Jan. 30, 2007 - Baby Step # 2 to Healthier Eating this Year
Did you read my 1st post about striving for a healthier diet for my family in 2007? This is something I’ve been working on in my household for the past few years. I hope you’ve been successful in eating more fruits and vegetables each day. We mommies have to be creative sometimes, don’t we? Maybe you have already started to see a few benefits such as more energy, brighter eyes and less sickness this past month. Well, its time to take another baby step forward…are you ready? The next baby step for healthier eating I’d like to suggest is to remove all foods containing artifical colors (food dyes) from your diet. The first I knew about food dye being harmful to a person was when my own mom became allergic when I was a teen. She would break out in hives after she ate foods containing Yellow 5 or 6. She has since become sensitive to several food additives. When I became a mom, and especially when we found out our 2nd child had food allergies, I started reading and researching how certain foods can effect the body. At the bottom of this post are some links with more information about the dangers/side effects of consuming food dyes. I realize that the FDA has approved the dye that is in the food sitting on the local supermarket shelf. Still, doing my own research and reading other people’s negative experiences has convinced me that I need to keep these foods out of my home. I also believe that since I am chief cook of my household it is my God given responsibilty to learn more about the types of foods He would have me feed my family. I don’t go crazy about it. I don’t ban my children from having an occasional treat offered by a friend or relative. (Occasionally you could even "catch me" with a handful of artifically dyed M'n'M's!) I would "guesstimate" we are 90 - 95% free of food dyes. I avoid buying those foods, especially when there are brands or flavors that do not contain dye. If you agree with me, and have already removed these foods from your diet, don’t stop reading… your not off the hook! I have a challenge for you at the end of this post! Here are “foods” which I avoid that typically contain artificial coloring and are easy to spot: (There are many reasons, other than food dye, to avoid these as well!) * Colorful, packaged breakfast cereals * packaged gelatins and puddings (I’ll post a dye free “gelatin jiggler” recipe soon) * most soda and other sugary drinks, fruit punch & juices * Popsicles and some ice cream * Candy and gum You may be surprised to find artifical coloring in some of these foods/medicine: Processed Cheese Flavored yogurt Cake and muffin mixes Flavored chips “cheese” crackers and other dry snacks Pickles Children’s multi vitamins Cough syrup and other liquid medicines ___________________ (add your own, I’m sure I’ve forgotten some) (You will need to check the ingredient labels to see if your favorite brands contain artifical coloring.) I recently read Dr. Sears book “The Healthiest Kid in the Neighborhood”. Even Dr. Sears has something to say about our kids consuming artificial coloring -- check your local library for a copy. Here are those links I told you about. Read them over and decide for yourself. They give much more information than I can give you:. Adverse effects of “inactive” ingredients: http://www.feingold.org/effects.html Allergicchild.com/ food dye intolerance: http://www.allergicchild.com/food_dye_allergies.htm Food Intolerance Network/ sympton fact sheets: http://www.fedupwithfoodadditives.info/factsheets/Factsheet.htm If you or your children suffer from eczema, asthma, sleep disorders, bronchitis, hyperactivity, allergies & rashes or even stuttering, I would urge you to atleast investigate these links (and search on your own) and see what they have to say. They cover not only food dye but many artifical food additives/preservatives. OK… so your with me. You have already rid your home of this stuff, some of which I hesitate to even call food, and your wondering now what? This year I’m going to start eliminating other products I use in my home that contain dyes. Things like shampoo, toothpaste, lotion, soaps and laundry detergent. I don’t think I’ll have to spend extra money to do this. Most big manufacturers now offer products for “sensitive skin” that are easy to find. They also make colorless products like clarifying shampoo or plain white soap. Some would argue even these have chemicals that we shouldn’t be putting on our skin but I feel that this is a “baby step” in the right direction. If your striving to consume healthy things for your insides, then consider what your putting on the outside too. So that’s the next step. Let me know what hidden, artifical dye’s you find lurking in your cupboards. Toss them out and find a suitable replacement. It may be inconvenient at times not to reach for that pre-packaged goodie but our little ones are trusting us to give them foods that will strengthen them and help their bodies thrive. Choose, instead, the fresh produce that God designed our bodies to run on. Keep up the good work -- We can do this!
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled." Matthew 5:4
Comments
Feb. 4, 2007 - wonderful
Posted by LivingByDailyGrace
wondeful post!!!! i have been going through different stages of healthy living myself. i just had a baby so now we are returning to our mostly vegetarian diet, i couldn't stomach produce through my whole pregnancy. i am so ready to get back to basics.
we have also cut a majority of food additives and dyes from our diet. my children go crazy when grandma gives it to them. i believe that behavior often shows a hidden allergy. my youngest dd had severe allergies as a baby but she outgrew them. we still can't and won't eat dairy unless it's a special treat and it's organic.
our next baby step is eliminating tv. i have also noticed a considerable difference in behavior when we watch tv.
you asked on my blog about the crib tent. so far so good. he hasn't trying to physically escape. he just tries to scream it open, lol!!!!
do you mind if i add you too my friends? i would love to read more of your baby steps.
in His grace,
karen
Feb. 5, 2007 - Thanks for stopping by!
Posted by abcacademy
I see we have a mutual friend in Ruth. She is always such an encouragement. I wish she would post again so we could get a little peak at her life now and then.
It sounds like your church uses a better model for church government than the IFB church I grew up in. I know they never anticipated the trouble they have run into and I'm sure they adopted by-laws from a much larger church which have proven detrimental to their very small congregation. Deacons are voted on annually with the sitting deacons on the ballet and any new ones who have been invited to join the board. Each deacon is given an yes or no vote by each voting member but because of their small size, only 6 or 7 votes against a man will unseat him. It is sad.
