Drive down the street of any town in America, and chances are you’ll run across multiple fast food restaurants. In fact, there are around a shocking 160,000 fast food restaurants across the country, and the number grows daily. Americans eat out an average of four to five times a week, and a significant portion of those meals come from fast food restaurant chains ranging from McDonald’s to Applebee’s. Families choose these restaurants because they are fast, cheap, and convenient… but at what cost?
Here’s my list of the unhealthiest fast food items and substitutions you can make.
1. Soda
Acidifying, chemical-laden, and loaded with either HFCS or artificial sweeteners (diet varieties), avoid all sodas at all costs. Instead, have some plain water or bring your own.
2. Fried chicken
Made from conventional chicken laden with hormones and antibiotics, covered with gluten-containing breading and chemicals like MSG and salt, and fried in cheap, rancid oils, fried chicken is high in calories, fat, and other chemicals that can make you sick. Skip it altogether. Please, please just never eat fried chicken.
3. Egg and sausage sandwich
Hormones, salt, antibiotics and dairy make that breakfast sandwich a non-healthful choice. Instead, start your day with a Glowing Green Smoothie. You can make several and keep them in your freezer so you can always defrost one and still have one in a bind.
4. Bacon cheeseburger
Where do I begin? Fat, calories, and cholesterol are only part of the problem with bacon cheeseburgers, which also contain HFCS (in the buns and condiments), dairy, salt, hormones, and antibiotics. It’s just plain nasty. Instead, opt for a veggie burger or an avocado sandwich.
5. French fries
Fries are simply salty unhealthy fat bombs fried in the worst possible rancid oil. Many fast food places now offer alternatives to fries such as a side salad (no dressing!) .
6. Milk shake
Loaded with saturated fat, sugar, conventional dairy, and often chemicals for flavoring, milkshakes can leave you feeling sluggish and sick. Skip them and try one of the smoothie recipes in The Beauty Detox Solution,instead.
7. Deep fried cheese sticks
Take cheese (loaded with fat, salt, hormones and antibiotics), bread it, and deep fry it. How does that even sound as if it might be “food”? Skip them and have some veggie sticks with hummus, instead.
8. Fish and chips
Many people select this as a “healthy” alternative in fast food, but it is anything but that. Fish serves as a sponge that mops up all of the toxic chemicals from the sea. Bread it in wheat flour (gluten) and fry it up, and you’re looking at an unhealthy meal. Avoid fish unless you know where it comes from, and opt for a salad instead.
9. Pepperoni pizza
Cheese and white flour combined with nitrosamine-containing salty processed meats, pizza is toxic and unhealthy. Why not try some brown rice or quinoa pasta with tomato sauce instead?
10. Tuna melt
Tuna contains mercury, while other additions to the sandwich contain HFCS, dairy, salt, and gluten. Combined with the processed bread it comes on and possibly cheese throw in the mix, it truly is a toxic horror. How about a veggie wrap, instead?
11. Caesar salad
The salad part is okay – it’s everything else, the dressing, cheese, and croutons that are a problem. Caesar salad dressing likely contains salt, HFCS, eggs, and lots of fat. Instead, opt for a naked salad and add a squeeze of lemon and some tomato and mashed avocado for dressing.
12. Hamburger chili
The main concern with hamburger chili is the beef, which is very likely laden with hormones and antibiotics. Fast food hamburger may also contain E. coli and some pretty gross ingredients including artificial color. Instead, have some vegetarian chili or vegetable soup.
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13. Nachos
Corn chips loaded with cheese, meat and beans and then dipped in sour cream? Really?? Dairy, hamburger, salt, and GMO corn are just a few of the health issues associated with this high fat, high calorie snack. Instead, have some vegetable sticks dipped in salsa.
14. Popcorn shrimp
Shrimp is like other fish, a dirty toxic dumping ground in the ocean for chemicals like PCBs and mercury. Take those chemicals and dip them in flour and salt, and deep fry them and you have a very unhealthy meal, particularly if you dip them in HFCS-laden cocktail or tartar sauce. If you really want fish, try some wild caught Pacific salmon.
15. Churros
These sweet bits of dough contain wheat (gluten), sugar, salt, and high-fructose corn syrup. Avoid them and have a piece of fruit.
16. Cheesecake
Dessert in fast food places isn’t much better than the main meal. Cheesecake is particularly bad because it not only has sugar, salt, and chemicals, but also hormone-laden dairy. Avoid it, and try some yummy Chia Pudding.
