Tuesday, May 7, 2024
But it tastes good!
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Doctors blaming food companies for our health crisis is convenient yet coming from a biased perspective. They are part of the problem.
I've heard everything, mostly in the name of whom to blame for the diabesity crisis.
It works like this. Those in medicine notice that there is an increase in medical conditions that burden our hospital system. They work with government and pharmaceutical companies to develop drugs to address the issue. With the possible exception of drugs for infection and some cancers, most drugs will need to be taken for a lifetime to address chronic conditions.
In Western medicine, physicians are trained best for the sickest and those needing emergency care. Physicians often gravitate to specialties (as if we are the sum of our organs and body systems). Often a holistic view of the person's health is absent until all else fails. Their system waits until one is ill enough to be diagnosed based on laboratory tests.
Physicians then treat those who have disease. At this point, the patients they see typically need what they provide in the form of medicine or drugs because they are strong remedies. Much of the medical training and research the physicians rely on is supported by profit driven pharmaceutical companies.
Doctors who are trained to prescribe drugs do so, and, when the patient has too many diseases (some from the side effects of a drug and others from disease progression) polypharmacy results (too many prescriptions often interacting). Eventually, there is nothing the doctor can do.
Doctors hypothesize based on their knowledge of the human body from medical school and continuing education. It is difficult for them to keep up with the latest information given the large amount of research they have access to. They only have so many hours in their day. Pharmaceutical reps give them information on the latest drug advancements which can be helpful however, at the same time as they are educating the doctors they are also marketing drugs to them. New drugs typically have higher profit margins. There is clearly an inherent bias in the process.
In contrast to the profitable drugs sold by pharmaceutical companies, the food industry works off of much smaller profit margins and considerably more volume. Often the ingredients in formulating new products are components of subsidized crops. The ingredients used that are not GRAS (generally recognized as safe) may be regulated by government research. Examples are artificial colors and sweeteners.
I listen to the latest doctor, or dietician blame the food industry for the sick patients that they see. Journalists and consumers repeat what they hear and read. It's safe for the professionals to blame the industry that is not paying their paycheck. It is also easy to blame whoever or whatever immediately proceeds the situation. But too often that is not the root cause of the problem.
The truth is that everyone has a role in this.
I have another perspective.
Saturday, January 27, 2024
What you need to know about rising food prices 101
Manufacturers do not want to raise food prices because there is market competition and they do not want to lose sales. They often reduce costs by giving you less at the same price as an initial strategy. They will tolerate products being out of stock if they can and look towards higher future demand when possible. They know that prices are rarely lowered and we typically get used to the new pricing although it is still not desirable. That's how inflation begins. We pay more for products and services and salaries need to rise to compensate.
What is causing price inflation?
1. Lack of workers and employment issues in factories here and around the world for production.
2. Backups in shipping by land and by sea. From ports and delivery issues will continue to happen We live in a global world. We not only get our food products but ingredients and packaging materials from all over the world. Sourcing globally provides us with food access, convenience, and, in some cases, has even resulted in lower food prices.
3. Scarcity
Stocking up is one way to plan better and helps you have more time to get an item for your holiday dinner. Think of a Thanksgrilling get together setting expectations of an outdoor gathering.
Now is the time to start planning your Thanksgiving menu so you can purchase your groceries.
Helping you plan, even if you are not the planning type, ensures you will have what you need and waste less. Waste is most often the issue with fresh fruits and vegetables especially now that so many more of us are eating more plant-based meals. Understanding canned and frozen options will help immensely.
Buying locally and seasonally, planning, and learning the difference between marketing and what really is meaningful and of value to you when purchasing will make all the difference.
Working with Foodfitter, food choices will be stress-free and you will feel confident that you are making sound food decisions aligned with your values, preferences, and health.
Monday, October 16, 2023
My favorite secret ingredients to surprise your guests with flavors that wow. All of these ingredients are GMO free, gluten free, kosher and vegan. Some like it Smooth! Some like the Tangy! Some like it Hot!
1. Artichoke and Garlic Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil from the Georgetown Olive Oil Company or use the oil from Trader Joe's Marinated Grilled Artichokes in Olive Oil.
2. Blood orange Vinegar from Cuisine Perel
3. Habenaro Citrus Oil from Sutter Buttes. It is often sold as a dipping oil but I love using a splash in dishes.
Friday, October 6, 2023
Rapid Weight Loss - Does it last?
Sunday, October 2, 2022
Air travelers read on!
Saturday, March 12, 2022
Have you lost your senses? Don't let anyone call you crazy!
About Me
- foodfitter
- First trained as a food chemist and nutritionist, my career began enriching a Twinkie, comparing the nutrition of a Twinkie to an apple and studying the role of sugar in the diet. With an M.B.A. and years in food and pharma understanding consumers and manufacturers, I'm back to where I started - food should taste great and serve to keep us healthy. To do so, there needs to be consumer awareness. Consumers need to vote for what they want by buying what they really want. If they buy impulsively, that's what they will see more of. They need to practice balance and responsible choices. That's when change will come. Please engage me with your conversation so that I can help you make and stick to better food choices that you enjoy. You'll gain a deeper appreciation of food not only from farm to table but farm to health. My vision is to promote solutions for healthful food and food practices you can happily embody and embrace!