Too much sugar kills you!

[KeptByTheWord]

Well, many people have been talking about the sugar epidemic in the US... now there is a significant study that has been published by the JAMA Internal Medicine that concludes this: Overall, they found that people who consumed the highest amounts of added sugars were more than twice as likely to die from cardiovascular disease.

To read the article ... http://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/02/04/excess-sugar-consumption-from-soda-desserts-leads-to-higher-rates-of-cardiovascular-death/

We have cut our sugar intake significantly in our family over the last few years. I bake with honey or turbinado sugar when possible. Natural occurring sugars, such as honey, and the sugars in fruits & vegetables are complex sugars, which are much better for you, than the chemically created sugars, such as high fructose corn syrup.

[KeptByTheWord]

Has anyone tried using turbinado sugar? It is far less processed than white sugar. I try to substitute turbinado sugar for white sugar as much as possible when baking.

Turbinado sugar is also known as cane sugar or raw sugar. Turbinado sugar resembles brown sugar in that it is brown in color. However, brown sugar has a finer grain and is a bit darker in color. In recipes however, the two can be interchanged with delicious results. Both sugars have high moisture content, so they should be kept in an airtight container with a lid.

How is Turbinado sugar made? It comes from the first pressing of the sugar cane. It has large crystals and retains some of the molasses flavor, which is a natural byproduct of the sugar process.

Turbinado sugar is a healthier alternative to white, refined sugar. It is lower in calories since it tends to hold more moisture. One teaspoon of white sugar packs 16 calories, as opposed to the Turbinado sugar, which has 11 for one teaspoon. Turbinado sugar isn't processed as much as white sugar, so it is naturally healthier for your body.

For the rest of the article... http://voices.yahoo.com/turbinado-sugar-its-benefits-878655.html

[ILG]

I just found out (re-found out actually) that beet sugar is GMO and if you want non-GMO sugar it has to be cane sugar. I heard that a long time ago and forgot. But it is shocking that sugar is GMO.

[KeptByTheWord]

I had heard that before too, and it didn't register, although, I have been buying cane sugar, but didn't remember why, just that I remembered that it was a better sugar. The generic brands are generally beet sugar, I think.

[KeptByTheWord]

I hardly buy cane sugar any more though. My husband likes to drink it in his ice tea, and I am trying hard to wean him off that!

[KeptByTheWord]

We put turbinado sugar in our coffee now. Maybe I need to get him to try the turbinado in his sweet tea. He likes his sweet tea just about walking its so syrupy.... so... that's still an ongoing battle ... lol

[Pressing-On]

Turbinado sugar is not totally unprocessed. Sucanat sugar is dehydrated sugar cane juice, retaining all of it's nutrients. Even though sugar affects the system the same way, I would go with the less processed that is retaining its nutrients.

http://www.amazon.com/Sucanat-Sugar-1-lb/dp/B00015UC84

[KeptByTheWord]

Yes, we bought succanot, but my husband didn't think it was sweet enough, so we settled with a compromise with turbinado. Maybe I can mix the two together? lol...

[Pressing-On]

Yes, we bought succanot, but my husband didn't think it was sweet enough, so we settled with a compromise with turbinado. Maybe I can mix the two together? lol...

:heeheehee My husband didn't like it either. I said, "Stop using it then." :heeheehee

[KeptByTheWord]

:heeheehee My husband didn't like it either. I said, "Stop using it then." :heeheehee

.. that's the way to do it girl... :thumbsup

..... but did it work? inquiring minds want to know.... :heeheehee

[Pressing-On]

.. that's the way to do it girl... :thumbsup

..... but did it work? inquiring minds want to know.... :heeheehee

Yes, he quit using it. He was eating oatmeal the other night and commented that his grandparents lived a long time eating oatmeal every day. I said, "Good grief. I'm going to stop buying it then." :heeheehee

[ILG]

We eat too much sugar and I know it. I gave up sugar once for 8 months. I felt better but felt socially isolated. Did you know social isolation is as bad for you as smoking?? LOL! So, I do eat some sugar now, but haven't gone back to what I was before my sugar "fast".

[KeptByTheWord]

Yes, he quit using it. He was eating oatmeal the other night and commented that his grandparents lived a long time eating oatmeal every day. I said, "Good grief. I'm going to stop buying it then." :heeheehee

Oh the LOVE I feel in this post! :heeheehee

[KeptByTheWord]

We eat too much sugar and I know it. I gave up sugar once for 8 months. I felt better but felt socially isolated. Did you know social isolation is as bad for you as smoking?? LOL! So, I do eat some sugar now, but haven't gone back to what I was before my sugar "fast".

Yea, all this talk about no sugar, and V-day around the corner... WHAT was I thinking?????

