Fit & Company was created and is maintained by a Girl Scout Troop. This year, our troop took a journey called "Sow What". We learned a lot about what is happening with the foods we eat today, where they come from , how they are processed and what it is doing to our health. This special edition page contains each scout's perspective on the most important thing she learned on this Sow What Journey.
Food Labels and Ingredients
By Kilee
Food labels list everything, because the government requires it. They tell us how many calories are inside, total fat, cholesterol, sodium, potassium, sugars, protein, vitamins, and then it lists the ingredients. In the ingredients it lists things like potatoes, vegetable oil, whey, canola oil, lactose, citric acid, and onion seasoning. These ingredients came from potato chips. Doesn't sound very healthy huh? Some of the things listed don't sound very bad but what about corn syrup, sodium benzoate, butylated hydroxyanisole, sodium nitrate, blue, green, red and yellow dye, and MSG. According to HuffPost corn syrup is refined corn with a whole bunch of sugar, and this is in almost EVERYTHING! This one thing increases triglycerides, boosts fat storing hormones, and gets people to overeat. Did you know that sodium benzoate is added to keep the product from molding, which in turn increases thyroid damage. Also according to HuffPost butylated hydroxyanisole, is also potentially cancerous. Its job is to prevent spoilage and food poisoning. This messes with your hormones and is also in almost EVERYTHING!
FUN FACT: The FDA approves of this! According to Huff Post sodium nitrate is used in meats, specifically processed meats, and can cause colon cancer and metabolic syndrome (clustered conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes). Blue, green, red and yellow are all artificial colors linked to thyroid, bladder, kidney and brain cancers. MSG, enhances flavor. All good right? Nope. When you have high levels of this, it can mess up brain chemistry. This is just a few of the processed chemicals used in "food". This goes to show how reading the food labels and ingredients is helpful. Often times food labels say they are 'healthy' or 'no artificial flavors or preservatives' but those preservatives are still there but added elsewhere. For example corn can hide many other things underneath that label. Also when meat says it's organic it might not be, because it's corn fed. When these animals are corn fed they often are under stress and anxiety. Which in turn means you eat all those hormones. In conclusion, although food labels are helpful, be mindful of what is actually listed on them. Be educated on what corn syrup or sodium nitrate really is and what it does to you. Don't pay attention to the 'low fat' label, read into it.
Food labels list everything, because the government requires it. They tell us how many calories are inside, total fat, cholesterol, sodium, potassium, sugars, protein, vitamins, and then it lists the ingredients. In the ingredients it lists things like potatoes, vegetable oil, whey, canola oil, lactose, citric acid, and onion seasoning. These ingredients came from potato chips. Doesn't sound very healthy huh? Some of the things listed don't sound very bad but what about corn syrup, sodium benzoate, butylated hydroxyanisole, sodium nitrate, blue, green, red and yellow dye, and MSG. According to HuffPost corn syrup is refined corn with a whole bunch of sugar, and this is in almost EVERYTHING! This one thing increases triglycerides, boosts fat storing hormones, and gets people to overeat. Did you know that sodium benzoate is added to keep the product from molding, which in turn increases thyroid damage. Also according to HuffPost butylated hydroxyanisole, is also potentially cancerous. Its job is to prevent spoilage and food poisoning. This messes with your hormones and is also in almost EVERYTHING!
FUN FACT: The FDA approves of this! According to Huff Post sodium nitrate is used in meats, specifically processed meats, and can cause colon cancer and metabolic syndrome (clustered conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes). Blue, green, red and yellow are all artificial colors linked to thyroid, bladder, kidney and brain cancers. MSG, enhances flavor. All good right? Nope. When you have high levels of this, it can mess up brain chemistry. This is just a few of the processed chemicals used in "food". This goes to show how reading the food labels and ingredients is helpful. Often times food labels say they are 'healthy' or 'no artificial flavors or preservatives' but those preservatives are still there but added elsewhere. For example corn can hide many other things underneath that label. Also when meat says it's organic it might not be, because it's corn fed. When these animals are corn fed they often are under stress and anxiety. Which in turn means you eat all those hormones. In conclusion, although food labels are helpful, be mindful of what is actually listed on them. Be educated on what corn syrup or sodium nitrate really is and what it does to you. Don't pay attention to the 'low fat' label, read into it.
Children of the Corn
By Alex
How much do you know about corn? In 2014, the US produced more corn than any other country (about 361.1 tonnes). The funny thing is that most of this large amount of corn isn’t even edible before it’s processed. This strain of “bad” corn is used to make ethanol, to feed cattle, and to make high fructose corn syrup.
I know this doesn’t sound so awful yet, but get this, because of our overproduction of this “bad” corn, we have found a way to put it in almost every processed food. Look at that package of Skittles at the gas station; its ingredients include modified CORN starch and CORN syrup. That bag of Lay's potato chips contains maltodextrin (made from CORN) and CORN starch. Those steaks in the refrigerated aisle were once cows, and guess what part of their diet will affect you... the corn.
