I’m fairly controlling and love vetting food that is kid-friendly (whatever that means), husband friendly (or “dude food”) and Foodtrainers friendly. I’ll admit I feel a little virtuous when all boxes are checked. Take this past weekend. We packed the car with the coffin-sized cooler. As we made our way North the kids picked at strawberries, Kirby cucumber and cinnamon popcorn I had popped. We stopped at a pizza place that uses a lot of organic ingredients, has gluten free pizza, delicious vegetables and even organic beer for Marc. I then hit the Brattleboro food coop to refill our kombucha and maple syrup bottles -gotta love Vermont. The next day I filled the slow cooker with ingredients for a lentil sweet potato soup. Healthy, organized but this was all going to change.
Tuesday, I had what seems to have been a 2-day migraine or virus. Foolish enough to not let dizziness derail me me, I went to play tennis. I play for an hour with a friend and then they kids come for their after school lessons. As I stumbled off the court I saw my son holding this:
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“J’s mother got it for me, is it ok this one time?” It took every ounce of my depleted energy to be dishonest but I summoned up “sure”. There was nothing about the situation that was going to be a teachable moment and I was feeling too lousy to police. So this neon concoction with high fructose corn syrup as first ingredient and a collection of chemicals and blue dye was ingested by my 7 year old. One saving grace, I don’t think he liked it. Most of it remains. It says, “refrigerate after opening” but I’m fairly certain this blue beverage could outlast me.
The nutrition nightmare wasn’t over. We rushed home because Granny was taking us out to dinner for blue-drinking son’s birthday. His birthday isn’t for a couple of weeks but Granny will be out of the country; you may not know my mother but she and her boyfriend are always out of the country. I only add this because me and my migraine were off to Benihana for a nasty hibachi dinner sure to be chock filled with tidbits about my mother and “Dr Ron’s” upcoming South America adventures.
Marc texted to tell me he’d drive us to the restaurant. In the car, I looked down to grab my blackberry charger and saw this in the ashtray
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| Maybe it should be called a gumtray |
As I glared at the gum, Marc did what any “dude” would do and popped a piece in his mouth. The nauseating faux-spearmint smell filled the car. My head was pounding, my mother awaiting, there was no holding back. “So you don’t drink diet cancer anymore, right?”. Marc ignored me, chomping away. “Do you think gum is any different?” At this point my corruptible birthday boys said “Dad can I have a piece?” The gum gushing was off and it wasn’t going to stop.
SORBITOL sugar alcohol AKA guaranteed gassiness , GUM BASE, GLYCEROL, MANNITOL another sugar alcohol, bystanders beware, NATURAL AND ARTIFICAL FLAVORS, HYDROGENATED STARCH HYDROLYSATE (also polyols and 20% to 50% as sweet as sugar); LESS THAN 2% OF: ASPARTAME migraine trigger, carcinogen and potential contributor to preterm labor ACESULFAME K stimulates insulin secretion, part of the argument that sweet begets sweet. Plus hasn’t been properly tested SOY LECITHIN an emulsifier, to separate this from soybean oil chemical solvents are used, plus should we place bets about whether this soy is non GMO? BHT (TO MAINTAIN FRESHNESS) BHT is banned in England, at higher doses causes animals to bleed it brain, can damage heart cells and retard weight gain and as CSPI says “bottom line is that BHA and BHT are unnecessary. There are safer ways to prolong the shelf life of foods." COLORS (TURMERIC, BLUE 1 LAKE). “Blue is for brain tumors” as blue 1 shown to cause in animals. Chew on that.
So yes, my family eats healthy most of the time. In general, I try to offer advice only when we're alone. I know one neon drink, every so often, is to be expected from a seven year old but gum? Totally nasty and I don't think people think about it.
Do you say something when your family members eat something blatantly unhealthy? What food bothers you most? Are you a gum chewer? Had you contemplated the ingredients? And yes, I realize not everyone swallows their gum and I am still anti.
So yes, my family eats healthy most of the time. In general, I try to offer advice only when we're alone. I know one neon drink, every so often, is to be expected from a seven year old but gum? Totally nasty and I don't think people think about it.