[Pressing-On]

We eat too much sugar and I know it. I gave up sugar once for 8 months. I felt better but felt socially isolated. Did you know social isolation is as bad for you as smoking?? LOL! So, I do eat some sugar now, but haven't gone back to what I was before my sugar "fast".

There are some people that eat so poorly, I don't care if I am isolated. I'm not eating Rice-A-Roni or macaroni and cheese out of a box. Sorry. :heeheehee

[Pressing-On]

Oh the LOVE I feel in this post! :heeheehee

:heeheehee

[ILG]

There are some people that eat so poorly, I don't care if I am isolated. I'm not eating Rice-A-Roni or macaroni and cheese out of a box. Sorry. :heeheehee

If I do make rice a roni (rarely) I dump out about half the seasoning. We do have some box mac and cheese but I make homemade if I make some. :) We're kind of a hybrid on the healthy eating. I preach it, provide the ingredients but everyone chooses. I eat healthier than anybody here. But I have everybody converted to almond milk (over dairy) and coconut oil and sea salt. Some thigns are easy, other things, not so easy. At any rate, it's something I want my family to see the need for and do because they know it;s good for them not because I am forcing it.

[Pressing-On]

If I do make rice a roni (rarely) I dump out about half the seasoning. We do have some box mac and cheese but I make homemade if I make some. :) We're kind of a hybrid on the healthy eating. I preach it, provide the ingredients but everyone chooses. I eat healthier than anybody here. But I have everybody converted to almond milk (over dairy) and coconut oil and sea salt. Some thigns are easy, other things, not so easy. At any rate, it's something I want my family to see the need for and do because they know it;s good for them not because I am forcing it.
My husband and I don't eat the same at all. Anything I like, he doesn't. I still hang around with him though. :heeheehee As long as I eat out with him once a week and have his dinner ready when he gets home, he is not too grouchy. :heeheehee

[ILG]

My husband and I don't eat the same at all. Anything I like, he doesn't. I still hang around with him though. :heeheehee As long as I eat out with him once a week and have his dinner ready when he gets home, he is not too grouchy. :heeheehee

What do you cook for him?

[KeptByTheWord]

If I do make rice a roni (rarely) I dump out about half the seasoning. We do have some box mac and cheese but I make homemade if I make some. :) We're kind of a hybrid on the healthy eating. I preach it, provide the ingredients but everyone chooses. I eat healthier than anybody here. But I have everybody converted to almond milk (over dairy) and coconut oil and sea salt. Some thigns are easy, other things, not so easy. At any rate, it's something I want my family to see the need for and do because they know it;s good for them not because I am forcing it.

Yea, I don't buy anything boxed anymore. I have convinced my family of it too. Sometimes in the mac-n-cheese aisle, they will stare longingly at the Kraft mac-n-cheese, but I keep walking... lol

My kids have completely given up sodas, and that is a huge breakthrough, I feel. Also, they help me check labels on foods when we are grocery shopping to be sure nothing we buy has high fructose corn syrup in it. As teenagers, they have realized the importance of their health, and I think that is a wonderful thing.

[KeptByTheWord]

My husband and I don't eat the same at all. Anything I like, he doesn't. I still hang around with him though. :heeheehee As long as I eat out with him once a week and have his dinner ready when he gets home, he is not too grouchy. :heeheehee

wow, that's gotta be tough! My family are all on pretty much the same page when it comes to eating, thankfully!

[Pressing-On]

What do you cook for him?
I just pour grease on everything and he is good to go. :heeheehee

Seriously, if I make mashed potatoes and gravy, I take my portion of potatoes out before I add the butter and I don't use the gravy. So, I do things in that way.

He eats sausage, gravy and biscuits for breakfast and I eat a slice of Ezekiel bread and a couple of eggs, or a cup of Coconut water with Goat Protein powder.

[ILG]

Yea, I don't buy anything boxed anymore. I have convinced my family of it too. Sometimes in the mac-n-cheese aisle, they will stare longingly at the Kraft mac-n-cheese, but I keep walking... lol

My kids have completely given up sodas, and that is a huge breakthrough, I feel. Also, they help me check labels on foods when we are grocery shopping to be sure nothing we buy has high fructose corn syrup in it. As teenagers, they have realized the importance of their health, and I think that is a wonderful thing.

Yes that it really good.

We rarely drink soda. I have some here for the rare root beer float or something. I have some diet that I got for free that I need to throw out because nobody is going to drink it. My daughter never drinks pop, my son rarely, my husband and I rarely.

They do eat mac and cheese though.

I am slowly getting away from the boxed foods. Since I am home now, I have been moving more and more that way, which is very hard to do when you are working.

[Pressing-On]

wow, that's gotta be tough! My family are all on pretty much the same page when it comes to eating, thankfully!
Well, when he is home and not working, he cooks his own breakfast and lunch.

