Health Affixed

Health Is Limitless

Never Again: Organic Blueberries

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This is one organic item that I can no longer enjoy; blame it on the trauma from seeing maggots in my blueberries, not the alcohol.

Apparently, when you purchase organic blueberries, you run the risk of getting a batch infected with maggots. These maggots, by all accounts, are harmless if accidentally consumed. However, just seeing them in your blueberry can be a traumatic experience.

When it comes to blueberries, a little bit of pesticide may actually go a long way. The female blueberry fruit fly lays her egg under the skin of the blueberry. The eggs hatch in the blueberry and the maggot/larva emerges. The maggot feeds on the pulp inside of the blueberry. The infested berries are packaged and sold to organic vendors. The vendors sell to consumers and the consumer, well, consumes the infested berries.

If you have never had an issue with blueberry maggots, then there is no need to give up your organic berries; instead, be aware that maggots in organic blueberries is a real possibility and stay alert while consuming your organic blueberries.

Food Quality: A Recall

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Another day, another food recalled; no food is safe. Over the years, there have been recalls on all types of foods – vegetables, fruits, poultry, beef, pork, and various frozen foods.

A food recall is initiated by a manufacturer or requested by a government agency when there is reason to believe that consumption may make people sick.

You can stay abreast of the most recent food recalls by visiting Foodsaftety.gov.

When it comes to food, the best defense is a great offense. While you may not be able to eliminate the risk of a food recall, you can do everything in your power to avoid a food borne illness:

1. Shop better to eat better – be selective of the grocery stores that you frequent.
2. Stick to reputable brands and higher quality foods.
3. Cook more and buy pre-cooked meals less.
4. Wash everything with hot water.
5. Cook meats thoroughly.

Food Quality: Chicken

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When you become familiar with a high quality food, you start to notice the difference in taste or texture while eating the same food of a lower quality. That has been my experience with chicken.

If you usually buy the cheapest chicken because it is on sale or you buy chicken in bulk, consider upgrading the quality of your chicken. You will see and taste the difference.

Cooked poor quality chicken tends to exhibit discoloration on the skin; tends to have a rubbery or tough texture; and/or tends to have a dry instead of moist taste. Also, cooked poor quality chicken may be difficult to remove from the bone while cooked high quality chicken tends to fall off the bone.

Bottom line: upgrade your chicken because your health is worth it.

Weakness: Chocolate

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This weakness is a common one. However, the great thing about chocolate is that a small piece can go a long way. Most times a chocolate craving is satisfied by the first or second bite. We tend to eat the rest because it’s really good and we are generally taught to finish what we started.

If you love chocolate but lack the self-control to stop eating after the first or second bite, then consider purchasing containers with individually wrapped pieces instead of a large chocolate bar. Even if you eat five small pieces, usually the caloric damage will still not be as bad as eating a whole chocolate bar.

This weakness is a common one. However, the great thing about chocolate is that a small piece can go a long way. Most times a chocolate craving is satisfied by the first or second bite. We tend to eat the rest because it’s really good and we are generally taught to finish what we started.

If you love chocolate but lack the self-control to stop eating after the first or second bite, then consider purchasing containers with individually wrapped pieces instead of a large chocolate bar. Even if you eat five small pieces, usually the caloric damage will still not be as bad as eating a whole chocolate bar.

Weakness: Mixed Nuts

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Have you tried the “THA Supermix©,” yet? Well, if you like trail mixes, then you are in for a treat. The problem is over consumption and caloric suicide. A quarter cup of nuts can range from 120 to 200 calories and that’s barely a handful of nuts.

Portion control is the solution to keeping your calories down while consuming nuts. Use a quarter cup to separate the mix into 1 oz containers and store the containers in the refrigerator.

If you leave the mix in a large container, you may be tempted to snack on multiple handfuls. Being mindful of the portions will prevent or limit mindless snacking. Be proactive, not regretful.