Do you say something when your family members eat something blatantly unhealthy? What food bothers you most? Are you a gum chewer? Had you contemplated the ingredients? And yes, I realize not everyone swallows their gum and I am still anti.
I'd say you're doing pretty well if those are their only violations. Personally, I learned my lesson not to say anything and just lead by example unless I'm asked but I'm with you on the gum. Totally vile. I never chew it
ReplyDeleteHigh five on the gum (and I'm not a high five girl. In all seriousness we're doing pretty well but the world is filled with blue dye.
DeleteHAHAHA! I love you and I don't even know you. I think the only things I really go agro about are frozen dinners and boxed/canned meals. One night A was super hungry and I had something like eggwhites and veggies for dinner because I was not very hungry so he marched across the street to the corner bodega and came back with a can of DINY MOORE! It was dusty and cobwebbed (I didn't even know the brand was still in existence). I went off on all the other options and I read the ingredient list to him, none of which translated to Beef or Stew. He had about half the bowl and was sick for a day. He never bought Dinty Moore again. Another thing that gets me going is Jiff or Skippy PB. I get inappropriately annoyed at hydrogenated oil and sugar. Oh, and a different time Andrew came home with a frozen burrito from the bodega that I also went apesh! about. I've since turned him on to Amy's so that's good.
ReplyDeleteI used to chew a lot of gum back in the day (before I knew better) and now I avoid it but maybe I should remind others of how bad it is... Sometimes I feel like for me (NOT being a nutritionist) it's better just to not say anything at all or wait until someone asks my opinion. But the peanut butter....I can't help myself.
What's grosser the canned meat or the cobwebs? A little botolism with your preservatives and sodium? Even though I don't "know" you I can't see you staying hush hush all the time.
DeleteWe must have been separated at birth. I have a hard time holding back my feelings about unhealthy artificial ingredients.
ReplyDeleteBoth products you mention bother me. Just reading the ingredients on the gum label makes me wonder why anyone would want those chemicals in their body.
But I can't tell you how many times my husband will come home with a pack of gum and of course the kids are jumping at his feet for a piece. I just have to keep re-educating ;)
Yes list, I'm your long lost short cousin ha. I have to say going through each gum ingredient further repelled and shocked me. It seems so small and harmless but packed with poison.
DeleteOH NO - I need a replacement for gum! My husband and I are not gum chewers. I think I'll always think of my mother saying "gum is for trashy girls", however my 9 year old chews when he needs focus - homework, tests.. The idea came from the OT back when he was 4, it's a sensory thing. We didn't start it then but did start it when he began chewing on his nails and fingers (EW). Do you have a more healthy suggestion??
ReplyDeleteClaire, I never knew the gum/focus connection. This is a case where you have to weight risks and benefit. Glee gum is a gluten free brand with decent ingredients but it has sugar. Then there's Spry which is maybe as good as you're going to get soy lecithin is non GMO, not as junky etc.
DeleteLauren - there are a few studies regarding gum chewing increasing focus. I can only say by observing him that he does seem less likely to drift off while chewing.
DeleteMy daughter is too young to know better. She's at the stage where she tells ME which foods are healthy or unhealthy (I know this likely won't last). My husband goes along with the program and luckily doesn't have any desire for highly processed or packaged foods or fast food. As for gum though...it's ME who has the problem. I've been obsessed with it since I was a kid (there's even a very over-told story of how I was caught eating gum off the floor as a 5 yr old.) I know, it's disgusting, but my family has to have a good story about the nutritionist, right? I still chew gum a lot but do avoid the sugar free types (I'm all to familiar with the gas that follows sugar alcohols). It is my one bad habit (I've tried the healthier gums, it's just not the same). I'm hoping my vegetarian diet will negate the negative effects of gum chewing...but I could be delusional? LOL :-)
ReplyDeleteDanielle, I would pick non- sugar free as you do but also worry about dyes, preservatives and poor quality ingredients. At least you're knowledgeable enough to pick the best gum. Just wait with your daughter and tweet me when she comes home with Powerade. It happens, it has to.
