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Has anyone heard of The Heart Attack Grill? Can you say lard? It’s burger place that makes BK and Maccas look like a salad bar. Anything from The Heart Attack Grill has roughly the nutritional equivalent to lard… well, not quite. Heart Attack Grill’s moto is “A Taste to Die For”, which is pretty close to the truth, that’s if you eat from there on a regular basis. The largest burger on the menu, is the Quadruple Bypass. Any suggestions as to how it got its name? The Quadruple Bypass contains a whopping 8000cal of energy or 33600kj (apparently), that’s the about three days worth of energy for a grown woman. It also contains 900g of beef, three slices of cheese, 12 slices of bacon, onion, tomato and freshly baked bread. Not only does the burger joint offer humungous burgers, but they also sell cigaretes, alcohol, fizzy and chips deep fried in lard, which are covered in cheese and beef gravy. Thank God New Zealand doesn’t have Heart Attack Grill restaurants, as eating this type of food on a regular basics, can put you at risk of developing all sort of nasty problems such as type two diabetes, insulin resistance, polycystic ovary syndrome, heart disease, colon cancer, high blood pressure and constipation.
While, I definitely don’t recommend anything at all from Heart Attack Grill, it doesn’t mean that all burgers are bad. Home made burgers made with whole meal buns and filled with plenty of veggies and low fat dressing are actually quite healthy and cheap.
However, if you are busy and can’t be bothered making a homemade burger, you could try a Burger Fuel burger they’re a little more expensive than BK or McDonalds, their burgers are made from wholemeal buns and veggies. They have vegetarian and vegan options too, as well as large, medium and large sized burgers to cater for every burger lover. Just watch out for burgers with creamy sauces and lots of cheese, fries, and the shakes. I can’t really recommend any of their products as I don’t have access to their nutrition information. However, I have been told that there will be information on their website www.burgerfuel.com in the near future.
If you’re going to Burger King, I suggest having a garden salad with French dressing. It is low in energy, fat, salt, and sugar, and full of micronutrients. If you are going to go to McDs, pick something from the lighter choices menu, most menu items are low in salt, sugar, fat and energy. In fact, it looks like most products on the McDonalds menu are better nutritionally than Burger King’s food.
That’s all for now. If you have any questions, you can email me at nutrition.advice@gmail.com. If you would like to read anymore of my stuff, then check out www.nzgirl.co.nz.
Krissi
September 17th 2008 09:22
Organic foods – what’s the deal?
Organic food – what is the deal with organic food? Is it really better than conventional food or is it what they want you to think? I’m curious about this, so I thought I would investigate the topic of organic food. So what is organic food and what is involved in the production of organic food? What are the pros and cons of organic food? What foods are produced organically and how do we know if a food is genuinely organic?
What is organic food and organic farming?
According to Wikipedia, Bio Gro NZ, and MSN Encarta, organic food is food that has been produced naturally. That is food that has been grown without the use articial fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides; human waste; genetic modification. Organic food also includes food products from animals have been raised without been dosed without antibiotics and growth hormones. Organic food is processed without food additives and ionizing radiation.
What is involved in organic farming and the production of organic food?
According to MSN Encarta, organic foods are grown without the use of genetically modified seeds. Crops are fertilized with manure and compost which provides nutrients to the soil and encourages beneficial organisms (eg earth worms) into the soil. Crops are treated with pesticides derived from plants, animal waste and minerals, these are much better as they break down quickly into non toxic substances. Crop rotation is also used to help nourish the soil. Crop rotation involves growing one type of plant in the field for a few seasons and then planting a different crop in the same field in the next season.
Organic farming also involves a technique called intercropping. Intercropping is when different crops are planted in alternating bands in order to interrupt the movement of disease causing organisms. This works because many insects only feed on one type of plant. Another pest control technique is to spray plants with bacteria, which kill crop-damaging larvae. Farmers may also grow plants that attract ladybugs and lacewings to get rid of unwanted insects. Mulching is another method of organic pest control. It involves covering soil around crops with straw to smother weeds.
Why go organic?
There are many reasons why one would support the production of organic food.
Organic food is more nutritious. According to Bio Gro NZ, MSN Encarta and Living Organic, organic foods are higher essential nutrients.
Organic food is considered tastier according to Living Organic. Foods such as tomatoes and citrus fruits are juicier and bananas and meat are more flavorsome.
Organic farming is more animal friendly. Organic live stock are free range and are not treated with growth hormones. Growth hormones may sound okay, but they actually make the animals grow at abnormally fast pace which puts strain on the animals’ heart, lungs and legs (Living Organic).
Organic food is safer for the body and environment. Organic foods are free of artificial pesticides. Artificial pesticides are linked to cancer, immune deficiencies, fertility problems and nerve damage. Organic farming helps preserve water life and keep water clean by reducing the flow of artificial pesticides into waterways. It is also GE free. This is good because GE is thought to have an irreversible and unpredictable effect on the environment (Bio Gro NZ and MSN Encarta)
Cons of going organic
It is suggested that organic farming is less profitable and it requires more labour and management skill (MSN Encarta). Organic food is also expensive (money wise) compared to conventional food. There is less variety and you need to shop around to find what you want. Additionally, organic food has a shorter shelf life because they do not contain artificial preservatives.