After a time of asking what was for breakfast or lunch and I said, "Nothing", he started cooking his own. I do cook dinner almost all of the time. If he is home a lot, like when he was laid off, he cooked dinner for himself too on some days.

He usually just messes up the kitchen and refuses to wash dishes. That's the only part I don't like, at all. :smack

[ILG]

I just pour grease on everything and he is good to go. :heeheehee

Seriously, if I make mashed potatoes and gravy, I take my portion of potatoes out before I add the butter and I don't use the gravy. So, I do things in that way.

He eats sausage, gravy and biscuits for breakfast and I eat a slice of Ezekiel bread and a couple of eggs, or a cup of Coconut water with Goat Protein powder.

LOL! Wow! That's tough!

I remember when I worked Saturdays, my husband made dinner. I would be presented with brats (very fatty wisconsin sausage) and fried potatoes or somesuch! LOL! I would say "Oh, thank you for cooking! That is so nice!" And then I would cut a brat in half, eat withcatsup, no bun, eat a few fries and cut up an apple and some lettuce to add to it. LOL!

[KeptByTheWord]

I just pour grease on everything and he is good to go. :heeheehee

Seriously, if I make mashed potatoes and gravy, I take my portion of potatoes out before I add the butter and I don't use the gravy. So, I do things in that way.

He eats sausage, gravy and biscuits for breakfast and I eat a slice of Ezekiel bread and a couple of eggs, or a cup of Coconut water with Goat Protein powder.

Ah yes... so glad this discussion is hinging on sugar, and not grease... lol! My sweet lil southern MIL cooks everything with bacon grease, and so my husband thinks that if its not fried in bacon grease, it hasn't been fried. I try to cook his eggs with coconut oil, but he could taste the difference :( But I do slip coconut oil into his oatmeal, and he hasn't figured that one out yet!

[KeptByTheWord]

It is very hard to cook healthy, and work outside the home. That is why convenience of boxed meals appeals to so many.

[KeptByTheWord]

Speaking of work, I guess I better get back to business here, lol... its been fun chatting gals!

[Pressing-On]

Ah yes... so glad this discussion is hinging on sugar, and not grease... lol! My sweet lil southern MIL cooks everything with bacon grease, and so my husband thinks that if its not fried in bacon grease, it hasn't been fried. I try to cook his eggs with coconut oil, but he could taste the difference :( But I do slip coconut oil into his oatmeal, and he hasn't figured that one out yet!

Have you made chicken fajitas in coconut oil? I buy the chicken tenders, slice them in half, season and marinate for a few hours. I then put some coconut oil in an iron skillet, add onion slices, a couple of jalapenos, and red bell pepper. You can slice the bell pepper and jalapenos a head of time and take out as much as you need. They freeze very well without blanching. Now that is good! He does like that, but doesn't generally like coconut oil. It's funny, because you can't taste it at all in that dish.

[Pressing-On]

Speaking of work, I guess I better get back to business here, lol... its been fun chatting gals!

Yea, my granddaughter is here and wanting my attention. I guess she got bored with Curious George. :heeheehee

[Pressing-On]

LOL! Wow! That's tough!

I remember when I worked Saturdays, my husband made dinner. I would be presented with brats (very fatty wisconsin sausage) and fried potatoes or somesuch! LOL! I would say "Oh, thank you for cooking! That is so nice!" And then I would cut a brat in half, eat withcatsup, no bun, eat a few fries and cut up an apple and some lettuce to add to it. LOL!

Yes, I think the apple and lettuce make it not seem so bad, huh? :heeheehee

[ILG]

Have you made chicken fajitas in coconut oil? I buy the chicken tenders, slice them in half, season and marinate for a few hours. I then put some coconut oil in an iron skillet, add onion slices, a couple of jalapenos, and red bell pepper. You can slice the bell pepper and jalapenos a head of time and take out as much as you need. They freeze very well without blanching. Now that is good! He does like that, but doesn't generally like coconut oil. It's funny, because you can't taste it at all in that dish.

My family does not like the regular coconut oil but they have not problem with the coconut oil that has a neutral flavor. My cat goes absolutely nuts over the stuff.

[ILG]

Yes, I think the apple and lettuce make it not seem so bad, huh? :heeheehee

Well, it made it so I could eat some of it without getting a stomachache! LOL!

[Pressing-On]

My family does not like the regular coconut oil but they have not problem with the coconut oil that has a neutral flavor. My cat goes absolutely nuts over the stuff.

I don't know what you mean regarding regular coconut oil. Do you only purchase unrefined expeller pressed? That's the only healthy kind.

[Pressing-On]

Well, it made it so I could eat some of it without getting a stomachache! LOL!

I was reading that if you walked into a grocery store and had to purchase one item with the most fiber, an apple is that choice.