DeleteThis post made me uncomfortable. It makes RDs seem like evil food nazis. Freaking out about gum seems a little bit over the top. I prefer a more balanced living approach. moderation.
ReplyDeletemoderation is a terrible word... who wants cancer causing chemicals in moderation? Lauren is practicing what she preaches, i think that's what RDs should be doing.
DeleteAlways the anonymous ones, friend says I should exclude anonymous postings but I like to hear the "other side". Sorry the post made your uncomfortable. I am surprised you can read the gum ingredients and feel limiting carcinogen's, dyes, GMOs and multiple sweeteners is "over the top". For me balance involves incorporating foods (sweets, wine, cheeses) that aren't nutritional superstars but if balance means a little bit of chemicals, that makes me uncomfortable. And there are RDs who wouldn't freak out about gum so I don't speak for everyone. "Evil food nazis" please. My clients eat wholesome food, they are aware of what good ingredients are and what questionable ones are as well. So outspoken, opinionated yes and I would choose that over cowardly and cancerous any day.
DeleteWhat is it about people who so easily throw the word 'nazis' about whenever they disagree with something. It is almost unheard of in Europe to even say that word.. yet in the US I hear it almost every day.
DeleteIf reading about a healthy lifestyle and avoiding chemicals makes someone uncomfortable, they either have no clue the damage these chemicals cause daily to thousands of people or just don't care.
Anonymous - Your reply makes me uncomfortable. I couldn't agree more with Bzybee that it is beyond inappropriate to use the word 'nazi' so casually. I have nothing but respect for Lauren (and all other RD's) who actually practice what they preach. I found your comment to be judgmental.
DeleteYes i am annoying and pretty much always say something. My family is the type to have a bacon cheeseburger and say "i haven't had this in so long" when i saw them eat it last week. I think that's begging for a reminder. Also if I think they are unaware I speak up -- like PopSecret entered my apt a few months ago and i flipped; trans fat, artificial sweeteners and flavors, and food dye?? i'm almost impressed at the amount of crap they put in. Boo about gum -- I have mostly switched to mints (love VerMints) but i grew up a big red and juicyfruit chomper and it's not the same..
ReplyDeleteAs Danielle said above. It's all about knowledge first and then picking where you want to draw the line. It's not about perfection by any means. Funny, my globetrotting mother was a Big Red fan growing up. I remember the tubes of bazooka and watermelon bubblelicious. I can't even smell that fake watermelon scent anymore.
DeleteI had a boss once upon a time who always said putting gum in your mouth automatically reduces your IQ by 10 points. I repeated that to a group of middle school kids back when I taught Junior Achievement and the look on their faces was priceless!
ReplyDeleteI try not to tell people stuff, but I have a deep suspicion my friends and coworkers would rush to tell me I was wrong. I definitely don't do it with family: I'm the odd man out on the topic of food.
First Caron, still laughing from the Target/ho post. Everyone go read it. Second, I stuck to food but why, aside from Claire's points, do we need to chew gum? Not the most attractive.
ReplyDeleteTruly, just look at yourself chew gum. We all look sort of dumb when we do it!
DeleteThanks - Target has inspired some strong feelings in me lately. :)
Not many things send me off the rails since my kids do pretty good. My son is always asking for a soda when at a party (only time he does ask) but otherwise they are all great. Not sure they are as good at their mothers.
ReplyDeleteRecently, I found that my son had been taking beefaroni cans out of my disaster supply cupboard and was eating it cold out of the can. My disaster supplies do NOT contain healthy foods. They are all items that last approx 2 years and are easy to prepare. If I ever need the stuff, I honesty will not care about it being organic or fresh etc.
.. but it did sadden me that he had taken some and eaten it.
I have to admit ignorance here about gum. I think I thought it was a neutral food (is there any?) or even good for you...to prevent snacking etc. After looking at the ingredients I don't think I will ever chew it again. Also, love Caron's boss's advice. Trying to have a conversation with someone while they are chewing gum is distracting. Also, refreshing to hear that your kids and husband need reminders too! I think it is very normal for a kid to want to drink something blue!
