Burger King made waves last week when it revealed a slate of new menu items;

Yep, you guessed it..…..  

The artery-clogging “Bacon Sundae”…

It’s no secret that overweight people and obesity are growing problems (1), and it’s no secret that obesity is bad for health. This is just another additive…

Pigs are scavengers and as such they fill their body with things which would not benefit the human body. Pigs frequently contain viruses and parasites that are not killed when cooked. These could possibly be detrimental to the health and wellbeing of a human. One specific disease is known as Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PPRS) and this disease has even been compared to the human infection known as AIDS.

The likely culprit that makes bacon so harmful, aside from the processing, is the heterocyclic amines (HCA – A chemical that is formed when meat, poultry, or fish is cooked at high temperatures, such as frying, broiling, and barbecuing. Heterocyclic amines are carcinogens – substances that may cause cancer) that form when meat is cooked.  

If you’re eating meat loaded with pesticides and hormones, and then cook it at high temperatures, you are asking for trouble.

Bacon is usually high in salt and saturated fat; excessive consumption of both is related to a variety of health problems. Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health found in 2010 that eating processed meats such as bacon was associated with an increased risk of both heart disease and diabetes. (2)

It’s no wonder Wayne suggested at your first appointment not to eat pig..!

We also know the digestive system, or your first filter, is a group of specialised organs that break down food and liquid into their simplest forms.

This process, allows your body to get the nutrients and energy it needs from the food you eat, but did you know that by consuming any form of “pig” meat keeps the digestive system busy at work for sometimes days.

That is why it’s better to limit meat choices where possible to grass fed and organic meats, but avoid the ‘little piggy and leave it at the market’.

It isn’t hard to find something to have instead of pig and these small changes and sacrifices will pay off in the future..!

There is also something magical about ice cream, obviously nothing that tastes so good could possibly be that good for us; and ice cream lives up to that expectation..

The Maple Bacon Sundae – It comes with two scoops of vanilla ice cream drizzled with maple (or other) syrup and topped with crispy bits of Hickory Smoked Bacon…! OMG…

Nutrition Facts – 810 calories, 40 grams of fat, 21 grams of saturated fat, 150 milligrams of cholesterol, 460 milligrams of sodium, 97 grams of carbohydrates, 85 grams of sugar, and 16 grams of protein. (4)

100g of bacon = 1168kj…

A (regular size) choc sundae from McDonalds (5)… 1450Kj  

Not to mention the syrups that we add for extra indulgence, then add a few preservatives…YUK…!!

Is this really the respect we should show our body –  inside or out…??

Food additives are found in virtually all foodstuffs today.  

Attempts to meet consumer expectations have seen a rise in the use of substances which will preserve the life, improve the taste, brighten the colour, and improve the texture of processed foods. (3)

Sulphites are some of the oldest and most widespread preservatives in our food supply and are not always mentioned in the labelling.  Many processed foods including cookies, snacks, fruit flavoured breakfast cereals, muesli bars, ice-cream, yoghurt and confectionary contain sulphites but the additive may not be listed on the label… (6)

(These loopholes exist because of industry pressure, which is driven by profit, and hinders consumers’ rights to full knowledge about what is in the food we eat).

Now, you might find images of bacon sundaes haunting your dreams.

Rest assured…There are some healthier alternatives to finish your feast..
(Why not try a small slice of Brie or Camembert Cheese) 

Just ask us here at The Hervey Bay Wellbeing Centre for an update on some of our ideas..
We are only too happy to help you keep on task with ways to improve your health so you can really enjoy your lifestyle. 

Have a Wonderful Week and Be Well,

From the Team at Hervey Bay Wellbeing, Anti- Aging and Longevity Centre

P.S. So next time you are about to indulge…  STOP… and think – Artery Clogging Sulphites – versus Healthy Mind & Body… (and knowing the differences)..We all now know which to choose!!

P.P.S. As you can see a healthy choice keeps us aware of how and what affects our body. By keeping the wellness approach, the choices are easy..!

P.P.S.S. Please give us a call us on (07) 4128 2899 to speak with us about healthier protein alternatives to your wellbeing.

P.P.P.S. Also, Please remember –  if you have a friend who you may think would be interested in receiving the above information please send them to www.wellbeingsecretsexposed.com where they can download over $390.00 worth of  free gifts.

REFERENCES

1. http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/by%20Subject/1370.0~2010~Chapter~Obesity%20(4.1.6.6.3)
2. http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/press-releases/2010-releases/processed-meats-unprocessed-heart-disease-diabetes.html
3. http://www.infobarrel.com/Sulphites_as_a_Food_Additive#ixzz1rnmGuT9S
4. http://tracker.dailyburn.com/nutrition/dennys_maple_bacon_sundae_calories
5. http://mcdonalds.com.au/our-food/menu/#/desserts/hot-fudge-sundae
6. http://www.thefoodcoach.com.au/articles/?ATID=1&ArticleID=344

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics: “The rate of diabetes in Australia has shown a steady increase from 2.4% in 1995 to 3.8% in 2007–08 (Graph 1). (1)

In 2007-08, the majority of people with diabetes reported they had Type 2 diabetes (88% or 721,000 people). A further 10% (82,000 people) reported they had Type 1 diabetes, while 2% of people with diabetes did not know which type of diabetes they had. (1).

