Why aren't healthy foods advertised like junk foods

Why don't we advertise water like we do soda or fruits and vegetables like snack food?

Flipping through the television channels or pages of a magazine you see several ads for Coca-cola or pepsi and oreos or chips a hoy and McDonald's or Burger King. Why don't we see ads for water or juice and carrots or broccoli and bananas and oranges. What ever happen to the thought of an apple a day keeps the doctor away?

There needs to be a creative way to get the healthy word out to the masses. Some people will say they don't want to deprive themselves on good food. Well guess what, if you are eating all the crap out there you are depriving yourself on good food, you just may not know what good food is. People need to be educated on how to make "good for you" food, good. Once they see just how good it can taste it will only be a matter of time before they are hooked!

Nico

Some insight on high fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners

People have been misinformed about the dangers of high fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners, myself included. I decided to do a little research on the matter. I went to the Mayo Clinic website to get some answers that I knew I could trust.

Basically, high fructose corn syrup is just another form of sugar that is nearly identical to sugar, having a little more fructose which allows items to have a longer shelf life. Some people claim it is the cause of obesity when actually the cause of obesity is the fact that people are uneducated on nutrition. Also, the fact that we 'super size' things, super sizing should be outlawed. We need to educate people on moderation!

As for artificial sweeteners, people have been told that it is causing cancer. When actually, there is no scientific evidence that any artificial sweeteners that are approved in the United States have cancer causing elements. Artificial sweeteners just give the sweetness with minimal calories.

So to reiterate, we need to understand moderation. Don't live off soda, regular or diet, incorporate water into your daily routine, say no to super size, don't indulge everyday--make it a treat for yourself on occasion, if you need a snack.....grab some actual fruit instead of the bag of skittles, if you need a salty snack nuts are a great source!

To close it up, we need to re-train our brains and start eating better and realize that healthy foods can taste good too!

A little thought.......for every soda you drink have 2 waters.

Here's to your health,

Nico

Missing my fruits and vegetables

Hello,

Do you ever wish fruits and vegetables could be more affordable? I know I do. However, I know that the farmers need the money in order to buy their supplies but it would be nice if the supplies were more affordable for them too!

This makes me want to try my hand with a green thumb. I am vowing to myself that I will start and learn how to care for my own garden this spring. Who knows, if I am successful maybe I will try growing my vegetables and herbs indoors during the winter season, which is when the price skyrockets in the grocery stores.

I think if I had ample amounts of fruits and vegetables available to me I would eat them all day, everyday. I think that my mood is better when I fill myself with fruits and veggies over sweets and crap food. Maybe that is part of why I am so much more active in the spring and summer because they are more affordable.

Maybe we need to figure out how to grow indoors here in Minnesota so we don't have to pay for the shipping of our fruits and vegetables! But I guess I will try myself first, it's easier to get one person on board over a whole state!

Maybe next winter my winter blues will be more colorful!

Here's to fruits and veggies,

Nico

Holiday + weather weight gain

Hello,

So the holidays are officially over! I decipher this by realizing that this week will be the first 5 day work week without hopes of any short work weeks ahead!

Now I stare at my left over cookies and treats and wish for them to disappear but I do not have the heart to toss them in the trash. I try and tell myself that I am not hungry for those treats but continue to find myself reaching for them. I wonder if it is harder to shed the holiday pounds when you live somewhere where it is cold before, during, and after the holidays. Here in Minnesota some may feel they have to add on pounds for the winter season just to survive the frigid temperatures. My question for anyone out there would be this; is it just as hard to stay away from holiday treats and meals when you live in a warmer climate?

I know for myself that in the spring and summer it is easier for me to eat better and lighter and I definitely get more exercise. I wonder if I put myself in warmer climate all year long if it would be easier to stay fit and healthy. If only I could move all my friends and family!

Maybe 2010 will bring new developments in adapting to cold weather and eating habits. Now that I am in school and studying to become a nutritionist I think I should start researching ways to cope with the winter blues and find ways to distract me from reaching for those extra holiday treats! So anyone out there reading this, feel free to drop a line of advice if you have it!

Happy New Year,

Nico