The organic industry is hot, and it\u2019s the fastest growing sector of the supermarket.<\/p>\n
From 1997 to 2013, organic food sales in the United States have increased nearly 800% from $3.6 billion to a $32.3 billion in 2 013.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s estimated that organic food sales will top $42 billion in the U.S. in 2014. What\u2019s more, folks are willing to pay 30 \u2013 60% more for organic food items.<\/p>\n
But what does it truly mean to be organic?<\/p>\n
By: Josh Bezoni with Tim Skwiat, Pn2<\/em><\/p>\n While most people recognize that organic foods are those produced using methods that do not involve modern synthetic inputs (e.g., pesticides and chemical fertilizers), the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s National Organic Program sets forth strict guidelines for the agriculture of organic foods.<\/p>\n For instance, the organic designation means that irradiation, sewage sludge, synthetic fertilizers, prohibited pesticides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) cannot be used in the production of crops.<\/p>\n As an example, in 2004, there were over 400 synthetic pesticides routinely used in conventional farming for weed and pest control.<\/p>\n However, none of these chemicals were allowed under organic guidelines.<\/p>\n When it comes to organic livestock, producers have to meet animal health and welfare standards, cannot use antibiotics or growth hormones, use only 100% organic feed, and provide animals with access to the outdoors. (Note: However, this does not necessarily mean that animals are \u201cgrass-fed,\u201d humanely treated, or free to roam pastures at all times.)<\/p>\n\r\n EDITORS NOTE:<\/strong> Knowing what and how much to eat for weight loss is critical towards your success.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re not sure how to calculate your calories in order to burn fat on keto, Get Your Free Fat Burning Keto Calorie Calculator For Quick Weight Loss & Burn More Fat Than You Thought Possible In 30 Days=> Fat Burning Keto Calculator<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n Presently, the USDA has identified three categories for labeling to help consumers identify organic products:<\/p>\n Thus, organic food production offers many bonuses to both people and the environment, such as lowering human exposure to synthetic agents (e.g., pesticides, fertilizers, growth hormones), as well as promoting healthy soil, ecosystems, and water supplies.<\/p>\n However, these organic standards have nothing to do with regulating a food product\u2019s nutritional attributes.<\/p>\n \u201cSome supporters of organic food production promote it as being \u2018better\u2019 without any supporting science,\u201d<\/em> said Penny Kris-Etherton, Ph.D., a registered dietitian and Distinguished Professor of Nutrition at the Pennsylvania State University\u2019s College of Health and Human Development. \u201cIn terms of both nutrition and safety, organic food is no different than foods produced by other contemporary food production practices.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n In a 2010 study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers reviewed 12 major studies on organic food from the past 50 years and found \u201cevidence lacking for nutrition-related health effects that result from the consumption of organically produced foodstuffs.\u201d<\/p>\n Research on the nutritive advantages, or lack the reof, of organic foods dates back to1924, including some of the following highlights:<\/p>\n EDITORS NOTE:\u00a0 2 minute \u201ccleanse\u201d kills toxic parasites LIVING in your belly<\/strong><\/p>\n Due to exposure to an array of common foods, beverages, and over-the-counter medicines, 9 out of 10 people\u2019s guts have been infested with toxic, parasitic bacteria that is DESTROYING their health and making it virtually impossible for them to drop fat from their biggest problem areas...and that very likely means you.<\/p>\n Fortunately, there\u2019s a quick 2 minute \u201ccleanse\u201d that you can perform today, almost without thinking, to correct this dangerous imbalance. Just follow the simple steps given at this link:<\/p>\n ==> 2 minute \u201ccleanse\u201d kills toxic parasites LIVING in your belly<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n As the authors of the aforementioned study highlighted, \u201cIt is important to point out that there is still a lack of knowledge about the potential human health impacts of increasing antioxidant\/polyphenolic intake levels and switching to organic food consumption.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n This caveat hinges on both sides of the equation, as the research has yet to examine the potential health benefits of long-term consumption of organic foods and the potential subsequent decrease in pesticide load.