Grocery stores
What can we, as cancer patients do about this situation? We all know that there are carcinogens in our food supply, thanks to the big chemical company lobby. It is sickening to think that I fed my child food that may cause her cancer, long after I am gone. It is just wrong that corporations are poisoning people for profit and that most people have no choice in where they shop and what they can afford. Surely, this is a role for government. We should have the right to know what is in our food, whether it is genetically modified, where it is from.
This has to change! Any ideas?
Comments
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Marynb
I couldn't agree more with what you are saying. Americans are being poisoned and most of them are totally unaware. People purchase foods that have ingredient lists full of chemicals and words that most cannot pronounce. If I can't pronounce it, I don't want to eat it! Shopping the perimeter of the grocery store is a start. I still go up and down each aisle, but buy very few products that come in cans or boxes. Those that I do are the ones without the poison, as much as is possible. The selection of organic produce in my local store is woeful. Some of it looks like it's been there a couple of weeks. I would prefer to shop at Whole Foods, and there are stores in our area, but not very convenient to where I live. I also find that my budget sometimes just won't stretch far enough to get everything I need at Whole Foods. I believe that money plays a huge role in what people in this country eat. When you compare the price of organic to non-organic, it can be prohibitive to buy organic. Some people say you cannot afford NOT to eat organic, but when people are trying to feed families on a budget, they just can't do it. The other problem in this country is our need for convenience when it comes to meals. Peoples' lives are so hectic and so many are unwilling to spend the time to prepare a healthy meal using whole ingredients, opting for the Hamburger Helper, Pizza and Tater Tots, etc. instead. The bottom line is that grocery stores will stock what sells--and what has a long shelf-life, as they do not have to eat as much cost due to spoilage or expiration dates.
As for food imported from other countries, if you ever notice in the produce dept. foods that are available when not "in season" in our hemisphere, check out where they come from. Chile is a big producer of fruit that is sold in the USA during the winter months, such as berries. We have absolutely no idea how this fruit is being grown and what chemicals it might contain.
Canned foods contain BPA (Bisphenol A). I am not sure if the majority of people know this, as it is mostly known to be in plastics. Not only is in canned foods, but the food inside the can may contribute to more leeching of the chemical into the food in such things as tomatoes, which are quite acidic.
Another problem, which has been publicized as of late, is the addictive nature of foods, due to sugar content and additives. Scientists are realizing that sugar is a real addiction--the more we eat, the more we want. I just heard last week that the biggest contributor to poor health in this country is sodium. Personally, I think it goes way beyond that, but there's no doubt it's not good for us.
Animals are given antibiotics, which means the meat and poultry we buy contains DRUGS! Humans can become resistant to antibiotics, in part due to consumption of these items. Salmon is always touted as a "super food." The only problem is Atlantic Salmon, which is farm-raised and readily available, contains high levels of PCB's, which are known to cause cancer. Wild salmon is always best, but the cost of it can be a show-stopper. I am not willing to take out a loan to buy fish.
As for how we go about changing this, I wish I had the answer. It would be easy to boycot food if it wasn't necessary to sustain life, unlike tequila. That's the catch--people HAVE to eat. Our society's busy lifestyle, lack of physical activity, and need for convenience foods are all contributors to the problem. As a whole, we've done it to ourselves. I don't know how to undo it.
Again, you make all good points and I am in total agreement.
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Foodsmp327 said:Marynb
I couldn't agree more with what you are saying. Americans are being poisoned and most of them are totally unaware. People purchase foods that have ingredient lists full of chemicals and words that most cannot pronounce. If I can't pronounce it, I don't want to eat it! Shopping the perimeter of the grocery store is a start. I still go up and down each aisle, but buy very few products that come in cans or boxes. Those that I do are the ones without the poison, as much as is possible. The selection of organic produce in my local store is woeful. Some of it looks like it's been there a couple of weeks. I would prefer to shop at Whole Foods, and there are stores in our area, but not very convenient to where I live. I also find that my budget sometimes just won't stretch far enough to get everything I need at Whole Foods. I believe that money plays a huge role in what people in this country eat. When you compare the price of organic to non-organic, it can be prohibitive to buy organic. Some people say you cannot afford NOT to eat organic, but when people are trying to feed families on a budget, they just can't do it. The other problem in this country is our need for convenience when it comes to meals. Peoples' lives are so hectic and so many are unwilling to spend the time to prepare a healthy meal using whole ingredients, opting for the Hamburger Helper, Pizza and Tater Tots, etc. instead. The bottom line is that grocery stores will stock what sells--and what has a long shelf-life, as they do not have to eat as much cost due to spoilage or expiration dates.
