Labels, Labels, Labels

     One of the most common aspects you hear about being health conscious, is reading the labels on what you're eating. And if you're the casual American, you'll think "Egh, I don't really want to" or "I don't care to" or you plain just don't do it because it's a chore to you, or your lack of interest on the subject. Everybody knows this feeling I'm talking about; it's not one I can explain in words well. Labels though, why are people telling you all the time to read them all? Well, for one, it's on your food, the stuff you eat and consume. I mean, that's a pretty good reason right? Well, that's a very baseline reason - the common sense reason, if you will. There are more serious reasons that you should be aware of; like the one's that they would rather you not to know. Do I have your attention yet?

     Companies are forced by the FDA to provide labels about what's in their products. For example, when you eat cereal, you can look on the side of the box and look at the ingredients of the cereal. These ingredients are put in descending order of how much of that ingredient is in that product. If it's the first ingredient, then it's the most abundant ingredient and vice versa for the last ingredient. A lot of times, when people try and be 'health conscious', they'll look at the ingredients and won't be able to pronounce or know what a lot of them are; so they drop the subject and continue consuming it. That's where a lot of people go wrong! Don't people realize, that if you can't pronounce or are knowledgeable about what they're reading, it should send up red flags?! Or at least make you research what that item is. This should concern people to a high degree. Some people figure it's above what they should know, so they don't worry about it. That's not true, you should always know what you're consuming, or at least have an idea.

     These foreign items you can't read are more than likely Genetically Modified or commonly known as GMO's. The original, natural food has been tampered with in some way; maybe added to, taken from, or has chemicals in it. One of the most common chemicals now, that's in absolutely everything is MSG, or Monosodium Glutamate. Another is Aspartame, that's in my mother's beloved Diet Pop. Chemicals like these are extremely hazardous and toxic to your body, and should be cautioned. Personally, they should be banned. They have no benefits to them, and do nothing but harm your body in a multitude of ways (In which I will cover in their own posts).

     Companies definitely have "tricks of the Trade" however, and they can make their food seem harmless. One of these is the distribution of sugar between the ingredients. Sugar has a million different names, and tons of different compositions. A few are Sucrose (Table Sugar), Fructose (Fruit/Honey), and Dextrose (Corn Sugar/Grape Sugar). Some ingredients are High Fructose Corn Syrup, Brown Sugar, Corn Syrup, Refined Cane Sugar, Saccharine, Aspartame, to name just a few. Companies will add ingredients that have all have sugar in them; so "Sugar" isn't the first one on the ingredient label. A lot of times, they will put exotic or 'healthy' extracts, so they can put it on the face label and make their product seem beneficial to you. The truth is these are at the end of the list, meaning they have little to none of the ingredient. You're not going to benefit even a little bit from such a minuscule amount. For examples, Tocopherols, or Vitamin E, which is known to be powerful antioxidant is added to a lot of things. The front of the box will say "With Powerful antioxidants!" and people will flock to it, not knowing it's just a ploy. These 'better foods' are like a padding for the real hurt that's included in your morning breakfast. Companies will also 'hide' the bad ingredients, most of the time because people are uneducated about what they are. Nobody's going to see "Monosodium Glutamate" and think "Holy crap! I'm not going to eat this!!", they're going to say it's another chemical put in, and think nothing of it.

     A lot of chemicals put into food are preservatives, dyes, and hormones that are lethally toxic to your health. If people left the food alone, and in it's natural form, we wouldn't have to do anything to it, and we would get all the nutrients we need. On top of that, we wouldn't have all the horrible side-effects, health problems, and epidemics that exist now. Plus once more, eating right actually cures a lot of things. Why don't we do this? Because companies like Monsanto want to keep producing the addictive products that people consume daily, and making that cha-ching. People like them are taking the 'American Dream' and abusing it to the point where it shoves people in the ground. They are the makers of the dreaded "Aspartame" that's in Diet Pops and other items as a synthetic sweetener. All of these different chemicals and synthetic materials are incredibly toxic and cause such serious effects on your body. I could go on for years about how bad these chemicals and fake nutrients are! It really grinds my health nut gears.

