Small changes mean big results in new year

Grand Rapids, Mich. (WOTV) - New Years day everyone has their resolutions, for many west Michiganders it may involve a wellness inspired change.  Resolutions can be challenging to keep but I have an idea for change that is small but effective! 

Skip these items: white flour, white rice, refined white sugar.  In 1957 Dr. William Coda Martin classified refined sugar as a poison because it has been depleted of its life forces, vitamins and minerals. "What is left consists of pure, refined carbohydrates. The body cannot utilize this refined starch and carbohydrate unless the depleted proteins, vitamins and minerals are present.  Refined sugar is like a form of poison to the human body when ingested because it provides only that which nutritionists describe as "empty" or "naked" calories. It lacks the natural minerals which are present in the sugar beet or cane.  When you see the brown natural cane sugar in the store or on your dining table try this instead.

Now lets talk white flour.  Although most people know that bleached white flour is not good for you, did you know that it is actually Bad for you?  With the most nutritious part of the grain removed, white flour essentially becomes a form of sugar.  Here are just some of what is missing -  Half of the beneficial unsaturated fatty acids, virtually all of the vitamin E, 50% of the calcium, 70% of the phosphorus, 80% of the iron, 90% of the magnesium, 50-80% of the B vitamins.  Not only has it been depleted of any nutricianal benefits, but the process itself makes this flour a toxic substance to our bodies.  Avoid it by choosing whole grain flours instead.

Lastly, white rice.  A study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health shows that people who consume white rice are at a higher risk of developing diabetes than those who do not.  White rice is rapidly converted to sugar in the body (are you seeing the trend here?).  This also causes you to be hungry again sooner and can lead to over eating. 

So lets take this small step of moving away from processed foods and including more whole foods in our diets.  Maybe even try cutting out one of these at a time and let me know how you feel.

Yours in Health~ Michele