We are Moving!....What to eat?

If you know me personally, you would know that my family and I move quite often.  In fact, we are moving...again...from the Mississippi Delta back to the beautiful Gulf Coast where my husband has worked his tail off to get a coaching and teaching job with the state. 

One of the hardest things to do is to remember to eat healthy and drink water with all the chaos going on.  I have a nudist 3 year old constantly giving the 12 and 13 year old complete hell while the dog is barking, boxes flying, 5 televisions blaring all at the same time, and everyone talking as loud as they can.

Then I am asked, "Mom, what's for dinner".  Really??! 

When we moved from the Coast to the Delta last year, I found myself eating whatever I could grab, when I could grab it....and those little pounds started packing back on, despite my He-man moving skills.  This time, though, I have found a love for large-pot meals and slow-cooker recipes.  These babies will feed my family of 5 for at least two nights.  Plus, we are trying to devour the veggies and fruits before our final move next week to keep the packing down. 

It is nice to not have all the canned food (high in sodium and mercury) and processed foods to have to worry about packing since I stopped buying those years ago.  My plan of attack for the move is bottled water and my HNC Protein drink mixes and bottled water.

Although life gets crazy, you always have to have an attack plan to stay on top of your healthy lifestyle... did I also mention that whole wheat, flax seed muffins are a great travel snack?  I plan on making a bunch of these babies before next Wednesday.




I am an independent contractor for Metabolic Direct and Metabolic Research Center.  This information is not intended to treat or heal any diseases and are listed as supplements only.  Customers and / or potential clients are encouraged to complete a health screen information sheet with a MRC Direct Coach prior to purchasing the product and to consult with their physician prior to starting any new supplements or weight loss programs.

What's Eating You? The Fat Edition...and not PHAT

Fats are good for you...fats are bad for you...

Sound familiar?  We have all seen the headlines that saturated fat is good, then it's bad, then it's good, then it's bad again.  As a consumer, what are you to do?  I have a glimpse of hope for you.  It is all about moderation!  Surprise!  Just like everything, too much of a good thing is bad for you!  The sun is a great, natural source of vitamin D, but stay out there too long, and you will get burnt (possibly increasing your chances of skin cancer).  Another example is vitamin overdose.  Yes, vitamins are great for you, but eat a whole bottle of the Flinstone's gummies (or whatever brand or kind you prefer) and see how quickly you end up in the ER....hmmmm kind of like "Sun poisoning" (overdose of Vitamin D).

 Everybody's body is different, and no two people are the same.  Saturated fats will have a negative effect on your body over time...especially if you do not make healthy food choices.  Heard of cholesterol?  You have?  Well then, just so you know, Cholesterol is Saturated Fat's cousin.  If you have a cholesterol problem, then you certainly have a fat problem.

According to the Mayo Clinic, "Research about the possible harms and benefits of dietary fat is always evolving.  Anda growing body of research suggest that when it comes to dietary fat, you should focus on eating healthy fats and avoiding unhealthy fats.  Simply stated, fat is made up of varying amounts of fatty acids.  It's the type and amount of fatty acid found in food that determines the effect of the fat on your health".

The Healthy Part of Fat

Monounsaturated Fats:  Improves blood cholesterol levels, benefit insulin levels and blood sugar
Polyunsaturated Fats:  Plant based - improves blood cholesterol levels and may also decrease risk of Type
                                   2 diabetes
Omega-3 Fatty Acids:  Heart healthy - fish, flax seed - lower blood pressure levels.



A No Fat Diet?

A not so good idea.  You see, while watching your fat intake is a good idea...and even a better idea...."your body needs some fat - the healthy fats- to function normally.  If you try to avoid all fat, you risk getting insufficient amounts of fat soluble vitamins and essential fatty acids.  You may wind up eating too many processed foods touted as low-fat or fat free" (I am screaming HUGE sodium intake here) "...rather than healthier and naturally lower fat foods...enjoy healthy fats in moderation" (www.mayoclinic.com).

I want to note that even the healthy fats have calories.  So, make sure that you consume these healthy fats as a substitute to other fatty foods...not in addition to them!

The most recent "health" topic that hit social media yesterday was the Kind company and it's "healthy" nutrition bars. This is the main reason I am writing this article.  I am in no way slamming the Kind company...it is non-GMO, whole grains, and healthy goodies.  What makes these the spotlight of the argument is the saturated and transfats that are in it...possibly from what is holding all those pieces together. 

