I know this one’s a tad controversial and I’m no expert by any means, so if you’re interested in this topic please read up on it and decide for yourself after you’ve read the science behind it (I’d do a lousy job of explaining it).
But after reading various articles I was more than convinced (so that’s not exactly possible but you get what I mean) that consuming hfcs wrecks havoc on your system and if consumed regularly and in large amounts can lead to all sorts of ailments; diabetes, high blood pressure, depletion of vitamins and minerals, weight gain, etc.
The thing is, it’s oh so easy to consume large amounts, the stuff is so prevalent in everyday foods, and in most brands of the following:
mayonnaise
ketchup
bbq sauce
worcestershire sauce
bread
cereal
crackers
snack bars
sports drinks
my beloved cheesecake
and on and on it goes…
Read the labels at the grocery store and you’ll see how common it is, you probably have already.
Lisa Leake from 100 Days of Real Food has TONS of helpful information on the topic of healthy eating/living. Here’s one of hers about sugar.
And here’s another article on sugar from Dr. Mercola website.
Even if my family doesn’t eliminate 100% of hfcs in our diets we can drastically avoid consuming it at home by being selective in what we purchase.
I think that’s a worthwhile goal.
Thoughts and challenges to eating healthy?
P.S. I also think that depending on your financial situation you do the best you can. I can’t only buy organic right now due to budget constraints and when I buy more organic items or “health food” it does mean buying less of something else. In some areas we eat well and in other areas we eat real simply.
I completely agree–we’ve cut it out now for many years. That stuff is in everything!
Its actually a selling point for many brands to put ‘no hfcs’ on their products, right on the front. (the last one I bought was 100% natural Hunt’s brand, which is a big brand, but right on the front they are advertising the no hfcs.) Its certainly a topic of concern for many people these days, which is awesome because the more we vote with our food dollars the more change we will see. Big business will ‘make’ what we want, if enough people will buy it. One thing I have noticed is its easier to end up with what you actually want (ingredients wise) a. when you are not rushed, and can read the labels, b. when you haven’t run out yet and can look around for a couple shopping trips, then a little slack for the times when it just happens to sneak in will make you feel better knowing nearly all the time you do keep that stuff outta your house. Great timing for this post with school ‘sandwich season’ about to get back in gear.
Good tips Kate! I frequently end up kicking myself for making purchases when I’m rushed (if it’s a product I haven’t bought before).