Cows aren’t even supposed to eat corn. If they do, they begin to develop a condition called acidosis. In order to slow the acidosis in corn fed cows till they can be slaughtered, the farmers have to add antibiotics. But the antibiotics are a whole other story. Grass fed cows, when eaten, only have about 1.3 grams of saturated fat. Whereas a corn fed cow, when eaten, has a whopping 9 grams. In conclusion, this “bad” corn is significantly hurting us. As the BBC News said, we may be the first generation that won’t outlive our parents. And if this trend of “bad” corn in everything continues, we might just prove them right.
How much do you know about corn? In 2014, the US produced more corn than any other country (about 361.1 tonnes). The funny thing is that most of this large amount of corn isn’t even edible before it’s processed. This strain of “bad” corn is used to make ethanol, to feed cattle, and to make high fructose corn syrup.
I know this doesn’t sound so awful yet, but get this, because of our overproduction of this “bad” corn, we have found a way to put it in almost every processed food. Look at that package of Skittles at the gas station; its ingredients include modified CORN starch and CORN syrup. That bag of Lay's potato chips contains maltodextrin (made from CORN) and CORN starch. Those steaks in the refrigerated aisle were once cows, and guess what part of their diet will affect you... the corn.
Cows aren’t even supposed to eat corn. If they do, they begin to develop a condition called acidosis. In order to slow the acidosis in corn fed cows till they can be slaughtered, the farmers have to add antibiotics. But the antibiotics are a whole other story. Grass fed cows, when eaten, only have about 1.3 grams of saturated fat. Whereas a corn fed cow, when eaten, has a whopping 9 grams. In conclusion, this “bad” corn is significantly hurting us. As the BBC News said, we may be the first generation that won’t outlive our parents. And if this trend of “bad” corn in everything continues, we might just prove them right.
Is it really healthy?
By Sophie
Eating healthy is an important factor in leading a healthy lifestyle. However, there are many processes used to make the food and chemicals that are used in a lot of the foods we consume on a daily basis that a large percentage of the population isn't aware of. Growth hormones and pesticides are often used by farmers with livestock and crops in order to boost their production rate. Farmers with cows or chickens often use growth hormones in their food, which is normally, corn. This process is used to increase the amount of meat they produce and therefore generate more income. Unfortunately, it is not good for the animals, as their weight in meat is too much of a burden, which causes them to have health problems and constant stress. We spoke to one of the owners at a restaurant called 'Graze'. He told us more about the restaurant, why they import mostly local foods in a 100 to 150 mile radius, how they make all of their food from scratch, and also the struggles of their business. The owner explained that since they make everything from scratch, it does take longer to make, and how sometimes people wonder why their food costs more when you could get something for much cheaper at a fast food chain. It's because the food chains purchase the less costly produce, which is normally less healthy and full of hormones. He also mentioned that people will ask 'Why eat organically?' or 'Why eat something made from scratch?', and how he has to explain how the certified organic food with no GMO's, pesticides, hormones etc., is actually healthier and better for you. Cheaper doesn't mean that it's healthy, and it is always important to look at the food labels and make sure you are eating right.
Eating healthy is an important factor in leading a healthy lifestyle. However, there are many processes used to make the food and chemicals that are used in a lot of the foods we consume on a daily basis that a large percentage of the population isn't aware of. Growth hormones and pesticides are often used by farmers with livestock and crops in order to boost their production rate. Farmers with cows or chickens often use growth hormones in their food, which is normally, corn. This process is used to increase the amount of meat they produce and therefore generate more income. Unfortunately, it is not good for the animals, as their weight in meat is too much of a burden, which causes them to have health problems and constant stress. We spoke to one of the owners at a restaurant called 'Graze'. He told us more about the restaurant, why they import mostly local foods in a 100 to 150 mile radius, how they make all of their food from scratch, and also the struggles of their business. The owner explained that since they make everything from scratch, it does take longer to make, and how sometimes people wonder why their food costs more when you could get something for much cheaper at a fast food chain. It's because the food chains purchase the less costly produce, which is normally less healthy and full of hormones. He also mentioned that people will ask 'Why eat organically?' or 'Why eat something made from scratch?', and how he has to explain how the certified organic food with no GMO's, pesticides, hormones etc., is actually healthier and better for you. Cheaper doesn't mean that it's healthy, and it is always important to look at the food labels and make sure you are eating right.
Benefits of Locally Grown Food
By: Maddie
According to The Balance, Locally grown refers to food and other agriculture products, (For example, wool or flowers.) that are grown or produces, processed and then sold within a certain area. There are many benefits to locally grown food, like organic food and obtaining healthier nutrients. Organic food is the product of a farming system which avoids the use of man-made fertilizers, pesticides,growth regulators, and livestock feed additives. irradiation and the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOS) are generally prohibited by organic legislation. an example of a organic substance is milk. According to Consumer reports "Organic milk contains 60 percent more heart-healthy omega 3-fatty acids than non-organic." This statistics shows that buying organic milk is majorly healthier than non-organic. Buying organic food should be a change in everyones household. Organic food is healthier and can make a big impact on everyones life.