   
     In future posts, I will explain these different chemicals, items on the labels like, Trans fats and Monounsaturated fats for example. I don't want to cram everything into one post, that's pointless, and my followers (if I have any) won't get anything from it.

     Read the labels that's on the food you consume, be educated about what you're reading,  and be aware of what is really going on in the world. Not everyone is out to do good, for everyone's benefit. Greed is a powerful force, and one that is hard to overcome. Don't be fooled by another's greed, spoil their mission, and make decisions for your own behalf. Don't be a sheep that follows the wolves, be a wolf that follows it's instincts.

Sincerely,

A Dreaming Dietitian

Plants Eating... Plants?

     I'm sure that everyone is tiresome of my life events, so I'm going to post something actually useful. I am a person that loves Nutrition, Biology, & Chemistry. Naturally, you would presume that I would demonstrate that in my life in some way. I have pets, a fish tank, made a Nutrition Organization, and I also love to raise plants; of all types. I love to grow anything that provides benefit; fruits, vegetables, herbs, and medicinal plants. It's awesome to see plants germinate, grow, and the yielding of maturation. It's such a great feeling when you raise something and it provides something free, that you don't have to buy. It kind of sounds silly, but puts such a smile on my face.
     With that being said, I hate to waste food. When I cook eggs, I keep the eggshells; when I eat bananas, I keep the peels; when I eat bell peppers, I keep the stems and cores. I chop everything up, and put them all in the soil. However, recently, I had a lot of vegetables & other things in the fridge, and we also had a terrible ice storm that took out our power for three days. You all can imagine that everything in it went bad or at least was not good enough to eat. I took all this stuff tonight, and put it in my Ninja Blender (which is absolutely amazing, by the way!!) and basically made a 'Super Food' type paste for my plants. Think about it for a second.. there are still nutrients in all of these vegetables, the food just doesn't taste good enough for you to eat. Most people would just throw it away, but it can be put to such good use for your other plants! Why not provide your plants with a grand amount of nutrients?? It's basically liquid compost. not only do I want myself, and others to have great nutrition, I also want the live organisms I take care of to live perfect nutrition too.
     This was the first time I've ever made a paste before, but it worked out very well and I was very satisfied with it! With everything I put it in it, I ended up making about 64 ounces, or about 8 glasses. I poured it around the soil of all my plants and stirred it in.

How to compile easy food scraps:

• Keep banana peels
• Keep Peppers cores and stems
• Keep eggshells
• Keep older food
• Keep basic table scraps (Nothing mixed in)

How to store:

• Keep them in a plastic bag
• Put them all in one place
• Make sure it's covered because fruit flies will gather
• Outside if you'd like

.

     All organisms should get the best nutrition, no matter where they lie on the totem pole in life; and nothing that can be consumed or used should be wasted. I will always do everything I can to accomplish these two things, and empower & educate others to do the same.

Sincerely,

A Dreaming Dietitian

The Christmas Day Adventure

     Today is CHRISTMAS. Woop Woop! Who doesn't love Christmas?! It's one of the greatest holidays of the year! People exchange gifts, make lots of food, and hang out with their family. People get new things, and are excited about extra money maybe. You exchange stories with your family, and have lots of laughs. It's definitely a great day all the way around!
     Every year, we usually have it at my house, however, this year it was at my grandparents house. Mind you, my grandparents house is two hours away in Harrison. THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE. NO wifi, middle of nowhere, NO tv; it's a horrid place. My cousin, Brent suggested that we drive together, and I was like, okay that's acceptable. We started by driving through a snow storm. Mind you, I hate driving in the winter at any time, because I had two close calls last year. Honestly, I'm very surprised I'm still alive to this day. I boldly accepted the challenge, and started driving. Of course, a blizzard started as soon as we started out. We were talking along the way, so it made it a little bit better. We eventually got there, after sitting for two hours and being nervous. The rest of my family got there, and we started conversating; the obnoxious laughing started; the inappropriate stories and comments; you know, the usual family time. We then proceeded to give out gifts. We hand out gifts for particular people, then we play the game where we pick a number, pick a gift from the pile. We used to play where you can steal another person's gift, but that got too cut-throat in mi familia, so now we voluntarily trade if we want to.
     I ended up getting a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card. Most of the gifts were gift cards or money, because we don't want anyone to be unsatisfied. Side note, my cousin also brought his puppy, and it's the coolest dog ever. Anyways, next was dinner. There was all the usuals, ham, potatoes, etc. It's great, and a home-cooked meal. Gotta love it. This kind of sounds like a repeat from my last post, but come on... it's Christmas day! We sat down, and exchanged stories and comments once more, and finally, I set the tone, and started to get up to leave. You see, how our family works, is when one person sets the tone to leave, the rest follow. We say our goodbyes, and now we're on the road againnn. The way back was a lot easier. At first we hit another storm, but after we got passed it, the roads were clear. We talked a lot more on the way back, and it was great actually. I finally dropped him off, and said my goodbyes to my uncles and cousins, and drive home. I am so incredibly tired from the whole day and from driving a 4 hour roundtrip. It was nice to see family though, and to spend time with them.