<\/p>\n (Note: Up to 25% of organic crops contain pesticide residues because of contamination during packaging or from trace amounts in drifting soils or tainted irrigation water, some researchers have said.)<\/p>\n Despite the lack of conclusive evidence, consumers generally believe that organic food is both safer and healthier than conventional food.<\/p>\n Researchers from Ghent University in Belgium polled over 500 adult consumers of both organic and conventional produce, and the subjects were asked to complete a survey concerning their perception of the nutritional and toxicological value of organic relative to conventional vegetables.<\/p>\n The researchers found \u201cthat organic vegetables are perceived as containing less contaminants and more nutrients, and as such, being healthier and safer compared to conventional vegetables.<\/p>\n However, not enough evidence is currently available in the literature to support or refute such a perception, indicating a certain mismatch between consumer perception and scientific evidence.<\/p>\n Unfortunately, there seems to be a nutritional \u201chalo\u201d over all foods labeled \u201corganic,\u201d a word that makes the vast majority of folks think that a food is intrinsically healthy.<\/p>\n What\u2019s most concerning is that that this perception seems to extend well beyond vegetables, fruits, meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, and other unprocessed foods.<\/p>\n In fact, in a study recently published in the journal Judgment and Decision Making, researchers from the University of Michigan found that people make inferences about the nutritional qualities of foods based simply on the labeling of said food as \u201corganic.\u201d<\/p>\n Specifically, the researchers reported that subjects surveyed believed that cookies labeled as \u201corganic\u201d are lower in calories and can be eaten more frequently than conventional cookies\u2014 just because of the labeling.<\/p>\n Interestingly, the University of Michigan researchers found that the organic labeling can transcend to physical activity patterns as well. When the researchers evaluated folks with weight-loss goals, they found that skipping out on exercise was deemed more acceptable when a person opts for an organic dessert rather than a conventional one.<\/p>\n In essence, folks believe that eating organics is a suitable substitute for other health and weight-loss promoting behaviors, such as physical activity.<\/p>\n The researchers were so stricken by the results of their studies that they titled their paper \u201cThe \u2018organic\u2019 path to obesity?\u201d<\/p>\n\r\n EDITORS NOTE:\u00a0 Eat this TWICE daily for accelerated fat loss<\/strong><\/p>\n At the link below, we\u2019re going to show you the #1 fat-burning meal of ALL-TIME, and how by eating this simple meal twice daily, you can shed fat faster AND easier than ever before.<\/p>\n Even better, you can prepare this simple fat-melting meal in less than 60 seconds.<\/p>\n No, it\u2019s not too good to be true.<\/p>\n ==> The #1 Fat-Burning Meal (Eat this 2xs a day)<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n \u201cOrganic is on so many food packages of highly processed foods,\u201d<\/em> says Andrea Giancoli, M.P.H., R.D., dietitian and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.<\/p>\n \u201cI find that people see \u2018organic\u2019 on a food label and it doesn\u2019t seem to matter what the actual food is; they think it is healthful. Organic means that the food is farmed in a different way, which is great for the planet, but that doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s always better for you,\u201d<\/em> says Giancoli.<\/p>\n You see, the designation \u201corganic\u201d refers to how a food or the ingredients in a food are farmed.<\/p>\n It does not tell you, however, about the nutritional profile of the foods.<\/p>\n As you\u2019ll see, there are many organic products that line supermarket shelves that are (appallingly) comparable to their conventional counterparts in terms of calories, fat, sugar, and sodium.<\/p>\n In fact, there are just as many heavily processed organic foods, rife with refined flours, added sugars, inflammatory oils, and salt.<\/p>\n Simply put, it\u2019s important to make your organic food choices count and to not use the organic labeling as an excuse to make poor food choices.<\/p>\n Ultimately, organic junk food is still junk food, and with that in mind, we share with you 9 Organic Foods to Never Eat.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n When it comes to produce, the benefit of buying organic is to avoid ingesting pesticides and chemicals that are generally used on conventional fruits and vegetables.<\/p>\n As mentioned above, some recent research also suggests that some organic produce may contain higher concentrations of health-conferring antioxidants.