I am sure that you are aware of the epidemic of childhood obesity that is sweeping our country. I can tell you first hand that this is not media hype. This is, in fact, a trend that I see everyday. I see it in the school, at church, and in my own gymnastics school.
The old adage is true, “you are what you eat!” Being active and choosing healthy, all-natural foods are ways to add to a healthy lifestyle. Read the labels on everything. If the ingredients are not something you already have in your pantry, then it probably shouldn’t be in your child! I bet that you do not have high fructose corn syrup in your pantry!
A recent study by Princeton University, published in the journal Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior, showed that rats given water sweetened with HFCS (high fructose corn syrup) in addition to a standard diet gained much more weight than rats that received water sweetened with table sugar. Rats on the HFCS diet also showed characteristic signs of a dangerous condition know in humans as metabolic syndrome; including abnormal weight gain, significant increases in circulation triglycerides, and fat deposits, especially fat around the belly! Read more about the study at (http://www.princeton.edu/main/news/archive/S26/91/22K07/)
The Corn Refiners Association is working hard to convince the public that HFCS in moderation does not have adverse effects on the body. They are spending millions of dollars to make sure that you keep buying their product. The mass use of HFCS in the US, took hold in 1984. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-fructose_corn_syrup).
Take a look at the graph below from the CDC, that show the prevalence of obesity in girls. There is a distinct increase in children that have had HFCS in their diets their entire lives compared to those who did not. To me, there is an obvious correlation between the use of HFCS and obesity.
10 Surprising Foods That Contain HFCS
Campbell's Tomato Soup (2nd Ingredient Listed)
Onion Soup Mix
Most Breads including whole wheat.
Chicken & Beef bouillon
Stove Top Stuffing
Wheat Thins
Yo-plait Yogurt
Special K Cereal
Chicken Nuggets
Canned Tomatoes
There are many factors that are contributing to obesity and the overweight in America. HFCS is an easy one to eliminate by eating all-natural, and food free of HFCS. I encourage you to take a look at what is in your food, and make the decision to CUT THE HFCS!
