| One of the challenges Americans trying to lose | | | | Buy Seasonal & Local Fruits/Vegetables: When |
| weight are facing is the increased consumption of | | | | you buy seasonal produce, it is more likely the food |
| overly processed foods with synthetic chemicals such | | | | came from a local source, as opposed to a far away |
| as high fructose syrup, preservatives, pesticides, | | | | location. Buying local is better for the environment |
| growth hormones, and artificial colors and flavors. | | | | and for your health. Once food is harvested, it |
| Our bodies are not designed to process these | | | | begins to lose it's nutritional benefits. Consuming |
| artificial ingredients nor do they recognize these | | | | food when it is fresh will not only taste better, but |
| additives as usable; therefore these are processed as | | | | will provide your body with more nutrients it needs |
| empty calories that are converted and stored into | | | | to stay healthy. These foods will satisfy your hunger |
| fat. Consuming too many "empty calories" found in | | | | for a longer period of time. |
| processed foods will disrupt the body's ability to burn | | | | Grow Your Own Garden. The Obamas have brought |
| the excess stored fat. | | | | this growing trend into the spotlight by planting a |
| 1. | | | | garden on the White House lawn to produce foods |
| Eating organic fruits & vegetables, meats and | | | | for their kitchen. Growing your garden is not always |
| dairy products such as Eggology egg whites have | | | | as daunting as it may sound. It is a healthy, |
| been found to have more beneficial nutrients to | | | | economical, and fun activity for your whole family to |
| encourage your body to stay healthy and burn more | | | | be a part of. To learn tips to growing your own |
| stored fat. According to the Organic Facts, people | | | | garden, visit: |
| who consume more organic foods experience better | | | | Visit a local farmers market. Farmers markets are |
| overall health by eliminating chemical fertilizers and | | | | another fun family activity to participate in while |
| pesticides from their bodies. In addition, organic | | | | supporting local food producers and the |
| foods often taste better- and makes it easier for | | | | environment. You will find foods that are fresh and |
| consumers to be more satisfied on less. | | | | rich with nutrients for a lot less than high-end organic |
| Here are some tips to incorporate more organic | | | | supermarkets. |
| foods into your daily diet: | | | | Join a Co-Op- Food cooperatives are worker or |
| When Shopping, Read the Labels: Avoid ingredients | | | | customer owned businesses that provide fresh, |
| such as Partially Hydrogenated Oils and High fructose | | | | locally grown food while allowing members to keep |
| corn syrup (HFCS). In fact, an easy rule to | | | | the convenience of a grocery store. |
| remember is to avoid foods with 10 or more | | | | Sites such as Local Harvest can help you find a co-op |
| ingredients and/or foods that contain ingredients that | | | | in your area. |
| you cannot pronounce. | | | | |