17. Hot dog
Have you ever read what’s in hot dogs? They are created from “meat trimmings” which may include organs that have been mechanically separated into a paste, blended with salt and other chemicals, and shaped into a hot dog. High in sodium, many hot dogs also contain HFCS and other unhealthy ingredients. Instead, try a veggie sandwich.
18. Teriyaki chicken
Many people believe this is a very healthy option because it is low in fat and calories, but teriyaki chicken contains high levels of sugar, sodium, genetically-modified soy, MSG, and other unhealthy chemicals. Try vegetables and brown rice, instead.
19. Fish fillet sandwich
These sandwiches have the same problems as fish and chips – mercury and other chemicals, HFCS, breading, and lots of fat. Opt for a salad with some avocado or a sliced veggie burger on top.
20. Beef burrito
The biggest problem in a beef burrito is the beef and cheese. Dairy, hormones, antibiotics – they’re all in there. Instead, have a heart veggie burrito with some rice and beans (hold the cheese) if you are hungry.
21. Taco
Beef, chemicals in seasonings, cheese, and fried GMO corn all contribute to how unhealthy this food is. Make a taco salad with black beans and salsa, instead.
22. Chicken nuggets
The mainstay of children around the world, chicken nuggets are terrible for you. First, they are made from mechanically separated conventional chicken (hormones, antibiotics)and then breaded with flour and salt (gluten), and contain copious amounts of corn bi-products. These are going to harm your kids’ health. Instead, offer them almond butter on celery sticks or a hummus sandwich.
23. Milk
Many parents select milk for their kids as a healthy fast food choice. Milk is filled with hormones and antibiotics, and is very difficult to digest. Instead, drink plain water.
24. Cold cut sandwich
Cold cuts have all kinds of chemicals, lots of sodium, and contaminated animal protein. They are also high in fat, and if you add cheese, dairy. Instead, have a hummus and veggie wrap.
25. Chef’s salad
Eggs, lunch meat, and fat laden dressing make this “healthy” salad a really unhealthy choice loaded with fat, salt, sugar, and all of the bad stuff that comes in meat. Instead, opt for a hearty green salad with some quinoa or avocado on top.
Health Costs of Fast Foods
The result of all of this fast food consumption in America is a growing obesity problem. Obesity is on the rise in all sectors and age groups, with youth obesity being of significant concern. Disease is on the rise, as well, and much of it links directly to diet. Rates of type 2 diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and heart disease have all risen as fast food has proliferated in America. A 2009 study printed in the journal Obesity examined the calorie count of the average fast food lunch. On average, the study found customers ate about 827 calories for a single meal, with chicken chains coming in at the highest count (931 calories) and sandwich chains such as subway having the lowest calorie counts (about 750). Clearly, all of those calories are not great for your waistline, but regular readers know I always stress it’s not just about calories- many of the ingredients used in fast food meals that cause the most concern.
Unhealthy Ingredients
Fast food meals are rife with all kind of unhealthy ingredients, including: High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) can be found in condiments (mayo, ketchup, mustard), soda, fries, desserts, salad dressings, and bread products. HFCS is a totally artificial sweetener that has been linked to obesity, liver scarring, and type 2 diabetes. Gluten is found in breading, buns, and other bread-like products. Gluten comes from wheat flour, and the human body is unable to process it well. Dairy in fast food meals comes in the form of milkshakes, ice cream, and cheese that are high in saturated fat. The human body does not process dairy well, and it is laden with hormones and antibiotics.
Conventional animal products such as beef, chicken, and eggs are laden with hormones and antibiotics. Additionally, conventionally raised beef and chickens are usually higher in saturated fat than pasture- raised animals.- Conventional vegetables used in salads and hamburgers may be laden with pesticides or genetically modified. They are low quality and may be generally lower in minerals and other nutrients.
- Artificial sweetener in diet sodas may be neurotoxic and dangerous to health.
- Cheap table salt is found in dangerously high levels in fast food, and is highly processed and can lead to an array of health problems and water retention.
- Fish may contain toxic levels of mercury and other chemicals.
- MSG is a neurotoxic flavor enhancer that excites brain cells to the point of death.
- Hamburger meat contains the aforementioned hormones and antibiotics, but it is also very likely to contain E. coli 0157:H7, which is a dangerous pathogen. Ground beef is also often the bi-product remnants of the cow after all of the other cuts have been removed, ground up and colored to look fresher. Yep, it’s pretty much one of the most disgusting things I can personally think of that one can eat.