As for food imported from other countries, if you ever notice in the produce dept. foods that are available when not "in season" in our hemisphere, check out where they come from. Chile is a big producer of fruit that is sold in the USA during the winter months, such as berries. We have absolutely no idea how this fruit is being grown and what chemicals it might contain.
Canned foods contain BPA (Bisphenol A). I am not sure if the majority of people know this, as it is mostly known to be in plastics. Not only is in canned foods, but the food inside the can may contribute to more leeching of the chemical into the food in such things as tomatoes, which are quite acidic.
Another problem, which has been publicized as of late, is the addictive nature of foods, due to sugar content and additives. Scientists are realizing that sugar is a real addiction--the more we eat, the more we want. I just heard last week that the biggest contributor to poor health in this country is sodium. Personally, I think it goes way beyond that, but there's no doubt it's not good for us.
Animals are given antibiotics, which means the meat and poultry we buy contains DRUGS! Humans can become resistant to antibiotics, in part due to consumption of these items. Salmon is always touted as a "super food." The only problem is Atlantic Salmon, which is farm-raised and readily available, contains high levels of PCB's, which are known to cause cancer. Wild salmon is always best, but the cost of it can be a show-stopper. I am not willing to take out a loan to buy fish.
As for how we go about changing this, I wish I had the answer. It would be easy to boycot food if it wasn't necessary to sustain life, unlike tequila. That's the catch--people HAVE to eat. Our society's busy lifestyle, lack of physical activity, and need for convenience foods are all contributors to the problem. As a whole, we've done it to ourselves. I don't know how to undo it.
Again, you make all good points and I am in total agreement.
Here in LosAngeles organic foods are plentiful even spices. It's about demand.
U could do a veggie garden even in a pot or two.
Sorry and suprised that it is so difficult for u to obtain.
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DemographicsPhoebesnow said:Foods
Here in LosAngeles organic foods are plentiful even spices. It's about demand.
U could do a veggie garden even in a pot or two.
Sorry and suprised that it is so difficult for u to obtain.
Phoebe, my impression is that when it comes to wellness, the west coast is far ahead of most of the country. I live in the northeast, where there is a short growing season and very few farms. The cancer rate is high and it seems with each passing year that the population gets more and more obese!
Just curious, are there any healthy fast food restaurant chains out there?
Unfortunately, growing food is not allowed where I live.
It seems that healthy food is a subject all cancer survivors can push for.0 -
Marynb--Marynb said:Demographics
Phoebe, my impression is that when it comes to wellness, the west coast is far ahead of most of the country. I live in the northeast, where there is a short growing season and very few farms. The cancer rate is high and it seems with each passing year that the population gets more and more obese!
Just curious, are there any healthy fast food restaurant chains out there?
Unfortunately, growing food is not allowed where I live.
It seems that healthy food is a subject all cancer survivors can push for.I agree that demographics have a lot to do with the unhealthy population. I used to live in the Pacific Northwest and people are so health-conscious out there. Farmers markets are everywhere and fresh fish/seafood is readily available. Now I live in the south, the land of fried food--if it exists, it can be fried--at least that seems to be the concensus down here.
I hate to be a pessimist, but things are not likely to change any time soon as a society. There's too much money to be made by the food industry when people are addicted to sugar and fat. I think the one thing that each of us can do is take care of our own health and make the best choices we can.
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Foodmp327 said:Marynb--
I agree that demographics have a lot to do with the unhealthy population. I used to live in the Pacific Northwest and people are so health-conscious out there. Farmers markets are everywhere and fresh fish/seafood is readily available. Now I live in the south, the land of fried food--if it exists, it can be fried--at least that seems to be the concensus down here.
I hate to be a pessimist, but things are not likely to change any time soon as a society. There's too much money to be made by the food industry when people are addicted to sugar and fat. I think the one thing that each of us can do is take care of our own health and make the best choices we can.
We have all kinds of health fast food but I doubt it is organic. There are fruit carts every where. Vegan roach coaches, Mexican food prepared fresh grilled and not slathered with cheese. There are co op markets, trader joes and lastly whole paycheck (whole foods) there are several community gardens in every city.every market has a full array of organic foods and wild caught fish and organic meat and chicken, prices are fair except whole paycheck. We are big on trading and sharing our homegrowngoods. I have orange, lime and plum trees. I was going to get macadamian nut tree, but no more nuts for me. Others in my neiborhood have avocado, peach and apricot.
