The Nastiest Foods in America

12/19/2011

The 5 Nastiest Foods in America
And Why We Should Stop Feeding Them to our Families

One of the best ways to stop eating unhealthy foods might seem a little obvious...but we're just gonna say it. And being the delicate, well-mannered women that we are, raised on proper etiquette and social grace, we're going to say it in the gentlest, most lady-like manner possible....

QUIT STINKIN' BUYING IT!!!

Goodness, gracious. Pardon that little outburst. We certainly didn't meant to shout.

If one of your kids (or your spouse. ahem.) is frantically scavenging for snacks in the pantry, and can't find any DORITOS...guess what?

TOUGH. COOKIES.

"But MOoOoOoOoOoM!... (You know the whine I'm talking about)...Where did you put the chips?!" La la la la la la la la la la la. Junior is on the verge of a Poltergeist head-spin...but YOU, my friend, are in your happy place. Did you say something sweetheart? Calm and serene, you are the kindred spirit of that long-ago Roman Emperor, performing a lovely concerto on your fiddle, even as the flames lick your face.

You watch with interest as sparks shoot from his eyes. But you and your bad self have long anticipated this tween-angst meltdown, and YOU...are prepared. With a knowing smile, you calmly open the fridge to reveal a bountiful supply of fresh, nourishing, and delicious snacks.

You are welcome, little Padawan.

And you know what? If your pantry's not full of JUNK...chances are.....when Junior grows up, his won't be either.
* * * * *
Below we've put together a list of the five NASTIEST foods we feed our kids (and ourselves). YES, we will describe the most heinous ingredients in each of these foods...but more importantly, we will tell you WHY they're so bad, and WHAT you can eat instead. (Note: you *might* not wanna read this over your lunch break).

NASTY FOOD #5: FRUIT LEATHER & FRUIT SNACKS
Example: Betty Crocker Fruit by the Foot - Berry "Tie Dye" Fruit Leather
Heinous factors: Corn syrup, hydrogenated oil, Yellow 5, Red 40, Blue 1, sugar out the wazoo.
(We are not sure this product contains any real food).
Research: Is your child hyper? Recent studies suggest a link between food coloring and ADHD. Here's an EXCELLENT article from CBS called Food Coloring Linked to ADHD? Check out the slide show, where innocent kids stuff their faces with food dye.
Alternatives: Real Fruit, Fruit Smoothee, Kashi Granola Bar, Banana w/ Nut Butter
Food for thought: Regular consumption of empty calories can lead to obesity. And BTW, have you seen anything growing on God's green earth that looks like TIE DYE? When thinking about food coloring, it might be worth reconsidering things like Fruit Loops, Cupcake Frosting, Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, Sno Cones, Kool-aid, and Popcicles (among many others).

NASTY FOOD #4: SODA(especially diet)
Example: Diet Coke
Heinous factors: Caramel Color, Aspartame, Potassium Benzoate (a preservative), Caffeine
Research: Over 90 side effects have been associated with aspartame...some of the worst being: headaches, pain behind the eyes, decrease in vision quality, and ringing of the ears. A research study in the UK revealed that aspartame-fed rats had an "exceedingly high incidence of brain tumors." Also, drinking 1-2 sodas a day (Diet OR Regular) increases a person's risk of obesity by 32% (study by U. of Texas), and their risk of diabetes by 44% (Journal of American Heart Assoc.).
Alternatives: Green tea, 100% juice in moderation (we like Simply Orange), water (w/ lime is good).
Food for thought: Just ONE can of soda per day can add 10 pounds of weight in a year....a sobering fact that the New York City Health Department effectively drove home with this campaign in 2009:

"Man Drinking Fat" Ad Deters New-Yorkers from Drinking Soda

"A man opens a can of soda that looks more like a mix between Manhattan clam chowder and vomit. He gulps it down and follows it up with a smile." (Pix II).

'nuff said.