Around 77% of people with Type 2 diabetes were aged 45 years and over when they were first diagnosed, compared with 16% of people with Type 1 diabetes. Just under a quarter (23%) of people with Type 1 diabetes were diagnosed in childhood (under 15 years), and a further 24% in early adulthood (15 to 24 years). (1)

So….What does all this mean?????

Australia is today ranked as one of the fattest nations in the developed world. The prevalence of obesity in Australia has more than doubled in the past 20 years. (2) The following are some very scary statistics. In 2007 it was stated that:

• In Australia, more than 17 million Australians are overweight or obese.
• More than four million Australians are obese (BMI > 30.0 kg/m2). 
• If weight gain continues at current levels, by 2020, 80% of all Australian adults and a third of all children will be overweight or obese.
• People dealing with diabetes face the possibility of the following:
• Heart disease and stroke
• Fertility problems
• Kidney disease
• Dental disease
• High blood pressure
• Blindness
• Nervous system damage
• Amputation

For the last 13 years at our Centre we have been using the ZONE Diet to help people with blood sugar imbalances and those with diabetes.

The Zone Diet was developed by Dr. Barry Sears, one of the world’s leading authorities on the hormonal effects of food and their effect on cellular inflammation.

The Zone Diet is a way of life that helps you lose fat and increase wellness by reducing cellular inflammation. Dr Barry Sears believes that it’s cellular inflammation that is the underlying cause of not only weight gain and the acceleration of chronic disease, but also the reason behind decreasing physical, emotional, and mental performance. (3)

So What Contributes To Diabetes?

Diabetes is caused by many things. The most common type of diabetes is Type 2 diabetes which is generally caused by insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is most frequently caused by fluctuating insulin levels, a direct result of a rollercoaster diet of high sugar and high carbohydrate foods which flood your body with sugars.

You only have to look at the “average diet” these days and it’s full of processed convenience foods that are eaten quickly with a glass of soft drink, tea or coffee or alcohol. These high carbohydrate foods get used quickly or are stored as fat, which leaves you at a deficit. This deficit causes cravings and the process is repeated. Eventually your pancreas starts missing the signals and you become insulin resistant.

The good news is that the Zone Diet’s main goal is to balance hormone levels and reverse insulin resistance.

The key factor in the Zone Diet is the hormonal balance you achieve while eating each meal. With a food plan comprising an accurate balanced ratio of carbohydrates (40%), fat (30%) and proteins (30%); you actually get to eat foods, which control your body’s insulin production.

The Zone Diet’s main function is to combine proteins with low-glycaemia load carbohydrates to produce optimal insulin levels, digestion and metabolism. When this balance occurs, you feel sustained, have even energy levels and no longer crave the sugary snacks that have directly contributed to the problem.

The Zone Diet encourages foods such as fresh vegetables, fruits and nuts, leafy green vegetables, sufficient protein consumption, and a balance of essential fats (as the fats and oils have the effect of reducing inflammation and inflammation in your muscle cells have a direct effect on your body’s ability to produce optimal levels of insulin) and of course eight glasses of water every day.

There are NO processed foods . . . IT IS BACK TO BASICS!

The Zone Diet also recommends regular exercise. This is particularly important for sufferers of diabetes, because as muscle mass is improved, metabolism is improved. Quite simply, your body is better able to process the foods you consume and to use them for energy. Exercise need not be a chore, make it fun and involve your family and friends.

Have a Wonderful Week and Be Well,

From the Team at Hervey Bay Wellbeing, Anti- Aging and Longevity Centre

P.S. So to wrap it up…… the Zone Diet (a balance of carbohydrates, protein and fats) is directly aimed at balancing hormone levels. As hormone levels are balanced, Type 2 diabetes can possibly be reversed or avoided all together. Think 40% protein, 40% Good Carbohydrates and 20% good fats and oils.

P.P.S . If you are a client and would like more information please call us on (07) 4128 2899 and make an appointment with Clarence or Libby to talk to you about the Zone Diet.

P.P.P.S. If you are not a client and would like to make the changes to your health, please call us on (07) 4128 2899 and make an appointment with Wayne our Naturopath..

REFERENCES

1. http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/4820.0.55.001main+features32007-08
2. http://www.modi.monash.edu.au/obesity-facts-figures/obesity-in-australia/
3. http://www.zonediet.com/