in defense of food

that is the name of the book I am currently reading.  Kind of a history and explanation of the food manufacturing industry . I love the description of many if not most of the foods in todays supermarkets as edible food-like substances.

briefly- eat moderately, eat more plants, avoid processed crap.
shop the perimeter of the store, lean meats, fish, poultry, fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains.

It was nice to see that I am mainly on the right track.  I eat protein, (6 oz or so of meat fish or chicken) 3 servings of dairy ( generally a higher protein and naturally lower in sugar plain greek yogurt  ( trader joes brand ) that I add my own fruit, and smidge of honey (preferred)  or splenda ( though splenda is one of the edible food like substances) several vegetables and fruits a day. High fiber bran cereal or kashi, or oatmeal, brown rice, whole wheat breads.


yes I cheat and have the occasional cookie, and dark chocolate is a lesser evil, naturally lower in sugar, with out artificial sweeteners and probably would be on the authors good list .

anything with sugar alcohols are off my list as they contain just as many calories as the real food, and sometimes more, and they give me gas that would peel the paint off the walls.

what is NOT food, shakes, powders, processed bars with protein powder added.  if I can get in over 100 grams of protein  a day with out supps anyone can - I just read labels and try to choose the  ones that have  the best nutritional profile and minimal additives, and avoid proceesed stuff with additives on the label I can't prounounce.

btw if you are curious, bacon and peanut butter are not great sources of protien they are more fat than anything.

if you are interested in the book here is a link below


http://www.amazon.com/Defense-Food-Eaters-Manifesto/dp/1594201455/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1231995839&sr=8-1

Willow,
Thank you for the link, I'm so interested in this and will most definitely be looking this up tomorrow when I'm not so tired.  I've also been trying to get more fiber and veggies in and its funny you should mention body functions that could peel paint, because I've noticed and so have other family members, that they are sure working themselves thru the body...EWWW!!!

I start volunteering at a local nursing home next week and this should help with the munching I'm prone to doing instead of descent meals.  I do better when I'm busy!  And hubby goes back on his normal shift of afternoons, so I can get back on my scheduled every other night workouts or swimming (I've missed it).

Also CONGRATS on passing your test!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Again thank you for the link and info, I will put it to good use.

Big Hugs,
Angie

I'm interested in this topic, as well. The book sounds interesting!

The whole "bioavailability" topic is mind-blowing to me. For example, lots of people, (including me prior to my DS), think nuts are good sources of protein, but with their fat, they're far down the list. I still enjoy them on the go or as a late-night snack, but I know there are better sources, like eggs.

As to shakes and bars, I only used them early out when I was struggling to make my protein goals. My doc and personal trainer kept carping on me about "branch chain amino acids." If those are in your shake or bar, then it is supposedly better for us--more bioavailable for muscle-building/preventing muscle wastage. So, one other thing to look for on the label, if you are a shake or bar user.

Nicolle