Countdown to Fitness

Soybeans: 91% in the US are Genetically Modified (GM)

I’ve written about the dangers of genetically modified (GM) foods in two previous posts: “Genetically Modified Foods: Unintended, Dangerous, Unpredictable Consequences” and “Genetically Modified Dairy: Dangerous Cancer Risk.” Now, a new study from Canada – “Maternal and fetal exposure to pesticides associated to genetically modified foods in Eastern Townships of Quebec, Canada” – shows that the Bt insecticide, which is a component of some GM crops, has now been found in human blood.  The results will be published in the peer-reviewed journal Reproductive Toxicology.

GM crops, like corn and soybeans, have been modified to resist herbicides and insects.  The achieve the latter, a toxin found in the soil bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is incorporated into a GM plant gene, so the plant creates the toxin internally, which is then eaten by animals and people.

Biotechnology companies like Monsanto have said that these toxins get broken down in digestion, which is the same claim made for other genetically modified products, such as the growth hormone fed to cows, which has been disputed by research.  See “Genetically Modified Dairy: Dangerous Cancer Risk.” (more…)

Research suggests the answer is, YES, when talking about processed foods!

Just by cutting out many of the products with refined corn, switching to a healthier brand, or making the product myself, my husband and I started to lose weight.  We weren’t watching calories or anything else at the time.

My husband, who has been running for 3 years, was stuck at a plateau on his weight for most of those 3 years, even though he was running 30 miles per week.  Without changing anything else except getting rid of the worst of the processed products (especially those with high-fructose corn syrup — HFCS), he lost more than 10 pounds. (more…)

If you want to become healthier or lose weight, or perhaps you are just interested in knowing more about what you are eating, I highly recommend The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals by Michael Pollan. This bestselling book has truly changed my family members’ lives for the better, giving us a rather shocking understanding, at times, of what we were actually eating.

“What should we have for dinner?” is the opening question, which is part of the omnivore’s dilemma.  Your answer may, indeed, change once you read this book.  Mine did.  I’ll never look at processed foods the same way again. (more…)