<\/p>\n That said, fruits like avocados, kiwis, papayas, mangoes, cantaloupes, melons, grapefruits, bananas, and oranges have a thick skin barrier, which is typically discarded before eating, between the outside world and the fruit itself.<\/p>\n As a result, the edible flesh of these fruits generally contains very few, if any, pesticides.<\/p>\n Contrast that with apples, tomatoes, pears, and other fruits and vegetables that you eat with the skin, and you\u2019ll see why it\u2019s important to choose organic for some but not necessarily for others.<\/p>\n Each year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) produces the Shopper\u2019s Guide to Pesticides in an effort to reduce consumers\u2019 exposure to pesticides as much as possible.<\/p>\n The EWG produces a list called the Dirty Dozen, which contains the fruits and vegetables with the most pesticide residues.<\/p>\n Their recommendation is to purchase organic versions of these fruits and vegetables. In 2014, the EWG\u2019s Dirty Dozen includes:<\/p>\n [Note: The EWG also adds domestic blueberries and hot peppers to the \u201cPLUS\u201d section of the Dirty Dozen list to designate that these may also be of concern and may be best purchased organic.]<\/p>\n As you can see, the following thick-skinned fruits are not included on that list:<\/p>\n In fact, the majority of these thick-skinned fruits appear on the Clean Fifteen, a separate list created by the EWG that includes the fruits and vegetables with the lowest pesticide residue.<\/p>\n The EWG suggests that these are the safest conventionally grown crops to consume. Even those that don\u2019t appear on the Clean Fifteen (e.g., bananas, oranges) can be found near that list, well away from the Dirty Dozen.<\/p>\n\r\n EDITORS NOTE:\u00a0 30 second daily \u201ctrick\u201d FLATTENS your belly<\/strong><\/p>\n How would you like to flatten your belly in just 30 seconds a day?<\/p>\n Well, you CAN.<\/p>\n In fact, it\u2019s almost ironic... this 30 sec trick is by far one of the most effective fat loss strategies our clients have EVER tried, and it\u2019s also the easiest to implement.<\/p>\n Literally, just 30 seconds a day:<\/p>\n ==> 30 second daily trick FLATTENS your belly<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n While these lists and recommendations are made in an effort to help consumers shop smart for produce, the EWG does remind us that \u201cthe health benefits of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables outweigh the risks of pesticide exposure.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Pardon the pun, but most store-bought trail mixes\u2014yep, even the organic, \u201csuper healthy\u201d versions\u2014can take a hike!<\/p>\n In addition to nuts (mostly, if not all, peanuts), the vast majority of trail mix contains dried fruit (frequently covered in \u201cyogurt\u201d) and typically some type of chocolate (but not the healthy, cocoa-rich kind), which means added sugar and often plenty of it.<\/p>\n For instance, it\u2019s not uncommon for a mere \u00bd cup of trail mix to contain upwards of 30 grams of sugar. And yes, that includes organic trail mix, and when it comes to your body, organic sugar is still sugar.<\/p>\n What\u2019s more, trail mix is a very calorie-dense snack due to the concentrated sources of fat (e.g., nuts) and sugar (e.g., dried fruit, chocolate). For instance, that same \u00bd cup of trail mix packs over 300 calories, which adds up to more fat, sugar, and calories than ice cream.<\/p>\n What\u2019s more, most people have trouble controlling portion sizes when it comes to this \u201chealthy snack.\u201d<\/p>\n That being said, some of the foods, like nuts and dark chocolate, can indeed be very healthy snack options that help you fight fat. You may consider making your own homemade trail mix with the following raw, organic nuts, which are loaded with nutrients like healthy fats, fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals:<\/p>\n If you\u2019d like to add something unique to the mix, you may consider adding some organic cacao nibs, which are considered to be \u201cnature\u2019s chocolate chips.\u201d Cacao nibs are an antioxidant powerhouse, and they\u2019re loaded with fiber and minerals, like magnesium and iron.<\/p>\n What\u2019s more, they are a rich source of theobromine, which has been shown to have some unique fat loss attributes including appetite suppression and the ability to mobilize fatty acids for fuel. Now that\u2019s a winning combination!<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Organic sodas, teas, and juices are typically not any better for your waistline than their conventional counterparts competing for the same shelf space.<\/p>\n In fact, a can of one popular brand of organic soda packs more sugar (43 grams) and calories (170) than one of the leading conventional brands, which contains 41 grams of sugar and 150 calories.