The extensive study used data for over 120,000 healthy men and women from previous studies to track their diet every four years from 1986 to 2006 to see how their lifestyle and what they ate affected their weight. The researchers found that within each period the average weight gain was a little over three pounds — which added up to a 17-pound total weight gain over the 20-year period.
What caused that weight gain? Topping the list of culprits are meat, sweetened drinks, fried foods, and any form of potatoes. The biggest cause of weight gain was eating french fries; every extra serving of fries eaten in a day was linked to a gain of more than three pounds, while eating an extra serving of potato chips led to 1.69 pounds. Other diet busters included refined grains (like white rice and white bread) and butter.
But the news wasn't all bad; the study also identified the foods that helped prevent weight gain. Read on for the list of foods that cause and prevent weight gain.
Worst food offenders (pounds gained for every additional serving per day over four years):
French fries (over three pounds)
Potato chips (1.69 pounds)
Potatoes (1.28 pounds)
Sugar-sweetened drinks (one pound)
Red meat (0.95 pounds)
Processed meats (0.93 pounds)
Best foods for your waistline (amount of weight gain prevented for every additional serving):
Yogurt (-0.82 pounds)
Nuts (-0.57 pounds)
Fruits (-0.49 pounds)
Whole grains (-0.37 pounds)
Vegetables (-0.22 pounds)
The results show us what everyone knows — eating junk food and starchy foods can be bad news for your waistline — but the data are useful for quantifying just how much that extra bag of chips can hurt you, as well as how making the switch to whole healthy foods can help. Ready to make those changes? Here are whole grains that'll fight belly bloat and keep you feeling full, and everything you need to know about nuts.
This was posted on the Tosh.0 blog the other day. Lots of people making all kinds of smart, snarky, racist comments about it. Humor and comedy are important, as they can serve as vehicles for helping us to cope with disasters or human tragedy. This photo illustrates human tragedy, most certainly. It also illustrates disaster in terms of the health epidemic that is wrecking our country. Oftentimes, what constitutes funny is irony. Laughing about something that's not really funny (at all) is a way to acknowledge the severity of something (like racism, poverty, etc...) without actually naming it.
Well, let's take a minute to name it... because sometimes, those doing the laughing don't really understand the layers, nor are they privy to the intellectual processes that motivate someone toward the use of irony .
A little critical analysis on this image will reveal hidden structures of oppression.
Obesity - A chronic disease related to poor diet and physical activity, which is disproportionately impacting low income and African American communities.
Poverty - This woman is very obviously economically disempowered. I wonder if she might even be homeless.
Health - both physical and mental health appear to be issues in this image. This woman may be a narcoleptic, mentally ill, or suffering from some other condition.
So, yes.... Maybe some people find this image to be humorous at first glance. However, this is a human being who is clearly suffering in numerous ways. It's not really funny, at all, when you start to think about what's actually going on here and what this image represents. It's unfortunate that this image is circulating the net. I can't even imagine how embarrassing that would be, if she were to find out. It's really very, very sad.
I also feel sad for her little dog. Poor baby. It's probably a little bit upset that someone is hovering with a camera next to its owner, with the bad intentions of exploiting the situation.
Sorry to be a buzz kill. This just struck a chord with me.
When we think about health, we must acknowledge how the lives of people of color and those who are economically disempowered are negatively impacted by our food and medical infrastructures. The number of people suffering with chronic disease (heart disease, diabetes, stroke) are disproportionately clustered in low income areas. Additionally, African Americans are suffering from very high rates of hypertension and diabetes. I've seen maps that illustrate this, and I've asked someone at the Health Department about getting links so they can be shared online. It's shocking.
This brings me to my topic of the day. Social services and food distribution programs.... so think of food pantries, food donation programs running out of community centers, and programs like Meals on Wheels.
I knew a woman who worked at the "Fictitious Name" community center in Louisville, which is located next to the "XYZ" public housing development. She once told me about the food donation program that they run, and I was under the impression that it mostly went to assisting seniors. She said that Kroger donated a lot of baked goods, things like schnecken, sticky buns, cinnamon rolls, etc... They were items the bakery had to purge because they were unsold and getting stale, so they would send them to the community center. This is a recipe for disaster. Yes, Kroger is doing something good by donating food to those in need that would otherwise be wasted. However, the food they are donating is having a severely negative health impact on the population they wish to help. With such high concentrations of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, donating fatty and sugary foods from the bakery is about as helpful as donating bourbon to a recovery center.