[ILG]

I don't know what you mean regarding regular coconut oil. Do you only purchase unrefined expeller pressed? That's the only healthy kind.

Yes, but you can buy it with a neutral flavor.

http://www.swansonvitamins.com/jarrow-formulas-inc-organic-coconut-oil-32-oz-solid-oil

[Pressing-On]

Yes, but you can buy it with a neutral flavor.

http://www.swansonvitamins.com/jarrow-formulas-inc-organic-coconut-oil-32-oz-solid-oil

If it has a neutral flavor, then I am thinking it is refined, which means it has been deodorized and bleached. The container doesn't say it is unrefined.

[ILG]

If it has a neutral flavor, then I am thinking it is refined, which means it has been deodorized and bleached. The container doesn't say it is unrefined.

This is what it says:

Coconut Oil from Jarrow Formulas is expeller pressed from the dried flesh (copra) of the coconut palm fruit. This process does not utilize any solvents.

[Pressing-On]

This is what it says:

Coconut Oil from Jarrow Formulas is expeller pressed from the dried flesh (copra) of the coconut palm fruit. This process does not utilize any solvents.

That's interesting. I was of the understanding that if you don't smell coconut, it has been refined. Does it mean it uses no solvents only during the pressing process, but could possibly use chemicals to refine? Because it doesn't say it is not refined. All of the oils I purchase say both unrefined and expeller pressed. Do you think it should have both on the label?

[ILG]

That's interesting. I was of the understanding that if you don't smell coconut, it has been refined. Does it mean it uses no solvents only during the pressing process, but could possibly use chemicals to refine? Because it doesn't say it is not refined. All of the oils I purchase say both unrefined and expeller pressed. Do you think it should have both on the label?

I am not sure.

[Pressing-On]

I am not sure.

If you run across anything, let me know. I did a quick Google check and didn't find anything.

[KeptByTheWord]

I use the Nutiva brand of coconut oil. Here is their website: https://store.nutiva.com/coconut-oil/ I have tried different brands of coconut oil, and like this one the best.

I don't buy from their website though. It is much cheaper at Costco.

[ILG]

I use the Nutiva brand of coconut oil. Here is their website: https://store.nutiva.com/coconut-oil/ I have tried different brands of coconut oil, and like this one the best.

I don't buy from their website though. It is much cheaper at Costco.

My family rejects the kinds with coconut flavor. :(

[KeptByTheWord]

The taste of coconut can overpower. I usually use butter when cooking with eggs, because of the coconut overtones. I personally use the coconut oil in my coffee every morning, and I put it in oatmeal. I do use it when baking, as the taste of coconut is masked when it is baked with other ingredients.

[A239]

Go here:

http://keybiotics.com/video_toon17a.php

[KeptByTheWord]

Go here:

http://keybiotics.com/video_toon17a.php

Jacob, I tried to go and listen to this guy's video, but because he is obviously promoting himself, and his products, I shut it off. I am always turned off by anyone promoting some "incredible" idea... but then have to listen how they have the answers if you buy their product....

[A239]

Although it is promoting the product, it is still packed full of information. Just ignore the promotions and listen to all the bad stuff. He even give two solutions, eat better, or take that stuff. And if you listen closely, he basically tells you what not to eat.

[KeptByTheWord]

Eating better is all you really need. God has provided all things good for us through plants, vegetables, and animals. No man-made chemically created product could possibly be any better than what God has already created, and put on earth for us to enjoy....


.... except maybe chocolate! :heeheehee

[Sasha]

Eating better is all you really need. God has provided all things good for us through plants, vegetables, and animals. No man-made chemically created product could possibly be any better than what God has already created, and put on earth for us to enjoy....


.... except maybe chocolate! :heeheehee

And marajuana?

[KeptByTheWord]

And marajuana?

Eating marijuana... never heard of anyone eating it! :heeheehee

[Sasha]

Eating marijuana... never heard of anyone eating it! :heeheehee

You never heard of mary brownies???

[KeptByTheWord]

You never heard of mary brownies???

Nope! Doesn't sound like I want to either.... :heeheehee

[shazeep]

that's very sad to me, that we have outlawed hemp (because Big Bidness could not compete with it, on any level), and instead now prefer an aspirin, or some other poison, for what ails us. did you guys know it used to be required to grow hemp? that it is rich in Omega 3? That Henry Ford made a car from it, also fueled by hemp?

but now, "pot" is associated with "getting high," and its curative properties are only just now being rediscovered in the US. This is a grave sin to me, that people will take an Rx and 'pray,' when the Divine solution is outlawed.