<\/p>\n Granted, the organic soda is void of high fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors and colors; however, that\u2019s still a lot of sugar\u2014nearly 11 teaspoons worth\u2014that will do very little for your health and body composition goals.<\/p>\n Bottled organic teas and juices can also be sneaky sources of sugar. For instance, one popular brand of organic tea contains 16 grams of added sugar per bottle, which is equivalent to 4 teaspoons.<\/p>\n Likewise, bottled fruit juices are much like their conventional counterparts in terms of sugar content and lack of fiber (unlike whole fruits).<\/p>\n For instance, a single 8-ounce glass of one popular brand of apple juice contains 30 grams of sugar (the equivalent of 7 \u00bd teaspoons), slightly more than its conventional counterpart (28 grams of sugar per cup).<\/p>\n\r\n EDITORS NOTE:\u00a0 Do this ONCE per day (takes seconds; 11 major health benefits)<\/strong><\/p>\n Could it really be that ingesting this one single \u201csuper nutrient\u201d from good ol\u2019 Mother Nature, just ONCE per day, could provide ALL of these incredible health benefits at the SAME time?<\/p>\n 1. Increased heart health ...AND MORE?<\/p>\n Yes, it\u2019s true, and at the link below we\u2019re going to tell you ALL about this breakthrough \u201csuper nutrient\u201d and exactly where you can find it (inexpensively) so you can begin experiencing all of the above benefits for yourself\u2014quickly and easily\u2014each and every day.<\/p>\n In fact, according to many top medical doctors today, this single \u201csuper nutrient\u201d just may be the most important nutrient EVER for your health, well-being and longevity.<\/p>\n ==> Do THIS once per day (takes seconds; 11 major health benefits)<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n If you\u2019d like something other than water, your best option to hydrate, then you might consider making a homemade flavored water with fresh herbs, fruits, and\/or vegetables, brewing yourself some fresh green tea or organic coffee (sweetened with an all-natural sweetener like stevia), adding some freshly squeezed lemon to your water, or opting for a zero-calorie, naturally-sweetend soda like Zevia.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Pretzels\u2014and other crunchy snacks like crackers\u2014also qualify for our list of the 7 WORST Snacks for a Flat Belly.<\/p>\n Touted as \u201clow fat\u201d (like that\u2019s a good thing), pretzels are also low in important nutrients like protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients.<\/p>\n What do they contain? For the most part, they are a carbohydrate-dense food made from refined flour, and as a result, they rank \u201chigh\u201d on the glycemic index scale (i.e., 83).<\/p>\n Believe it or not, when you compare Nutrition Facts, organic pretzels are no different than their conventional counterparts. Take a look for yourself with this side-by-side comparison:<\/p>\n Pretzel #1 (Serving Size: 1 ounce):<\/strong><\/p>\n Pretzel #2 (Serving Size: 1 ounce):<\/strong><\/p>\n Based on that information, can you guess which pretzel is organic (and supposedly \u201chealthier\u201d)? (If you really want to know, Pretzel #1 is the organic version.)<\/p>\n Furthermore, when you look at the ingredients lists, you\u2019ll see that both are essentially a combination of refined flour, salt, added sugar, and vegetable oil.<\/p>\n Crackers are more of the same: refined flour, vegetable oils, added sugar, and salt.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Just like their conventional counterparts, the overwhelming majority of organic breakfast cereals are rife with high glycemic carbohydrates in the form of heavily processed flours and refined sugar, two ingredients that are closely linked to obesity.<\/p>\n Consumption of higher GI, fast-digesting, processed carbohydrates and refined sugars\u2014like those found in most pre-packaged store-bought breakfast cereals\u2014results in elevations in blood sugar and insulin concentrations, blood triglyceride levels, and LDL (i.e., \u201cbad\u201d) cholesterol.<\/p>\n\r\n EDITORS NOTE:\u00a0 The #1 Worst Carb Ever (don\u2019t eat this)<\/strong><\/p>\n At the link below, we\u2019re going to let the cat out of the bag on what is undoubtedly the #1 WORST carb EVER, and how the money-hungry food industry is conspiring to sneak this nightmare carb into just about everything.<\/p>\n In the end, this extremely common carb wreaks havoc on your fat-storing hormones in a MAJOR way, and has even been shown to hamper memory, slow brain activity, and increase your risk of Alzheimer\u2019s.<\/p>\n ==> The #1 Worst Carb EVER (don\u2019t eat this)<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n Furthermore, the resultant \u201ccrash\u201d in blood sugar and insulin after consuming a highly refined source of carbohydrates is very likely to leave you hungry in just a couple short hours and leave your body to come calling once again for a quick \u201csugar fix\u201d of high GI carbohydrates.