ReplyDeleteBTW, I do not think you are a food "nazi" and think there are a lot better ways to express one's opinion without comparing you to a group of people who are responsible for the murder of millions of people. If you are bold enough to use that word don't be a coward and post as anonymous.
Gum disgusts me for a number of reasons, including the fact that the chewer reminds me of a cow. Sorry, is that mean? I know it's mean. But I couldn't help myself.
ReplyDeleteI feel pretty virtuous with Maya's eating habits but then someone will hand her M & M's and I imagine Red #15 or whatever it is and cringe. But I'm working on learning NOT to dictate every aspect of her life. It's a learning process.
So jealous your are in Vermont. I've always wanted to go!
Mean but true, I'm with you. I'm trying not to be as controlling with the kids either, you may be doing better than I am. As for Vermont- every SINGLE weekend in the winter.
DeleteOh goodness...I'm feeling terrible about the gum my kids chewed all the way up to our ski trip!! I rarely buy it for my kids, but it seems like they always ask for it when we are travelling. I would love to find a better alternative to all the nasty stuff in there! Sorry to hear about the migraine. I had one on Wednesday after the overnight on the boat. Hope you're feeling better today! P.S. The stew was gluten-free :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm not anti treat EA just better sweets, fewer weird sweeteners, dyes etc. Ski eating is hard.
DeleteThis is an excellent post! I would say the thing that bothers me most is when my hubby goes out to eat and orders chicken wings.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny you mention gum bc I was seriously ADDICTED before getting pregnant. I would eat like 5 pieces a day WELL AWARE of the risk it posed. But now that I'm pregnant I can even stomach thinking about popping a piece. I'm praying that once baby comes I won't go back!! Glad you pointed that out bc you're right...people don't think about gum!!
we have to get people thinking about gum and thinking about it all. Wings- so "good" and sooo bad. Good one Erin
DeleteHi Lauren, What are some breath freshening alternatives without sugar?
ReplyDeletenot to be snarky but toothbrushing? We also use Sweet Riots cacao nib tins after meals in the office.
DeleteYikes. Glad you're not quiet. I miss this stuff. Gum? yes (saying it in an embarrassed whisper). Just looked at my "dentist recommended" MYNTZ! breathmints I get at Trader Joe's thinking perhaps they're okay. Sorbitol is the first ingredient. Sincerely, thank you for speaking up. I seem to have a blind spot on the gum/mint category.
ReplyDeleteI've never had someone say it like that, thanks Amy. Sorbitol is just hard to tolerate. Many people don't think of mints and gum, we have a new category to shame people with.
DeleteHope you are having a great time in Vermont. You are so good with all the choices you make...one day i may grow up and be like you :) Seriously I didn't know that gum was so bad...thank you for another great post!
ReplyDeleteYou see ayala and I hope I grow up and I'm as wise and creative as you are. I just know food, that's it no other skills.
DeleteThank you, Lauren. You are being kind and humble...I am certain you have many other skills :)
DeleteHave a wonderful weekend.
I have crossed over from the land of blog "lurker" to the land of blog "commentor".... loved this post. as somoene who is trying to break the habit of gum chewing .. this post really spoke to me. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteWelcome Ruthietee, there are many lurkers not to worry. Sometimes it's good to know the specifics when trying to break a habit. Rather than "it's bad" it's bad because of GI side effects, dangerous dyes, preservatives and carcinogens.
DeleteI tend to not comment on what other people eat because you never know where they are coming from - whether they are being much healthier now even though their eating isn't "perfect" or if they may have suffered from an eating disorder and would really personalize and suffer from any criticism of their food, having been in that position myself (and having had it drilled into my head in treatment that that is something we don't do). I do sometimes tell people about healthier alternatives to what they are eating when it seems appropriate though.
ReplyDeleteAs for the gum, I had NEVER thought about it like that. I am not a big gum chewer at all but actually bought a pack the other day because the flavor sounded good. I've chewed a few sticks but after reading that, I am ready to get rid of it.