According to the book Eco Kiwi by Simon and Jane Cotter, buying organic foods can be problematic. It can be difficult to tell if a product is authentically organic. Additionally, the availability, range and quality of organic foods is limited and they are also expensive. It is also quite time consuming trying to find what you want.
What foods are produced organically?
A lot of food is produced organically, but it is a matter of finding them. You can get some organic foods, such as organic chocolate, cereal and soy milk, eggs, bread, and milk, in supermarkets. You can also get organic food from organic supermarkets, health shops, farmers’ markets, organic butcheries, and flea markets, shared community schemes (box of seasonal produce at a set price). According to the book Living Organic and Eco Kiwi, you can get organic versions of the following food:
Most fruit and vegetables (for example, root vegetables, squash, leafy greens, avocados, apples, bananas, pears and citrus fruit)
Meat (including fish)
Dairy
Eggs
Chocolate
Cereal products
Nuts
Flour
Pasta
Noodles
Juices
Alcoholic beverages
How do we know if a food is genuinely organic?
According to Eco Kiwi, Bio Gro NZ and Living Organic, if a product has IFOAM (International Federation of Organic Agriculture), ISO 65 (the European Union import standard requirement), Bio Gro, Demeter, or AgriCulture certification it is organic.
In conclusion we have learnt that organic food is food that has been produced naturally. Organic crops are grown without artificial fertilizers and pesticides, instead environmentally friendly forms of pest management and fertilization are used. Animals are free range and are not treated with growth hormones. Final products are void of additives. Organic foods are claimed to be more environmentally and animal friendly. They also considered tastier and more nutritious. However, farming organic food requires a lot more management skill and labour. There is quite a few foods that are produced organically – you can tell if they are organic if
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24 cheap, nutritious foods
In no particular order:
1. Canned tuna $1.90/180g can – these are a source of protein and monounsaturated fat. Protein is essential for building and repairing body tissue, as well as the functioning of the immune system and hormones. Monounsaturated fat is good for lowering LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels and raising HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels, which can help improve the health of your cardiovascular system.
2. Brown rice $2.01/kg – this is freaking cheap and pretty good for you too. Brown rice is a fantastic source of protein, thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (Vitamin B2), and niacin (B3), iron, phosphorus, and potassium which are concentrated in the bran of the rice (the part that makes brown rice brown). White rice is comparatively lower in these nutrients because it doesn’t have bran. Thiamine is vital in the function of the nervous, cardiovascular and muscular systems. Riboflavin is essential to the health of your skin and for releasing energy form food. Niacin helps the proper functioning of the digestive system, nervous system, and skin and helps release energy from your food.
3. Fruit juice $2.50/L – Fruit juice is a good source of folate (the vitamin that helps the cardiovascular system keep in good working condition) and vitamin C (the stuff that helps you absorb iron and keep your skin healthy). Choose a freshly squeezed juice that’s low in additives (check the ingredients list) and has lots of pulp. You want something that’s as close to real fruit as possible so you can get all its nutrients.
4. Oats $3.34/kg – are a fantastic source of fibre, protein, and thiamin (B1). Fibre is good for keeping you full. It also helps lower LDL cholesterol (i.e. is anti heart disease), stabilize blood sugar levels (which in turn helps prevent type two diabetes) and prevent constipation.
5. Marmite $4.99/500g – is a great source of folate, iron and vitamin B12. Iron as you may know helps distribute oxygen around the body and is essential for the immune system. Vitamin B12 is essential for forming DNA, red blood cells and healthy nervous system.
6. Chickpeas $1.55/300g can – chick peas are type of legume. My favourite forms of chickpeas are in the form of falafel (vegetarian patty mixture) and hummus (dip), which can be found in the cold section of the supermarket. They’re a good source of fibre, zinc, calcium, folate, protein, iron, phosphorous, and magnesium. Zinc is essential for fully functioning reproductive and immune systems. Calcium is required for healthy muscles and bones. Phosphorous is also needed for good bone health and so is magnesium.
7. Vita-Weat crackers $2.59/250g – these are high in fibre and are good source of iron too. Plus they contain no additives.
8. Whole grain bread $2.29/700g – this humble food is a source of fibre, iron, and calcium, as well as the vitamins niacin, thiamine, and riboflavin.
9. Apples $2.99/kg – apples contain high levels of folate, vitamins C and A, fibre. Vitamin A is good for the eyes and good for fighting diseases.
10. Bananas $1.92/kg – these are full of potassium. Eat these to keep your blood pressure balanced.
11. Oranges $2.75/kg – are rich in folate and vitamin C.
12. Potatoes $9.99/10kg – these are a surprisingly good source of vitamin C. Have some mashed potatoes with your other vegetables to help you absorb their iron.
13. Pasta $0.99/500g – low in sodium and fat. This is good because too much sodium can increase blood pressure. Low fat foods (including pasta) are generally low in energy, which can be a good thing if you’re trying to stay at a healthy weight.