According to the FDA, for an item to listed or marketed as "healthy" it cannot contain more than 1 gram of saturated fats per serving.  Now with that being said, we are going to do a comparison between a Snickers bar and the Kind Bar in question.  I am using the information provided by www.NPR.org.

A Snickers Bar has about 250 calories per serving and 4.5 grams saturated fat
A Kind Bar (Fruit & Nut Almond & Coconut) has 190 calories per serving and over 1.5 grams of saturated fat.

I do not condone the company unethically marketing their bars as healthy, but if you knew how the food works in your body, you may look at it differently.

If I had a Snickers or other candy bar or "health" bar loaded with chocolate and white grains, those sugars are burned first by your body.  If it's not burned, it is then stored to fat.

Now, when I eat a wholesome, nutritious bar (nuts for protein, whole grains, no added sugars) my body will start out breaking these items down.  Because they are more complex, it will take longer for your body to break it down and use it...thereby increasing your metabolism.

In my own opinion, I would rather go with the non-candy bar option as my body can actually use all of the ingredients I am putting into my body for the good, rather than the sugar.

Metabolic Research Center knows all about your body and physiology.  They have taken the guess work out of choosing fats, counting calories, and counting carbs.  You are given a menu with a TON of options to choose from...ALL HEALTHY FATS, ALL LOW CARB, ALL HIGH IN NUTRIENTS, AND ALL BOUGHT AT YOUR LOCAL GROCER! 

Contact me for more info about Metabolic Research Center!
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I am an independent contractor for Metabolic Direct and Metabolic Research Center.  This information is not intended to treat or heal any diseases and are listed as supplements only.  Customers and / or potential clients are encouraged to complete a health screen information sheet with a MRC Direct Coach prior to purchasing the product and to consult with their physician prior to starting any new supplements or weight loss programs.


References:
www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2015/04/15/399851645/nut-so-fast-kind-bars
www.mayoclinic.com

What's Eating You? Thyroid Edition

Hormones, Hormones, Hormones.  My favorite visual moment about hormones is from an old television show, The State.  About 4-6 people are dressed in pink and blue morphsuites...as the hormones rage, the "hormones" start dancing quickly.  It's quite comical.  If you are not familiar with it, Netflix carries the show.  But other than the normal sexual hormones, your other hormones can have quite a negative impact on your weight loss goals.

Between babies 1 & 2 I tried losing weight...Atkins was the best one, but I got tired of counting carbs and fiber...plus have you ever had to eat the diabetic candy with maltitol (stool softener...basically) as a sweetener during a hurricane with no running toilet water...another story for another day.


Having exposed my thyroid to a decade of radiology exposure due to work (and never having heard of a thyroid shield), I decided to drop $600 at the local clinic for a full hormone panel to be run to see what was causing me from dropping the weight.

What is the Thyroid?


The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland that I like to call The Metabloizer.  The thyroid is responsible for controlling the speed of your metabolism...which helps the body use energy.  When this gland is out of whack, your whole system can be thrown for a loop.

One of the symptoms of a whacky thyroid is weight gain or loss.  Now, when I was about 10 years younger, I gained some weight...I was throwing back pizza, burgers, and coffee left and right...I obviously could not blame my thyroid on that one lol.  The most common thyroid disorder that contributes to weight gain is hypothyroidism (the release of low levels of thyroid hormones). 

Hypothyroidism can cause a slower heart rate, increased blood pressure, the sensation of a pounding heart, and other heart palpitations (www.webmd.com).  A few other symptoms include being tired, sluggish, and depressed.  Hypothyroidism can cause anxiety, problems sleeping, restlessness, irritability, hair loss, affect body temperature regulation,  dry skin, numbness in hands, constipation, and abnormal menstrual cycles.

Women of menopause age should not confuse menopause and thyroid disorder.  A simple blood test can confirm the diagnosis.

Untreated hypothyroidism "can raise cholesterol levels and make you more likely to have a stroke or heart attack" (www.webmd.com).  Loss of consciousness and an extreme drop in body temperature have been reported in some severe cases of hypothyroidism. 

Obviously it is clear that a small gland can impact so much of your body...physically and mentally.  I wish I would have known about Metabolic Research Center and their MyLab options 4 years ago.  Yes, I spent $600 for a full hormone panel...MRC offers their hormone panels for $199.  Currently the lab contract is with Quest Labs and MRC utilizes Nationally Certified physicians for interpretation as needed if you choose not to send your lab results to your doctor.  As a MRC client, you are automatically enrolled in MyLabs. 

