Obesogens
Count Chemicals More Than Calories.
When it comes to diet and as a fitness trainer, nutritionist and healthy living advocate, there's one thing I would say is most important, especially in the time we live, to secure health, strength, energy, vitality and enable you to reach health and fitness goals. Focus on the quality of your food and avoid chemicals that disrupt our body's normal processes. They're also known as obesogens which are endocrine (hormone) disruptors that wreck metabolism and proper hormone function leading to obesity and other serious issues.
They come in the form of phthalates (plastic, food packaging, personal care products), parabens (preservatives in cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals) BPA lined cans, pesticides, monosodium glutamate (MSG) and high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) among others.
Never state a problem without providing a solution.
Food
Choose whole food anytime you can that doesn't require a label or packaging to limit your exposure all while increasing nutrition.
When having to go the packaged route (likely inevitable) opt for frozen. Frozen can be even healthier than fresh as it's frozen at the peak of freshness or soon after harvest and nutrients are locked in and protected from degradation. The ice crystals break up the structure of the food in a beneficial way making the nutrients more bioavailable and absorbable by the body once thawed. The fact that it's kept cold minimizes chemical leaching from the packaging into the food reducing damage to body, organs and hormones. A big issue with plastics is the amount of chemical leaching into food and liquid being greatly increased when heated such as when using microwaves or being left in hot cars.
Look for key things and specific offenders
Industrial vegetable and seed oils: The Hateful Eight (Sunflower, safflower, canola, grapeseed, cottonseed, soybean, corn, and rice bran oils).
Refined Sugar
Pesticides and herbicides (get organic to avoid or use a baking soda and water solution to effectively wash off the pesticides)
Unrecognizable and Hard to Pronounce Additives (keep it simple, if you can’t pronounce, don’t recognize it or has a number attached to it, you’re best off avoiding it)
Personal Care
When it comes to beauty and personal care products, look for paraben and phthalate free and ones without sodium laurel sulfate (SLS).
If you really want to ensure little to zero chemicals and completely healthful ingredients make your own scrubs, washes and moisturizers at home. Helpful sites for recipes and ideas for natural formulations are Formula Botanica, Everyday Health and YouTube channels such Glamrs and Life Ledger. Naturopath, author and nutritionist Barbara O'Neill (IG and FB) is another great resource for healthy DIY personal care, detox and natural remedies.
If you need a good resource for other options for healthy living for food, clothing, personal care and more check out my Substack post Options for Healthy Living: Clothing, Food, EMF Protection, Cookware and Personal Care. I'll be updating this page periodically with more resources and options so you have a go-to source for healthful alternatives for things you need and use in your daily life. This will be your treasure trove and defense against the continued attack on our health, bodies and minds.
Remember, there's still one day left to take advantage of 35% off plus free shipping on any order at Entriepta.com using code 35FREESHIP. This code exclusively for subscribers and post viewers.
Additional Resources
Fullscript.com - For a wide range of recommended supplements for health, athletics, recovery, detox and more
Bodyhealth.com - For supplements to support exercise and general health.
Dr. Cowan's Garden - For exceptional super foods and supplements for optimal health, vibrancy and energy.
BiOptimizers - For gut, digestive and overall health with clean, tested and pure ingredients for optimal health and maximum longevity.