Take a look in yours Fridge , and rid yourself of these 12 items, which can harm your health.
1. Dairy
Many people believe that dairy products (milk, sour cream, cheese) play an important role in the diet because they contain calcium. But the fact is that in nature, dairy is not designed to be consumed by humans (and many ask why is my stool green?) If you go against the laws of nature (despite dairy being a big, profitable business), various health issues can arise. In The China Study, Dr. T. Colin Campbell found that dairy not only didn’t contribute to bone health, but that its consumption correlated with higher rates of osteoporotic fracture. This is because dairy consumption creates a state of acidity in the body. In order to neutralize this acidity, the body pulls salts from the bones, weakening them.
Likewise, a significant portion of the population poorly tolerates the sugar in dairy (lactose), and the protein found in dairy (casein). Additionally, dairy may contain rGBH, a hormone that can increase risks of certain cancers.
Instead, stock your fridge with nut milks such as unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk.
2. Non-organic eggs
Local, organic, free-range, fresh eggs are a viable protein source for people who choose to eat animal proteins. That being said, conventional eggs are often several weeks old before they reach grocery store shelves. Likewise, they may contain antibiotics, hormones, pesticides, and strains of salmonella and other bacteria.
If you do eat eggs, choose local, organic, free-range eggs from a local farm or your farmer’s market.
3. Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise frequently contains soybean oil, which very often comes from GMO soybeans. In fact, in the United States, about 87 percent of soybean crops are genetically modified. Genetic modification is relatively recent in human history (it came into practice in the mid-1980s), so there is little research about the long-term effects. Still, early rodent studies are worrisome, linking GM foods to sterility and infant mortality.
Just look at mayonnaise. It is gloppy and looks like cellulite. Do you want to put that in your body? Really. Think about it. Is there any doubt this high fat, clogging “food” wouldn’t make your body look gloppy as well?
Instead, opt for organic, sugar-free mustard.
4. Ketchup
Ketchup contains high-fructose corn syrup, and it many contain other chemicals, as well. HFCS (which may also be called corn sugar) contains high concentrations of fructose. In the small amounts found in fruit, which also contains fiber, vitamin C and antioxidants, fructose can be processed efficiently in the human body. In large concentrations, such as in HFCS, however, fructose is very difficult for the liver to process. This results in multiple problems, including a fatty liver, high triglycerides, and disruption of the body’s normal appetite signaling system. Fructose consumption has also been linked to type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
5. Margarine and/or butter
Margarines may contain trans fats, and many contain chemicals you just don’t want in your body. Butter is high in saturated animal fat, which can damage your heart and is just pure fat. Both may contribute to excess calories you don’t need in your diet, as well as poor blood lipid profiles. Instead, cook with a small amount of coconut oil or vegetable broth.
6. Commercially prepared salad dressings
These dressings may contain dairy, chemicals, preservatives, high fructose corn syrup, sugar, and genetically modified ingredients such as soybean oil. Instead, make your own salad dressing from organic raw apple cider vinegar, a small amount of extra virgin olive oil (or skip it), and herbs/spices.
7. Deli meats
Even low-fat deli meats may contain ingredients that are hazardous to your health. In order to make them more palatable, manufacturers often inject deli meats with a salt, sugar, and chemical solution that enhances the flavors. Other chemicals may serve as preservatives and color fixatives.
Consider a hummus or avocado sandwich instead, which is far healthier than a chemical-laden deli meat sandwich. Please don’t eat chemical sandwiches!
8. Bacon and processed meats
Processed meats such as bacon, sausage, and frankfurters are hazardous to your health. In fact, one study showed that processed meat consumption resulted in a 67 percent increase in the risk of pancreatic cancer.
9. Yogurt
Many people operate under the belief that yogurt is the exception to the no dairy rule because it contains probiotics. While probiotics are a good thing, getting them in a dairy product is counterproductive (see dairy, above). Yogurt is still made from pasteurized dairy, it still contains lactose, high amounts of casein, and all the other dairy components.
Instead, have some Probiotic and Enzyme salad, buy raw sauerkraut, or try some coconut milk yogurt, all of which don’t have the potential health hazards of dairy consumption.
10. Tofu
While many people consider tofu to be a healthy alternative to meat, I have grave concerns about the health of soy products. About 87 percent of soy in the United States is genetically modified. Soy is linked to a number of health problems including certain cancers, thyroid disorders, and impaired fertility.
Fermented soy products like tamari, miso and tempeh are not considered problematic as the allergenic proteins can be deactivated in the fermentation process.
11. Juice
Juice seems like it could be healthy, but it’s actually loaded with sugar. It is also lacking in fiber and high in calories. Because juice can spike your blood sugar, it can also cause you to have cravings and overeat. Instead, have whole, fresh fruit.
Commercial juice is also the P word- pasteurized, which destroys many natural benefits and nutrients.
12. Soda
There’s just nothing good about soda. Not only does it create an acidic metabolic state in your body, but it’s loaded with chemicals and contains HFCS (regular soda) or artificial sweeteners (diet soda). Both have been shown to cause weight problems. Skip the soda! Have water instead. Train yourself to give it up, and over time you will be okay with it not in your life.
What to Keep in Your Fridge (and cupboard)
Ready to stock your healthy fridge? Keep these items on hand.
- Leafy greens
- Healthy veggies
- Fresh organic fruits
- Green Smoothie
- Probiotic and Enzyme Salad
- Raw, unfiltered, organic apple cider vinegar
- Organic, free-range, local eggs (if you choose to eat animal protein)
- Avocadoes
- Raw almonds
- Chia
- Unsweetened almond or coconut milk
- Quinoa