The 5 Most Unhealthy “Food Products”

The Evolution of Fresh Organic Food

Fortunately, organic food is now found in “regular” grocery stores. In the 70’s (50 years ago) when I was healing my gut, one of the few places I could find edible foods was from local co-op. Now, three organic farmer’s markets per week present their fresh food faire in my small town. “Farm to table” is a slogan which promises fresh, locally-grown food prepared at fancy restaurants. Plus, fresh-frozen antibiotic-free bison, elk, and venison are available at the local butcher. Hallelujah!

One of my new clients, a diverticulitis sufferer from Florida, shared with me last night during our one-on-one consult call, “I love those weekend live calls. That’s how I found you. I don’t say much; I just listen, but the support is everything. Those are my people.” 

Vegan Health Food Destroys Gut Health

However, sharks lurk in the food industry. Unfortunately, vegan fast food is destroying the gut health of millions of unsuspecting health-oriented people. The misleading term, “gluten-free,” displays on every cereal box—even if harmful sugar, seed oil, and preservatives are hidden on the ingredient list. Therefore, reading and studying ingredients on labels is a healthy practice to learn.

Worst 5 “Food Products” to Avoid

1. Vegan Protein, such as “The Impossible Burger“—Sadly, these plant-based protein products are impossible to digest. Processed, fake meat or “vegan protein” is inflammatory. Avoid tofu hot dogs, soy-pepperoni, and chickpea sausage patties. Can you imagine the additives to a simple edamame bean (main ingredient tofu) to make hot dogs? No need to imagine—read the label.
   
2. Yogurt—Yogurt is a healthy food which is packed with probiotics. However, not all yogurt is good for you. Yet, much of what is sold is made from cow dairy (inflammatory whether or not you are lactose-intolerant) loaded with sugar. Additionally, the toppings are sugar traps—especially ones that target kids.
   
   
3. Energy Bars—Surprisingly, energy bars are hardly different than candy bars, in terms of sugar. Many are made from whey or soy flours, which may cause constipation and inflammation. Flours stick like glue to the inside of your colon. Instead, make a protein shake from All Day Energy or Protein Power. You can also pour your shake into popsicle containers—freeze and enjoy fudge or creamsicles later!
   
4. Chips—With chips, chances are you are consuming empty calories, seed oils, and fats. Also, corn in any form is detrimental for the gut, and American corn is grown in glyphosate, which is posionus. Consequently, this cancer-causing chemical is banned in Europe. There may be vegetables in your chips, but the amount is far from a full serving. Instead, dip carrot or celery sticks in almond butter, goat cheese, or hummus. Dehydrate your zucchini slices or eat last night’s broiled asparagus as a snack.
   
5. Granola—Even “gluten-free” granola is often packed with sugar. True, your brand may use honey. However, honey is high in glucose and can spike blood sugar. Additionally, granola is not an energy booster—rather, you will pay for a fast high with a big crash. Also, our culture conditioned us to believe we need cereals and grains to launch our day. Indeed, the “breakfast of champions” are protein shakes and my 3-ingredient banana muffins.

3-Ingredient Banana Muffins

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup almond butter

First, mix and pour into muffin cups. Next, bake at 325 degrees for 15 minutes—cool and enjoy. Also, you can add 1 tablespoon of monk fruit to sweeten. Add 1 cup almond flour, 2 tablespoons butter, ghee, or healthy oil and 1 teaspoon baking powder for a more traditional muffin. This is a moist, delicious muffin and an excellent high-protein breakfast or snack.

Recipes like this one make eating healthy fast and easy. Relish the accessibility of the ingredients, and thank your local grocer for stocking them. Enjoy not traveling for hours to procure good whole foods.

“Health Food” Companies Owned by Food Products Corporations

If you are curious about who owns popular health food brands, we made the following list :

• General Mills: Owns Annie’s Homegrown, a brand that produces organic, GMO-free mac and cheese and crackers
• Coca-Cola: Owns Honest Tea, a brand that produces organic beverages
• Hormel: Owns Applegate Farms
• Kellogg’s: Owns Bear Naked, a brand that produces whole grain granolas, granola bites, and oatmeal
• Perdue: Owns Coleman Natural
• ConAgra: Owns Alexia Foods
• Kraft: Owns Green & Blacks
• Campbell’s: Owns Bolthouse Farms
• WhiteWave Foods: Owns Horizon Organics
• PepsiCo: Owns Naked Juice, a brand that produces smoothies and juices
• WhiteWave: Owns Earthbound Farms, a California-based company that produces prewashed, organic salad mixes
• Hershey’s: Owns Dagoba Chocolate, a brand that focuses on organic and sustainable practices
• Cascadian Farm—General Mills
• Dagoba Chocolate—Hershey’s
• Goose Island Brewery—Anheuser-Bush
• Lara Bar—General Mills
• Kashi—Kellogg’s
• Silk—Dean Foods
• Odwalla—Coca-Cola Company
• Epic Provisions—General Mills

Sobering, isn’t it? I hope to see your beautiful faces on my next Zoom Happy Gut Tribe Live! Thursdays at 4. Register for free. Also, find me and our tribe on the weekends via Tiktok. Being with The Happy Gut Tribe is a supportive way to spend Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

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