a month from now? In six months? Next year? In 10 years?
Acknowledge yourself today for who you are and what you have done so far. Now go out and celebrate!!
Treat yourself to a refreshing, festive dessert:
Mango Blueberry Sorbet
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: None
Yields: 6 servings
 
Ingredients:
1 bag frozen mango
1 bag frozen blueberries
1 tablespoon agave syrup or honey
¼ cup apple juice
 
Directions:
·         Put all ingredients into a blender or Vita-Mix.
·         Blend until creamy, about one minute. You may have to scrape down the sides of the machine a few times if using a regular blender.
·         Serve immediately.
·         Place the rest in a Tupperware in the freezer to enjoy later.
 
Notes: You can use any frozen fruit you like or freeze fresh fruit such as bananas and strawberries.

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