So, what does the new label entail?

First- Serving sizes will be more reflective of what is the actual amount people consume of that product. I’ve always thought it was strange that they could manipulate the serving size in order to make it appear as if there was less sugar than it actually has in the amount you are consuming.

Second- They are removing the calories from fat. They are finally acknowledging that it’s the type of fat that is important not the amount of fat.

Third- They are finally are finally addressing the “added” sugar in foods. There are natural sugars in food, like fruit or milk. Then there are “added” sugar that are added to the product during processing which contribute to weight gain. They are putting the “added” sugar on the label! One teaspoon of sugar can shut down the immune system for up to 5 hours. So, knowing how much “sugar” is in the food is incredibly helpful for anyone needing to maintain a healthy immune system.

Fourth- Vitamin D and potassium are being added to the label. These nutrients are vital to maintaining a range of health benefits, like maintaining a healthy blood pressure or bone health. So, they are finally putting them on the label in hopes that it can help people purchase more health providing foods.

These new guidelines aren’t perfect, but they are a change for the better. I’m still wishing they wouldn’t allow trans fats or artificial sweeteners to be added in such small amounts (less than .5 grams) to a serving that they can claim 0 grams. I feel that is very deceptive. So, just be aware that they are able to do this to the products without listing those ingredients on the label when it is in such small amounts. I feel that even in these small amounts they can be harmful to the body.

So, with that said, it is a step in the right direction and I’m happy to see changes being made to help people see what is actually in the foods. I always say, take your reading glasses with you and read the labels. Buy from companies you know are reputable and use high quality ingredients. When in doubt, don’t buy it. It’s always best to eat whole real food in its natural state. Then you really know what you are eating. Bon appétit!

By Nancy Addison CHC, AADP, September. 6, 2014,

copyright@nancyaddison2014

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Here is one of my favorite raw, healthy recipes from my cookbook, which has over 115 yummy and easy recipes in it. The book can help you lose weight, boost your immune system, get your libido healthier, make non toxic body care and home care products with organic food and gardening tips.
I thought I would share it with you!

Raw, vegan recipe

SUPER CHOCOLATE POWER SMOOTHIE

Yes, you can have chocolate for breakfast and it will be healthy! Cacao is one of, if not the top anti-oxidant foods in the world. It is nutrient- dense.

Note that if you’re making this drink for someone who is diabetic, sweeten it with stevia instead of dates.

Ingredients:
2 1⁄2 c. coconut or hemp milk
1 or 2 bananas
1 T. cacao powder or cacao nibs ( you can save some to sprinkle on top)
2–3 dates, pitted and soaked in water for an hour or more or if you are diabetic – use a half dropper of toffee flavored stevia
1 T. nut butter of choice (sunflower seed, pumpkin seed,peanut, or almond)
1 tsp. chia seeds
1T. extra-virgin, pure coconut oil
1 scoop protein powder ( I use one from Mike Adam’s store.)

Directions:
1. Blend all ingredients well in a blender and enjoy!

The post Super Chocolate Power Smoothie Recipe appeared first on Organic Healthy Life - Nancy Addison - Nutrition.

Studies have shown that if a person isn’t getting enough water in their system, then organs, like the kidneys will actually start hoarding water. (1) When dehydrated other negative reactions by the body occur.

Dehydration can lead to dizziness, headaches, a feeling of weakness, cramping muscles, and a general feeling of tiredness. A dehydrated person may not feel like doing things, like exercising. In fact, when someone is feeling fatigue, it is most likely caused by dehydration. Other studies have shown that consuming water can help curb hunger pangs. (2) In reality, many hunger cravings are actually the result of the body craving hydration. (3) And “even mild dehydration will slow down” the body’s “metabolism by as much as 3 percent.” (4) So, if you want to lose some weight, try drinking lots and lots of water first thing in the morning and then all through the day, about two and a half hours after each meal.

Dehydration is more common than you might think. In fact, a Harvard Medical School study said that seventy –five percent of Americans are chronically dehydrated. (5) In a study by Associate professor Robert Kenefick of kinesiology at the University of New Hampshire, he found that even in the winter, “people just don’t feel as thirsty when the weather is cold.” (6) “When they don’t feel thirsty, they don’t drink as much, and this can cause dehydration.”

He also discovered that when exposed to the cold, the hormone AVP reacts differently and the thirst sensation is reduced about 40 percent. Kenefick says. “Humans don’t naturally hydrate themselves properly, and they can become very dehydrated in cold weather because there is little physiological stimulus to drink.” (7)

Kenefick offers this advice: “Drink plenty of water, especially when exercising or working outdoors. A good way to monitor proper hydration is to examine urine output – the color should be nearly clear.” (8)
When we get thirsty, we are already in a dehydrated state. Most illnesses today can actually be traced to dehydration. Many people may be drinking fluids and thinking they are hydrating their body, but in actuality, if they are consuming fluids like coffee and sodas, they are consuming dehydrating liquids.

“ Dr. Batmanghelidj studied water while he was a prisoner in an Iranian jail. He treated and cured about 3,000 prisoners using water and sea salt to treat, what he called chronic intracellular dehydration. He found that most people are sick because of dehydration. He wrote quite a few books on the subject after his release. The “water cure” that he prescribed in his books is:

1. Sufficient water. Drink an ounce of water for every 2 pounds of body weight daily. This means that someone weighing 200 pounds should drink 100 ounces of water a day. This is in addition to any other beverages. Consume water first thing upon getting up in the morning and then drink it all day long, on a continual basis, every two hours.

2. Sea salt. Put 1/8 teaspoon of sea salt on the tongue with every 16 ounces of water. This is a key component in the “water cure.” This is really important for people suffering from allergies or asthma; the salt acts like an antihistamine.” (9)

The doctor used pure sea salt, not purified table salt. Pure sea salt contains the minerals that our body needs in order to absorb water optimum ally. So, take this formula and add some hydrating water to your diet. The benefits can be surprising. This new formula for weight loss can have you feeling and looking great!

Nancy Addison, nutritionist has 6 award-winning books. Her book/cookbook, “Lose Weight, Get Healthy And Never Be On A Diet Again! ” was a Winner in the International Book Awards. Click here for the link to her Amazon Author page.

You can sign up for Nancy’s free monthly newsletter on her website: www.organichealthylife.com

Sources:
2, 3, 4, & 5: The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Lewis County, May and June Connecting Lewis County Newsletter. 2011. P.O. Box 72, 5274 Outer Stowe Street, Lowville, NY 13367
1, 6, 7 and 8: http://www.livestrong.com/article/392737-hydration-weight-loss/, Hydration & Weight Loss
9. How to be a Healthy Vegetarian by Nancy Gibbons Addison 2012. -taken from the chapter on water.
For more information go to www.organichealthylifestyle.com
copyright@nancyaddison2012

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