Trying to convince the world to eat healthy is very very difficult….until now.

If I could have learned all about biochemistry through music, I’d have retained 99% of the material.  Oh well….today we get to learn the fun way!

These rap artists sing that eating healthy is an important part of our freedom…from disease.  So sit back AND pay attention….we want you to get an A+

A special shout out to B-Boy Super Inlight and D-Nick The Microphone Misfit – thank you for making nutrition hip!

This video was entered into an online film competition that ended on May 9th. All videos submitted were to tell the stories of people from different backgrounds of Chicago, “working together for the common good.”  According to the entry site, finalists will be announced soon.

While I have not viewed any of the other video entries, in my opinion, this one takes the cake…oops, I mean apple!

Alison Held, M.S., CMTA
Clinical Nutritionist

While it would be ideal to purchase absolutely everything organic, it is not always affordable or practical. Laboratory tests measuring the toxic load of fruits and vegetables now offer consumers all the data needed to be smart shoppers.

The Full List.

One of my favorite organizations, The Environmental Working Group, compiled all this data into a few nifty formats. To me the most fascinating is, The Full List which ranks the 49 fruits and vegetables  included in the testing.

The first three items on the list are onions, avocados & sweet corn.  If you’re pinching your pennies, according to this list, it’s o.k. to go commercial.  However, as a side-note, I advise anyone purchasing corn to opt for organic since it is one of the most genetically modified foods around.

Celery, peaches and strawberries are among the worst.  So enuf said, go organic without a doubt!

The Real Problem.

Research confirms that pesticides have been linked to a host of problems including:

• Cancer
• Hormonal Imbalances
• Neurotoxicity
• Skin & Eye Irritations

In my  21-Day Purify Your Body program, I educate my clients on the importance of going organic and reducing their exposure to toxic chemicals. During these 21-days, one becomes very aware of how these toxins can accumulate over the years…..and how important it is to get clean!

It is not a harsh program, just one that helps to eliminate the toxic build up and build awareness towards better health.  When skin clears up, medications are reduced, eye clarity is restored, weight loss is achieved, braig fog dissipates it is a reminder to me and my clients the power that these toxins can hold over us.  We must begin to take care of our bodies or the toxins will take care of us!  (ouch, it hurts me to even say that but it is true)

The Dirty Dozen.

Among the “Dirty Dozen” list are 7 fruits to watch out for and 5 veggies. Even when purchasing organic, it is a good idea to rinse everything before consuming.  In a future blog I will share some of my favorite remedies for getting your produce clean (without having to buy those expensive washes).

Fruit:
Peaches
Strawberries
Apples
Blueberries (domestic)
Nectarines
Cherries
Grapes (imported)
Veggies:
Celery
Sweet Bell Peppers
Spinach
Kale

The scary truth is that peaches and celery registered as having up to 67 different chemicals!  The sweet bell peppers were not much better at 63. Next was Kale at 57, then Strawberries at 53 and apples at 46.

This is no joke.  Go organic when you can to reduce your toxic exposure.

The Clean 15.

The more uplifting list is the “Clean 15.”  While both of these lists may change over time, for you now you are a little safer if you consume the conventional varieties of these:

Fruit:
Avocados
Pineapples
Mangoes
kiwi
Cantaloupe (domestic)
Watermelon
Grapefruit
Honeydew
Veggies:
Onion
Sweet Corn (remember what I said about GMO!)
Sweet Peas
Asparagus
Cabbage
Eggplant
Sweet Potatoes

Refresh My Memory.

I know it’s hard to keep close tabs on these lists.  My solution is to print a personalized list that you can keep handy in your wallet.  This way you will never make a mistake or regret your purchase.  My two favorite pocket guides are:

• EWG’s Shopper’s Guide To Pesticides : simply enter your information and voila, a handy pocket guide!
• The Dirty Dozen Cheat Cheet: Click on the link, print & laminate!

Organic labeling does not solve all of our health woes but as stated above, it can dramatically reduce our overall exposure.  We are constantly breathing in fumes from the air which we often to do not have control over.  What we can monitor is how we feed our bodies.

Go  cleaner, purer and as nature intended!

Alison Held, M.S., CMTA
Clinical Nutritionist