     I know this one isn't long, or maybe it's even bland, but I had to write about Christmas day, on Christmas day. I hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas day, and spent time with family, and that their Christmas was everything they wanted it to be.

Sincerely,

A Dreaming Dietitian

The Christmas Spirit

     Tonight is Christmas Eve; and this is the time of year that everyone experiences the time of joy, the hustle & bustle of last-minute Christmas shopping, and the Christmas Spirit. This is the time of year that family time is front page news, and to the forefront of everyone's priorities. Gathering around the table, your whole family, and a warm, home-cooked meal. The landscape is shimmering with beauty from the snow falling upon the trees, and the bitter cold eats away our bodily warmth - A gift, but a curse Winter is. Christmas cheer is in the air from all the attitudes of giving to others, giving people the feeling of satisfaction of their souls. Christmas music is on in every department store, and Christmas movies are on every channel. Who doesn't love "How the Grinch Stole Christmas", or my personal favorite song, "Carol of the Bells"? A lot of people love Christmas because of the spirit it brings, the attitude that falls upon the crowd, and for everything it represents. Many people love to give, like myself, to other people because they love to see the smile on their face or the happiness it brings them.
     Tonight, my mother, sister & her boyfriend went to my mother's boyfriend's house to spend Christmas Eve. Her boyfriend's two kids (daughter and son) were also there. It was a first meet for most of us, but it ended being quite a fun time. We sat around talking to each other at first, breaking the ice a little bit; which for me is not hard. I don't mind talking to anyone, even if I had just met them; I actually enjoy it. We joked around, talked about random things, a little about life - it was grand really. My mom and her boyfriend had been working with the dinner for a while now. Then finally, dinner had been served. It was excellent, and it came with my favorite thing - mashed potatoes. I absolutely love them! We also had Hawaiin rolls, the Honey Spiral Ham, cream corn, and greenbean casserole. For dessert, we had my favorite, and one of my mom's specialty, Oreo Cheesecake Pie. It was all delicious. On top of everything, I was drinking Pink Moscato. I love that Moscato. However, the brand of this wine was Barefoot, which isn't the highest quality, but cheap. It tasted like sparkling juice. It wasn't bad tasting, it just didn't feel like wine. I had quite a few glasses.
     After dinner, we played a game relative to Apples to Apples, but this game is called Cards Against Humanity. It's basically the rated R version of Apples to Apples. It can be a very offensive, dirty, and hilarious game. It's not for the easily offended,but it's my kind of game. It's up to my level, and can keep up to my face. We all had a very hysterical time; laughing so hard, we'll get abs the next morning; poking jokes at each other; and going with the adventure of the night. Everything was such a fun time, with fun people, and with family. After we finally called it for the game, we opened presents. Everyone got at least, if not two. My mother is a very generous soul, as she bought most of the presents handed out. I received a new scarf and dress shirt. I actually have my scarf on, while writing this.
     Now, about 6 years ago now, I made a tradition for our family, an Irish tradition. Your family gathers around the table and you fill up a shot glass, usually with Captain Morgan for us. Then I say 3 words in Gaelic, the Irish language - Love, Friendship, & Loyalty. They are the meanings of the Irish Claddagh ring. The three Gaelic words are Gra, Dilseacht, Cairdeas. Not everyone did the shot, but it still was achieved. After that, our night was ending fairly quickly, wrapping up on a good note. We said our goodbyes, and everyone ended up having a fantastic time. 
     As you become an adult, Christmas gets less & less magical it seems. Adult life takes over; commitments, meetings, jobs, and obligations. It just comes with the territory I suppose, no matter how sad it may seem. However, this night made some of the magic come back, with the family time & the time of giving. Some of the cheer has returned, and my Christmas spirit is flourishing back as well. I'm glad that I got to see my family so happy tonight, and full of laughter. It was a great night, and I'm sure many more are to come.

