August 30, 2010

Just a few notes...

Here's another great book I've been reading:




It is a very easy read, highlighting 101 super healthy foods. Some are familiar, some are not. Each "chapter" gives the history of the food, it's health benefits and even has a recipe. I credit the book for me eating dried apricots for a snack today. Yup, got my full RDA of beta-carotene :) And we really need to eat more avocados. And I'd really like to try agave syrup. Can you tell I'm still on the A's?

A couple more tidbits to share from my copy of "Eat This Not That for Kids." First, this quote:

"Most of us don't labor under the illusion that ice cream snacks and fast food burgers are healthy. The occasional sinful indulgence is part of living, even for (or especially) for kids. But most parents could never guess how bad many of today's kids' meals really are."

That is, when you get down to the nitty gritty, these things are SOOOO much worse that most people realize. Those occasional treats add up to something quite awful. But there are alternatives! You don't have to deprive yourself and your kids, you just need to be educated on better choices.

And how about this, "Today's children are likely to be the first generation to live shorter, less-healthy lives than their parents." That's pretty sad.

And you know what is really disturbing to me? It's how deceiving the packaging is on store bought food. Any product can claim to be healthy and these marketers are very sneaky and quite dishonest actually. You can't trust the front of the box, you have to look at ingredients and the nutritional info to really tell if it's good or not. And most people don't know how to decipher all that, it's ridiculous how confusing it all is. Busy moms especially don't have time to read the small print on items so these sneaky marketers splash these "sound bites" on the front, make it sound "all natural" and "wholesome" when it's really just a load of sugary, fatty, processed CRAP!! Can you tell I'm annoyed? I have fallen prey to this deception, but no more. I'm finally realizing it is MY duty as a mom to figure it all out and do right by my family, so that's what I'm trying to do.

3 comments:

Emily {Frilly Details} said...

You are inspiring me to read these books! I actually loved dried apricots and buy them all the time at Aldi. Who knew I was being so healthy! And I LOVE avocados.

Right now I have to say that spaghetti squash is my new fav thing. It's amazing!!

Greta said...

I bought a spaghetti squash today! I'm sure it's in the book too, but I haven't got to the s's yet ;) There are so many things that are healthier than I expected too. Like iceberg lettuce, celery and corn. The produce section is a great place to hang out.

Emily {Frilly Details} said...

I think I am going to order that book. :)

I need to stop typing so fast - I love dried apricots, not "loved" them. Sheesh!