M........S........G - Think Protein Powder

MSG – what is it exactly?  Our bodies naturally produce an amino acid called Glutamate.  MSG is derived from hydrolyzing vegetable protein.  That’s a fancy way of saying they take the vegetable proteins and split the amino acids apart.   It’s an additive that tricks the body into thinking that it’s getting more protein than it is.

What’s the big deal about MSG other than it gives people the tingles, headaches and numbing?   The problem is that Glutamate is an amino acid used by our bodies as a neurotransmitter.  What this means is too much of it overexcites the neurons in our brain.  In fact, it can excite them literally to death. For some great information on this, read the book Excitotoxins – the Taste that Kills,” Dr. Blaylock.  Additionally, MSG stimulates the pancreas.  The pancreas produces insulin.  You are spiking your insulin levels when there are no carbohydrates to process.  Essentially, you are lowering your blood sugar levels to the point where you get hungry again.  You eat, in an hour you’re hungry again.  Sound familiar?  In fact, labs use MSG purposefully to make rats fat. 

Protein powders have become so popular; they’re not just for bodybuilders anymore.  I have lots of friends that add them to smoothies or add it as a booster when they go to their local smoothie shop.  What a lot of people don’t realize is that protein powders pretty much ALWAYS have MSG.  Read the ingredient label and compare with the list below.  It doesn't have to say monosodium glutamate to have MSG, as you can see by the super long list below of AKAs for MSG.

Another sneaky move by the food industry is to just add the words “natural flavoring” to their ingredient list rather than actually stating MSG or any of its other pseudonyms.  Since the FDA has approved MSG as a natural product, this is perfectly legal.

AKA for MSG

Glutamic acid

Glutamate

Monopotassium glutamate

Calcium glutamate

Monoammonium glutamate

Magnesium glutamate

Natrium glutamate

Anything “hydrolyzed”

Any “hydrolyzed protein”

Calcium caseinate, 

Sodium caseinate

Yeast extract, 

Torula yeast

Autolyzed yeast

Textured protein

Whey protein concentrate

Whey protein isolate

Soy protein concentrate

Soy protein isolate

Anything “enzyme modified”

Yeast extract

Natural Flavorings

Bummed out?!  Don’t worry, there is such thing as protein powders/shakes that don’t have added MSG. 

Arbonne has a great MSG, GMO free protein shake. You can order it directly from here. https://secure.myarbonne.com/arbonne/katiep.nsf/p1/1?OpenDocument&shoppingcart=1

If you want a vegan option, try Vega One.  It’s available at Whole Foods and Super Supplements. 

How about a protein packed breakfast you make yourself and doesn't take a lot of time!  My next post will fill you in on this delicious way to start your day.

Where's my reset button?!

I'm pretty sure we've all wished we had a reset button.  You know, those days when you think you're losing your mind because you a have a billion items in your calendar for today.  Check this out!  Reset in 20 minutes.  Try it and leave a comment letting me know how it was.

Like what you see?  I've got lots of exciting stuff coming up.  Subscribe so you don't miss a thing!

Make it Organic - Well.......your strawberries at least

In my last post, I promised to give you the low down on why to go organic with at least strawberries.  At the end of this post, I’ll give you the top 10 fruits/veggies to buy organic.  I know you've heard the list at least a hundred times.  So, name them.  Yep, I thought so.  It may also be because it changes slightly depending on who is writing the list.  Think of it as a friendly reminder because, honestly, with all the other things you need to keep straight in your head, how can you remember everything?!

Strawberries are a tough crop for farmers.  They are susceptible to critters (apparently little pests think they’re as good as we do) and disease.  As a result they are heavily fumigated.  Methyl Bromide had been a fumigant of choice.  It’s a powerful ozone destroyer as well as highly toxic to humans.  Methyl Bromide was supposed to be phased out 8 years ago.  It was being replaced with Methyl Iodide, a chemical so toxic it is actually used in labs to CREATE cancer cells.  It is known to cause genetic damage, miscarriages and cancer.  Thankfully, in March 2012 Methyl Iodide was banned in the US.  Good news right?  Well………….welcome back Methyl Bromide.  The California farmers (the majority of our strawberries are grown there) exercised an exception clause and brought it back. There are over 50 pesticides used on strawberries.   A great resource if you’re ever interested in what and how many pesticides are used on our crops is the Pesticide Action Network’s database which you can find here http://www.pesticideinfo.org/

We can only make changes one person at a time.  Supply and demand keeps these dangerous chemicals on our farmlands and in our environment.  Making the choice to go organic and taking a stand against the use of toxins so severe that they top chemicals that are already banned, reduces the demand.  Possibly it can start to force the agricultural community to look at safer alternatives.

Not everyone has the budget to go 100% organic.  That’s ok.  We all do what we can for our families and our environment.  Buying local and in season is one of the most economical ways to buy organic. 

Organics are definitely the flavor of the moment.  It’s trendy.  Just remember – shop the perimeter of the grocery store and keep those items organic, if you can.  If you have to make a choice of what to purchase organic, go with the fresh produce and meats.  Leave the organic chips and crackers on the shelf.

As promised, here is your top 10 list of items to buy organic!

1.       Apples

2.       Butter and Milk

3.       Peaches – have been known to have 10 times over the legal limit of pesticide residue.

4.       Bell Peppers

5.       Cucumbers

6.       Grapes 

7.       Cherry Tomatoes

8.       Spinach

9.       Celery 

10.   Pears

The Environmental Work Group puts out a Dirty Dozen Plus list every year.  It’s a little different from mine, so here it is for your reference. http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary.php.

That is it for today!  On top of all you have to do, now you have to make sure you've got your organics right!  It’s exhausting, I know.  Wish you could push a reset button and get a little more energy to get you through the day?  You can!  I’ll show you how in my next post. 

Until then, make sure all you do, is fit for you!

Breakfast. What? - Who has time for that? Plus taming the morning preteen grumpies

Making a nutrient packed breakfast doesn't need to take a lot of time.  By making it yourself, you control the quality of the ingredients, and minimize consuming processed products.  It doesn't matter how "natural" the bottle says it is, if it had to be bottled, it had to be processed to some degree!

As always, comments are welcome.  If you have a question or want to know something that is relevant to the culture of this blog, let me know.  You're busy, I'll do the research for you and post it.

 In the meantime, make sure all you do, is fit to you!!

PS - Subscribing to this blog will literally shave minutes off your day!  That way you don't have to remember to looking for me.  I come to you!  Straight to your email.

Hello, it's me, Christine - Your Fit To You NW blogger person!