NASTY FOOD #3: DOUGHNUTS
Example: Krispy Kreme Devil's Food Cake Doughnut
Heinous factors: Just two of these little sugar bombs contain a whopping 780 calories and 50 grams of fat. Did you catch that? SEVEN-HUNDRED AND EIGHTY calories. Big Mac? 540. And the doughnuts are 50% NOTHING. They've got BIG HOLES in the middle. The other bad thing about doughnuts? When we fill our tummies with empty calories, we're not getting the fiber and good stuff we need.
Research: The New England Journal of Medicine found a strong and reliable connection between trans fat and coronary heart disease. This year in the United States, 785,000 trans-fat eaters will die from cardiac arrest. I don't miss doughnuts that much. Except for the holes.
Alternatives: "Kind" bars from the gas station, our delicious Apple Muffins (freeze a large batch...then grab one for the road), Kashi Cinnamon Harvest (Yum).
Food for thought: If I eat one doughnut every day (and don't exercise), I will gain one pound every 10 days. That's 3 pounds a month, or 36 pounds a year.
Katie's Soap Box: Who is with me on coming up with new ways to raise money for our schools that DON'T involve feeding our kids massive amounts of sugar and trans fats (i.e. BAKE SALE)? These are the formative years. THIS is the time to teach them about healthy eating. What kind of example are we setting by pushing this stuff?

NASTY FOOD #2: FRENCH FRIES
Example: McDonald's French Fries
Heinous factors: Hydrogenated oil, sodium acid pyrophosphate, TBHQ (used to delay onset of rancidness), Dimethylpolysiloxane (an antifoaming agent). We hate it when our french fries start foaming, don't you?
Research: When potatoes are cooked at high temperatures, they form acrylamide, which causes tumors and neurological problems in lab animals. Acrylamide is also a bi-product of cigarette smoke. A study of 327,000 women in Holland showed a significant increase of endometrial and ovarian cancer for those who consumed acrylamide.
Alternatives: We LOVE sweet potato fries (baked in the oven at home. Not the greasy/fried restaurant version). We like to make these to accompany Morning Star Grillers. A great little meal. Also, If your kids MUST have McD's, order apple slices and milk instead of fries and soda.

And Finally....DRUM ROLL PLEASE......

NASTY FOOD #1: HOT DOGS
***Our Recipient of the MOST HEINOUS FOOD AWARD***
Example: Oscar Meyer Weiners
Heinous factors: Mechanically separated meat, Corn Syrup, Dextrose, Potassium Lactate, Sodium Phosphates, Sodium Diacetate, Sodium Ascorbate, Sodium Nitrite, Artificial Flavoring.

There's too much HEINOUS going on here to tackle all of it. So we'll just focus on the nastiest ingredient. And if you're eating right now, we suggest that you STOP.

***Seriously, put the Krispy Kreme down.****

We're about to show you a picture of what goes into a hot dog.

And there you go.

Yes, it looks like pink foam. Or a worm. Or Pepto Bismol Ice Cream....but alas, it is NOT. What is it? Mechanically separated chicken, turkey, and pig.

Our friends at "Fooducate" write:

"Someone figured out in the 1960s that meat processors can eek out a few more percent of profit
from chickens, turkeys, pigs, and cows by scraping the bones 100% clean of meat. This is done
...by passing bones leftover after the initial cutting through a high pressure sieve. The paste you
see in the picture above is the result."

And here's a quote from Michael Kindt:

"There's more: because it's crawling with bacteria, it will be washed with ammonia... Then,
because it tastes gross, it will be reflavored artificially. Then, because it is weirdly pink, it will be
dyed with artificial color."

Research: Over FIFTY-EIGHT scientific studies have confirmed beyond reasonable doubt that the more hot dogs a person eats, the higher their risk of colorectal cancer. Just ONE 50-gram serving of processed meat per day (including hot dogs, deli meat, bacon, etc.) increases a person's risk of cancer by 21%. (American Institute for Cancer Research).