[KeptByTheWord]

that's very sad to me, that we have outlawed hemp (because Big Bidness could not compete with it, on any level), and instead now prefer an aspirin, or some other poison, for what ails us. did you guys know it used to be required to grow hemp? that it is rich in Omega 3? That Henry Ford made a car from it, also fueled by hemp?

but now, "pot" is associated with "getting high," and its curative properties are only just now being rediscovered in the US. This is a grave sin to me, that people will take an Rx and 'pray,' when the Divine solution is outlawed.

Well, it's good to know there are other uses for "hemp" other than getting high. I didn't know anything about the Omega-3, although there are plenty other sources to get Omega-3 from. I do think its curative properties should definitely be explored, but sadly the "high" element of it will probably continue to be dominant, which is sad, I agree.

[shazeep]

maybe...didn't seem to be a problem with the founding fathers, tho--Washington smoked pot every day. Btw, it is also high in protein; and there are several accounts of cancer cured, internet-available.

[shazeep]

Pot was outlawed because there would be nothing to sell you, imo.

[KeptByTheWord]

Pot was outlawed because there would be nothing to sell you, imo.

Interesting. But, it does kill brain cells, and is a pathway/open door to trying other hallucinating drugs.

[shazeep]

Hmm. My answer to part A is 1) 'holding your breath supposedly also kills brain cells?' 2) you surely mean smoking pot; which i have always understood to be true, also--but A) you don't have to smoke pot to benefit from it, and B) i must suspect any such useful 'info' now, if it has been 'provided' by the ones who outlawed pot. Pot supposedly has like 8 times the tar of cigarettes, too, but i'm getting fringe info now that that was all propaganda. i don't know, there, honestly.

As to part B, i agree that this was true in the 60s and 70s, but not near so much now. I am fairly immersed in the culture at present, playing at being an organic nature-boy, and i have to say that all the dope smoking interns we had last summer pretty much universally recognized hard drugs as being distinct from pot, which i didn't notice at that age, in the 70s-80s. Um, i've yet to hallucinate, either; never did get that one.

[MissBrattified]

Sugar Complaint: I've been buying "natural" applesauce for years. (the kind with no sugar--or artificial sugar--added) This morning, I made a quick stop at the Dollar General to grab some soup and applesauce for my flu-bug-bitten household. I don't normally stop there, but it was on the way home and I was exhausted. Since I was in a hurry, I also didn't look at the labels on anything. Just your standard Campbell's chicken soup and Dollar General brand applesauce.

This afternoon I poured myself a little bowl of the applesauce and took a bite and nearly gagged--it was SO SWEET. Seriously, LIKE SYRUP. Apple flavored syrup--with texture. I turned the bottle around and looked. The first two ingredients: Apples, High fructose corn syrup. I'm surprised it listed apples first, actually. YUCK!!! That stuff is TRASH. And this is what *the masses* feed themselves and their children all the time? No wonder we are sick and fat. What floors me is that people expect applesauce to taste like that instead of tasting like, well, APPLES! :blink

End of applesauce rant.

[MissBrattified]

Hmm. My answer to part A is 1) 'holding your breath supposedly also kills brain cells?' 2) you surely mean smoking pot; which i have always understood to be true, also--but A) you don't have to smoke pot to benefit from it, and B) i must suspect any such useful 'info' now, if it has been 'provided' by the ones who outlawed pot. Pot supposedly has like 8 times the tar of cigarettes, too, but i'm getting fringe info now that that was all propaganda. i don't know, there, honestly.

As to part B, i agree that this was true in the 60s and 70s, but not near so much now. I am fairly immersed in the culture at present, playing at being an organic nature-boy, and i have to say that all the dope smoking interns we had last summer pretty much universally recognized hard drugs as being distinct from pot, which i didn't notice at that age, in the 70s-80s. Um, i've yet to hallucinate, either; never did get that one.

There's still enough debate over whether or not marijuana is good for you to make it a valid concern for anyone concerned with their overall health. The smoke inhalation is not any better for you than cigarette smoke--it's just that people are going to smoke less marijuana than tobacco cigarettes, so they don't inhale as much overall.

Personally, I think making marijuana legal will remove the "gateway to other drugs" part of the equation. Since you have to go outside the law to obtain it presently, then you are going to encounter less savory people and circumstances than you would buying a pack of cigarettes. Obviously that allows for the likely possibility of being introduced to other bad habits and addictions. That is what people mean when they call it a "gateway drug." I can also tell you from experience working in a drug and alcohol recovery program at our local jail that marijuana use does seem to go hand in hand with other illicit drug use.

It will be interesting to see how marijuana use plays out in the states where it's been legalized. It's far too early to determine that regular, recreational use is healthy. "Safe" isn't the same term as "healthy." If something is safe, that means it isn't going to kill you--at least, not right away. If something is "healthy" that means it contributes to your health and well being. It's too early to say that marijuana is "healthy" when we don't even know for SURE that it's SAFE.

