iZania Blogs

                             

Marketing and advertising are evil genius. You've seen the ads: "Got Milk?", "High fructose corn syrup is fine in moderation", and "Tyson chickens are raised with no antibiotics". Many Americans didn't grow up on a farm. We haven't the slightest clue about what it takes to raise poultry, livestock, and crops in quantities large enough to feed our communities and be sustained financially when doing so. Ever wonder how it is possible that food manufacturers can grow to become billion-dollar corporations while the average independent farmer is struggling?

Consider

(Thanksgiving Day marks the official kickoff of the holiday season and, for many, the start of a whole lot of eating. Food becomes the center of social interaction at family gatherings and at school and office parties. Cooking comfort foods and holiday desserts are parts of family traditions. There are many social and emotional reasons to eat. Even the most disciplined eaters can fall off the wagon. My hope is that today I can offer some perspective on overeating and unfavorable food choices. Here is some "food" for thought...)

 

Let's start by testing what you know about diet and digestion:

There is a causal link between what you eat, how you feel, and how much you weigh. The more good foods that we put into our bodies, the better our health and the easier it is to manage our weight. Consuming processed foods causes a volatile reaction caused inflammation. It manifests itself as food allergies, swelling, sickness, and weight gain. This is the body's natural response to foreign substances via the immune system.

According to an article entitled, "The Top Ten Inflammatory Foods" published on http://www.dlife.com, Jack Challem writes:

"Chronic, low-grade inflammation almost always

There is a ton of information floating around about how to get healthy and stay in shape. As a society, we are often pushed into following the next big fitness craze or trying the latest diet pill or plan because we want instant results. I would like to offer the following advice to those who are looking for the best way to get and stay healthy and fit: Find a methodology that works for you.

First, make a list of all ailments, injuries, and imbalances in your body and be specific: tight hamstrings, lower back pain, elevated blood pressure, excess fat, scaly complexion, fatigue, etc. Seeing

"I'm asking you to believe.Not just in my ability to bring about real change in Washington...I'm asking you to believe in yours.
"--President-Elect Barack Obama

"I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over again in my life--and that is why I succeed.
"-Michael Jordan

"The big secret in life is that there is no big secret. Whatever your goal, you can get there if you're willing to work.
"-Oprah Winfrey

"Success doesn't come to you . . . you go to it.
"-Marva Collins

Yesterday, I came across an article about the Neenah Joint School District in Wisconsin and its efforts to combat childhood obesity which has reached epidemic proportions in the last decade. An expansion of the district's wellness program, Neenah has issued a ban on sweets. Here is the article: (http://www.todaystmj4.com/news/local/30887454.html)

Neenah School District Bans Cupcakes, Sweet Treats
Associated Press
NEENAH - Neenah students who want to bring an occasional treat for their classmates will be limited fruit, vegetables and other healthy snacks.

The Neenah School District tightened its

One of the most common concerns that dieters have is, "How do I get rid of my belly?" Both men and women (especially mothers)want to target this area of the body more than any other because it is probably the most difficult to reduce. Excessive belly fat is an indicator of potential health problems like heart disease, high cholesterol, a fatty liver, stroke, and diabetes. Excessive belly fat for a man would be a waistline over 40 inches and for women, a waist over 35 inches. Contrary to popular belief, hundreds of crunches and hours of cardio alone won't burn off the fat--they will tone and

As far back as the 17th century, beans were regarded as a cure-all for ailments ranging from colds to hair loss. We know now that beans are a great alternative to animal protein. According to How to Eat to Live by Elijah Muhammad, man can survive indefinitely on the navy bean. While beans are low in fat and sodium, high in protein and fiber, and contain folacin (folic acid), vitamins, and minerals, they are also very easy on the pocketbook. In these tough economic times, including navy beans in your diet will certainly stretch your dollar by reducing both your grocery bills and your doctors