Metabolic Research Center also has several supplements to help aid in the health of your thyroid. 
One of the most popular is the Iodine supplements.

According to www.emetabolic.com:

Super Iodine Plus (60 Count) 

Iodine is a trace mineral that is quintessential for many biological processes including production of thyroid hormones, healthy thyroid function and metabolism.
Iodine's primary role is to keep the thyroid gland healthy by maintaining a sufficient supply of thyroxine; a crucial hormone that is needed throughout the body.
Thyroxine (which is one of the thyroid hormones), controls proper biochemical metabolism which greatly influences weight loss, energy production and body temperature. Healthy thyroid function supports the adrenal glands, reproduction, nerve and muscle function, cellular oxygen use, the health of hair, skin and bones as well as the breakdown of fats and proteins.


It’s a popular misconception that, as long as your salt is of the ‘iodized’ variety, all your worries about adequate iodine intake are over.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
The amount of iodine in today’s iodized salt is incredibly tiny, designed to be just enough o prevent the actual disease state of goiter (a once-prevalent problem in many areas of the U.S.). however, such an amount in no way begins to take advantage of the huge benefits that can come from higher iodine doses.
Iodine is the primary component of the thyroid hormones, which are the top metabolic regulators of the entire body (not just the thyroid).  This includes all the body’s  glandular systems, but even affects such diverse areas as the skin, the hair, and even breast tissue. Plus, when the body is permitted to luxuriating a constant supply of iodine, the entire body can enjoy a higher  metabolic rate, a vital concept not only for weight loss, but also for energy levels, mood, sleep, and even the immune system.
However, a higher intake of iodine may not be the entire answer if it isn’t adequately transported to the cells that desperately need it.  Our Super Iodine Plus also includes both selenium, and riboflavin (vitamin B-2), which are important co-factors in proper utilizations of this vital nutrient.

Benefits include:

• Weight loss
• Increase metabolism
• Healthy thyroid gland
• Energy
• Normal body temperature
• Nerve function
• Healthy muscle function
• Breakdown of fats
• Healthy hair
• Normal sleep patterns Healthy Skin
• Heavy metal detoxification
• Improves mood
• Supports mental development
• Supports endocrine system

If you would like more information on the Super Iodine tablets contact me!
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References:
http://www.webmd.com/women/guide/understanding-thyroid-problems-basics

I am an independent contractor for Metabolic Direct and Metabolic Research Center.  This information is not intended to treat or heal any diseases and are listed as supplements only.  Customers and / or potential clients are encouraged to complete a health screen information sheet with a MRC Direct Coach prior to purchasing the product and to consult with their physician prior to starting any new supplements or weight loss programs.

Soap Box Rant: Fad "magic" diet drinks and pills

So as you may already know that Metabolic Research Center IS NOT a fly-by-night, jumping on the band wagon kind of company.  It has been around for over 30 years.  Never heard of it?  Well that's because the company does not believe in tv advertising, radio advertising, or paying an NFL athlete or movie star to endorse a product.  We only rely on Word-of-Mouth advertising.  That is the ONLY honest way of knowing something truly works. 

I have a friend who is an ambassador for a competitor.  One, this person claims there is no caffeine in the product...um, the ingredient labels says otherwise.  This same person claims that they can eat ALL the junk food and processed food they want and still lose weight...AS LONG AS THEY DRINK THEIR "MAGIC" DRINK.  How in the world is THAT healthy or even good for your body?  What happens when you can no longer afford the $90 a month mix?  YOU GAIN THAT WEIGHT BACK! In no way shape or form are you any healthier when you don't feed your body real and wholesome foods. 

That is the MAGIC of Metabolic Direct and Metabolic Research Center.  You pay a little more money and take supplements, but only TEMPORARILY while you learn how to make good and nutritious food choices.  The CERTIFIED all natural and CERTIFIED organic supplements are used to help you drop the weight quicker...I mean 35 years of scientific and medical research proves these organic all natural ingredients help in weight loss (this includes the full line of health supplements available too).  Once you hit your goal weight, the supplements are optional.  For instance, being a mother to 3 children (3-13) I stay stressed...I continue taking Corti-Trim to help with my adrenal function and prevent the "carb" cravings after a stressful situation.  You will go off program after hitting goal and maintain your new, fabulous body by healthy food choices and healthy living....you cannot put a price tag on that! It's always been an issue with me in the past that I start some "Fad" diet and have no idea where to start as far as menu planning!  MRC does that for you....metabolism boosting foods that you can buy at any grocery store!  Yes, you have to give up the beer, wine, and liquor while on program, but after you hit your goal weight (I exceeded mine in a month ... 24 pounds!) I am able to indulge in moderation.