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agree
I have radicallly changed my diet and hope to encourage others I come into contact with. I basically shop the perimeter of my supermarket where the fresh food is and buy certain canned beans, broth, oils, etc in the center. There are plenty of health food stores here and yes sometimes organic is more expensive. Even with the expense I spend less than when I bought packaged sugary and junk foods.
A great movie is Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead by Joe Cross which chronicles his journey from being nearly dead, very overweight and on a host of medications and goes to a state of good health through fasting and juicing. Dr Fuhrman is his doctor in the movie and that adds a lot of credibility. You can usually find the movie free to view online and I got a copy free with my juicer.
The food lobby is pretty powerful and I am even sad at my weight watchers meetings when people rave about the foods they are eating that are just toxic chemical laden concoctions. Maybe you have to lose your health or face a serious crisis to appreciate the value of your health. I will say I am not perfecct in my food choices but am soooo much better.
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1linde1linde said:agree
I have radicallly changed my diet and hope to encourage others I come into contact with. I basically shop the perimeter of my supermarket where the fresh food is and buy certain canned beans, broth, oils, etc in the center. There are plenty of health food stores here and yes sometimes organic is more expensive. Even with the expense I spend less than when I bought packaged sugary and junk foods.
A great movie is Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead by Joe Cross which chronicles his journey from being nearly dead, very overweight and on a host of medications and goes to a state of good health through fasting and juicing. Dr Fuhrman is his doctor in the movie and that adds a lot of credibility. You can usually find the movie free to view online and I got a copy free with my juicer.
The food lobby is pretty powerful and I am even sad at my weight watchers meetings when people rave about the foods they are eating that are just toxic chemical laden concoctions. Maybe you have to lose your health or face a serious crisis to appreciate the value of your health. I will say I am not perfecct in my food choices but am soooo much better.
Thanks for the link to that movie--I'll have to watch it. I have seen Dr. Fuhrman on Dr. Oz's show and like what he promotes. As for Weight Watchers, Lean Cuisine products, etc., there's a lot of stuff in that food that is definitely NOT good for people! Cooking your own entree, knowing what goes into it, then exercising portion control can achieve all the same results and would be much healthier and less expensive. It's a racket and people are being duped into believing those frozen meals are the way to lose weight. They never learn portion control, so once they begin eating meals that don't come in a box, they will usually regain weight. I do believe WW teaches some very good things, however. Permanent lifestyle changes are really the only way to maintain a healthy body.
As for being perfect in food choices, I am NOT! I go out to dinner at least once a week and don't worry about what I'm eating. Life is to be lived and enjoyed. If I am good the rest of the time, then I'm okay with that.
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Not perfect either.....mp327 said:1linde
Thanks for the link to that movie--I'll have to watch it. I have seen Dr. Fuhrman on Dr. Oz's show and like what he promotes. As for Weight Watchers, Lean Cuisine products, etc., there's a lot of stuff in that food that is definitely NOT good for people! Cooking your own entree, knowing what goes into it, then exercising portion control can achieve all the same results and would be much healthier and less expensive. It's a racket and people are being duped into believing those frozen meals are the way to lose weight. They never learn portion control, so once they begin eating meals that don't come in a box, they will usually regain weight. I do believe WW teaches some very good things, however. Permanent lifestyle changes are really the only way to maintain a healthy body.
As for being perfect in food choices, I am NOT! I go out to dinner at least once a week and don't worry about what I'm eating. Life is to be lived and enjoyed. If I am good the rest of the time, then I'm okay with that.
I agree with enjoying life, and sometimes that means a dinner out without being "overly" concerned about every little ingredient. When I shop and cook at home I try to make wise choices, but if I'm at someones house or out to eat, I definately relax my rules. I do usually stick to small portions though, especially on foods I know are not the best.
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Some amazing stuff!!!!eihtak said:Not perfect either.....
I agree with enjoying life, and sometimes that means a dinner out without being "overly" concerned about every little ingredient. When I shop and cook at home I try to make wise choices, but if I'm at someones house or out to eat, I definately relax my rules. I do usually stick to small portions though, especially on foods I know are not the best.