Conventional animal products such as beef, chicken, and eggs are laden with hormones and antibiotics. Additionally, conventionally raised beef and chickens are usually higher in saturated fat than pasture- raised animals.Fast Food School Lunches
I think it is important to mention here that most school lunches are fast food. The lunches, often “catered” by fast food corporations and are high in sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, dairy, and empty carbs. I strongly suggest parents protect their kids’ health by packing a healthful lunch rather than relying on school lunches, which are essentially fast food meals on a tray.
How to Eat Instead
In The Beauty Detox Solution, I outline a healthy, plant-based diet with plenty of foods for energy to stay vitalized. With some planning and preparation, you can avoid all of those fast food marketing messages and eat well when you’re on the road, as well. Carry chopped veggies or raw almonds with you, and make smoothies you keep in the freezer for when you’re on the run. The times where you may be forced to eat in a fast food restaurant, make intelligent choices by sticking mostly to vegetables or plant-based menu items. Avoiding fast food is important for your health, but it is equally important for another reason, as well.
If you have children, eating fast food can be detrimental to their health. As an adult, it’s up to you to set the example for making wise choices in order to teach your kids to make wise choices for themselves. Regular consumption of fast food is never a wise health choice and can even lead to addiction to this most unhealthy method of eating. Eating fast food should also never be a “reward”, because it teaches kids that eating fast food is a prize. By consistently making choices for your health, you are teaching your child to do the same, a skill that will help them become healthier adults. In the long-run, they will love that you made those choices for them.
This sounds like common sense my problem is I wish I could have someone else cook for me since I have to cook for my kids and they like some healthy stuff. I need a mail order food plan that doesn’t cost an arm and leg for me.
Focus on simple recipes- simple is better. Smoothies, salads, etc. Even cutting up veggie sticks and eating with hummus would be an easy improvement!
Same
Kim,
What do you tell parents to give their children instead of milk for calcium?
Google HIGH CALCIUM FOOD and cut out everything which is bad. Like fish or milk products or tofu. I made very good experience with preparing papayas, oranges or almonds as a snackbox for school! And a tablespoon of flax seeds in the morning doesn’t hurt either.
Lately i’m eperimenting with chia seeds and while i’ve been a little withdrawn because of the texture when they are soaked the kids loved it! They thought it was fun and had a blast pretending they were frog eggs…
I go into detail in the Beauty Detox Solution why the calcium in dairy products is inefficiently absorbed into the body. Dark leafy greens (spinach, collard greens for wraps, etc.), seeds like sesame or sunflower seeds, figs, a wide variety of plant foods, etc.
I read somewhere that it is better to drink skimmed milk instead of whole milk.but i dont know an instead of milk option
Thanks love this article! I am going to repost on my fitness site!
Great, thank you!
Ive been on the beauty detox plan for a few months now and only craved bad food for the first few weeks. Then, everything seemed gross and I had no desire to eat unhealthy. Lately I have been having cravings… This entire list looks yummy! Especially the fish filet, nachos and pepperoni pizza! Why am I having these cravings???!!! Help! I don’t want to slip!
Cravings are a natural part of the process of deeper detoxification, as old residues arise to the surface. Reread the section in the Beauty Detox on cravings, and overcoming walls.
Keep yourself strictly on the GGS, the Probiotic & Enzyme Salad, salads, etc. even if you aren’t completely perfect 100% of the time. Over time the chlorophyll and other phytonutrients will help your body rebalance. Be patient and gentle with yourself.
It took me 2 years to fully get over my cheese cravings! xx
Thank you for this article. I have your book and am having the green smoothies, not regularly yet. It is difficult because I don’t have the time to make the recipes and I lose weight very quickly. I am 105 lbs and don’t want to lose I’d rather gain weight. I don’t know how to eat healthy and gain weight. I have a 10 year old daughter and am trying to have her eat healthy but she is not getting enough nutrition and always getting sick quickly. Guess I don’t have enough recipes. I really want to do this, fast food is just disgusting to me and sometimes when she is out of school and really hungry it is so convenient to give in to fast food. I hate doing that but she’d rather a filet fish than a salad when she is “starving” after school. Thank you for putting the substitutes. Kim if you or anyone can give me more ideas I will be grateful. I want to make sure she is getting nutrients but at this stage she is growing and always hungry. She is not overweight but I want her to enjoy her healthy meals. She is allergic to nuts.