14. Soy milk $2.19/L – contains unsaturated fatty acids which are good for the heart.
15. Tomatoes $3.99/kg – tomatoes are part of the deadly night shade family and unsurprisingly were thought to be poisonous. Tomatoes are rich source of vitamin C and A. Research suggests that if you eat lots of tomato based foods your risk of cancer will be lowered, probably due to their high antioxidant (e.g. vitamin A and C) content.
16. Unsalted peanut butter $2.99/375g – peanuts are part of the legume family and many health benefits. Peanuts contain resveratrol, which may have anti aging effects and it may lower your risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. They also contain niacin which is good for the brain and circulation, and Oleic acid (a monounsaturated fatty acid) which is good for the skin.
17. Olives $2.99/450g – did you know that the olive leaf is a symbol of abundance, glory and peace? And did you know that on average an olive tree lives for 500 years, it’s estimated that some trees are over 1500 years old? Now for the nutrition part – olives are rich source of omega 3 fatty acids, which decrease the level of LDL cholesterol and increase the level of HDL cholesterol.
18. Kumara $3.27/kg – this veggie is high in fibre, vitamin C, A, and vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 is essential for a healthy immune system, red blood cells and nervous system.
19. Bagels $4.51/360g packet – okay these aren’t exactly cheap, but they’re tasty and full of fibre and other goodies such as iron and calcium. If can’t afford to buy them and you have time to spare then make them
Recipe for bagels
Ingredients
• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/2 tablespoons yeast
• 1 2/3 cups warm water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
Method
• Put yeast, sugar and warm water into a small bowl. Cover bowl and leave it until the mixture becomes frothy. Add yeast mixture to dry ingredients and mix. Knead the mixture for 8-10 minutes on a floured surface. Put dough into an oiled bowl, cover and place in a warm area. Allow dough to double in size. Then knead the dough for a further 5 minutes
• Divide dough into 12 pieces and form into bagel shape. Drop bagel dough into a large pot/frying pan with 2.5cm water (simmering) with 1 tablespoon sugar and 2 teaspoons salt in the water. Cook on medium low heat for 3 minutes, turn and cook 2 minutes; turn again, cook 1 minute more. Drain on towels. Repeat for rest of dough. Place on greased oven tray.
• Bake at 190 degrees C for 20-25 minutes. Allow bagels to cool. Eat.
(Source: Really Long Link
20. Lentils $1.79/400g can or $2.05/500g lentil soup mix – these another type of legume and can be used to make tasty soups. These are also a great source of folate.
21. Honey $5.07/500g (for manuka honey) – Honey is not only yummy, but it can be used as an ointment. It’s thought that applying honey to wounds will reduce scarring and swelling. Additionally, it may be used to soothe sore throats as well.
22. Golden kiwi fruit $0.99/kg - Kiwifruit is a rich source of vitamins C, A and E, potassium and fibre.
23. Garlic $4.99/kg – a member of the lily family, closely related to the onion and can be found be in Satan’s footsteps, may help prevent heart disease by reducing blood cholesterol and blood pressure.
24. Baked beans $1.29/420g can – baked beans often contain beans called haricot beans, (also known as navy beans or pea beans). Baked beans are a source of iron, calcium, carbohydrates and protein.
If you have any questions, then please email me at nutrition.advice@gmail.com.
Krissi
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1. Tomatoes $3.99/kg – tomatoes are part of the deadly night shade family and unsurprisingly were thought to be poisonous. Tomatoes are rich source of vitamin C and A. Research suggests that if you eat lots of tomato based foods your risk of cancer will be lowered, probably due to their high antioxidant (e.g. vitamin A and C) content.
2. Unsalted peanut butter $2.99/375g – peanuts are part of the legume family and many health benefits. Peanuts contain resveratrol which may have anti aging effects and it may lower your risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. They also contain niacin which is good for the brain and circulation, and Oleic acid (a monounsaturated fatty acid) which is good for the skin
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Hi everyone! I didn’t have much inspiration this week, so now you have a whole column of recipes that I particularly enjoy when I have time to cook them.
Pumpkin soup recipe
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Hi there!
Just letting you know that I will be posting something decent soon. I was thinking of doing an article on foods which improve skin, hair and nail health.
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Hello, hello! This week I’m am going to talk about grapefruits, the Pill, GI, and a neat website called Active Smart. Enjoy!
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I did a search on anti stress foods, and it has been suggested that foods rich in vitamin C & E, magnesium and carbohydrates have some sort of anti-stress effect. And unsuprisingly, caffeinated foods and drinks can induce anxiety. More on this later...
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Sorry I haven't posted in so long! I have just started a new job. And I have moved to a new city. So I've been too busy settling in, learning new skills, and exploring to really post anything decent. PLUS, I haven't had much access to the internet and my resources. I'll try to post something nutrition-y sometime soon.
Lately I have been thinking of which foods aggravate stress and which reduce it. Do you have any foods that influence your stress levels? I have heard that chamomile tea and honey have a calming effect. I also think that coffee and regular tea can do the opposite due to their caffeine levels. I will have to do some research on this
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Comment by Krystle Chester
on MSG
Nutrition Mad