MODERATION is key to anything...Jenny Craig, WeightWatchers, and Nutrisystem understand that too.  But don't get me started on pre-packaged, sodium packed, frozen meals....not heart healthy.

What other fad diet out there requires a health history???  Or offers discounts (I mean a fraction of what you pay at your own doctor) on lab work and hormone testing?  Or offer a full service medical team and support (me, a coach, nutritionists, social workers, dieticians, etc)? 

I believe in this company so much that there is a 100% guarantee that you will lose that weight as long as you follow your program and take the supplements.

The premier package is around $225 with free shipping...yes that is a lot of money in this day and time...I mean, that is the cost of my cell phone plan or dish network plan with internet....but you will not only save a ton of money on your grocery bill, but you also receive EVERYTHING you need for a full month!  Plus, I or the other team members are available to you for support, questions, and fun "happies" along the way.

MRC also offers a 7 day program if you want to drop up to 5 pounds; a 14 day program to drop up to 10 pounds; and the Super 3 program (my favorite) as it includes the adrenal gland cushion, Corti-Trim. 

I would love to answer any questions or objections if you would like to talk more!  Free consultation and no obligation...once you start, you will wonder why you didn't start sooner...I sure did!


I am an Independent Contract Coach for Metabolic Direct
Coach Code: AUnderwood
www.emetabolic.com

Recipe: Roasted Pork Loin with Spinach, Peppers and Mushrooms

Nothing excites me more than food, but, more importantly, healthy food!  I was so excited to come across this recipe as my whole family LOVES...or drools...over pork loin.  I cannot wait to try this recipe out.

Roasted Pork Loin with Spinach, Peppers, and Mushrooms
by Heather Gaither/ www.emetabolic.com

Roasted pork loin stuffed with fresh vegetables, this recipe looks elegant and tastes decadent, but it is surprisingly simple to prepare.  You can mix up the vegetables in the stuffing with any of your favorites.  Pork tenderloin is an excellent source of lean protein, one 4 ounce portion contains 28 grams of protein and only 4 grams of fat.  For many years pork got a bad rap in the weight loss world, but Pork Loin is actually a lean source of good protein, and contains nutrients like selenium, vitamin B-1, and choline.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• 3 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 3 oz diced red bell pepper
• 1 (5-ounce) package baby spinach
• 3/4 tsp coarse sea salt, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
• 1 (2-pound) center-cut boneless pork loin roast, butterflied.

Method:

Heat 2 tbsp  of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add garlic and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds.  Add mushrooms and peppers, cook, stirring, until they start to brown and release their liquid, 3-5 minutes.  Add spinach and cook until just wilted, 2-3 minutes.  Season with 1/4 tsp of the salt and 1/4 tsp of the pepper.  Remove from heat and let cool.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Season pork all over with remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper.  Spread cooled spinach-mushroom mixture evenly over pork, leaving a border around the edges.  Roll up, jelly roll style, or fold in half like a book and tie pork at 1-inch intervals with kitchen twine.

Heat remaining 2 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.  Add pork, seam side down, and brown for 3-4 minutes, then brown the remaining sides and ends.  Transfer pork to a roasting pan and roast until an instant=read thermometer inserted into thickest part reads 150 degrees, 1-1 1/4 hours.  Let pork rest for 10 minutes, then cut into thick slices and serve.

Serve with roasted sweet potatoes or with our Cauliflower Potato Mash recipe.

Portions: since the pork is filled with some vegetables, weigh out about 1 oz overy your menu portion size.  For example, if your menu allows for 4 oz serving of pork, weigh pork loin on your scale to 5 oz and enjoy!

Variation:

•  If you like more of a stuffing, add Panko Bread crumbs to the mixture.
• For a bit of cheesy kick, add some finely grated Parmesan cheese.
• For extra tender pork, pound thin before stuffing.

What's Eating You? Stress Edition

Money, job, kids, extra-curricular activities, road rage, family...all sources of stress.  No matter your situation, every body is faced with some sort of stress.  I personally suffer from an undo amount of stress...job hunting, paying bills, world violence and the economy.

Besides weight gain, stress can also affect other parts of your body. According to the APA (American Psychological Association), "When the body is stressed, muscles tense up.  Muscle tension is almost a reflex reaction to stress- the body's way of guarding against injury and pain".  I remember my masseuse asking me about what is causing my stress as he could feel it during my "relaxing" massage. I have also suffered from tension headaches, migraines, and muscle stiffness...all due to chronic stress.