<\/p>\n Instead, you\u2019d be better off starting your day with a high-protein breakfast (e.g., organic eggs).<\/p>\n In a recent study, researchers from the University of Missouri found that people who ate a high-protein breakfast (e.g., eggs and lean beef) felt more full, had fewer cravings, and were less likely to snack on high-fat and high-sugar foods at night, compared with a group who ate a calorically equivalent bowl of cereal.<\/p>\n Multiple other studies comparing a high-protein breakfast (e.g., 30+ grams of protein) to a breakfast of ready-to-eat cereal have also shown similar benefits in satiety, appetite, hormonal responses, and subsequent food choices.<\/p>\n If you do feel the need to opt for cereal, then a good option would be an organic cereal made from sprouted grains (e.g., Food for Life), which contain more vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, and protein than refined grains.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n While granola, which at its very base is nuts and oats, can be quite a healthy and tasty treat, most commercial preparations (including organic versions) are rife with refined grains, sugary ingredients, and inflammatory oils.<\/p>\n What\u2019s more, granola can be a very calorie dense option, and the serving size is often much smaller than what most folks consume.<\/p>\n For instance, one popular organic brand contains 5 different sugary ingredients contributing 14 grams of sugar per \u00bd cup serving. On top of that, it also contains sunflower oil, which is rich in inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids.<\/p>\n As mentioned, the typical serving size for granola is \u00bd cup, and if you have trouble stopping, it\u2019s probably because sugar and fat are usually the second and third ingredients on the list.<\/p>\n These two highly palatable energy-rich ingredients are common amongst \u201cbinge foods\u201d 19, and food manufacturers seem to have these addictive combinations down to a science.<\/p>\n With regard to granola, most people are likely to consume double or triple the recommended serving size, which will only compound the calorie density and added sugar issues.<\/p>\n Although commonly thought of as a healthy snack, granola bars are a microcosm of granola.<\/p>\n Granola bars are nearly always packed with processed ingredients, including unhealthy oils and various sources of refined sugar.<\/p>\n Due to the high glycemic carbohydrates and lack of protein and fiber, these will often leave you reaching for another high-carb snack in no time at all.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n According to the American Heart Association, adult women should limit their consumption of added sugars to about 25 grams or less (i.e., about 6 teaspoons) per day while adult men should limit their intake to about 36 grams or fewer (i.e., about 9 teaspoons).<\/p>\n While a good rule of thumb is to look for any words on the ingredients list ending in \u2013ose (e.g., sucrose, maltose, glucose, dextrose), some forms of added sugar that you might find on organic food labels include:<\/p>\n Despite the fact that energy bars have a pervasive healthy connotation, most don\u2019t fare much better than regular chocolate candy bars.<\/p>\n Some of the most popular energy bars in supermarkets have more than 20 grams of sugar each, which is often the same as a packet of candy.<\/p>\n What\u2019s more, some brands you can find in health food stores typically don\u2019t provide less sugar. In fact, two top organic bars touting holistic eating habits contain 24 grams of sugar each.<\/p>\n That being said, a high-quality organic nutrition bar can help you overcome the dilemma of maintaining your nutrition standards in the midst of a busy lifestyle as well as provide you with versatility and convenience.<\/p>\n With that in mind, it\u2019s a good idea to look for a nutrition bar that combines metabolism-boosting, appetite satiating nutrients like protein, healthy fats, and fiber, preferably under 20 grams of sugar.<\/p>\n\r\n EDITORS NOTE:\u00a0 Do you POOP enough?<\/strong><\/p>\n Please excuse the somewhat personal nature of this excerpt, but the information we are about to share below is extremely important for both you and your digestive You may not think that you\u2019re constipated, but in reality, it is VERY likely that you ARE.<\/p>\n You see, constipation is not simply \u201cnot being able to go\u201d, or only eliminating once a week...that\u2019s severe constipation. The truth is, a healthy digestive system should be eliminating after every meal.<\/p>\n Are you moving your bowels several times a day, once for every meal you eat? If not, you are suffering from constipation, which will cause a build up of toxins and undigested, rotten, putrid food in your digestive system.