Another major benefit to locally grown food is obtaining healthier nutrients for your body than processed food. Having fresher and local food will be healthier and most people will have access to a farmers market where you can purchase many healthy foods and organic food options. There are many pesticides and chemicals on processed foods. Your body cant break down the unnatural foods in your body. However, your body can break down the natural foods in your body. Many people look for ways to be healthier and going to a farmers market and buying organic food is step to a healthier lifestyle.
According to The Balance, Locally grown refers to food and other agriculture products, (For example, wool or flowers.) that are grown or produces, processed and then sold within a certain area. There are many benefits to locally grown food, like organic food and obtaining healthier nutrients. Organic food is the product of a farming system which avoids the use of man-made fertilizers, pesticides,growth regulators, and livestock feed additives. irradiation and the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOS) are generally prohibited by organic legislation. an example of a organic substance is milk. According to Consumer reports "Organic milk contains 60 percent more heart-healthy omega 3-fatty acids than non-organic." This statistics shows that buying organic milk is majorly healthier than non-organic. Buying organic food should be a change in everyones household. Organic food is healthier and can make a big impact on everyones life.
Another major benefit to locally grown food is obtaining healthier nutrients for your body than processed food. Having fresher and local food will be healthier and most people will have access to a farmers market where you can purchase many healthy foods and organic food options. There are many pesticides and chemicals on processed foods. Your body cant break down the unnatural foods in your body. However, your body can break down the natural foods in your body. Many people look for ways to be healthier and going to a farmers market and buying organic food is step to a healthier lifestyle.
By Diana
The other day, I was at the grocery store. I was standing at the checkout, when I looked down, and there, at the eye level of a young child, was a large collection of magazines. Their labels screamed things like “The Number One Solution to Body Fat” or “How to Get Thin Fast”, shamelessly accompanied by pictures of models posing in revealing clothes. At first, I was simply indignant that these titles were only promoting one body type, as though people were ugly if their body type didn't match their covers. Then, later that day, I learned something interesting. Unlike popular opinion, being thin doesn't necessarily mean someone is healthy.
According to the documentary film Fed Up, people can actually be “thin on the inside, fat on the inside” (Fed Up, Soechtig), as their fat may not always be as visible as the next person’s. Apparently, people can look like models, but still have the amount of fat an obese person might have. Not only that, but fat isn’t even the only thing that determines whether one is healthy or not. Pesticides are used on growing crops which means they usually end up being eaten by humans even if they are fed to livestock, because the chemicals linger in the meat. Livestock are also given antibiotics to make sure they stay alive and grow big enough to be sold. As you can imagine, chemicals that are meant to kill bugs and weeds probably aren't the best for us. So, in the end, even if someone exercises several hours a day, every day, if they don’t eat healthy, then they still aren't necessarily healthy.
So, how would one eat healthy? For one, try to eat certified organic food more often, as they don’t use pesticides or antibiotics. Organic food may be more expensive, but it’s benefits are worth it, and it's also much more delicious! Another rule of thumb someone has told me has told me is that generally, the less processed, the better. Fed Up also mentioned to look at food labels, as the more weird sounding things in it, the more unhealthy it probably is, and to remember that the less sugar, the better. Sugar is surprisingly addictive, to the point where it can be compared to some drugs, and is also extremely unhealthy. So next time you go to the grocery store and see the candy aisle, rethink if you really want to that bag of chocolate.
The other day, I was at the grocery store. I was standing at the checkout, when I looked down, and there, at the eye level of a young child, was a large collection of magazines. Their labels screamed things like “The Number One Solution to Body Fat” or “How to Get Thin Fast”, shamelessly accompanied by pictures of models posing in revealing clothes. At first, I was simply indignant that these titles were only promoting one body type, as though people were ugly if their body type didn't match their covers. Then, later that day, I learned something interesting. Unlike popular opinion, being thin doesn't necessarily mean someone is healthy.
According to the documentary film Fed Up, people can actually be “thin on the inside, fat on the inside” (Fed Up, Soechtig), as their fat may not always be as visible as the next person’s. Apparently, people can look like models, but still have the amount of fat an obese person might have. Not only that, but fat isn’t even the only thing that determines whether one is healthy or not. Pesticides are used on growing crops which means they usually end up being eaten by humans even if they are fed to livestock, because the chemicals linger in the meat. Livestock are also given antibiotics to make sure they stay alive and grow big enough to be sold. As you can imagine, chemicals that are meant to kill bugs and weeds probably aren't the best for us. So, in the end, even if someone exercises several hours a day, every day, if they don’t eat healthy, then they still aren't necessarily healthy.
So, how would one eat healthy? For one, try to eat certified organic food more often, as they don’t use pesticides or antibiotics. Organic food may be more expensive, but it’s benefits are worth it, and it's also much more delicious! Another rule of thumb someone has told me has told me is that generally, the less processed, the better. Fed Up also mentioned to look at food labels, as the more weird sounding things in it, the more unhealthy it probably is, and to remember that the less sugar, the better. Sugar is surprisingly addictive, to the point where it can be compared to some drugs, and is also extremely unhealthy. So next time you go to the grocery store and see the candy aisle, rethink if you really want to that bag of chocolate.