Blog Archives - Feed Your Headsimply, a new perspective

Enter the Twilight Zone ...

3/28/2013

My initial motivation for losing weight and leading a healthier lifestyle started when I researched the American food system. I couldn't believe how bad it was (is). I got angry at the American food system and decided to make a change.

Now, after many years of research and observation, I just laugh it off. It's so bizarre that I feel like I'm in the Twilight Zone. Here are just two examples.

The processed food industry is getting some bad PR. There are two new books that have been written (Pandora's Lunch Box and Salt, Sugar, Fat). Both books, by respected authors, take an inside look into the processed food industry. So, the Institute of Food Technologists is fighting back. Take a few minutes to watch the videos. One thing that you will learn: pulling a carrot out of the ground is processing food. And when you chew it, that's processing too! It reminds me of: "It depends on what the meaning of the words 'is' is."
Coke has a new video that seems to blame chairs for our obesity and health problems. When I first viewed it, I thought it was an early April Fool's joke. However, it is the real thing.

Aging: What will your aging outcome look like?

3/24/2013

The first video, only one-minute long, is very telling. The second video is incredibly inspirational. When I'm 93, I want to be that guy! I have 35-years to go. And, I'm looking forward to it.

You've heard of Life of Pi. Well, this is life of chickens. Only, this ain't make believe.

3/22/2013

Do you believe labels that shout out: "Great for your health?"

3/21/2013

Here's one example. From the name - Nature's Own - to all the "goodness" in it (fiber) to all the "bad" stuff not included (calories, preservatives, high fructose corn syrup, sodium, and more), you would think this is the healthiest food on the planet.

However, a closer inspection of the ingredients reflects something called azodicarbonamide.

Melanie Warner, author of Pandora's Lunchbox states: that azodicarbonamide, is actually used quite extensively in bread and bread-type products, and it’s used as a dough conditioner and a manufacturing aid. And its main use outside of the manufacturing of bread is for creating foamed plastic, so things like yoga mats.

And I encountered some news articles a number of years ago where a tanker truck overturned on the Dan Ryan Expressway in Chicago carrying azodicarbonamide. And city fire officials had to issue their highest hazmat alert and evacuate everyone up to a half mile downwind because of this chemical spill. So you look at something like that, and you wonder: Is this something that we really want in our morning toast and our—the bread that goes on our turkey sandwiches?

Evidently, Homer Simpson Believes This ...

3/20/2013

Pandora's Lunchbox

3/18/2013

I'm reading Pandora's Lunchbox. It's about the processed food industry. It's a little bit too "inside baseball" (I'm not too interested in the history of Kellog's, Kraft, and others) for me, however, there are some interesting items. I did find it fascinating that vitamin D that is in many processed foods comes from sheep grease (yep, even in your milk). The sheep skin is shipped to China and then turned into vitamin D. I think I'll continue to get my vitamin D from the best source - the Sun.

Here's an interview with the author (Melanie Warner).

After reading and watching, the best advice I can conjure up comes from Michael Pollan: "Eat food." And, that's what I do and recommend.

Watch How Did Processed Food Take Over the American Meal? on PBS. See more from PBS NewsHour.

Can I have some carbonated water with my sugar, please?

3/13/2013

Word of the Week: Azodicarbonamide

3/13/2013

Melanie Warner, author of Pandora's Lunchbox states:

azodicarbonamide, and that’s actually used quite extensively in bread and bread-type products, and it’s used as a dough conditioner and a manufacturing aid. And its main use outside of the manufacturing of bread is for creating foamed plastic, so things like yoga mats.

And I encountered some news articles a number of years ago where a tanker truck overturned on the Dan Ryan Expressway in Chicago carrying azodicarbonamide. And city fire officials had to issue their highest hazmat alert and evacuate everyone up to a half mile downwind because of this chemical spill. So you look at something like that, and you wonder: Is this something that we really want in our morning toast and our—the bread that goes on our turkey sandwiches?

For the complete interview ... http://bit.ly/XrSgFf

Escape Fire - My Sequel

3/11/2013

When I think of the American food and health care system, this is the image that comes to mind. From the movie Network, Howard Beale exclaims: "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore!"

After watching the documentary on CNN Escape Fire (I did see it when it first came out), I have the following observations.

The movie did properly address the high cost of disease care
Unfortunately, Dr. Gupta's followup reminded me of a Larry King interview - throw 'em softballs.

So, here's my recommendation. There are a few doctors and medical/health care reporters who provide a much more complete and accurate picture. Meet some of my "health heroes". Below are either articles that they have written or presentations that they have given.

If you believe, like I do, that Health is Your Greatest Wealth, take a few moments out of your hectic schedule to read and watch these experts. They throw hardballs. Get ready to duck.

My apologies in advance: These are long articles/videos. However, they are well-worth the time investment.

Dr. David Katz - for practical lifestyle issues, he's the best
Dr. Otis Brawley - oncologist and Chief Medical Officer American Cancer Society - author How We Do Harm.
Dr. Ben Goldacre - big pharma - author Bad Pharma
Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn and Dr. Dean Ornish - reversing heart disease
Dr. Bernard Lown - cardiologist and inventor of the defibrillator
Shannon Brownlee - journalist - author Overtreated
Dr. Nortin Hadler - professor of medicine UNC (some of his recommendations are the complete opposite of what all docs do - for example, since he is in good health, he does not have his cholesterol tested and don't get him started on the PSA test)

There are many others, however, life is short. So, go outside and enjoy the fresh air.

Steve Brill asks: "Why does health care cost so much?"

3/8/2013

In his excellent Time magazine article, that's Mr. Brill's big question. Here's what I ask:

Why are we obsessed with health
(disease) care and not prevention?

Genes load the gun, but lifestyle pulls the trigger. We already know that if we change our lifestyle much of chronic disease will disappear - Heart disease by 80%, Type 2 Diabetes by 90%, and certain cancers by 60%. I prefer practicing prevention, not disease care. How about you?

Horse Meat in the Food Supply? OMG ... Bill Maher sees the humor in it! Tks Bill.

3/3/2013

Bill also sees the humor with Big Pharma too. Great video ...