I've also done quite a bit of work in the "ABC" public housing development. I don't know if this program is still going on (it was in 2009), but the recreation center was getting a delivery of boxed lunches every day from fast food restaurants. These lunches were to feed the youth and children who were engaged in their programs. Think french fries and cheese burgers, chicken sandwiches, chicken nuggets, etc... Fried potatoes, refined grains (the bleached white buns), animal protein, and lots of fatty grease. Again, the intentions are good. "Hey, we've got hungry kids.... Let's see what we can do to ensure they get at least 1 solid meal per day." Yet, despite these great intentions, the overall impact on the health and well being of the community is negative. It's creating and sustaining food addiction to very dangerous high calorie junk food.
The institutional structures that implement and maintain programs like these are not thinking critically about their choices. These programs unwittingly promote pedagogies of oppression. Through their actions (giving food in their centers) they are teaching the community that this food is good, safe, and healthy. Yet, this is an illusion. The message they are sending is actually false. In reality, these foods are having a deleterious impact on the entire community, and the data are available to support this claim. The problem is worsened by the fact that so many of those receiving this misleading message are children, whose consumption patterns (developing food addictions) are being scaffolded, shaped, and molded by this infrastructure.
The community centers running these programs are responsible, in part. They're the ones sending the inappropriate message and administering the bad nutrition. However, the corporations are providing a sort of "toxic philanthropy", if you will. They donate, and then enjoy the benefits associated with giving (tax deductions, positive feelings, goodwill toward their company on behalf of the community). How do we reconcile this dilemma? They are serving and selling products that are, by nature, bad. Yet, they must stand behind their products. Otherwise, how would their marketing efforts prevail? How would they continue making money?
The fundamental point on which we must land is the question of health equity. People that need food and don't have money are forced to choose between one of two possible outcomes: A) eat this unhealthy food B) don't eat at all. I would argue that this is not a choice. Rather, this is a subtle type of coercion in which a person in need is put into a position of choosing between two equally undesirable options.
Most middle class white Americans know that eating fast food and schnecken every day is a bad idea, and they are in a position to choose otherwise. This is the notion of "personal responsibility' that corporations like Yum and McDonalds like to fall back on in order to absolve them of acknowledging their responsibility for contributing to the chronic diseases that are plaguing this nation. However, those living in poverty may or may not know that eating fast food and schnecken every day is a bad idea, because they're receiving false messages from the institutions that feed them. Additionally, even if they did know that this is a poor dietary decision, they are not economically empowered to choose otherwise. If they are in poverty and don't have access to good food, their option is to eat food that is killing them or starve.
Earthsave and the Sacramento Food Bank have pioneered a radical intervention. they've created the "meals for Health" program, which promotes a vegan, plant-based diet. This program is now starting to see glowing success. Check out their videos below.
There are options! This group is oriented toward finding solutions. I find it to be an inspiring and hopeful message.
My diet over the past few days has been abysmal. All the reminder that staying on top of the grocery shopping is essential to eating well. Once the fresh produce and mylks are gone, it's a downward spiral to carb hell. Nothing good can come of foraging the lazy susan, which is packed with baking essentials. This has been going on since last Thursday, which I decided to make vegan cup cakes and espresso icing, then thought it would be a good idea to start making one of them topped with vanilla soy ice cream my "midnight hot fudge cake" snack. Also, we'll throw in the double batch of blueberry and pecan whole wheat pancakes I made on Thursday night for good measure.
Today, I am repenting. My awesome friend Shelley turned me on to this amazing blog called "Raw on $10 a day (or less)". http://rawon10.blogspot.com Shelley made the Breakfast Chia Porridge and facebooked me her pics. So I whipped up a batch this morning for me and the hottie. I did not use raisins, and used pecans instead of walnuts. This is husband approved. I also love how this blog tells you the number of calories and how much it costs to make this stuff. Brilliant.
This is super quick and super easy, and it tastes pretty good, too.
In a bowl, stir together the ground chia seeds and water. Let stand for a few minutes so it can gel. Add the chopped apple, chopped walnut, and raisins. Top with the agave and add a pinch of cinnamon, if desired.
calories: 341
fat: 18 gr
carbs: 57 gr
protein: 7 gr
I also made this for dinner. One exception.... I boiled the quinoa flakes as directed, then added all the ingredients. I did not microwave this, because I'm trying to eat very little cooked/dead food today. Here's the link to the site. Haven't had a chance to look at this blog much as of yet, but it looks really nice. http://www.healthfulpursuit.com/2011/04/cinnibun-oat-streusel-muffins/
The ingredients are easy, the preparation is simple, and the taste is out of this world! Not only will it satisfy your sweet cravings, it will keep you full for hours!