     Spend all the time you can with your family, because you don't know what might happen next. Give to everyone you can, because you don't know who might need it. Most of all, love the people close to you, because you will see all the happiness that embraces them.

Sincerely,

A Dreaming Dietitian

Desperation Leading To Revelation

     One of the worst ice storms has devoured Michigan, over the past couple days. In fact, it's said to be one of the worst in 10 years, according to the news. It's been right around freezing temperatures lately, so you end up with a medley of conditions; first it rained, then at night it froze - a deadly combination for drivers and people everywhere. Tens of thousands have lost power all across Michigan, including my family last night. Mind you, we have never lost power during any storm, at least not for this long. It's like we've had a force-field around our house, until now.

     When you lose power, at first you're like, "Yeah! This is cool!", because you have to walk around in the dark, find candles, you know figure things out; which is kind of fun. Then, after about an hour, it becomes annoying, a hassle, and most of all, boring. No t.v., no internet, devices only have so long until they die. It's kind of funny really, even though you are well aware the power's out, you unknowingly still try a switch, or the microwave, because it's second nature - you don't even think twice about it. Then you realize, "Oh, that doesn't work, I forgot.".

     When people realize that their microwave, griddle, or stove is no longer functioning; freak-out mode is now a-go. Desperity is now upon them. This is no longer fun, this is about survival. I'll admit, I too, was going into survival mode for a second. Then my Nutrition instincts took over, and I realized that this is how people should eat. Confused?

     Think about it... How did people eat before griddles, ovens, or microwaves? They ate fresh food; raw fruits, vegatables, & grains. In short - people actually ate real food. It's hard to imagine, I know. Microwaves literally destroy the nutrients in your food; Heat reduces the nutrients in the food. All of this man-made technology makes everything easier, yes, but it also, and ironically, is making everything worse. It's contributing to all of the health problems that our country is facing today! When you don't do anything to your food, and you eat it how it was made to be eaten, (in it's most natural form), then you will get the nutrients you need, and not the lack of. You know which foods are good and bad for you, and only you can decide what to consume. It's your health, why wouldn't you take the best care of it possible? Whilst, avoiding hefty medical bills, undesirable health problems, and terrible moods. I can't tell you enough how much better, actual food is! Taste-wise and health-wise! You will feel so much better in a whole spectrum of ways if you eat right, and get the nutrients your body needs. Physically, mentally, emotionally - all of them are covered by proper Nutrition. Many things are cured and taken care of by proper nutrition, and without the array of chemicals processed food puts into your body. It is so easy to eat right once you take a step back and look at things. People always look at everything all at once, and it can be overwhelming. If you take the process piece by piece it's extremely simple! Just step back and breathe.

     As my power's been out, it's forced me to eat healthy food, because I can't ruin them by putting them in something like a microwave. Whole-grain PB&J's, with natural mixed berry jelly, and all natural peanut-butter - the best thing in the world, lemme tell ya! Delicious! To be honest, besides my wifi and connection to all my people being out, this hasn't been so bad. With it, I've came to an important realization, that I can share with everyone else. 

     Living Healthy & helping others live healthy is what I love, and my quest. I'm glad that even my troubles move me forward towards success.

Sincerely,

A Dreaming Dietitian

Appreciate & Present

     One of the things I love to do is cook, and to present food. Notice I said present and not just "make". When I make food, rather if it's for myself, or for someone else, I always make it well, and present it well. Presentation is nearly everything to me. Think about it, when you meet someone for the first time, they only have that first impression to show you what their about, and give off the right vibe. When you meet my food for the first time, I aim for you to be impressed, I put a lot, maybe even unneeded effort into presenting it well. I also take the time, to put the right food into a meal.