[ILG]

I think marijuana should be legal, but not smoked. ;)

[KeptByTheWord]

Sugar Complaint: I've been buying "natural" applesauce for years. (the kind with no sugar--or artificial sugar--added) This morning, I made a quick stop at the Dollar General to grab some soup and applesauce for my flu-bug-bitten household. I don't normally stop there, but it was on the way home and I was exhausted. Since I was in a hurry, I also didn't look at the labels on anything. Just your standard Campbell's chicken soup and Dollar General brand applesauce.

This afternoon I poured myself a little bowl of the applesauce and took a bite and nearly gagged--it was SO SWEET. Seriously, LIKE SYRUP. Apple flavored syrup--with texture. I turned the bottle around and looked. The first two ingredients: Apples, High fructose corn syrup. I'm surprised it listed apples first, actually. YUCK!!! That stuff is TRASH. And this is what *the masses* feed themselves and their children all the time? No wonder we are sick and fat. What floors me is that people expect applesauce to taste like that instead of tasting like, well, APPLES! :blink

End of applesauce rant.
Wow! Scary isn't it!!!

Ketchup is another heavy-laden high fructose corn syrup top seller. You have to look REALLY hard to find a brand that doesn't have the HFCS in it. When you actually begin to look at labels, to try to find food that doesn't have the HFCS, it is shocking!! Yes, indeed, no wonder we have the obesity epidemic in this country with all the HCFS and GMO in our food!

[KeptByTheWord]

I think marijuana should be legal, but not smoked. ;)

Question.... how would such a thing be enforced? lol...

[KeptByTheWord]

There's still enough debate over whether or not marijuana is good for you to make it a valid concern for anyone concerned with their overall health. The smoke inhalation is not any better for you than cigarette smoke--it's just that people are going to smoke less marijuana than tobacco cigarettes, so they don't inhale as much overall.

Personally, I think making marijuana legal will remove the "gateway to other drugs" part of the equation. Since you have to go outside the law to obtain it presently, then you are going to encounter less savory people and circumstances than you would buying a pack of cigarettes. Obviously that allows for the likely possibility of being introduced to other bad habits and addictions. That is what people mean when they call it a "gateway drug." I can also tell you from experience working in a drug and alcohol recovery program at our local jail that marijuana use does seem to go hand in hand with other illicit drug use.

It will be interesting to see how marijuana use plays out in the states where it's been legalized. It's far too early to determine that regular, recreational use is healthy. "Safe" isn't the same term as "healthy." If something is safe, that means it isn't going to kill you--at least, not right away. If something is "healthy" that means it contributes to your health and well being. It's too early to say that marijuana is "healthy" when we don't even know for SURE that it's SAFE.

:thumbsup

[shazeep]

the thing about the "healthy/safe" debate is that pot has been smoked for thousands of years, and has been legal in many countries...yikes, just look at Willy, isn't he like 100 now? :lol

[ILG]

Question.... how would such a thing be enforced? lol...

That's the thing. I don't think it should be enforced.

[Pressing-On]

Interesting...

What are the benefits of coconut sugar?
Coconut sugar, derived from the flowers of the coconut tree, is an organic, sustainable natural sweetener that shows promising results for people who suffer from chronic illnesses or conditions such as diabetes, gallstones, cancer, heart disease and obesity. This sugar has a low glycemic index and is also a nutrient powerhouse, filled with lots of vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Coconut sugar is minimally processed, unbleached and contains no preservatives.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/367337-what-are-the-benefits-of-coconut-sugar/

Found this article when I ran across this recipe. :D

http://dllwvc9afq9lw.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Almond-Butterfingers.jpg

http://www.unrefinedkitchen.com/2013/03/31/almond-butterfingers/

[shazeep]

wow--wonder what it costs. i've been on coco oil for a couple of years, great stuff. i think the low GI is key.

[MawMaw]

Hi ladies. I appreciate the fact y'all are so health concious and I hope it
does help you.

But, I have to say, (and everyone knows this).... "when it's your time to go, it's your time to go".... no matter how healthy you eat.

My (deceased) BIL is one example. He was THE most healthy eating person
I ever knew. Excercised regularly. Was perfect weight. You would have admired him. But, he died suddenly in his mid 60's.

On the other hand....my FIL has ALWAYS eaten anything and everything
he has ever wanted (including ricearoni and mac n cheese in the box LOL)
and just celebrated his 84th birthday. He gets around
better than my hubby and I do!

Anyway, I just wanted to put my non essential 2cents worth in. :p

[Pressing-On]

wow--wonder what it costs. i've been on coco oil for a couple of years, great stuff. i think the low GI is key.

I haven't tried it, but will purchase a bag and do a test with it as opposed to regular sugar. I'll post my findings.

