1. Hello readers! I would like to talk a little bit about the importance of eating healthy. I think we all know what too much grease and sugar can due to our bodies over time. Well if not, here's a list of a few things: heart attacks, strokes and heart disease. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 17.3 million people died from cardiovascular diseases in 2009, representing 30% of all global deaths. Of these deaths, an estimated 7.3 million were due to coronary heart disease and 6.2 million were due to stroke. The most important behavioral risk factors of heart disease and stroke are unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use and harmful use of alcohol. The effects of unhealthy diet and physical inactivity may show up in individuals as raised blood pressure, raised blood glucose, raised blood lipids, and overweight and obesity.

A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation. This study found that high-fat foods, like hamburgers, onion rings, oily pizzas and other regularly consumed fatty foods, actually lead to brain scarring and damage to the hypothalamus- the area of the brain responsible for hunger, thirst and the body’s natural rhythms and cycles. While the study was done on rodents, its findings remain insightful about what might happen to the human brain when we feed our bodies the unhealthful, high fat diets consumed by most Americans.

So what do you think? Is too much fat and sugar worth it? I don't think so, it leads to death and a host of other medical issues. If we are more conscious of the foods we eat, we may experience a sense of peace, fulfillment, and purpose which leads to a healthier, more balanced, and longer life.

TIPS: Remember to pay attention to the nutrition facts on anything you consume. This will tell you how much fat, carbohydrates, sugars and calories are in a serving. Eating food by servings will help you keep up with your recommended daily nutrition intake AKA "portion control". Some foods you may want to consider are:  

1. Green and brightly colored vegetables
2. Dark leafy greens and lettuce
3. Fresh fruits and berries
4. Lean turkey and chicken
5. Nuts, dried fruits and low calories snacks
6. Whole grain breads and pasta
7. Healthy cooking oils like canola and olive oils
8. Grass fed beef and bison
9. Cold water oily ocean fish
10. Low fat milk or soy beverages
11. Nuts, seeds, and legumes