     When you take the time to prepare these meals yourself ; you cut the apples; peel the bananas; dice the tomatoes; chop the almonds; you establish a bond with your food, because you're working so directly with it - you're connected. This bridge is what fuels nutritionists and dietitians, you become passionate for what you do & what you love. But there's another thing that I thought about too. people can't truly appreciate food, until they've tried it raw, at it's most natural form. One can't really realize how great something is nor how important until one experiences it. This case, being food, nutrients, & benefits that come from it. My point is, nobody can actually experience a full meal, unless you appreciate all the separate components that go into it (besides the hard work, endless time, and careful calculation).

     When I first approached, my now, Nutrition Organization Advisor - Marilyn, she had a lot of interesting things to say! She also gave me a book, about "Living a Healthy and Balanced Life". I got done reading the first few pages, before the first pages of the book. Basically the author's words and what to expect from the book. I'm already excited to read this book, and I haven't even actually read the first pages yet! It's going to help my knowledge grow, and fuel my passion for nutrition. You can expect more updates as I move along in this book.

Appreciate the food you eat, how it's made, and what it's made with - and you will understand a deeper connection for your own nutrition in itself.

Sincerely,

A Dreaming Dietitian

Carving At The Slopes

     One of my favorite things in this whole wide world, is to go Snowboarding. I absolutely love to carve into the mountainside; it's such a rush. Honestly, you just feel so cool on a snowboard. Granted, I've only went a couple times in my life now; one of those times was 5 years ago (WOW, time went fast!), and yesterday now. Needless to say I don't have the latest and greatest gear, but I do love to go. I just don't want to be fully committed if I can't go as if I am fully committed, if that makes sense. I want to put use on the gear that I buy. When I first bought my stuff, I just got stuff to go, not any name brand stuff.

     So, my friend Stephanie Bruma hits me up to go hit the slopes; and keep in mind that I just got done with my last final that same day, and I haven't went since that first time my Sophomore year of high school - ,', It has been more than overdue & I was craving to carve. I begin the process of layering up, because I absolutely hate the cold (ironic I know), which consisted of Underarmor, a warm sweater, a Michigan Columbia, and my winter coat up top. Then mesh shorts, jeans, and Michigan Sweatpants on bottom. Unfortunately, you've probably deducted that I don't own Snowboarding pants or coat - if anyone wants to start a charity fund for the cause, please do. Now, given, I've only been a couple times, so I was anxious to go again, but I knew it was going to be a major learning curve. 

     First my bindings wouldn't bind in for the life of me. Like, literally, I had to sit down and push with all of my might for the bindings to snap in; all the while, I'm wearing multiple layers of different material, so I'm getting exponentially warm and frustrated. Finally, alas, I succeeded in my mission, and we proceeded. We warm-up by going down the mini-mini-bunny hill, then we slowly graduated to the actual bunny-hill. It felt awesome to board again, and to go down the mountain. My experience level is still beginner; as I fell multiple times (frontwards and backwards); going up the rope that pulls you, only to have my calf run into a metal pole sticking out - only me and my luck.; and having to relearn the balance and turning. I might have had difficulties and even a learning curve, but I never regret going. it was really a lot of fun, and Stephanie is a good time too. 

     Aftermath - Before we left, the muscles in my legs were exhausted & shaking, my shoulders were sore from getting back up so many times, my knees hurt from army crawling to the rope, and my butt was wet from sitting on the snow. Today (the day after), The left calf is still sore, I can still feel it in my thighs a little, but not too much - all in all, not bad though. I feel like the first time readied me for this time, even though it was so long ago; I knew what to expect.

     After everything, I was glad I went boarding again, and we even met one of my fraternity brothers there (Brandon), and some random people that were good to talk to. We'll be going again soon, I can't wait!

Needless to say, I got my exercise in and it might have even tested my mental endurance, but you best believe - I shall be back!!

Sincerely,

A Dreaming Dietitian

P.S. - The pictures are from my first time going my Sophomore year of high school; not much has changed besides my layering outfit! =D