[shazeep]

i have to agree that that seems to be true. although it also seems to be undeniable that quality of life is often affected, and our skyrocketed rates of diabetes 2, autism, cancer, etc, seem to confirm this.

[Pressing-On]

Hi ladies. I appreciate the fact y'all are so health concious and I hope it
does help you.

But, I have to say, (and everyone knows this).... "when it's your time to go, it's your time to go".... no matter how healthy you eat.

My (deceased) BIL is one example. He was THE most healthy eating person
I ever knew. Excercised regularly. Was perfect weight. You would have admired him. But, he died suddenly in his mid 60's.

On the other hand....my FIL has ALWAYS eaten anything and everything
he has ever wanted (including ricearoni and mac n cheese in the box LOL)
and just celebrated his 84th birthday. He gets around
better than my hubby and I do!

Anyway, I just wanted to put my non essential 2cents worth in. :p

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha! :thumbsup

You made me think of Adele Davis who wrote, Let's Eat Right to Keep Fit and Let's Stay Healthy: A Guide to Lifelong Nutrition, who died of cancer...

[KeptByTheWord]

Regarding coconut sugar, I found this article on it. So, it may not be such a viable option after all :(

http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/coconut_palm_sugar.htm

[shazeep]

what's wrong with Stevia, anyway? I'm growing it on a windowsill in the Aspen valley--well, my sister is--so it isn't hard to grow. Awesome sweetness.

[KeptByTheWord]

Hi ladies. I appreciate the fact y'all are so health concious and I hope it
does help you.

But, I have to say, (and everyone knows this).... "when it's your time to go, it's your time to go".... no matter how healthy you eat.

My (deceased) BIL is one example. He was THE most healthy eating person
I ever knew. Excercised regularly. Was perfect weight. You would have admired him. But, he died suddenly in his mid 60's.

On the other hand....my FIL has ALWAYS eaten anything and everything
he has ever wanted (including ricearoni and mac n cheese in the box LOL)
and just celebrated his 84th birthday. He gets around
better than my hubby and I do!

Anyway, I just wanted to put my non essential 2cents worth in. :p

Your 2 cents are always essential sis!!

You are right, there are many people who have eaten and lived as healthy as they possibly could, who still died young, and then you have the opposite end of the spectrum where those who did everything they shouldn't have, and have lived to old age.

That being said, those are extremes ... but for the most part.... if you live a life of moderation in all things, taking care of our bodies as indeed the temple of life that God has given us, it is far better to live a healthy lifestyle, than to be in your 50s with debilitating diseases that are caused first by obesity or overeating, and living out the remainder of your life in misery, by something that could have been avoided by healthier choices earlier on in your life.

So, I believe in moderation in all things. I may eat as healthy as possible, and die at a young age, or I may live into my 100s, only the Lord knows how many breaths I will draw... but regardless, I want to take the best care as possible of this earthen vessel He has given me for as long as He allows.

[KeptByTheWord]

what's wrong with Stevia, anyway? I'm growing it on a windowsill in the Aspen valley--well, my sister is--so it isn't hard to grow. Awesome sweetness.

How do you take it from the plant, to being a sugar form you can use to cook/bake with?

[shazeep]

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha! :thumbsup

You made me think of Adele Davis who wrote, Let's Eat Right to Keep Fit and Let's Stay Healthy: A Guide to Lifelong Nutrition, who died of cancer...ha, ouch. but the thing about stories like this is, there are just too many variables to assume that organic eating will not improve one's quality of life out of hand. I don't know what kind of cancer she died of, but many of them are being traced to fluoride (health freaks tend to drink more water), or etc. I think it can be easy to narrow your choices too much when trying to be 'healthy,' and i suspect that is what happened in her case.

[ILG]

I think healthy eating is about quality of life. If you can have quality and eat junk, I would do it too!

[Pressing-On]

Regarding coconut sugar, I found this article on it. So, it may not be such a viable option after all :(

http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/coconut_palm_sugar.htm
I agree with the article that we shouldn't treat it any different than other sugars. However, the person writing the article contradicts their claims:

Point 1 - "There are also no published standards for coconut palm sugar production that we are aware of, and many of the nutrient claims may be unfounded."

Point 2 - "There is a reason why the coconut palm sugar is so nutritious. It feeds the coconut flower that grows into a wonderful coconut, from which we get such healthy products like coconut oil! Coconut oil is unique in nature because of its fatty acid structure. Only human breast milk contains similar amounts of medium chain fatty acids."

Here is more on the subject. The link gives more info on the nutritional aspect.

