"King Corn"

I recently watched a documentary on our food system and why it has deteriorated in recent decades. It is one of several documentaries that focus on food and how the consistent and over consumption of many foods produced with corn (processed and meats) leads to issues of compromised health and wellness in the body.

King Corn is a documentary about two friends that move to Iowa and grow an acre of corn in an experiment to realize the true process of one of the biggest commodities in this country. It was an honest look at how government subsidized corn has taken over the food chain in so many ways. From processed foods, to soda and beef, some derivative of corn is in many of the foods you eat.

You may say, “So what? It’s a grain, isn’t it?” Yes, however, it is genetically modified which means it is not natural. In the past forty years, the amount of crops significantly increased while the price dropped making it a cheap commodity and welcome addition to food producers for their “creations” entering your bodies. I call anything a creation that is not natural from the earth.

I am not referring to the sweet corn that you eat off of the cob or other vegetables, fruits and non-genetically modified whole grains, tubers, nuts, beans and legumes that are natural from the earth . . . not a problem. It is the genetically modified seeds grown with ammonia fertilizers and powerful herbicides . . . that's a problem.

If you have a chance to watch it, please do. If not, at least go to the website, www.kingcorn.net and watch the trailer, read about the film, the FAQ’s and the very important Farm Bill. Being enlightened about how your food has been affected as a direct result of government intervention may light a flame under you to make some changes in your diet. I ask that you really start to read your labels and notice how much of the food has been infiltrated by corn. Any ingredient with the word corn in it is pretty obvious, but to see a lengthy list of corn derivative ingredients, you will have to do an online search. Search “corn derivatives in food”. There are just too many for me to list. Once you are aware of facts, you make the ultimate choice of what you consume. Be well!

My Personal Challenge and How it Changed My Body

If you know or have met me, you may have observed that my body frame is respectable for my height. I know how to change my body composition because I have succeeded several times for Figure competitions. When someone asks me how can I help them change their body composition, I always refer to my competition days where it took great discipline to change my body so I understand the journey. No matter where you are, it all starts in the mind by making the decision to change and sticking with a plan. Regardless of how little or how extreme you want that change to be, no one else can do that for you. Once a commitment has been made, that is where I step in to assist my clients.

In the past month, I have been experimenting with changes in my diet without the intention of changing my body. In my studies to be a Health Coach, I am learning about many different dietary theories. For example, you may have heard of the Zone Diet, the Atkins Diet, Macrobiotics, the South Beach Diet, the Raw Food Diet and so on. The main concept learned is that what works for one person may not work for the other based on factors such as genetics, stress level, physical fitness level, etc. I decided to try one of the diets called the 5 Element Theory which is based on a Chinese belief system that says we are surrounded by five energy fields: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. These elements are constantly moving and changing. Keeping all the elements in balance promotes harmony in our surroundings and in us. The foods encouraged include grains, tubers (such as a sweet potato), beans, vegetables and fruits. Foods restricted are meat, sugar, overly processed, chemical foods, deep fried foods, liquor, beer and wine.

I also watched the Oprah show about her One-Week Vegan Challenge. Since this was right in line with the 5 Element Theory, I was enthused to try. I put the two concepts together and did not consume any fish or fowl for the week and I already do not consume beef or pork. My daily meals followed this regimen; in addition I increased the intensity of my workouts but not the length or frequency. I increased my INTENSITY to use larger muscle groups more, moving quicker in heavy cardio based workouts with body weight strengthening moves.

As a result, my body started to shift and I wound up losing a couple of pounds in the past month and my lean muscle mass increased slightly. Why am I discussing this? You may not have considered taking meat out of your diet for a week, but can you do it for a day? There are so many other ways to get your protein with other healthy, whole, natural foods. I did not decide to become a Vegan or Vegetarian, but it was interesting to see that my body felt even better without the animal protein in it. What about your exercise? Is there a way to increase your intensity? My disclaimer is what works for me, may or may not work for you, however, it is worth a try to make a change. Be Well!