In fact, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine was so concerned about the 16 billion hot dogs that Americans consume each year, that they launched a campaign: "Eating Hot Dogs is as Risky as Smoking Cigarettes." Here is their billboard:

Alternatives: Here are some options if you're invited to a cook-out: 1. Eat before-hand and munch on veggies when you get there OR 2. Offer to bring something more appetizing and less carcinogenic: i.e. grilled chicken, tabouli, tossed salad, fruit salad.

Katie: As a mother of three, I have to choose my battles with my kids. So yes, they can still enjoy "pizza day" at school. But if saying NO to hot dogs makes me a "mean mom," then mean I shall be.

My kids don't know what hot dogs are made of, or what the word "carcinogen" means. But tonight, after dinner (long, LONG after dinner), they're going to find out.

...Because if I don't teach my kids about eating healthy and avoiding disease, I don't know who will.

* * * *
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Love,
Katie and Barb

19 Comments

Jennifer Fink link

12/19/2011 01:51:05 am

Sigh. I am guilty of feeding my kids all of the above, including the Doritos in the first paragraph. I know this stuff is not good. I know it's not nutritious. And I know that I can just stop buying it. But then they get it from their Dad and my mom and...everywhere else.

I know I can/should stop giving it to them at my house. But I don't want to exactly be viewed as the food Nazi either. What advice do you have for parents who want to feed their kids better, but are surrounded by other friends and family members who don't share those same values and concerns?

Kathy Desruisseau link

12/19/2011 02:01:47 am

Excellent!

Katie Suarez link

12/19/2011 02:17:19 am

Jennifer,
I agree with you...it's difficult to get your kids to eat healthier when they're bombarded with junk food everywhere they go. Unfortunately, I don't have easy answers, but I personally believe that getting the kids involved in the transition is key.

For example, today was "hot dog" day at our school cafeteria. My kids LOVE hot dogs...and until YESTERDAY (when I did all this research). they could eat all the hot dogs they wanted. (Not at home, but other places). However, this morning I showed them the picture of the mechanically separated meat. I explained that Mommy likes the taste of hot dogs too, but after seeing what goes into them, I don't feel like eating them that much. They actually agreed...they were so grossed out. I packed them an extra special lunch, (banana/nut-butter sandwich... their favorite), and gave them permission to get chocolate milk at the cafeteria (to offset their melancholy).

Another idea I have heard is to get your kids involved with the cooking. Let them get out ingredients, or chop veggies (depending on age)...when they can take ownership in the meal (even if it has veggies)...I have found they are more likely to eat it.

As far as the kids going other places...again...eating healthier will ultimately have to be their choice. I think it's all about getting them involved in the transition...have discussions about it over dinner...And really, they are probably at your house the majority of the time. I tend to look at nutrition as a whole--how is your overall diet characterized? Having a handful of chips every once in a while is probably okay, as long as they are eating healthy at home.

You can start by taking baby steps with them. For example, for years, I've bought my kids "Honey Bunches of Oats." But last week, I discovered it has a weird chemical in it (BHT). Instead of unilaterally telling the kids "I'm not buying it anymore," I told them, "hey, I thought we'd try this new cereal, to see if you like it...tell me what you think." (It was "honey Kix.") They loved it...especially since they felt they had a voice in the matter.

I personally don't believe in "cold turkey" diet changes. I think the best way to do it is to START by introducing some new snacks (rather than taking anything away), then gradually start phasing the old stuff out.

Hope some of these ideas help!
Katie

Michelle Martin

12/19/2011 02:36:49 am

I too dislike hot dogs. However, if you buy hot dogs made from grass fed and grass finished beef that are minimally processed with no artificial colors, ingredients hot dogs can be much better. As a matter of fact all grass fed and grass finished humanely raised meat is far superior to anything else on the market. Tallgrass Beef is what I buy and I never eat anything but Tallgrass. I know lots of chefs and nutritionists that love it. Check out www.tallgrassbeef.com it is superb!

Carrie

12/19/2011 03:40:48 am

Loved your comment about alternatives to "Bake Sale Day"! I am 100% in agreement with you! I think this fundraiser needs to change.

