The Food Nazi Rant: Refined Foods

When I first started dating Drew, my mother-in-law referred to me as the "food Nazi."  And rightfully so. There are so many chemicals, pesticides, antibiotics, hormones, preservatives, and artificial ingredients added to our food and I try to be very conscious what I put into my (and my family's) body.  Did you know that our children (that is, kids being born today) are the first generation that is not expected to outlive their parents?  Isn't that alarming?  And I firmly believe that the food we eat plays an enormous role in that statistic. 

We first started eating healthier by choosing organic fruits and vegetables, which are grown without the use of pesticides.  Exposure to pesticide residues not only impairs the immune system, but increases the risk of many cancers and neurological problems (such as Parkinson's disease).  (For a list of fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide concentrations click here. It is estimated that if a consumer avoids eating non-organically grown produce on this list (the "Dirty Dozen"), pesticide exposure can be reduced by up to 80%).  We also choose dairy, meat, poultry, and egg products that are organic (no hormones, antibiotics, or pesticides) and beef that is grass fed (cow's that are grass fed instead of grain fed have a lower overall fat content, higher omega-3 levels, and less risk of pathogens).

I thought that by switching my diet to consist primarily of organic foods that I was covering all of the bases.  Boy, was I wrong.  You can eat 100% organic but if you're still eating processed foods high in sugar and fat (and low in nutrients) you're not only wasting your money, but you're killing your body.  One of the biggest culprits in society today is the use of refined foods.  Processed white flour ("enriched wheat flour") is missing the most nutritious and fiber-rich parts of the seed.  During the refining process nearly all of the vitamins and minerals, and almost half of the good fatty acids are lost.  In turn, what you are eating is effectively garbage, devoid of essential nutrients and fiber.  Your body is getting almost no fuel from these foods and instead tries to convert muscle and fat into energy. A diet of refined foods leaves you malnourished, constipated, enervated, and vulnerable to chronic illness.

Simple sugars and refined carbohydrates (white flour, noodles, processed foods, etc.) require little metabolism and enter the bloodstream rapidly.  The more refined foods you eat, the more insulin your body must produce to keep blood sugar levels at bay. Production of insulin promotes the storage of fat, which facilitates weight gain and elevated triglyceride levels, and can ultimately lead to heart disease. Over time, the pancreas can get so overworked that insulin production grinds to a halt and can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or even diabetes.

Many of the foods we eat today are made up of refined flour: pasta, bread, cereal, crackers, and almost everything that comes in a box or a frozen food container.  It's so easy to make the switch from white flour to healthier whole grains.  Make sure the first ingredient in your bread (or bagels, english muffins, etc.) and cereal says "whole" in it.  Switch from white bleached spaghetti to whole wheat or spelt pasta, it's just as good I promise!  You can also try other yummy whole grains other than the traditional wheat and brown rice.  Our new favorite is quinoa.

If you're still not convinced, check out this telling fact:  "During World War II, Denmark stopped refining flour, an action which was not accompanied by any other marked changes in living habits. Later it was found that the death rate had dropped and that there had been a marked decline in cancer, heart disease, diabetes, kidney trouble, and high blood pressure."  White flour is dangerous.  Do yourself and your family a big favor, and make the switch!