Hey Jackie,
Check out my blogs on healthy snacks for kids. Hummus and veggie sandwiches, avocado sandwiches, black bean and brown rice burritos are a few choices- simple and filling. Kids do really great on the Glowing Green Smoothie as well as the Rainforest Acai Shake (some of my clients’ kids call it the “purple shake” 🙂 ).
If you are trying to keep weight on, keep up with your healthy fats like soaked almonds, walnuts, avocados, coconuts, etc. These are easy things you can keep around to eat, so you don’t have to make complex recipes all the time.
Keep in touch! xx
Question about Avacado? Does it matter it the Avacado is not organic? Some has said that the outer protects against the pestcide. However, I’d like to know, have they been genectically motified, too?
Hi Kimberley
I have bought your book and am wanting to start with the Glowing Green Smoothy but Kale is not readily available here. I am trying to grow some, but can you suggest a suitable alternative ingredient please?
Many thanks
Kathy
Source whatever local dark leafy greens you can find- collards are great, as is swiss chard, spinach, arugula, etc. I rotate my greens a lot! xx
As some one who is trying to lead a diet free of gluten, meat & dairy. What tips do you have for when you are on the go? I find that I can easily stick to my diet when I am home and able to prepare for myself and my husband’s work day…but it is inevitable that when traveling either by car or plane, visiting family, and other similar situations that make it very difficult to maintain the “plan”. So what do you suggest we do for these situations? What advise do you have? Or what options on the “fast food ” menu are better, maybe not the best, but better when in a tough spot. Living in the midwest also makes this very difficult as there is very little healthy options…
Hi Brittany,
Check out my travel snack blogs. Even when visiting family, just try to begin your dinners and lunches with some kind of raw veggie or green salad.
I believe that Subway carries avocado now, so in a real bind you could get an avocado and veggie salad or sandwich from there!
xx
Hi Kim
Are the flavored Vita Cocos ok to drink? Or should we just stick with the Pure flavor? Also, can you post your Puerto Rican GGS recipe… pretty please 😉
Oh yes, the Puerto Rican GGS! I am drinking one right now- wish I could show you the picture of me sitting her drinking it while I write you. 🙂 I will post!!
The flavored Vita Cocos are high in sugar- stick with regular. xx
great article ,Kimberly, keep the work up. It is about time that the US returns back to Whole Food.
Many patients I had/have, especially Kids ,really don’t know what reall Food looks like anymore.
Barbara, it’s great that you do, and can help inspiring your patients as well!! xx
I guess I have to stop eating then. lol Thanks for this post. I definetly NEED some alternatives.
Alexis, even simple steps, like keeping almonds and apples stocked at work, in your car etc. to prevent starvation-induced fast food eating, can be a big help! xx
Great post, Kim! So important that kids learn early on (by example) what foods they should be eating. I used to pull into mc Donald’s when I was starving but your amazing recommendation of chlorella tablets have managed to curb my hunger long enough for me to get to decent food!
Wonderful! Chlorella does help!
Hello there!
I am sure you are quite busy but I do have a question for you. You are very inspiring and truly life changing for people. I have a healthy family ( hubby and two baby boys) My youngest will soon be one and I will be weaning him from nursing. Would you recommend almond milk or coconut milk for him? Or any other great ideas of good protein/fat beverages for a kiddo this young? We don’t do dairy for my 3 year old either but did when he was just turning one. We soon stopped due to constipation for him. I would LOVE your input.
HI Jonnie,
Thank you!
A great food for your one year old is bananas mashed with avocado. Each child reacts to different milks differently- see which one he does better on. You can make banana shakes or throw in some acai.
For one of my clients’ one-year olds I make the chia pudding, blended with whole young coconut meat and water, and they love it so much. Chia seeds and other ground seeds/nuts blended into the milks are a great option as well. xx
while i never ever ever eat fast food, i think many do, it would be good to have a list of things they can order if they must have fast food. I know plant based diet is the best way to go but i have noticed many of your blogs put down animal products, it would be good to see some stuff that are better choices for those who are not plant based.
I try to eat mostly plant based, no dairy and no grains but i’m not a raw foodie by any means nor am i a vegan. so for those like me it would be nice to have choices.
