Wednesday, December 9, 2009

FOOD ADDITIVES

Nutrition label

Nutrition experts claim that the more natural foods you eat the healthier you will be. What does this mean? Well, you need to cut out foods that are processed, don't contain chemicals, preservatives, fillers, artificial flavors or artificial colours.

Foods to avoid;
  • diet foods - reduced sugar foods and beverages are loaded with highly processed/chemical substitutes,
  • reduced fat foods have a lot of added sugars,
  • fast foods - loaded with additives and unhealthy fats,
  • any food that is tinned or packaged contain fillers and preservatives,
  • refined sugar and sweetened food - candy, soda, cakes, anything baked, the list is endless,
  • fried foods contain saturated and trans fats.

Why are additives bad?

  • they are linked to allergic reactions, fatigue, skin rashes, hyperactivity, headaches, thyroid problems, asthma, cancer, hallucinations, bad cholesterol, increased risk for type-2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, kidney problems and the list goes on and on ............

Toasted Pearl Barley Risotto

  • 250ml pearl barley, washed and well drained
  • onion, chopped
  • olive oil
  • 1L vegetable stock
  • finely chopped parsley

What to do;

  • fry barley over medium heat until the grains become fairly dark (be brave!)
  • in another pan saute onion until soft
  • add the barley and stock and simmer until the grains are tender but firm, around 40 mins
  • add parsley

A delish alternative;

  • add chopped tomatoes at the beginning of cooking, stir in chopped basil at the end of cooking together with grated Parmesan cheese just before serving,
  • also, good served with a dollop of your fave Pesto,
  • or add slivered olives and fresh oregano.

Good as a main meal or as a side dish.

Today I am grateful for;

  • fairy lights
  • Cape Town's festive December atmosphere
  • Toffee 'n Shinga
  • the bumble bee in my garden
  • almost Friday

Quote

If the only prayer you said in your life was, "thank you" that would suffice. - Meister Eckhart.

Today, eat watermelon, run through a sprinkler - I dare you! Find your flow, seek out that which absorbs your attention completely and take your mind off your struggles.

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv

xxx

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