Healthy Youth Program
HEALTHY EATING
Session 2
What's the difference?
ORGANIC FOOD
Pros: Organic food brings less chemicals in the body, tastes better, and is better for the environment. |
CONVENTIONAL FOOD
Cons: Conventional food introduces toxins into the body and is harmful to the environment. |
TOO EXPENSIVE?
I often hear people say that organic food is too expensive. However, many farmers' markets offer organic produce at reasonable prices. Grocery stores often have sales on organic foods. It can also be rewarding to start your own garden at home or join a community garden.
MSG This is artificial coloring used to enhance the colors of different food. Dyes can be found in processed cereals, candies, and even red meat. These dyes are used to make food more appealing, however, these dyes are toxic and can cause cancers, tumors, and offset the balance in your thyroid glands. |
SUGAR Although sugar can give you an immediate boost of energy it also disrupts your emotional balance. Sugar doesn’t contain any minerals or nutritional value. Avoid white sugar, as it contains toxins due to the bleaching process. Some argue that white sugar should be labeled as a drug, because it worsens preexisting addictions. “Corn syrup” is another form of sugar to avoid. FIBER Fiber is a substance that cannot be digested. Fiber is helpful because is pulls toxins from the colon. The intestines need a healthy balance of fiber and water to function properly. There are two types of fiber, soluble fiber and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber dissolves in water. Oatmeal, beans, peas, carrots are all good sources of soluble fiber. Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water and can be found in whole wheat and whole grains. SODIUM You need a certain amount of salt in your body to regulate your system. But too much salt can throw off your body’s chemical balance. A high sodium diet can contribute to heart disease. Eating more fruits and vegetables results in a lower sodium intake, while processed foods like cheese, pizza, and canned foods results in higher sodium. DYES This is artificial coloring used to enhance the colors of different food. Dyes can be found in processed cereals, candies, and even red meat. These dyes are used to make food more appealing, however, these dyes are toxic and can cause cancers, tumors, and offset the balance in your thyroid glands. |
HOME ASSIGNMENT
Read the nutrition labels on 5 foods you eat this week. Check off which substances they contain, and record how much of each substance the food contains. Finally, take notes on how that food effected you mentally, physically, and emotionally.