Top 10 Foods to Avoid

My Food Target™ visually displays an array of best and worst food options. Since there seems to be a "Top 10" list for just about everything, I am often asked to provide my own Top 10 list of foods and beverages to avoid. So here they are, in no particular order, and there may (or may not) be a few surprises.

1. Trans-fats: Whenever you see "partially hydrogenated" or "hydrogenated" in any product’s ingredient list, the product contains trans-fats. Trans-fats were created to increase the shelf life of every product that contains them. They do not, however, extend the life of those that ingest them! Trans-fats make your cells hard and brittle and lead to an array of health problems. My favorite example of how a product’s shelf-life is extended is the jar of a popular brand of Peanut Butter that I have been hauling around to my seminars for the past 15 years!
2. High Fructose Corn Syrup: High fructose corn syrup is very sweet, very cheap, it does not satisfy your appetite, and it is extremely acidic. High fructose is in almost every processed packaged food and also in many beverages and sports drinks.
3. Energy Drinks: It’s time we get serious about educating our entire nation – especially young people - about the harmful side effects of consuming energy drinks! Energy drinks are one of the fastest growing segments of the beverage industry in the United States.
4. Soda Pop: Soda pop is the number-one beverage in the United States… number one! The average American drinks over seventy gallons of soda pop per year. I am not saying that you cannot have a can or bottle of your favorite soda pop now and then, but 70 gallons per person, per year, is a gross excess responsible for a vast array of health problems including diabetes.
5. Hot Dogs: Years ago I had the opportunity to watch how a hot dog was made and I have never eaten another hot dog since. Just take my word on this one, please.
6. Pizza: In an effort to contain costs and increase profits, most chain restaurant pizzas do not contain or offer high quality ingredients, defined as fresh, free-range, or organic. You can always improve the nutritional value of your pizza by choosing vegetable toppings, or even better, by buying a pizza stone and making your own healthy pizza at home.
7. Coffee Drinks: I can just hear the outcry…"No, Chris! Not my favorite coffee drink!" Sorry, yes, your coffee drink. Some coffee drinks are simply high-calorie desserts in disguise! If you like coffee, then enjoy a fresh cup of black coffee with a splash of your favorite milk.
8. Fast Food: More and more fast food chains are offering some healthier food options, but in general, most fast food restaurant options are not nutritionally sound. Fast food implies eating on the run, and that’s not healthy either.
9. Movie Theater Popcorn: I’m not talking all popcorn here! Popcorn has generally been identified as a "healthy" or "healthier" snack. What most Americans simply don’t realize is how many trans-fats are contained in the excessive servings of the movie theater variety of popcorn. All I can say is, "WOW!"
10. Alcoholic Beverages: If you choose to drink, please do so in moderation, and wine is your best option. Regular, excessive consumption of alcohol can have a tremendous negative effect on your health (physical and emotional) as well as your relationships (with yourself and others).

Were there any surprises?

Changing your food and beverage intake is one element of a total health and nutrition plan. If you’d like more information about how to obtain and maintain personal wellness, or a complete discussion of health, On Target Living™ publishes ‘Nutrition’ and other publications that can further your understanding.

On Target Living™ suggests that incremental change, practiced regularly, leads to improved health. If one or any one of my "Top 10" is a regular part of your eating or social habits, then eliminating them, one at a time, can lead to better health. You’re worth it!

Health & Happiness!
CJ