Real Food Doesn't Need an Ingredient Label!

Ever see an ingredient list on a tomato, almond, or egg? Nope, because these foods, and many others, are considered "whole foods." Whole foods are nutrient-rich foods that provide your body with important nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber. In addition, these foods contain no added sugar, fat, or preservatives. When you eat whole foods, you're getting them in there healthy, natural state. Examples of whole foods include:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Frozen fruits and vegetables (those without sauce, sugar or preservatives)
• Unsalted nuts
• Fresh meats
• Frozen meats (those without sauce, sugar or preservatives)
• Fresh seafood/shellfish
• Frozen seafood/shellfish
• Brown Rice
• Sweet Potatoes
• Beans
• Eggs
• Almost everything that's fresh and found on the perimeter of a grocery store

*** Because of their high saturated fat content, some cuts of meat (beef, pork, lamb) should not be a regular part of your diet even though they are considered whole foods.

"Processed foods", on the other hand, are any food that contains more than one ingredient. Often times during processing, many healthy nutrients are removed and sugars, preservatives, salt, and bad fats (saturated or trans) are added. Examples of processed foods include:

• Fruit and vegetable juices
• Deli meat
• Chips (potato or vegetable)
• Cookies
• Crackers
• Sausage
• White rice
• White bread
• Sugary breakfast cereals
• Almost everything wrapped in plastic and found in the inner isles of a grocery store

*** Some processed foods are good for you and can be eaten in moderation. Example of these include whole grain bread, whole grain cereals, oatmeal, and skim or reduced fat milk.

If you're trying to eat a healthy diet, relying on whole foods is a fantastic place to start! The key is to consume plenty of fruits and vegetables in a rainbow colors while limiting sugar, trans-fats, preservatives and refined grains. It's always better to have it fresh and whole so look for products that are less refined, less manufactured, and less processed.

Get Upset, Take a Stand, and Make a Difference!

Without knowing specifics, it's impossible to pass sound judgement on the recent 'Biggest Loser' controversy. Personally, I've never watched the show and have no intention of starting. But as a fitness professional, it concerns me that the image of a single person who MAY or MAY NOT be underweight causes such outrage and emotion. Are we not living in a society where 2/3 of adults are overweight or obese? Is that upsetting to anyone? It upsets me! I wish more people would focus their time and energy encouraging one another to eat more produce and lean proteins and stop eating refined sugars and processed foods. It takes discipline and willpower but it CAN be done. And how about activity? What if we pushed one another to get a minimum of 30 minutes of activity 7 days a week, no exceptions. It too CAN be done but will require sacrifice. Health and fitness doesn't have to be all doom and gloom. It can be an amazing experience! If people would truly commit and surround themselves with the right support group, the sky is the limit both individually and for society as a whole. America can beat the obesity epidemic but it's going to take outrage and emotion. Get upset, take a stand, and make a difference in those peoples lives around you!