Infographic: 10 Foods You Should Never Eat Again

This infographic depicts 10 foods that a person should never eat if they are concerned about their health.  The 10 foods that made this list are:

1.    White bread, refined flours
2.    Most conventional protein, energy bars
3.    White rice
4.    Conventional frozen meals
5.    Microwaveable popcorn
6.    "Diet" anything
7.    Cured meat products containing nitrates (nitrites)
8.    GMO foods
9.    Soy milk and soy-based meat substitutes
10.  Margarine

White bread is but one type of food made from refined flour.  Many other foods made from refined flour belong on the list including cakes, pastries, doughnuts, cookies, crackers, muffins, croissants and pasta.

I wonder if "most conventional protein" includes red meat, poultry and dairy products originating from animals raised on big factory farms?  I would think so!

Soy milk and soy-based meat substitutes (such as tofu) is actually a widely used plant-based protein source, so long it is organic and not genetically modified.

Curiously, sugar did not make the list!

Source:  NaturalNews.com:  10 Foods You Should Never Eat Again

Infographic: Organic Food Costs

Organic food has gotten the reputation of being costly and not affordable to individuals and families on a budget.  A quick survey of the produce department at the local supermarket would confirm this.   Organic versions of fruits and vegetables are slightly more expensive.  But, how does the cost of organic food in general compare to the cost of other types of foods on a pound per pound basis?

This infographic puts things into perspective by not only showing the cost per pound or gallon of some popular processed and junk food (like candy, soda and potato chips) but also by showing the hidden costs of consuming these types of foods (like farm subsidies, medical costs and pesticide clean-up).

The only comment I have with regard to this Infographic is that there is strong evidence that a whole food, plant-based diet (i.e., vegan) is healthier than a diet that includes meat and dairy.  However, for those individuals who choose not to exclude meat and/or dairy, the organic versions are the healthier option.

Healthier Tacos: Increasing Dietary Fiber

The good news is that taco lovers (who make their own tacos at home) now have a healthier option:  Ortega Whole Grain Corn Taco Shells.   The bad news is that, while these whole grain shells do provide 10 less calories and nearly twice as much (5 grams) of dietary fiber per serving (2 shells) than their traditional non-whole grain counterpart, nonetheless each shell still contains the same amount of fat (6 grams), 50% less iron, and slightly more sodium.

2013: Focus on Health, Not Another Diet, to Lose Weight

For many Americans, losing weight is at the top of their New Year's resolutions list.  Unfortunately, most overweight people choose the latest trending diet - one that promises quick results with mimimum effort.  Although many individuals will initially lose some weight on a fad or trending diet, studies have repeatedly shown that the weight lost from these diets almost always comes back.