Nikki + Carter Hickman

12/19/2011 10:25:59 am

Katie,
What is your recommendation for alternatives to lunch meat. If the kids aren't having a peanut butter sandwich packed in their lunch I pack a turkey sandwich. I think I have a handle on snacks but lunches are hard.

Kelly Goen

12/20/2011 01:00:56 am

Hot dogs, bacon, etc. These products are definetly worth going to Whole Foods for. Try grass fed beef (as mentioned before)or turkey, or soy. My kids personally do not like soy, but it's easy to mask the taste with ketchup and mustard. These products don't contain nitrates, which is a preservative, causing cancer.

Katie Suarez link

12/20/2011 07:21:35 am

Thank you everyone for the wonderful comments!

Nikki,
Excellent question about lunch alternatives. I have struggled with the same issue when making lunches for my kids.

I make a few different types of sandwiches for my kids. My youngest son is allergic to peanut butter, so I usually make him a cheese sandwich with Oroweat 100% Whole Grain Bread (from Walmart) and cheddar cheese. (Boring, I know... but he likes it. :) Sometimes I will change it up for him, and give him a jam sandwich with Smuckers Simply Fruit Jam (also from Walmart).

At home, my kids enjoy whole grain toast with avocado slices, lightly sprinkled with salt. Then I'll add a mozzerella cheese stick and some fresh fruit on the side. Or I'll do hummus with red bell pepper strips.

Occasionally, I will buy the Whole Foods "nitrate free" deli meat, but I'm not real keen on paying $10/lb. Boar's head is also supposed to be minimally processed, though I haven't researched it fully.

For other lunch ideas, you can look at the page on our website, "What's for Lunch?" (It's under recipes).

Sometime in the near future, I'll be doing a post on lunchbox makeovers. I am still learning as I go...so if anyone else has ideas, please share!

Katie

Katie Suarez link

12/20/2011 08:01:45 am

p.s. My mom just had a great idea for lunch meat:

Oven roasted chicken breasts (preferably hormone-free). See directions for roasting in our recipe for Tortilla Soup:

http://www.eatforyourlifetoday.com/chicken-tortilla-soup.html

Make a large batch, slice thinly, then freeze in portion-size quantities. Place small bags in one large one for freezer protection and ease in locating.

Thanks Mom! I am going to try it this week.

Katie

Maria Swatek

12/20/2011 10:02:37 am

You know, chicken nuggets look the same way. Have you ever watched the documentary, "Super Size Me"? Very enlightening... I can't bring myself to buy nugget anything. Wonderful blog today, thank you!

Stephanie

1/1/2012 11:31:05 pm

I try to avoid all that, but definitely let my kids splurge more often than I should. As far as hotdogs, I always buy the hebrew nation 100% beef franks. Are those any better than your typical hit dog?

Katie Suarez link

1/2/2012 03:06:31 am

Stephanie,
I looked up the Hebrew Nation beef franks. It appears that they might be a better option than regular hot dogs, since they claim to have no bi-products, fillers, or artificial colors. However, the best option is to eat meats in their most natural form. Any type of hot dog has got to be processed to take on that "hot dog" shape. Again, I think looking at the overall diet is what's most important. If your family eats natural meats, lots of whole grains, veggies, fruits, nuts 90% of the time, I personally think a Hebrew Nation hot dog (or Tallgrass, as mentioned above) every now and then is probably okay.

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10/17/2013 01:04:50 am

Thank you very much for sharing such a valuable information with us. I'm definitely sure that it is going to help many more.I think it is parents duty to look after their children properly. I mean what they eat, what they think and in whose companion they spend there time. It's all gonna count on your child health. I think these kind of information and right kind of approach towards their children certainly can bring a big change. Again thank you very much.

Katie Suarez link

10/17/2013 02:13:56 am

Thank you for stopping by the site, and for your kind comments! If our website has been helpful for you, please share it with others. We hope you find some recipes that you enjoy.Thank you again and God bless! Katie

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