The Vitamin Water Deception

Recently, long spells of very hot weather have been forecast for Sth. Australia & Victoria, whilst here in Sth- East Queensland we are consistently experiencing around 30 plus degrees. Considering the importance of keeping our bodies well hydrated, particularly at this time of the year, I thought it would be a good idea to share this video clip on Vitamin Waters.

The Heart Foundation Tick

Since 1990 food manufactures have had the opportunity to earn the Heart Foundation tick of approval for their food products. Ready meal products are tested according to four main criteria-  300-350mg/100g or less Sodium, vegetables-75g/serve or more & fibre- 3g/serve or more. These meals are only allowed 2g saturated fat/100g or less; and 6g/serve or less - no partially hydrogenated fat or trans fat (0.2g/100g or less). The  number of Kj per serve was introduced in 2009  (ready meals 2200kj/ serve or less), as well as the requirement of 5g/serve or more of protein.

In  September,2011 The Sunday Telegraph published an article about the Heart Foundation tick. Here is an extract:
'In 2008, when The Sunday Telegraph revealed the Tick had been granted to pizza, pies and sausage rolls, the Heart Foundation accused the newspaper of attempting to damage its reputation.
But leading brand experts and health professionals said the Heart Foundation ruined their own brand by aligning with fast food five years ago.
"It has to damage the credibility of the heart brand," said University of Sydney business professor Charles Areni said.
And the fact McDonald's paid $300,000 a year to wear the healthy badge devalued the Tick's relevance, he said.
Dietitian Rosemary Stanton said the charity dropped its standards when it aligned with McDonald's and consumers today ignore the Tick.
One of the greatest criticisms of the Tick program is the secrecy around how a company earns one.
Over the past five years products such as Four'N Twenty meat pies, Ingham's herb and garlic turkey breast schnitzel and McDonald's McChicken burgers have worn the healthy badge.
Even a beef and bernaise pizza and cheese steak pizza won the endorsement.'
Although reducing kilojoules, fat,  and sodium , & having a required minimum percentage content for protein & fibre is highly desirable in such products, it's still a fair distance away from what should be categorised as a 'healthy choice'.
'The foundation this week severed ties with McDonald's and other fast food outlets -- a move brand experts described as essential to maintain any shred of credibility.'  The Sunday Telegraph, 25th Sept, 2011

The Nutri Grain debate

Nutri Grain cereal is one of those products which has been sold to Australian consumers as 'Iron-man food'. 'Eat this cereal & your children will grow up strong & healthy' is the dominant message of the advertisements. So lets look at the facts: a 1 cup serving of Nutri Grain contains 6.6g Protein. However, this serving size also contains far more sugar than protein- 9.6g. It is also very low in actual fibre (0.8g),  very high in sodium (144g) and contains 'barley malt extract' which is a form of MSG!

Not to mention the cost- $7.99 (805g); $5.99 ($5.99). Even if you buy it only when it is on 'special' I consider the price to be far too high for the possible (yet highly unlikely), real nutrient benefits to your body.
Fresh, seasonal fruit can be purchased for not only a much lower price but the benefits for your health in terms of the vitamin, mineral & fibre content are far higher.

I would highly recommend spending your hard earned money on nutrient rich, fresh, seasonal fruit from your local markets. Place these on your breakfast table for both the children & adults in your family rather than
energy dense/ nutrient poor processed cereals.

Happy New Year

The end of 2012 is nearly upon us. How quickly has this year gone?
I would like to wish all my fellow safe food lovers a healthy & most enjoyable New Year.

Today I would like to share one of my favourite recipes with you- Cucumber Cups with Thai Beef Salad. Perfect to serve on New years Eve- which is what I will be doing!

Ingredients
6 Lebanese cucumbers                                            1 Tb rice bran oil
500g porterhouse or fillet beef, cut into
2cm thick slices                                                       1 small red onion, finely chopped
1/4 C mint leaves, finely chopped                            2 Tb finely chopped coriander
1 Tb sweet chilli sauce                                             1 Tb fish sauce
1 Tb lime juice                                                         1 teaspoon brown sugar
extra coriander leaves- garnish     
                      
 Method
1. Wash & trim ends from cucumbers. Cut into 2cm thick slices. Using a melon baller or teaspoon, scoop out seeds, leaving cucumber flesh 'cups'. Place on a tray.
2. Heat oil over med-high heat. Cook steak for 2 mins each side or until cooked to your liking. Transfer to a plate. Cover with foil. Repeat with remaining steaks. Stand, covered, for 10 mins before thinly slicing across the grain.
3. Combine steak, onion, mint and coriander in a large bowl. Whisk sweet chilli sauce, fish sauce, lime juice and sugar together in a jug until well combined. Pour over salad. Toss gently to combine. Spoon salad into cucumber cups.

WISHING YOU A FABULOUS 2013.

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS

 I would like to take this opportunity to wish  all my like-minded safe food lover's and their respective families a wonderful Christmas. May it be relaxing, and full of healthy delicious food.

I have been waiting since October for these Waffle Crisps to arrive in my local Aldi store. Finally, only yesterday, I spotted them. There are only 6 ingredients- wheat flour, butter (20%), egg, salt, & raising agent.
Enjoy alone or as pictured with fresh fruit & ice cream. Delicious!
(N.B. The above picture was the only one I could find in goggle images- therefore price may not be correct!)
The Waffle Crisps are only in store around Christmas so stock up!

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

GLOBAL ORGANICS: Organic borlotti beans. This classic Italian bean is very nutritious and can be used in salads, tossed with pasta, and is delicious in soups & casseroles. There are no GMO ingredients ( just Borlotti beans, water & sea salt). These beans are an excellent source of protein and fibre as well as being low GI. There is no added sugar, artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. ENJOY!

Food Additives & Hyperactivity in children (cont)

Further to my previous post in which I discussed the connection between coal tar dyes (i.e. 100 numbers), and hyperactivity in children ,I would like to bring the additive282 to your notice.

Calcium propionate (282) has been linked to behavioural & learning problems by numerous researchers. It has also been linked to skin irritations, headaches migraines and asthma. It may be found in supermarket breads, wraps , crumpets and other bakery products.In addition, all mainstream breadcrumb products contain this additive. So, to avoid it , either make your own breadcrumbs, or look for organic varieties. It is also found in many manufactured foods such as sausage rolls and  fish fingers. However, due to our 5% loophole in food labelling in Australia this ingredient may not be listed.
Calcium proprionate is banned in the U.K.- colicky, restless babies improve significantly when this additive is removed from the mother's diet! SPREAD THE WORD to all your friends!