I love your blog btw, and eat many of your recipes and have your green smoothie every single morning. because of the smoothie my sun spots and psoriasis have gotten better
That’s great Monica. The animal products at fast food establishments are particularly low quality, so it is very hard for me to recommend anything there.
Even if someone eats some animal protein, they’d be better off saving occasions to get a better cut of meat somewhere else.
It’s great that places like Subway carry avocado, by the way. xx
Monica, read my post above!
Very interesting to see milk on the list. I would have thought chocolate and ice cream would have been on the list too but perhaps are more classified as snacks rather than fast food?
Hi Kimberly, thank you for your previous replies – I am very grateful 🙂
I love the healthy food alternatives your offer in this post. I absolutely love all your recipes and really look forward to your new book!
In a previous post you suggested I have 1 green apple and stevia in the GGS, and forgo other fruit as I still believe I have candida. I can’t buy organic green apples in OZ at the moment, so was wondering what the next best choice would be for now?
Also, I can’t seem to find raw tahini here – I bought an all natural 100% organic, unhulled tahini, but I believe the sesame seeds are toasted. Is that ok or do you ever make your own? Do your store in fridge or cupboard and you keep for how long?
Do you also have a fav brand of coconut oil? I don’t love coconut flavored things and I did try cooking an egg in coconut oil a while ago, but all I could taste was the coconut – does the coconut taste penetrate all foods so much? I would love to try again, as I’ve read how much you like it. I’m still using grapeseed oil at the moment for your east west baked veggies.
I would love to read more posts on your fav make-up & skin care brands. It’s a little expensive for me to import Sally b’s to OZ. Would love your opinion on laser hair removal too!
Thank you again! Julia x
Hi!
For a Belgian, a lot of these meals and snacks look awfull. We are not used to such large amounts of cheese and grease ! I’m sorry, but some of these things look repugnant (like the nachos, bweeuk). So : although there is some(a lot) room for improvement in our diet, I think we are not doing so badly here….
Thanks for all the help!
Greetings from Antwerpn, Belgium
All milk products really are part of that category- McFlurries, shakes, etc. 🙂
I thought this to be written by a vegetarian. No meat not even Grilled chicken? Hmmmm no eggs? Really? I eat 7 egg whites a day. Nothing wrong with eggs, grilled (no hormone)chicken and (no hormone) Lean Beef. Most of what is written in this was very accurate about the various Junk Food Items, but I disagree on several of the solutions.
Leory its also about the anitbiotics in the chicken and ground beef…. Foster Farms (a leading brand) chicken says “No Added Hormones” but what you need is for it to say no added antibiotics 🙂 in her book she talks about antibiotics… check it out.
Hi, Kimberly
What is your opinion of all the brands of Stevia on the market? What’s your advice on Truvia and other “natural” sweeteners where related to your “Beauty Detox Solution.” You didn’t mention this brand, only Agave and Splenda in your book. I could really use some guidance on the natural sweeteners. I find stevia to be bitter and I can’t find the xylitol, even in my Whole Foods Market.
I’ve been doing the Glowing Green Smoothy at least 4 out of 7 days a week and I still get cravings for something sweet at night. Any suggestions for knocking out a sweet tooth craving?
Thank you for all your wonderful and helpful information contained in your book. It has helped me start (and maintain) some very good new habits. But, I still have a long way to go. I’m a diehard meat eater, although I love eating fresh veggies and some fruits. I’m just not crazy about fruits.
I really appreciate your help.
Sincerely,
P. Baylock (2/29/12)
Hi Kimberly,
You talk a lot about avoiding soda and diet soda and can say that I am now committed to that, I am horrified by what they actually do to your body, I had no idea!
I just want to clarify your position on soda water/sparkling mineral water?
Is this also bad for you, or are there specific times it is good to drink/not to drink.
Thanks heaps for all your advice!
Hi Kimberly is difficulte for me to ride your cronic but i try I speak french and i have a question when your book are traducing in french. Your a source of inspiration and i buy a vitaminix and a use only for drink juce fruit i dont no make other recipt. thank you
Great Article Kimberly!!
I need help finding gluten-free bread options. Last week, my husband and I was exciting to try Food of Life- Genesis 1:29 Sprouted Grain & Seed Bread that is a highly recommend product. I was surprise to see Organic Sprouted Whole Wheat and Organic Wheat Gluten listed as ingredients. What is the difference between a product with gluten vs. organic wheat gluten? Thanks.
When will you have a book signing in Atlanta, GA?
