Ten of the Worst Foods You Should Avoid!

by Erleen Tilton 

Most of us don’t understand this, but in today’s world there are two distinctive types of foods: 1) those that work with the body to build, nourish, and energize, producing health and wellness, and 2) those that work against the body and clog, pollute, and toxify. 

If we follow the dictionary’s definition of a food (something that nourishes, strengthens; provides energy for the body), how many foods that you find in the grocery store can really be considered a food?  If what we eat does not nourish, strengthen or promote health and wellness, then what does it do?  (clog, pollute, toxify, create sickness, disorder and disease!)  

So what are some of the foods that work against the body? Here are ten of the worst which just happen to be some of the most commonly consumed foods daily: 

1) Soda Drinks: One can of soda contains approximately 10 teaspoons of sugar, has 150 calories, is filled with artificial food colors and additives, and sometimes 30 to 55 mg of caffeine. The active ingredient in soda is phosphoric acid. Its ph is 2.8 - which is highly acidic - and will dissolve a nail in about 4 days. Phosphoric acid also leaches calcium from bones and is a major contributor to the rising increase in osteoporosis. Soda consumption is also linked to obesity, tooth decay and heart disease. Drinks don't need to be sweetened or fizzy to quench the thirst, once you drink good pure water, you'll feel tons better. 

2) Pork: This particular meat is full of fat, food colorings, preservatives, nitrates, and salt – all very difficult for the body to digest, and produces only negative effects on the body. All forms of pork should be totally avoided. 

3) Shellfish: Most of these are ocean floor feeders consuming mostly dead matter, debris, and toxic chemicals that settle. Shrimp are a partial exception because they do swim and feed on live plants.  However, filleted ocean fish (salmon, cod, halibut, etc.) are great sources of protein. 

4) Trans Fats: Trans fats occur naturally in meat and dairy products. However, most of the trans fats consumed today are man-made hydrogenated (shortening or margarine) or partial hydrogenated plant oils which raises the blood cholesterol and clogs the arteries. Partial hydrogenation changes a fat's molecular structure, which raises its melting point and reduces rancidity, which is why most chips and other processed foods are made with partially hydrogenated oils or trans fats!  

5) Fried Foods: Doughnuts, French fries, fried chicken and fish, chips, etc. not only usually contain the trans fats, but the high temperature of the oil used to fry them create carcinogens (cancer causing agents), producing large amounts of damaging free radicals in the body.  Prepare and eat foods that are raw, lightly steamed or baked rather than fried.

6) Junk Foods: Foods that are highly processed (white flour, white sugar) contain the poor carbs we need to avoid, plus they are high in calories, fats, and salt, and are deplete in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Avoid the fast food restaurants and prepared food isles in the grocery stores and choose simple wholesome food creations instead. 

7) High Fat Milk Products: Ice creams, shakes, freezes, cheesecakes, sour cream, and butter may taste good, but they are all very high in calories, fat, and cholesterol and are hard on the arteries – heart disease is in its creation!  Studies also show that countries that consume the highest amounts of milk, also have the highest cases of osteoporosis. We do need calcium but better sources of calcium come from vegetable sources, especially our leafy greens, raw nuts and seeds, and legumes (beans & peas). 

8) Artificial Sweeteners: These are often chosen as to avoid using sugar. However, most of the available artificial sweeteners are much worse as they are chemicals that are toxic to the system, creating emotional and nervous disorders, and can cause cancer.  Better sweeteners include raw honey, stevia, brown rice syrup, pure maple syrup and fructose.  

9) Caffeine: Caffeine is a stimulant which is addictive which is why it is added to many drinks, and why caffeinated drinks in general are marketed so heavily. However, caffeine causes headaches, nervousness, chronic fatigue, insomnia and more. The more chemical stimulation the body receives through caffeine, the less it functions on its own.  Drink pure water as well as caffeine-free herbal teas instead. 

10) Alcohol: Alcohol is absorbed directly into the blood stream from the stomach and slows down the physical and mental capacities in the body.  Just think of all the side affects and problems that do occur because of drinking.  It is possible to exist and even socialize in this world without drinking. Alcoholic beverages can and should be avoided for best health. 

This is actually a list of the more common daily consumed foods in our world today, yet they need to be totally avoided if you want to attain your desired weight and great health.  However, there are many great healthy foods that work with your body to build, nourish and energize you.  It’s all a matter of educating yourself and making great food choices! 

To learn more about foods that nourish, build and energize your body, visit http://erleentilton.com for a free audio and other tips to get you started!

To get first hand expert training, sign up for a Women’s Health Retreat at:
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