Stress can also affect your respiratory system by causing you to breathe harder.  Think asthma attacks, hyperventilation, etc.

Acute stress causes "an increase in heart rate and stronger contractions of the heart muscle, with the stress hormones - adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol - acting as messengers for these effects" (APA). Chronic stress can lead to hypertension, heart attack or stroke.  This is very serious especially if you have a family history of these illnesses.  The APA also states, "Repeated acute stress and persistent chronic stress may also contribute to inflammation in the circulatory system (coronary arteries), and this is one pathway that is thought to tie stress to heart attack.  It also appears that how a person responds to stress can affect cholesetrol levels".

The APA also links stress issues to the male and female reproductive systems, liver, and GI.

For many people, stress can mean facing each day hungry--and adding weight gain to their list of worries.  I admit that I am an emotional eater.  I never would have recognized this if it wasn't for Metabolic Research Center requiring me to keep a food journal.

"While the immediate...response to acute stress can be a temporary loss of appetite, more and more we are coming to recognize that for some people, chronic stress can be tied to an increase in appetite -- and stress-induced weight gain," says Elissa Epel, PhD, an assistant professor in the department of psychiatry at the University at San Fransisco.

 She also says the problem "lies within our neuro-endocrine system--a brain-to-body connection that harkens back to evolutionary times and which helped our distant ancestors to survive.  Though today the source of the stress is more likely to be an unpaid bill than a saber-toothed tiger, this system still activates a series of hormones whenever we feel threatened."  Think Fight or Flight syndrome.  Cortisol and adrenaline are released from our adrenal glands.  Adrenaline, for a short time, decreases our appetite, but the cortisol's job is to help us replenish our body after the stress has passed, and it hangs around a lot longer causing your appetite to increase and drive you to eat more.

According to www.WebMD.com, "Since your neuro-endocrine system doesn't know you didn't fight or flee,it still respondsto stress with the hormonal signal to replenish nutritional stores -- which may make you feel hungry".  This cannot only lead to weight gain, "but also the tendency to store what is called visceral fat around the midsection.  These fat cells that lie deep within the abdomen have been linked to an increase in both diabetes and heart disease (www.webmd.com)".

And what is the fuel our body uses in "fight or flight"?  Sugar!  This is the primary reason we crave carbohydrates when stressed...think "comfort foods"...mac & cheese, mashed potatoes, etc.

So what can be done to decrease the stress?  I'm not suggesting staying medicated on anti-anxiety medications or taking up yoga/meditation...which are great therapeutic hobbies...I do both, but with three kids (one being a soon to be 3 year old) I don't always have the time.  I also despise taking medications that "dope" you.

I have always suffered from the "muffin top", especially after birthing 2 children...plus stress.  When I started my metabolic program with Metabolic Research Center, I was started on Corti-trim.  Both are certified all natural and certified organic products...every ingredient is from a root, flower, or other naturally grown substance...and I can read all of them lol. 

Corti-trim is the product of my dreams.  The stress issue and its effects on your body has become big enough that considerable research (and historic evidence) is available showing the efficacy of certain vitamins, minerals, and particularly herbs in down-regulating the stress response and the overproduction of cortisol. Corti-trim helps burn off that abdominal fat, maximize weight loss, and regulate blood sugar levels (not to mention helping nourish and heal those stressed adrenal glands!).
Metabolic Research Center has put together a three-phased proprietary blend of herbs to meet that end, and then added the best-known vitamins and minerals to assist getting that job done.

When taken with MRC-6 (powerful, multifaceted weight loss supplement to break down fat, increase production of thyroid hormones, suppress appetite, support digestion, and aid in the removal of fatty tissue...all at once) and a healthy diet, your body will thank you tremendously, and you will thank yourself for committing to not only your current health, but your future health as well.

You can visit www.emetabolic.com store for more information and ingredient information if you are interested.  If you would like to get started you can either contact me at any time (underwoodamanda6@gmail.com) for a free consultation and product recommendations for your individual needs or use the coach code (AUnderwood) at checkout so you don't get tele-marketed.

Always check with your doctor before starting any supplements to make sure they do not interfere with any current medications or medical conditions.