Hi Kim,
Thanks for your posts and guidance. I find I look forward to them so much.
I have an irregular period and I’m trying to monitor my blood sugar spikes. Will drinking green juice (just greens, no fruit, only lemon and ginger) in the morning on an empty stomach make your blood sugar spike? What about if it contains sugary veggies carrots or beets?
I find the GGS very sweet because I’m so used to drinking all-green juice.
Do you have any advice for me? Does keeping the fiber in the smoothie help with blood sugar spikes?
Thanks so much
Daisy
Hi Kim,
I’m addicted to your book and your GGS. Thanks for all this great advise! =D
I really want to start the Radiant Beauty phase but my problem is that I never have dinner because I do not have the time (I’m a student and I have classes every night). I have always had my breakfast, lunch, and snacks, but at night I just have a coconut milk yogurt, some veggies with hummus or sauerkraut with an avocado. Do you have any idea of how to organize my food schedule? or it is possible to have the dinner menu suggested in the Radiant Beauty at lunch?
Again, thanks a lot for sharing all your knowledge.
At home I eat organic fruits and vegetables, avoid all GMO products, eat only organic chicken and incorporate superfoods daily: Chia seeds, flaxseed, raw cacao power, spirulina, plant protein mix, goji berriers, raw honey. I make vegetable smoothies (from your website) and make the detox lemon/ginger, cayenne pepper drink (from your website.) Thanks
This is my concern. I will be at a dance convention for a week this summer. I will eat healthy for breakfast and lunch, but I have to eat the eveing meal at a restaurant. What would be the lesser of two evils: eat growth hormones/meal, or ingest muliple pesticides/salads. Fish will, no doubt, will be farm raised. The best I can come up with is fish and raw vegetables–as long as they are not on the dirty dozen list. Any suggestion would be greatly appreicated.
Love it – great list! All those fast foods listed literally make me physically ill, except for when I’m able to get them places with hormone-free dairy and meat. GMOs just freak me out, so I can’t imagine taking chances with them. And Pesticides? Gross. Haven’t eaten anything with MSG in many, many years due to an MSG sensitivity
I have only recently discovered you and your book…and I am already a big fan! I have been a vegetarian for over 20 years and follow a lot of your nutritional advice already. However where I struggle is with a quick and easy protein source for on the go. I eat Tofurky for a quick option for lunch without having to cook up lentils or beans etc… I already eat an almond and red walnut mix in the morning and I do cook at night…but it is the on the go lunch that I seem to have a challenge with what to select. I know Tofurky is not a good option but it is sooooo easy! Do you have better suggestions for quick snacks and easy lunches to pack for work for a vegetarian that does not require cooking and is high in protein?
I just found your website through Pinerest. I like your website to a point. Your website bans a lot of animal products. I grew up as many others did with animal meats and products. The problem we have towards following your recomendations are we have a daughter who was diagnosed with Dormant TB (non-contagious) last year. She went through the treament, health is slowly getting back to normal. Not only does she have to live with the fear of this thing waking up just by getting an severe cold, but she is also Anemic, Hypo Glaucemic and just recently discovered she has a Heart Murmur. Her body needs all the help we can provide. She takes vitamin suplements on a daily basis just to thrive from one day to the next. How in the world do you provide for someone who needs all the help she could possibly get? We have not seen a nutritionist due to college and work schedule. We do not eat at fast food resteraunts but maybe three times a year. All of our meals are cooked at home. We make all of our desserts. I try to implement fruits and veggies, but the prices to purchase them is getting outrageous. We plan on growing our own veggies this year. I cannot have chickens in my yard. We just don’t have the room. We do get fresh farm eggs from my in-laws every once in a while. Their chickens can’t keep up with our demand. We go through about thirty-six eggs weekly!! We do not drink soft drinks but on special occassions (about twice a year). We drink about 104 ouces of water daily and we drink a couple of cups of coffee (mine has natural sugar and creamer). What else can we do?
Hello Kristian. I use a supplement called AIM Transfer Factor for building my immune system. Let me know if you are interested and I will send you more info.
What about almond cheese? Is it okay to eat?
I’ve noticed most store bought almond and rice cheese is actually made with casein, which is dairy. Which obviously is not very good for you if you are trying to avoid dairy. You can find several recipes online for all sorts of vegan cheese recipes that look yummy.
Hi Kimberly,
I just can’t stop reading this blog since I found it, and I wanted to thank you for this!
