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Derek Egeberg - NMLS#180899 Branch Manager, Loan Officer Guild Mortgage (NMLS 3274) Phone: (928) 247-9089 License: BK 0915245 derek.egeberg@guildmortgage.net www.guildyuma.com |
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May 2009
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Unhealthy Health Food Are Those Good Choices Really That Good for You? With much ado over the rising rates of obesity within our country, restaurants and food companies have responded with oodles of dishes and products that promise a healthier choice. What you should know is that not all of them are as good for you as they seem. Read along as we break down 10 foods, which require a closer look before you enjoy them guiltlessly. 1. Turkey Burgers While the latter sentiment is mostly true, you may not realize that a lot of restaurants use only dark meat turkey for their patties. This type of ground turkey can actually have more fat, calories, and cholesterol than a lean cut of beef, such as sirloin. Add any cheese and mayonnaise to that burger, and those numbers increase even more. If a healthy and lean turkey burger is something you crave make sure that it is made primarily of ground breast meat. Leave off the cheese, ask for extra lettuce and tomato, and make sure it's served on a whole grain bun. Don't forget to substitute mustard for any mayo or mayonnaise-based dressing. 2. Wrap Sandwiches While it may be inconspicuous, the main issue is the wrap itself. Many restaurants use a flatbread product that is nothing more than an oversized tortilla filled with modified food starch and fat. Another problem with many of these flatbreads is that the overall surface space is huge. Greater surface space means that many wrapped sandwiches contain more mayo and fillings than a sandwich. Opt instead for a regular-sized sandwich served on whole grain bread. Once again, fill it with lean meats and fresh vegetables, giving it the nutritional density to satisfy your appetite without adding fat or large amounts of cholesterol to your meal. In terms of condiments, mustard is generally low-calorie and fat free, making it a healthy choice. While the addition of olive oil and vinegar will include some healthy fat grams, a few sprinkles will go far in the way of flavor. 3. Reduced Fat or Fat Free Salad Dressing A far better choice is to lightly dress your salads with olive oil and either vinegar or lemon juice. The natural flavors of the fresh salad ingredients will come to life, as opposed to being masked by a cloyingly sweet dressing. Several studies have also shown that olive oil not only aids in digestion, but also the body's absorption of nutrients within raw vegetables. 4. Fruit Smoothies Another issue is that some fruit smoothies include juices and flavored syrups made with high fructose corn syrup, which do nothing but add even more calories. Don't forget to consider the size of the smoothies you are consuming, as many can range upward of 24-ounces. Factor everything together and what you are left with is the perfect storm for a high-calorie beverage. For a more figure friendly smoothie, make sure that it is made from 100 percent fruit. If a creamier or thinner texture is desired, non-fat plain yogurt and or skim milk are much healthier alternatives than ice cream, sherbet or concentrated fruit juice. Lastly, try to stick to servings that are no larger than 12-ounces. 5. Yogurt (fruit at the bottom) Choose instead to buy low-fat or fat-free plain yogurt and a basket of fresh berries. Mix them together and you'll cut the sugar and calories by half. You'll not only receive the healthy qualities of the yogurt, but also some powerful antioxidants provided by the fresh berries. 6. Granola 7. Bagels A better choice here is a breakfast sandwich consisting of scrambled egg whites, whole grain bread and sliced fresh tomatoes. It's far more satisfying, as well as nutrient dense. 8. Dried Fruit For starters, the process of dehydration leaches out much of the fruit's volume. This allows for mass consumption of this delicious treat. The second issue has to do with the sugar that many companies add to these products. Put them together and the result is a potential for consuming a tremendous amount of sugar. If a sweet, fruity snack is something you crave, we suggest enjoying a seasonal fresh piece of fruit. There's far more volume to fill you up without adding nearly the amount of sugar to your diet. 9. Energy Drinks, Vitamin Drinks, and Sports Drinks In the case of energy drinks, you must be extremely careful. Most nutritionists would agree that consumption of these beverages is hardly the way to either hydrate your body, or provide you with energy. Drinking water and eating a healthy balanced diet do a much better job. The type of energy these drinks provide will most always lead to a quick crash. If plain drinking water seems a little too boring, feel free to add sliced citrus fruits such as lemon, lime, and orange, along with sliced cucumber to a pitcher of filtered water. It's a tasty, nutritious and calorie conscious way to quench your thirst. 10. White Rice | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
LO# 0915245 BK# 0904081 Corp NMLS# 3113 Corp CA# 4170013 CA-DOC180899 Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act. You are receiving a complimentary subscription to YOU Magazine as a result of your ongoing business relationship with Derek Egeberg - NMLS#180899. While beneficial to a wide audience, this information is also commercial in nature and it may contain advertising materials. INVITE A FRIEND to receive YOU Magazine. Please feel free to invite your friends and colleagues to subscribe. SUBSCRIBE to YOU Magazine. If you received this message from a friend, you can subscribe online. UNSUBSCRIBE: If you would like to stop receiving emails from Derek Egeberg - NMLS#180899, you can easily unsubscribe. Guild Mortgage (NMLS 3274) |
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