References:

http://www.webmd.com/diet/can-stress-cause-weight-gain?page=2
http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/stress-body.aspx

What's Eating You? Junk Food Edition

Popcorn and Donuts and Ice Cream, OH MY! Cheap and Convenient...who could ask for more?
We have all been there...going grocery shopping on an empty stomach and stocking up on all the quick access junk food!  When I was little my father traveled internationally a lot.  Besides missing him, my sister and I were always excited for Dad to come home because we went on Junk Food Runs!  We literally filled the buggy to the top with all the candy, Little Debbies, chips, ice cream, and snacks that we could find.  I sometimes think Dad was more excited about it as he went months without it!  I remember seeing the twinkle in his eye when the sliding doors to the grocery store opened...we would race through the store grabbing everything we could get our hands on. People stared at us not knowing whether we were crazy or homeless.

As a child and teenager, I was so active, I never thought about gaining weight. After I had two children I realized I can no longer eat like a crazy person.  I consulted with my cousin and she started me on a Metabolic Research Center program.  After going cold-turkey with sugar and chocolate for a week, I realized that I was still alive.  In fact, I did, and still do, feel amazing!  I thought I relied on pure milk chocolate once a month.  I feel so much better not eating those prepackaged Little Debbie Snack Cakes...and besides, what's the point of a snack if you will be hungry 10 minutes later anyhow.

Being the researcher I am, I wanted to know how and why junk food is not good for you. *Side Note: Did you know that there is a Junk Food Diet...and it works??  But what good does junk food diets do to you if it's pure junk, and you are not feeding your body?* This is what I have found about junk food and your body.

From www.healthyeating.sfgate.com:
"Although low energy levels and weight gain can not be attributed solely to junk food intake, there is an association between eating high-calorie, nutrient-poor foods and poor health.  While it may be tempting to rely on the vending machines to get you through an afternoon slump, or to pick up fast food on your way to  your meeting, these choices add up over time and can negatively impact your weight and energy levels."

Junk food is loaded in calories and sugar.  And, because of its lack of substance, it requires one to eat more in order to become satisfied.  Have you ever picked up a cinnabun or other wrapped danish at a gas station and think it was one serving?  Check again.  Many times that one wrapped snack is 2 servings.  That's right, take a look at the calorie, sodium, carb, and sugar content....and DOUBLE IT! I don't know anyone who would only eat half...unless you have a child you plan to split it with...guiltily.

According to www.healthyeating.sfgate.com, "Choosing a junk food diet high in fat may affect your eneergy levels in as little as one week.  Within nine days of adopting a high-fat diet, rats in the study were able to run 50 percent as far on a treadmill than rats fed a more balanced diet. This study was not performed on humans, but it can be speculated that a nutrient-poor diet could result in lower energy and physical performance in humans as well.

This is your brain: 

This is your brain on junk food:  

According to www.steadyhealth.com, "Several research studies have found that junk food can affect the brain much the same way as nicotine or heroin."  So now I'm not sure if I should answer drug questionnaires the same or not haha.

High fat diets (junk food included) can make the brain "stop responding to the leptin system (the portion of the brain that controls body weight and reproductive function." This seriously messes with your hormonal system making your body store more fat...because you are eating higher fats. Consider it a bad habit that is hard to break...I didn't say impossible, because IM POSSIBLE.

Artificial colors and sweeteners used in foods and drinks can cause asthma, allergic reactions and hyperactivity in children...whose kids need to be more hyper? NOT MINE FOR SURE LOL!

Canned spaghetti is a helping of carbs loaded with salt and sugar...no fiber whatsoever!

My toddler LOVES chicken nuggets so this one kind of hurts, but it's real. Chicken nuggets are cheap and contain about 14% real chicken...water, skin,and proteins that have been removed from the bones (ie mechanically processed).

4 of the10 leading causes of death in America are linked directly to diet-related health conditions: diabetes, coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke, and certain forms of cancer.

Steadyhealth.com also said, "Medical science has shown how important diet is in the growth, development and aging of the human body.  A poor diet can be directly contributed to a failure to thrive in children and a diminished quality of life in the elderly population.  As far back in history as the time of Hippocrates, medicine and diet have been inseparable."

I can't tell you how many times after eating ice cream or other junk food, I would sit on the couch bloated and full and just feel "nasty".   That all changed when I developed a healthier relationship with food.

If you are ready to drop the junk food and find a new you, contact me to get started learning how to make healthier food choices.




Facebook: www.facebook.com/CoachAmandaMRC

References:
http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/junk-food-affect-weight-energy-1376.html
http://www.steadyhealth.com/articles/Junk_Food_and_Its_Impacts_on_Brain__Junk_Food_Addiction_a959.html