I went through big nutrition changes in year 2010 winter with a guidance of an Nutritionist and she had actually introduced me to GGS, I really loved it and don’t know syy I stopped it? We moved to another country,middle East where I sort of went back on my old bad habits,having Starbucks coffee every morning,and that lead to even more
sugar gravings and started getting sick and all the bad things started coming back again.. Candida over grown and that really put stop on everything+ I’m having acne spots again,SO I said to myself that’s it. I can’t order your book from Amazon to this country since I am afraid it will never arrive, and i have to wait two more weeks until my mother comes and she has ordered your book to me,really, can’t wait! I started the green smoothie every morning with hot lemon water before that and i am already feeling much more energetic during the day. One question came to my mind that where could I order Kombucha Tea and is it suitable for me know since I still might have some candida over growth?? Thank you already for you response and I just can’t wait to get back that glown on me inside and out;)
Hi Charotta, I’m curious, what does candida/overgrown feel like (stomach, skin, etc.) What do you find some of the symptoms are with you? I swear I’m going through that same issue but I can’t get anyone to hear it. Thanks!
I have been gluten-free for almost 6 years now. While I have never really worked out and eaten sugar and such, people always marvel that I’m not morbidly obese. With working out and eating healthier I’ve seen an even larger difference. Although I’ve kept on eating dairy, about 5 minutes on your blog was enough to make me want to swear off dairy and cheese for life! Thanks for this info, Kim!
haha
(yn)
Hi Kimberly,
First I love your book! I’m curious, is there a detox program/seminar anywhere I could attend? In the book you had mentioned of something, but I’m curious if you offer anything or would recommend somewhere/or someone? I too, have the rippled nails, yellow-ish tint/eyes, dry hair, and have had that sluggish, bloating feeling. I’ve been making green smoothies for several months now and they always make me feel better (without that sickly full-bloating feeling). But, I need something to really get me jump started, sort of push! I do great in the morning, but its the remainder of the day that I end up feeling discouraged and depressed when I notice these things. Also, I find it difficult to toss healthy, snacks and meals together (that both my husband and I would enjoy together). I’ve purchased some vegan books and have tried several recipes but from what I read, eating vegan isnt necessarily eating healthy, which is what I want to learn to do!
Thanks for your time!
I bought your book a few months ago and immediately switched to almond milk. My allergies improved some but in the last 10 days, I’ve given up dairy and almost all sugar besides fruit sugars. Right now I’m very sick with a cold but I have to say, in general my health has improved in the two months have I’ve regularly had GGS every morning. My question, though, is can giving up these sorts of things and adding more greens help with skin? I’m 25, almost 26 and still battle embarrassing acne on my chin area and up into my cheeks. I’ve only given dairy up fully about 10 days ago. Do you think this will help? I don’t drink coffee or soda. After battling health issues that have stumped doctors for 4 years, I’m hoping this healthier eating plan will be a way of life that can get me feeling better again!
Hey! I don’t eat any of these things and they all sound gross to me. It’s funny how the longer I stick to the plant-based diet the less I want that other kind of food. I feel like I’m really on the right track but I still do get cravings for certain foods.
Taste is inversely proportional to healthiness. The better a food tastes the less healthy it is for you generally.
Everything in moderation, plus exercise is my motto. Giving up good food for a person that has a palate, is like giving up color vision.
Milk? Realy? please someone explain more?
Bullshit! Milk is the best diet one can ever take. And classifying it as fast food is so ridiculous. Maybe her mammary glands are non functional and she is embarassed about it. So to avoid feeding her child milk she has come up with a brand new idea to classify milk as unhealthy. I am really amzed to see how far pople can go and how far people like me go! lol!
Research it a little further and make your own unbiased judgement on milk. But think about it with a dash of common sense: Why are we considering the milk of another mammal as an essential component of our diet? That is not natural. Cow’s milk is for cow babies. Countries that don’t consume milk have dramatically lower rates of bone-related diseases. Look at children that start on formula or milk when they turn a year-old- how many of them end up with ear infections and colic. Even breastfeeding mothers can cause colic in their babies from consuming too much dairy. Your body better absorbs calcium from food like broccoli and kale.
