5 Foods to Cut Out in 2015

With a New Year dawning, all of us want to start it in the best way we can and make positive changes to our lives. And what better time than the present? You can make a difference to your mind and body by making small changes to your diet and reducing or cutting out certain foods. Here are the top 5 we think will make the most difference!

1. Refined Carbohydrates (white bread, pasta, sugar, flour and rice)

These foods are mainly full of empty calories and have little nutritional benefit. ‘White’ foods will quickly be converted into sugars by your body and send your blood sugar soaring. These foods are also more quickly digested by the body than their un-processed counterparts so you will be feeling hungry again soon after eating. Switch to wholemeal bread and pasta and brown rice instead.

2. Animal Protein

Animal protein such as bacon, sausages and cheese are often high in saturated fat and cholesterol so it is best to get your all-important protein intake from plant sources instead. People who eat the most animal-based foods are likely to get the most chronic of diseases such as high blood pressure, stroke or heart disease.

3. Caffeine

You make think that you need that coffee first thing in the morning to get you going but in fact it could be detrimental to your health. A common side effect is dehydration as it increases urine production and it is very important to replace these lost fluids. Other side effects include nervousness and mood swings. As caffeine is a drug, unfortunately there will be withdrawal symptoms such as nausea and headaches too. Stick to green tea!

4. Milk

We have all been programmed from a young age to think that milk is vital for calcium however this proved to be untrue. Like all animal protein, milk acidifies the body pH which in turn triggers a biological correction. Calcium is an excellent acid neutraliser and the biggest storage of calcium in the body is in the bones. The calcium that our bones need to stay strong is used to neutralise the acidifying effect of milk and leaves the body via the urine. Kale actually contains more calcium than milk!

5. Artificial Sweeteners

Sucralose and aspartame are common sweeteners in products found on shelves today. Sucralose is produced by chlorinating sucrose and chlorine is a known carcinogen which is a cancer-causing substance. Aspartame has been investigated as a possible cause of brain tumours, mental retardation, birth defects, epilepsy, Parkinson’s Disease and diabetes. Steer away from ‘diet’ drinks and instead use honey or maple syrup if you need to add sweetness.