<\/p>\n This can make it much harder for you to lose fat while also wreaking havoc on your digestive system and overall health...really bad stuff. Just imagine all that rotted, disgusting food sitting there in your digestive system...yuck!<\/p>\n Fortunately, this can be corrected rather quickly, with a few simple steps:<\/p>\n ==> 4 tips for healthy digestion and regular bowel movements<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n <\/a><\/p>\n When it comes to organic foods, there are certain man made chemicals that you won\u2019t find on the list of ingredients:<\/p>\n Thus, you could argue that simply swapping an organic option for a similar product in the conventional category would be \u201cbetter,\u201d and in some cases, you\u2019d probably be on the right track.<\/p>\n When digging deeper, however, you\u2019ll notice that it\u2019s not as big of an improvement as you might think.<\/p>\n Take barbecue sauce, for example, and based on the following Nutrition Facts (one organic, one conventional), which would you choose?<\/p>\n Barbecue Sauce #1 (Serving Size: 2 tablespoons):<\/strong><\/p>\n Barbecue Sauce #2 (Serving Size: 2 tablespoons):<\/strong><\/p>\n Would it surprise you that Barbecue Sauce #1 is a popular organic brand?<\/p>\n Although it claims to have \u201cno added sugars,\u201d you\u2019ll find agave nectar and molasses on the ingredients list, and as noted above, the American Heart Association would disagree with the manufacturer on both accounts.<\/p>\n When you take a look at the ingredients list of any bottle of salad dressing, oil will typically be right at the top.<\/p>\n Regardless of whether the salad dressing is organic or not, the majority of the time these oils will be one or a combination of the following: soybean oil, canola oil, and\/or sunflower oil.<\/p>\n Every so often, you\u2019ll find a salad dressing that contains \u201cheart healthy\u201d extra virgin olive oil, but even in the majority of these instances, it\u2019s blanketed by one of the aforementioned vegetable oils, which are rife with inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids.<\/p>\n\r\n EDITORS NOTE:\u00a0 Do THIS twice daily to burn BELLY FLAB<\/strong><\/p>\n Exciting news to share with you today... There\u2019s a new way to burn belly fat that has been shown in more than a DOZEN research studies to help you burn fat and slim your waist at an accelerated rate.<\/p>\n In fact, one breakthrough study showed that those who performed this belly burning trick just twice daily burned 400% more fat than those who didn\u2019t.<\/p>\n Another study published in the Journal of International Medical Research showed that those using this powerful flab-burning trick lost 20% of their body fat in just 12 weeks. And get this... the trick takes less than a minute to perform!<\/p>\n Would you like to burn 400% more fat by using this quick, belly-busting trick just twice daily? We show you exactly how to do it here:<\/p>\n ==> Do THIS twice daily to burn BELLY FLAB (takes less than 1 min)<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n As a reminder\u2014because this can\u2019t be overstated\u2014excessive consumption of omega-6fatty acids coupled with a deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids, is connected to an increase in all inflammatory diseases, 22 which is basically all diseases, including:<\/p>\n What\u2019s more, this over consumption of omega-6 fatty acids not only affects you but also your offspring, as it can increase the incidence of obesity in future generations.<\/p>\n When it comes to salad dressings, your best bet is to make your own with a combination of extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, and fresh herbs and spices (all of which you can order when eating out also).<\/p>\n While there are tons of options\u2014including a few here\u2014you can make a simple balsamic vinaigrette by combining extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar (in a 1:1 or 2:1 ratio) along with a teaspoon or two of Dijon mustard, some salt and pepper, and some garlic powder in a jar and shaking until emulsified.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Simply put, organic junk food is still junk food.<\/p>\n While certified organic foods are void of man madehydrogenated oils (i.e., trans fats), high fructose corn syrup, and artificial ingredients, this category of organic products is typically quite similar to its conventional brethren, chock full of heavily processed flour, vegetable oils, and added refined sugars.<\/p>\n (Do you hear an echo yet?)<\/p>\n For instance, one brand of organic chocolate chip cookies contains a similar laundry list of probable suspects compared to its popular conventional counterpart:<\/p>\n One popular energy bar marketed for children contains FIVE sources of added sugar and provides the equivalent of 3 teaspoons of sugar, which is the recommended daily limit of added sugar for children, according to the American Heart Association.