Good morning everyone and happy Monday!
You may have noticed I wasn’t able to release a video these past two weeks—my apologies! I was traveling around Italy and surprised to find that internet reception was abysmal every single place we went. Whether a weak signal, not available in our rooms, or simply down, I was pretty much off the grid the entire time. It was disorienting yet liberating. This detachment from my normal everyday “reality” probably contributed to my decision to have pasta every single day, something I would never normally do. It was as if not being connected to my work and nutrition practice made my health choices not count—much like what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.
What was interesting is that I didn’t gain any weight. If I ate pasta in a New York City restaurant every day, I can guarantee that I would pack on the pounds faster than Simone Biles can nail a perfect vault! It’s true that I walked, hiked, and danced a lot in Italy, but I’m also very active at home. So what was at play here? Why such a big difference?
It comes down to ingredients.
Italy is known for it’s splendid cuisine the world over. It’s not just the delicious truffles, pomodoro, pesto, and carbonara recipes, but the quality of the ingredients that make the food so outstanding. Everything is fresh and homemade from local ingredients, often found in the restaurant’s backyard.
In so many other parts of the world, especially America, our food is either manufactured in a plant or shipped in from far away. We’ve moved far away from fresh, local ingredients. Heck, so many of us barely ever cook at home. What this means is that we are taking in additional ingredients that are used to artificially enhance flavor or increase shelf life, and there is no more dangerous ingredient to your health than hydrogenated oils.
These fats, also known as partially hydrogenated or trans fats are found in most manufactured foods, and they contribute to a whole host of health concerns from obesity to depression to heart disease. And what’s more is that they can be hard to spot, even if you’re being mindful of your food purchases.
In today’s video I am going to share what you need to know about these dangerous oils, and offer tips on how to avoid them. I’ll also offer you healthy substitutes so you can make some of your favorite foods from scratch at home.
Once you’ve watched the video I really want to hear from you! Examine your pantry and the foods in your refrigerator, and check out the ingredients of every manufactured or pre-made item you buy. See if you can find these oils, and then let me know in the comments below. I’ll bet even the most discerning shopper will be shocked to find some of these fats in his or her kitchen.
Thank you for tuning in as always. I wish you the happiest of Mondays!
xo
B