1/2 cup strawberry pulp – about 6-8 strawberries ran through your blender, no water needed!
1/2 cup quinoa flakes
1 tbsp coconut sugar – brown sugar, or sucanat would work great too!
1 tbsp of chia seeds
2 tbsp apple sauce
1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
Optional toppings: cocoalmond mania butter, raisins, coconut, granola, more coconut, maple syrup, yacon syrup…
Directions
Prepare a 16oz. microwave safe dish by oiling with a dab of coconut oil. Set aside.
Drop all ingredients in a small bowl and mixing until fully incorporated.
Press mixture into prepare dish and even out with fork. Place in the microwave and cook for 3 1/2 – 4 minutes. You’ll know when it’s done when it rises slightly, is harder to the touch, and pulls away from the sides of the dish.
Allow to rest for 1 minute before tipping over onto a plate [or leave in the dish like the picture above]
Makes 1 breakfast bake.
Finally, I made this. It's amazing, and so filling. The blog author says it feeds 2, but I believe it feeds 4. After eating this, I feel completely high!
Sweet 'n Creamy Tomato Soup serve 2 ~ $2.89 per serving 4 tomatoes, chopped ($4.00) 3 carrots, peeled and chopped ($.30) 1 avocado, chopped ($.88) 1 tablespoon chopped onion 2 tablespoons olive oil ($.20) 2 tablespoons agave ($.40) salt and pepper to taste red pepper flakes agave I still had frozen tomatoes from last year, so that's what I used for this soup. The agave adds some really nice sweetness. In a blender, puree the tomatoes, carrots, avocado, onion, olive oil, and agave, until very smooth. Salt and pepper to taste, and add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and a drizzle of agave if desired.
So, that's it for today. I feel energetic and light. Time to help my husband hang some drywall.
The recipe only makes about 12 cupcakes, but most of the frosting recipes I've found end up being enough to cover double the batch.... So you may want to consider doubling the cupcake recipe or halving the frosting. It's sad to see half a mixing bowl full of frosting with no home or purpose in the universe. Plus, if you're using high quality organics then its also a terrible waste of resources.
1 cupsoy milk
1 teaspoonapple cider vinegar
3/4 cupgranulated sugar
1/3 cupcanola oil
1 teaspoonvanilla extract
1/2 teaspoonalmond extract, chocolate extract, or more vanilla extract
1 cupall-purpose flour
1/3 cupcocoa powder, Dutch-processed or regular
3/4 teaspoonbaking soda
1/2 teaspoonbaking powder
1/4 teaspoonsalt
Preheat oven to 350°F and line a muffin pan with paper or foil liners.
Whisk together the soy milk and vinegar in a large bowl, and set aside for a few minutes to curdle. Add the sugar, oil, vanilla extract, and other extract, if using, to the soy milk mixture and beat until foamy. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add in two batches to wet ingredients and beat until no large lumps remain (a few tiny lumps are OK)
Pour into liners, filling 3/4 of the way. Bake 18 to 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Transfer to a cooling rack and let cool completely.
I had no idea apple cider vinegar would make soy milk curdle. Hmmmm...... But, it does!
It didn't get too big or fluffy (use this recipe if that's your goal), even though I whisked it for a good 10 minutes in my Kitchen Aid stand mixer on the highest speed setting. Maybe it needed more powdered sugar, but I was happy with less. I think it turned out just fine in terms of taste, but texture-wise it was a tad bit goopy.
I used the mocha variation and also added some Heine Brothers espresso grounds for an extra jolt.
1/2 cup soy margarine, softened
1/4 cup soy milk, rice milk, or other non-dairy milk of choice
Using an electric mixer or in a large bowl with a hand held mixer, place the soy margarine and soy milk, and cream them together. Add half of the sugar, and beat well to combine. Add the remaining ingredients and continue to beat the mixture until light and fluffy.
*Note: For a Berry Frosting, add 1/4 cups mashed fresh or frozen berries, such as raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries.
For a Chocolate Frosting, add 1/2 cups cocoa powder or 1/3 cups melted vegan chocolate chips.