I buy two packs of this at the Santa Monica farmers market every other Sunday. A little goes a long way. I use it on salads, sometimes I add a little more olive oil to stretch it further, pasta, fish, meat, eggs. It like a gourmet meal every time. Never repeats on me. This stuff can make a plain diet, soooo much better!
www.basiltops.com
Pestpo perfecto is my fave.great as a seasoning for Italian dishes or rat tat tooie
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PhoebePhoebesnow said:Food
We have all kinds of health fast food but I doubt it is organic. There are fruit carts every where. Vegan roach coaches, Mexican food prepared fresh grilled and not slathered with cheese. There are co op markets, trader joes and lastly whole paycheck (whole foods) there are several community gardens in every city.every market has a full array of organic foods and wild caught fish and organic meat and chicken, prices are fair except whole paycheck. We are big on trading and sharing our homegrowngoods. I have orange, lime and plum trees. I was going to get macadamian nut tree, but no more nuts for me. Others in my neiborhood have avocado, peach and apricot.
I just wish I could pack my bags and head out west, I am so envious! I have never looked at the cancer rates for the west coast, but I will bet they are lower than the northeast! I soooo wish I could get out of here.0 -
1Linde1linde said:agree
I have radicallly changed my diet and hope to encourage others I come into contact with. I basically shop the perimeter of my supermarket where the fresh food is and buy certain canned beans, broth, oils, etc in the center. There are plenty of health food stores here and yes sometimes organic is more expensive. Even with the expense I spend less than when I bought packaged sugary and junk foods.
A great movie is Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead by Joe Cross which chronicles his journey from being nearly dead, very overweight and on a host of medications and goes to a state of good health through fasting and juicing. Dr Fuhrman is his doctor in the movie and that adds a lot of credibility. You can usually find the movie free to view online and I got a copy free with my juicer.
The food lobby is pretty powerful and I am even sad at my weight watchers meetings when people rave about the foods they are eating that are just toxic chemical laden concoctions. Maybe you have to lose your health or face a serious crisis to appreciate the value of your health. I will say I am not perfecct in my food choices but am soooo much better.
Hi. I bought Dr. Fuhrman's book, Super Immunity. The problem is, there is no sense consuming a plant based diet if the fruits and vegetables are sprayed with pesticides, etc. It is really very difficult to get a variety of fresh organic foods here. I have written to Super Stop and Shop corporation to express my concerns. I am sure that will accomplsh nothing more than making me feel like I am doing something. I have given up on eating in restaurants, because there is no way to know the quality of the foods they use. I just hope that our food supply is safer for the next generation!0 -
Great subjectMarynb said:1Linde
Hi. I bought Dr. Fuhrman's book, Super Immunity. The problem is, there is no sense consuming a plant based diet if the fruits and vegetables are sprayed with pesticides, etc. It is really very difficult to get a variety of fresh organic foods here. I have written to Super Stop and Shop corporation to express my concerns. I am sure that will accomplsh nothing more than making me feel like I am doing something. I have given up on eating in restaurants, because there is no way to know the quality of the foods they use. I just hope that our food supply is safer for the next generation!After realizing I have Lymphoedema, just before knowing my next session with the PT was going to be "instructions on how to bandage my legs", I went on a Vibrant Cleanse fast for seven days. I only drank their product made from organic lemons, maple syrup and cayenne pepper. The fourth day (they recommend a "minimum" of three days) I felt better than I had felt in years and kept going for seven days. They say 10 day fasts are common. It was good for me. I slept great and did not feel irritable as this concoction seemed to keep my blood sugar more level than food did! I am not kidding.
Now I shop at Whole Foods and our food budget is really low because all I eat is organic fruit, vegetables and various organic ancient grains. Like Kamut pasta, which is fabulous. I also love groats which taste a lot like oatmeal. I moved up to "Maximum Vibrance" from Green Vibrance and really believe that eating is pretty recreational now. Just read the label. I don't know how long I will be on this program but I am totally enjoying my eating experience. After fasting for seven days with that cleanse, (oh on the eight day I just had unlimited quantities of juice - soft vegetables were not added until the fourth day after the end of the fast. They provide excellent directions.
I love Whole Foods. I don't have the same kind of cravings I used to have. I can eat intuitively now and make excellent choices. I can't believe myself sometimes how I can ride past so many pizza places in NY! But for me avoiding bread is key (at least wheat bread). I love Whole Foods' "Quinoa Flax bread". It is out of this world and lasts me a long time.
On the other hand, the whole "Vegan" food thing is kind of a raquet. I have stuff in my refrigerator I will just throw out. I have to learn to make tempeh, etc. myself. There is a lot to be learned.
The fast and my new diet are not saving me from my diagnosis, though. Alas!
All the best,
Sandy
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