If you know anything about corn syrup, it’s likely you know it’s not that good for you, although your taste buds may disagree. Here’s the condensed version of the full story:

For some time now popular opinion has been leaning towards pinpointing the consumption of high fructose corn syrup as a major cause of obesity. On the surface it makes sense. Just after this corn-based sweetener burst onto the scene as an ingredient in everything from soda to bread, people started gaining weight – and associated conditions such as diabetes. If corn syrup is not the direct cause of obesity, say some opponents, its initial low cost was a big contributor. With the arrival of corn syrup, sugary high-calorie foods could be priced lower and purchased more often.

More recently the Corn Refiners Association has been fighting back, claiming that since corn syrup is made from corn (the reason some consider it to be natural) and has the same amount of calories as sugar, it can’t possibly be as bad as people are making it out to be. (They also have on their side the fact that the FDA has ruled corn syrup safe to consume.)

Some researchers might disagree. As explained more fully in this Prevention Magazine article, studies have found links between diets high in fructose (which corn syrup is) and certain conditions associated with diabetes. Nothing conclusive, but enough to warrant further research. (As far as I know there have been no studies that show benefits of consuming high fructose corn syrup.)

So it seems high fructose corn syrup doesn’t have many redeeming qualities beyond its sugary flavour, but it also hasn’t been proven to be harmful. Maybe the lesson here is that rather than blindly trusting the information we’re given by scientists on either side of an argument, we should trust our own instincts. And if something is being touted as being “just as good” as something else, it’s helpful to consider what that “something else” is. If corn syrup is only as good as calorie-laden, nutrient poor sugar, should the comparison really make you think that it’s ok to eat more of it?

We all know there are better sweetener options out there than corn syrup and refined sugar. Honey and agave nectar are two natural alternatives to consider. But if we smother our food in honey it will still have a negative effect on our health and waistlines. So enjoy the sweetener you prefer, as long as you do it in moderation.

crystals dieting and fitness, nutrition and health, women's fitness diet, nutrition

I’ve been getting a lot of emails recently from a certain healthy lifestyle magazine, promising me something I don’t know whether or not to believe. Before I explain, it should be noted that I am leaning slightly more towards disbelief at this point.

Prevention magazine have come up with the “Flat Belly Diet”, on which you can lose up to 15 pounds in a month and flatten out the worst of all trouble spots – your tummy.

Sounds amazing doesn’t it? It seemingly answers the prayers of workout-resistant women everywhere who just want a toned midsection, no sweat involved. But does the headline tell the whole story. Can anyone really achieve a flat stomach without so much as one crunch, plank or twist?

Don’t get me wrong, Prevention offers some solid advice, such as the fact that quality food is better than quantity. Whole grains, healthy fats (known to Flat Belly Dieters as MUFAs which stands for monounsaturated fatty acids) legumes and vegetables are encouraged, while premade meals and junk food aren’t. Sounds good so far. They also suggest dieters to eat every four hours, which is a great way to stay satisfied and avoid starvation-induced cravings. It doesn’t seem at all unreasonable that eating like this really could raise your metabolism. However, the jury is still out on whether this could help someone lose fat from a specific part of his or her body.

The problem I have with the diet actually has nothing to do with food. It’s the fact that the headline of the email I get several times a month practically screams that all this is possible with “No Exercise Required”. Is it just me or does that suggest you can be just as healthy without ever challenging your cardiovascular system or strengthening a single muscle. Obviously that’s not what they mean, but why do they feel they need to use that kind of hype to sell the diet?

Sure you can lose weight if you follow this diet. Like every other diet on the market it involves restricting calories. But there are other things to consider. Building muscle and maintaining what you already have for instance. What do you guys think of the Flat Belly Diet? Would you consider buying the book?

crystals dieting and fitness diet, nutrition