I highly recommend reading The China Study. It answers your question about milk in great detail.
http://rense.com/general26/truth.htm
Actually about milk. If you do proper research milk is not as healthy as the “milk industry” likes to cliam. The amount of protein in milk is too high, when we take in too much protein we just “poop” it out. Calcium is notorious for attaching itself to protein so in turn we end up disposing of calcium rather than absorbing itproperly. The best sources of calcium is actually:
Spinach
Kale
Okra
Collards
Soy beans
White beans
Some fish, like sardines, salmon, perch, and rainbow trout
Foods that are calcium fortified, such as some orange juice, oatmeal, and breakfast cereal
Don’t be fooled by the advertisements of milk campaigns, of tobacco companies said their products were healthy for you because they make your body produce more red blood cells they would be partially correct, doesn’t mean the end result is actually healthy. Remember they get paid to tell you it’s heathly because it boost sales.
Actually, i don’t think milk is unhealthy. Milk is actually really good for our body. Well…that’s all i can say.
is it just me that I am seeing antibiotics and hormones and rancid oils too often??
What’s with this lady, damn it!
It’s so silly to see that everyday a new self appointed governor of healthy living comes up gives us crap!
Dude, we all know what we are eating and we digest every bit of it ! If you can’t keep it to yourself!
actually we dont know what we are eating. have you seen the ingredients list on your food? do you know what sodium erythorbate/thiamine mononitrate/riboflavin/folic acid/niacin/sodium acid pyrophosphate are? (all ingredients in foster farms corn dogs) its ridiculous to see how many products there are in our food that normal people have no idea what they are or where they come from.
Wow…For almost every single option listed, this person opted for you to have a vegetarian alternative. Biased much? How about this, instead of buying the frozen store bought crap meats, go to your local butcher, grab yourself some of the leanest WHITE MEAT possible, and have at it! Or, if you’re in the mood for red meat, make your own patties with lean ground beef and make the patties thinner.
This person seems to just want to preach that vegetarianism is the only solution to bad eating habits and avoiding unhealthy foods. Potatoes are veggies, but are chock full of starches. Anything can be harmful for you if overdone, and that’s exactly what happens with most meats, and other non-vegitarian items. people OVER EAT them! All you need to do is exhibit a little self control, not entertain the notion of becoming a vegetarian.
Fun fact, if you convert to a vegetarian but don’t ensure you are getting enough supplements (i.e., drugs that give you vitamins and minerals that while found in certain meat products, are scarce elsewhere). So, while you’re ingesting yourself with pills, remember that you can still end up malnourished. That’s why there’s the FOUR basic food groups. In other words, you’re not supposed to cut meat and dairy out, but what you can do, is stop being such a gluttonous pig and start eating proportionately.
I dont mind people being vegetarian or vegan but they dont have to preach about how people should eat. I enjoy eating meat , veggies, fruits and grains. Im not a picky eater.I dont like telling people how to eat . Meat is healthy if its lean and not soaked in fat and batter.
I agree. I was very clear that the writer was pushing for a vegetarian diet. We are omnivores, designed and required to eat from all food groups to stay properly nourished. Our dilemma is the quantity of food available, the state in which it is available to us (processed beyond belief), and the lack of activity in our daily lives. THAT is why we are not lean. Going all vegetables is great for a short term diet but not long term lifestyle. Like it was said before me, that is why you need to take all kinds of supplement pills.
I really don’t think my kids would like it if I tried to feed them a hummus sandwich or celery. Could you give me some more suggestions that they might like better?
You could certainly see your expertise in the paintings you write.
The world hopes for even more passionate writers such as you who are not afraid to mention how they
believe. Always follow your heart.
Surprisingly revealing many many thanks, I do think your readers may well want further blog posts such as this carry on the wonderful work.
Regarding citing the above blog many will accept the above because its accurate and it is good reading from a person that’s posting info such as this on the internet to think about.
Hi,
I guess I have to stop eating then. lol Thanks for this post. I definetly NEED some alternatives.
Thanks for checking this blog out Charles Edward. Sending lots of love and support on your journey to eating less junk food! 😉
Thank you for sharing the valueable article.
Lots of love to you Sanchita! 😉
Great list! I was aware of most of it, but still found a couple surprises. It just goes to show that we need to eat fresh and not from cans or boxes as much as possible!
Thanks for checking this blog post out and so happy you have found some information that will be helpful to you. Lots of love and continued support!
I love to do workouts but also concern about my diet plans, thank for this helpful information I will definitely avoid these junk foods.
Thank you so much for checking this post out. So happy you found it helpful. Sending you so much love! 😉