I agree with you completely Jess. I never comment unless asked with the exception of my immediate family- well family in general. Thanks for the reminder and context. As for gum, it seems it's something many people chew without thinking about. Glad to touch on something in that category.
DeleteYou are too funny. I have pretty much tought myself (for the most part) to control my thoughts and feelings when I see my family members eating things of which I disapprove. For example, I visited my parent's house the other day and walked into my brother eating chocolate mints (he had the entire container on the couch with him) and drinking a coke. UGH. Disgusting. I am through with the nagging though, it gets me no where. I can't WAIT to have kids......... Yikes.
ReplyDeleteDo you want me to nag your brother? Kidding. Meanwhile, J's mother (who it seems reads the blog) emailed me about the blue drink busted. I always think only bloggers read this blog. Uh oh.
DeleteI like Gina, have learned to control my thoughts and feelings. Though like you, have no problem expressing them to E or my immediate family members. Half the time they roll their eyes when I go off on a tangent BUT it's funny to notice a change in their eating behaviors (for the better) over time. I am getting through!
DeleteI'm sorry that I laughed at your indignation. You have to pick your battles, right? I can only imagine the struggle to get your kid to eat healthy with all of the JUNK in the world.
ReplyDeleteI think my family laughed too or maybe they were scared, my memory is blocked. It's not really a struggle. It's just funny that you go crazy to ensure organic, well-made food and then they go to tennis and have garbage. Kids I get but the husband, oy.
Deletei hear u on those drinks j wants them i cringe when she gets ones too
ReplyDeletesometimes it would be better not to know what we know rebecca, don't you think (maybe not). As someone said, part of being a kid just wish being a kid didn't involve nasty ingredients.
DeleteThere are definitely moments where I want to say something, but I rarely do. I gave up diet soda very gradually after years or drinking insane amounts of it.
ReplyDeleteGum has been much harder to quit, even though the ingredients list makes me cringe!
I made a deal with myself that I can have a piece after a meal but not in between. It's helped me cut back a lot. I'm hoping I'll lose my taste for it over time the way I did with diet soda. For that to happen, though, I might have to start keeping a toothbrush in my purse. There are worse things, I suppose...
and stay tuned better breath freshener post coming later this month. And I always carry a toothbrush.
DeleteI have tried every natural gum available and can't handle them, so I try to avoid actual chemical gum EXCEPT when i'm hanging around friends! I get self conscious after meals and have to pop a piece! Though after a few minutes i spit it out... I really hate the stuff and that sugary chemical smell you speak of. bleh!
ReplyDeleteI never censor myself with family nutrition ;) I'm brash and blunt and sometimes wildly inappropriate but given our background with nutrition, its hard, ya know!? the censor button only works with friends and clients. Fam gets the full lecture ;)
I love the criteria Jenn. Chemicals only with friends, lectures only for family.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right about gum. Funny thing is, I didnt chew it for years but have gotten into the terrible habit recently. Sigh. Must stop soon.
ReplyDeleteI love Vermont! How fun that you are there every weekend.
go back to your old ways (with gum) Sam. VT is fantastic but a haul each weekend. Just tired today.
DeleteLauren, I am so glad I am not alone!!! Sometimes I feel like the only wierdo mom cringing when someone offers my kids some blue drink or other junk. I try not to make a big deal so as not to create an "issue"...ugh. I feel your pain. One thing I noticed about gum, I grew up chewing Trident, which now says "sweetened with Xylitol" but when you look at the ingredients, there's a small amount of xylitol but mostly aspartame!
ReplyDeleteSomeone mentioned "moderation" above. Seems that moderation is often an excuse or pass for why eating something unhealthy should be okay. Carcinogens, chemicals, synthetic dyes in different foods (not just candy) can show up very sneakily if you are not paying close attention to what you are putting in your body. Suddenly it's not so moderate anymore.
ReplyDeleteBy the way you might want to check out www.healthycandystore.com, for when you really do need a treat!
I had fun reading your story about the nutrition of your family. I enjoy it a lot because I can relate to it so much. Wish that you will post more stories about nutrition for families.
ReplyDelete