January 2013

It is the year 2012 and our society has gradually slipped away from the concept of making and eating whole foods. When reading labels of common household food products, how many of those ingredients sound like they were made in a mad scientist’s lab?  The whole foods approach is much simpler than most people think, and can provide many benefits.

Processed foods contain several ingredients that may be detrimental to our health, while taking away the nutrients that it once contained. While you may not be able to pronounce the names of some of the ingredients on the label, some of the worst ones are most common, trans fat, saturated fat and salt. These all lead to multiple diseases inclduing heart disease. The typical American diet consumes way too much salt ( sodium) and processed foods only add more to the problem. It’s a double whammy since many processed foods remove the healthy nutrients during refinement.

Whole foods on the other hand have virtually nothing harmful to your body and high amounts of nutrients. Whole foods don’t have to be organic, free range or locally grown. They simply are just natural foods in their complete form. This can be fruits or vegetables. Which in the summer we can find at local farmer’s markets and may be locally grown and even more economical.  Natural foods also include meats. The difference is simple, a tomato or ketchup, chicken breast or chicken tenders, apple or apple juice. Most of the time the second option will have preservatives and sugar added. Neither of which we need more of.

Whole foods contain numerous amounts of nutrients in them. For example, antioxidants are common naturally occurring nutrients in most fruits and vegetables.  Antioxidants do not need to be added to already processed foods, but should be in it naturally. Research is constantly finding new nutrients that we don’t even know about that have positive health benefits in whole foods.

Remember, when you can, choose whole foods option, your body will thank you later.

Source:

http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/the-benefits-of-healthy-whole-foods

December 27, 2012 by zies1

As we come to the close of 2012 and begin a new year, this is a great time to start looking at ways to improve your health and wealth in 2013.  Most people think of health and wealth as “separate “ goals, but in fact, both aspects of life are closely related. Here are a few steps to consider:

Build “Health Capital”

Health is a financial asset, just like stocks and bonds. It decreases the odds of costly medical bills today and/or later in life. Eat nutritious meals, get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and manage stress. Without good health, you can’t earn an income and build wealth.

Don’t Burn Your Money

Quit smoking or don’t start. An average pack of cigarettes costs $5. Multiply $5 by 365 days and you could save $1,825 a year, plus interest (not to mention all the positive health effects!). Invest $1,825 in a fund averaging 7% interest and you’ll have $9,904 in 25 years.

Junk the “Junk Food”

Just cut it out: soda, fast food, fatty pastries, chips…you know the drill. Not only will you lose weight (trimming 100 calories a day = 10 pounds of annual weight loss), but you’ll pocket the savings. Save $7 a day on “empty calorie” foods and drinks and you’ll have over $2,500 in a year.

Half-Size Food Portions

Instead of eating 4 cookies a day, eat two. Bring half a meal home from restaurants and eat less at home. Getting two meals from one can save hundreds of dollars (and thousands of calories) annually. For example, saving $3 a day by “doubling up” results in savings of over $1,000 a year.

Stay Fit to Work

Maintaining good health increases the odds of being productive and working as long as you want to instead of retiring because you have to (e.g., disability). This can translate into thousands of dollars at retirement. One study compared retiring at age 60 due to poor health with working (and saving) until 65. The difference: $14,300 in annual income from increased savings and delayed cash withdrawals.

Sweat the Small Stuff

“Little” things matter! Healthy habits that save big bucks over time include washing your hands frequently (especially before handling food) to avoid the expense of flu and cold treatments and flossing your teeth to help prevent periodontal disease.

Think Positively

Studies have shown that the personality trait of optimism is positively associated with health and wealth. When people expect good things to happen, they work toward their goals by taking action. Examples include exercising regularly and saving money. What we think about, we often bring about and positive thoughts can lead to positive results.

Source: http://www.extension.org/pages/32288/monthly-investment-message-jan-11

Reviewed by: Kelly Gonyer, Office Associate, Family and Consumer Sciences, OSU Extension Wood County.