Coconut sugar and palm sugar
Although the two terms are often used interchangeably, even in Southeast Asia, coconut sugar is different from palm sugar in all areas (taste, texture, manufacturing methods, and source). Unlike coconut sugar, which is always made from coconuts, palm sugar can be made from sugar palm, date palm, sago palm or any other "palm" product. Therefore, when purchasing coconut sugar products, always ensure that the "coconut" is clearly labeled.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/042968_coconut_sugar_low_glycemic_B_vitamins.html# ixzz2sen8XXq7

[Pressing-On]

I think healthy eating is about quality of life. If you can have quality and eat junk, I would do it too!

:toofunny :thumbsup

[Pressing-On]

ha, ouch. but the thing about stories like this is, there are just too many variables to assume that organic eating will not improve one's quality of life out of hand. I don't know what kind of cancer she died of, but many of them are being traced to fluoride (health freaks tend to drink more water), or etc. I think it can be easy to narrow your choices too much when trying to be 'healthy,' and i suspect that is what happened in her case.

I agree. Good point! :thumbsup

[shazeep]

How do you take it from the plant, to being a sugar form you can use to cook/bake with?well, good question, as i don't use it that way, i use honey for that. Stevia can be dried and powdered, and works great, but you are going to get different consistencies than if you used sugar or another carbon based sweetener. There's quite possibly info online about it; it seems like i even remember running across something about "sweeten with stevia, using corn starch to mimic sugar for baking," and i think commercial stevia is just powdered stevia in cornstarch?

But really, you are never going to get diabetes from occasional (as in twice a day) sweets, imo--it's the 30 grams of sugar per coke paired with them that gets you, i think.

[Pressing-On]

what's wrong with Stevia, anyway? I'm growing it on a windowsill in the Aspen valley--well, my sister is--so it isn't hard to grow. Awesome sweetness.

We discussed this a while back and I posted this link regarding Stevia. Thought it was interesting.

Why I Quit Stevia

1. Stevia Taxes the Adrenals
Our bodies are not designed or evolved to handle calorie-free sweeteners–be it natural or artificial. Experiencing a sweet taste from a food that is not going to provide glucose confounds our body’s sugar-handling process.

2. Stevia often contains other ingredients

3. Stevia is super high in oxalates

6. Stevia doesn’t support glycogen synthesis

http://empoweredsustenance.com/is-stevia-bad-for-you/

[Pressing-On]

I wanted to post this as I do drink distilled water. I switched to reverse osmosis for about a week and just can't stand the taste. What it has to do with sugar is that if you are sugar conscience, you are probably making sure you drink enough water per day.

For every cup of coffee I drink, I drink a tall glass of water, usually two cups. That is something my sister shared with me and I started doing it myself. Because, we aren't going to give up coffee for ever. It's like a drug, which appeals to me. :heeheehee

Myths

Those that oppose drinking distilled water claim that since it does not have added fluoride, iron, calcium, magnesium or other minerals, you are depriving your body of vital nutrients. Certified Water Specialist Joe Letorney refutes these claims, explaining that to receive your daily value of calcium, magnesium or iron, you need to drink between 646 and 848 glasses of water per day. These vitamins and minerals should be obtained through diet. Another unproven claim is that distilled water leaches essential nutrients from your body, causing more harm than health.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/464466-why-bodybuilders-drink-distilled-water/#ixzz2Xulwgob7

[ILG]

Yeah, PO, I would not want to drink distilled water, but then I have well-water, (which has been tested) so I am not drinking my neighbor's pharmaceuticals.

[shazeep]

Love distilled water, myself. Ty for the Stevia info, PO. Prolly worth tossing in here that the more active a person seems to be (Maw's 85 year old), the less affected they seem to be by diet? I know Mtn climbers whose diet is just atrocious, lol.

[Pressing-On]

Love distilled water, myself. Ty for the Stevia info, PO. Prolly worth tossing in here that the more active a person seems to be (Maw's 85 year old), the less affected they seem to be by diet? I know Mtn climbers whose diet is just atrocious, lol.
Right, agreed. Did you read Michael Phelp's menu before a swim? Astonishing! :heeheehee

[shazeep]

:lol exactly

[KeptByTheWord]

Soo... honey for baking, home-grown, ground, Stevia for liquid beverage sweeteners... and distilled water for drinking... got it! :D

[Pressing-On]

Soo... honey for baking, home-grown, ground, Stevia for liquid beverage sweeteners... and distilled water for drinking... got it! :D

:thumbsup :heeheehee

[shazeep]

or, just eat the dang twinkies, cut the soda, and take the stairs! :D

[shazeep]

but honestly, on the kills you part, i think it takes a cascade of things to make you so immuno-poor that you are driven to a Doc in the first place. Maw's 85 year old has a source of Omega 3, i would bet $. Prolly outside a lot, or the same source is providing vitamin D. These always seem to be the first two essential nuts that disappear in a 'developed' diet (because CAFO protein loses access to natural pasture). And then we replace the nutrition with hfcs; and then we consider WII 'exercise.' etc