WEEK 6

Welcome to Week 6!

Last weeks challenge was to start replacing your non fat and low fat foods with their whole counterparts, as well as to start introducing whole wheat flours.

Just as it was an adjustment for  me to from whole milk to 1% milk, the same will hold true going the other way.  We didn’t go from whole full milk to 1% overnight.  Even getting down to 2% was a leap.  But it’s done gradually and eventually you do get used to it.

As I said in Week 5’s challenge, I rode the non fat ban wagon for many many years along with many of you, only to discover it wasn’t healthy and my weight went UP not down (as was promised by the marketing geniuses).  I began reading about the importance of fats and when they are taken OUT, something else has to go IN, usually preservatives and chemicals.

It may take some time replacing what is in your fridge now and some adjustment, but I truly believe whole foods, unaltered, in their true form are best.  The chemicals and preservatives that are being ADDED to these low fat foods are truly toxic for the human body.

Fats have been given a bad rap, especially eggs.  Between the years of 1910-1970 animal fat in the American diet decreased from 83 – 62%.  However, during the same time frame vegetable oils, such as margarine and refined oils increased 400% !!!  [source: Mary G. Enig, PhD.]

Which brings me right into this weeks challenge.

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This weeks Challenge is to:

• Cut out all refined oils

I am asking you to get rid of processed fats in your pantry and fridge and replace them with good QUALITY olive oils, butter, and coconut oils.  Here are some things to avoid and look for when it comes to oils:

Avoid:

• Canola oil
• Vegetable oil
• Soybean
• Safflower
• Corn oils
• Margarine (or any other ‘buttery’ spread)
• Hydrogenated oils (Crisco)

These oils have been refined with harsh chemicals like Hexane.  They are bleached.  They are deodorized.  They are garbage.  They are toxic for your body and should be avoided and thrown in the garbage.

Use:

• Olive Oils
• Butter
• Coconut Oil

Tips:

• Find oil that specifically says “Extra Virgin” on it and it’s even better if it says “cold pressed”  This means no heat was applied during the crushing process.
• Look for oil in dark green bottles.  Exposure to light can cause rancidity.
• Avoid “light” oils.  This has nothing to do with calories.  This means the oil was refined and chemically treated to minimize strong smells, and produce an even product.
• Do not store your oil above the stove.  Put it in a cool dark place, such as your pantry.