<\/p>\n In addition to the added sugar, this snack will also provide your child with soybean and sunflower oils, which are dominant in omega-6 fatty acids, and as discussed above, may lead to a whole host of health issues.<\/p>\n\r\n EDITORS NOTE:\u00a0 Do THIS before eating carbs (every time)<\/strong><\/p>\n At the link below, we\u2019re going to show you our #1 carb-fighting trick that you can use each and every time you eat carbs. This simple carb-fighting \u201critual\u201d is clinically proven to:<\/p>\n *Lower your blood sugar Even better, you can perform it in just a few seconds...and it WORKS like gangbusters.<\/p>\n ==> Do THIS before eating carbs (every time)<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n In fact, we have long been told to heed the advice to substitute vegetable oils like these for animal fats, which are typically higher in saturated fats (e.g., substituting margarine for butter).<\/p>\n Unfortunately, this \u201ccornerstone\u201d of worldwide dietary guidelines has turned out to be heavily misguided, as research now demonstrates that substituting polyunsaturated fats rich in omega-6 fatty acids for saturated fats has resulted in \u201cincreased the rates of coronary heart disease, cardiovascular disease, and death from all causes.\u201d<\/p>\n Although quite direct, in his audio book Small is the New Big, best-selling author Seth Godin had this to say about the packaging and marketing of organic junk foods: \u201cThey just make it easier to lie to yourself when you feed them to your kids.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Remember, the term organic refers to how a food is grown. It does not, however, tell you about a food\u2019s nutritional properties.<\/p>\n Processed organic food is still processed food, and just because a food is labeled organic does not make it healthy.<\/p>\n Likewise, choosing organic is not a license to eat more of a food or move less.<\/p>\n If you are an organic consumer, the best way to invest your grocery dollars is on the unprocessed foods that matter most: fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, true whole grains, nuts, meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy.<\/p>\n In the case of fruits and vegetables, there is some research to suggest that organic varieties may have higher concentrations of antioxidants and certain vitamins and minerals.<\/p>\n In addition, you may lower your exposure to pesticides and other synthetics when choosing certain organic fruits and vegetables.<\/p>\n Likewise, it may be best to opt for organic sources of dairy whenever possible, as organic dairy has a significantly different fatty acid profile when compared to conventional dairy.<\/p>\n The take-home point is to focus on whole foods packed with important nutrients, like protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients.<\/p>\n The next time you go shopping, if a package says organic on it, try covering up the word \u201corganic,\u201d and focus instead on the item itself, to see if this is something that supports your health and fitness goals and if you would feed it to your family.<\/p>\n\r\n EDITORS NOTE:\u00a0 Never eat this type of fish (EVER)<\/strong><\/p>\n While we\u2019ve been led to believe that fish is one of the healthiest food choices around, what you probably didn\u2019t know is that there are 4 specific types of fish -- all very common -- that you should literally NEVER eat due to incredibly high levels of contamination that can and<\/p>\n WILL hammer the delicate cells of your body with toxic inflammation...<\/p>\n In the end, this toxic inflammation build up contributes to achy joints, premature aging of the skin (and less visible organs like the heart, kidneys, and liver), difficulty shedding excess weight, cognitive decline, forgetfulness, feeling blue and moody, and so much more...<\/p>\n Whatever you do, AVOID these 4 types of fish like the plague:<\/p>\n\n
\n
\fFruits with a Thick Skin<\/h3>\n
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\fTrail Mix<\/h3>\n
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Sodas, Teas, and Juices<\/h3>\n
\n2. Sharpened focus
\n3. Heightened memory
\n4. Reduced joint pain
\n5. Improved eye health
\n6. Greater bone density
\n7. More youthful skin, nails, and hair
\n8. Mood enhancement
\n9. A slimmer waistline
\n10. Natural hormonal enhancement
\n11. Anti-aging benefits<\/p>\nPretzels and Crackers<\/h3>\n
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Breakfast Cereals<\/h3>\n
Granola and Granola Bars<\/h3>\n
Energy Bars<\/h3>\n
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\nhealth.<\/p>\nSauces and Salad Dressings<\/h3>\n
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Kids\u2019 Snacks, Candy, and Cookies<\/h3>\n
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\n*Increase insulin sensitivity
\n*Decrease fat storage
\n*Increase fat burning<\/p>\nMake Your Organics Count<\/h3>\n