The Corn Refiners Association has been hard at work trying to change our perceptions about high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), but they may have a new public relations battle on their hands. Two new US reports found mercury in both commercial samples of HFCS and products that listed high fructose corn syrup as the first or second ingredient.
Almost half the commercial samples of the corn sweetener tested positive for mercury, and almost a third of the tested food and beverage products contained detectable levels of the heavy metal as well. The products include beverages and foods manufactured by Quaker, Hershey's, Kraft, and Smucker's. The highest levels of mercury were detected in dairy beverages like chocolate milk, dressings, and condiments (BBQ sauce), followed by snacks and desserts, including cereal bars.
To see how mercury ended up in this corn-derived sweetener, read more
We are living in stressful times and just listening to the news gives me a kink in my neck. Forbes is reporting that 25 percent more women feel stressed by the current economic crisis than men. Are you one of those women? I encourage everyone to make non-negotiable fitness dates to ensure fitting workouts into busy lives, but I think it is important to schedule some "me" time too. Women tend to be the caretakers in many situations, and in stressful times, it is necessary to take care of oneself especially if you are taking care of others.
Chronic stress can wreak havoc on a body and play a part in creating heart conditions as well as weight gain. Taking time out of your day to take care of yourself is important to your physical health as well as your mental health. So pencil in a pedicure like Oprah, schedule a relaxing bath, or simply take five minutes to sit and breathe. Your body and your mind will appreciate the attention.
Enter Our Super Giveaway to Get Fit For 2009! We're giving away a super-duper Get Fit For 2009 prize package worth more than $3,000. Seriously?! Yes, seriously.
One lucky winner will receive a year of personalized nutrition plans by nutritionist Alexa L. Fishback, plus a copy of her book; a $1,000 Nike gift card; and two annual memberships to Bally Total Fitness along with some great Bally's gear. To enter to win, take the quiz by 11:59 p.m. PST on Sunday, Feb. 8.
Who would have thought peanut butter would ever get so much press? The sticky spread is still the center of the latest salmonella scare, and products continue to be pulled from shelves as a precaution. Starbucks is the most recent company to temporarily rid their stores of goods containing peanut butter. Have you taken similar precautionary moves in your own home?
Regular exercise is part of my lifestyle, and normally I look forward to working out and the feeling of accomplishment that comes with it. Sometimes, though, the last thing I want to do is lace up my sneakers and do something active — the lack of motivation usually comes when I'm shooting for an early morning workout or after I've had a long day of blogging.
Lately, I've been thinking about the ever-fit Obamas when I'm having trouble motivating myself to get moving. I tell myself, if they can make exercise a priority in their lives, then I can, too. Tell me, how do you motivate yourself to exercise?
Target Your Trouble Zones Don't fret over your trouble zones! Instead show those body parts some love. And by "love" I mean the trinity of fitness: cardio, strength training, and stretching. Don't forget the positive attitude when you experiment with these strategies. 0 Comments
DrSugar is in the house and he's answering your health questions.
Dear DrSugar,
This is a little embarrassing and a little weird, but my pee doesn't smell like normal these days. It has smelled off for about a week. It smells bad and it doesn’t seem to matter what I eat. Trust me, I haven't eaten any asparagus in months. Maybe you know what causes this and am wondering if it is serious. I can't for the life of me figure it out! Any information would be helpful
—Distressed in the Loo
To see if DrSugar feels this is a symptom of something serious, read more