Cut the C.R.A.P. for 2013

If you are looking to create a healthier version of you in 2013, C-caffeine, R-refined sugar, A-alcohol and P-processed foods should be consumed in moderation. Coffee should be limited to two cups a day. A little caffeine is known to burn fat however, too much can stimulate cortisol production and interfere with your metabolism. Green tea is a great alternative to coffee and you can drink as much as you like. Sugary foods should also be kept to a minimum. Studies show that 40 to 60 percent of the sugar you eat is converted to body fat.

Alcohol use is a slippery slope. Moderate drinking can offer some health benefits however, too much can lead to serious health consequences. The key to alcohol consumption is moderation. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines recommend no more than one drink a day for women and no more than two drinks a day for men.

Processed foods are harder to digest, absorb and eliminate from your body. Products containing the following ingredients should be avoided:

·       Nitrates and nitrites (including sodium nitrite

·       Sulfites (including metabisulfites)

·       Sulfur dioxide

·       Benzoic acid (aka sodium benzoate)

·       BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene)

·       BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole)

·       Coloring

·       MSG (monosodium glutamate)

·       Refined or bleached flour (i.e. whitened using chloride oxide)

No need to eliminate all of your favorite foods from your diet-just consume them in moderation for a healthier you!