DDT was banned in the late 60’s, in large part due to Rachel Carson’s book, Silent Spring. DDT was linked to a number of animal mutations; frogs with 3 legs, thinning and fragile Bald Eagle eggs, etc. It makes me wonder what kind of mutations will occur in humans in the future. A new study by the Environmental Working Group singled out 12 different fruits and vegetables as containing anywhere from 47-67 different pesticides (I didn’t see the study). The following foods are most susceptible because they have soft skins which absorbs more pesticides. The 12 are: celery, peaches, strawberries, apples, domestic blueberries, nectarines, sweet bell peppers, spinach, kale and collard greens, cherries, imported grapes, and lettuce (that’s 13). To reduce your exposure, either limit your intake or buy organic versions. Dr. Oz says that simply rinsing them with water won’t remove the pesticides. You have to soak them for 2 hours. The following foods are deemed safe to consume in either regular or organic fashion due to their strong outer layer: onions, avocados, sweet corn, pineapples, mango, sweet peas, asparagus, kiwi fruit, cabbage, eggplant, cantaloupe, watermelon, grapefruit, sweet potatoes, and sweet onions.
I am happy to report that one of my clients has lost almost 14 pounds in the last year by cutting out an average of 100 calories per day. She is also exercising 3x per week, doing basic floor exercises and some light walking. Her goal is 25 pounds. She said the neat thing about it is/was that “I never got hungry, which was always my downfall before. Cutting out 100 calories a day is simple, I just leave 4 or 5 bites on the plate, or have one piece of toast instead of two, or use less butter.” She also says that since she doesn’t even consider this dieting, she can keep this up forever. Her husband is now on board, and has lost 6 pounds in 5 months.
Losing weight doesn’t have to be drastic, or mentally challenging, or even painful. It just takes a little action, and stay the course.
Stay well, John R Blilie, M.S.