For a Coffee Frosting, substitute cold coffee or espresso for the soy milk in the recipe.
For a Mocha Frosting, substitute cold coffee or espresso for the soy milk in the recipe and add 1/4-1/3 cup cocoa powder or 3-4 T. melted vegan chocolate chips.
You can also stir in chopped nuts, chopped vegan chocolate, shredded coconut, or chopped fruit into the basic Vanilla "Buttercream" Frosting recipe to create additional variations.
Drake really wanted one.
He started whining about it, then started barking really loud and being all insane.
I love these people. they have the best news, videos, etc....
Dear VegSource readers, "Cave men were hunter gatherers and ate lots of meat and were healthy, so it's not natural to be vegetarian!" Wait, is that correct? Actually no. Watch this video clip and let John McDougall MD educate you about a fable. The fable goes like this: before agriculture, man was a hunter-gatherer, and he ate a lot of meat, meat was central to man's diet during a long period, so therefore that is the best diet. Not at all. Watch this fascinating excerpt as Dr. McDougall educates about the history of food. WATCH VIDEO NOW Special Discount from vegan beauty company for VegSource readers In case you missed it -- Lamas Beauty is run by friends of ours, and we know first hand how great their vegan products are -- we use them ourselves. They're giving a special discount for VegSource readers for one week only. Use the coupon code VEGSOURCE at checkout and you'll get 20% off your order. Give it a try! We particularly love the Chinese Herbal hair products! GO TO PETER LAMAS NOW Cancer cure/FDA corruption documentary -- online until June 20 In case you didn't have a chance to watch the fascinating story of Dr. Stanislaw Burzynski, who beat the FDA when the FDA tried to shut down his cancer cure outfit: the producers have extended the time for viewing the film free online. This is an amazing story of a man who found a cure for certain fatal -- and common -- cancers, as is being borne out in clinical trials. Take an hour and 45 minutes before next Monday and watch this film. It will open your eyes in so many ways! WATCH FILM NOW Peas & Love, Jeff and Sabrina
Dear VegSource readers, You may know that Jeff has been heavily involved in bringing EarthSave's MEALS FOR HEALTH program to life at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. This is a program that takes low-income people with health problems, and provides education and support for them to adopt a healthy, plant-based McDougall diet. The results have been exceptional. Participants were tested again last week at the 65 day mark from beginning. The average weight loss for participants thus far has been over 25 pounds, or 12.1% of their body weight. Blood pressure and cholesterol levels continue to fall, and the group has gotten off many meds, eliminated of GERD, constipation, abdominal pain, asthma, diabetes...it's an amazing experience. This Sunday, June 26, food bank participants from Meals For Health are coming to a party in Los Angeles. Please join us, if you can, and meet these amazing people, and come party with the leading vegan MDs and experts who will be there. If you can't make it, consider making a donation to EarthSave to continue this worthy program which spreads the plant-strong lifestyle where it's most needed. WATCH A VIDEO right now and meet another one of the participants, and hear about some of her unbelievable results. WATCH MEALS FOR HEALTH VIDEO NOW Peas & Love, Jeff and Sabrina
Eat your fruits and vegetables! The health benefits of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables outweigh the risks of pesticide exposure. Use EWG's Shopper's Guide to Pesticides to reduce your exposures as much as possible, but eating conventionally-grown produce is far better than not eating fruits and vegetables at all. The Shopper's Guide to Pesticide in Produce will help you determine which fruits and vegetables have the most pesticide residues and are the most important to buy organic. You can lower your pesticide intake substantially by avoiding the 12 most contaminated fruits and vegetables and eating the least contaminated produce.
Commodity crop corn used for animal feed and biofuels is almost all produced with genetically modified (GMO) seeds, as is some sweet corn sold for human consumption. Since GMO sweet corn is not labeled as such in US stores, EWG advises those who have concerns about GMOs to buy organic sweet corn.
Dear VegSource readers, 
man's diet during a long period, so therefore that is the best diet.
In case you missed it -- Lamas Beauty is run by friends of ours, and we know first hand how great their vegan products are -- we use them ourselves.
In case you didn't have a chance to watch the fascinating story of Dr. Stanislaw Burzynski, who beat the FDA when the FDA tried to shut down his cancer cure outfit: the producers have extended the time for viewing the film free online.
If you can't make it, consider making a donation to EarthSave to continue this worthy program which spreads the plant-strong lifestyle where it's most needed.
