Soy: Or as we say in Pittsburgh Double Yoi!

Myron Cope, the internationally famous Steeler announcer, used to famously use the Yiddish term “Yoi” (to all non-Pittsburghers this roughly translates into “Wow”) and on special occasions “Double Yoi” to exclaim a remarkable, unbelievable Steeler play.

Growing up in a Pittsburgh suburb with a population of 45,000 and some change, I was maybe one of four Jewish kids (and even I was half-Catholic at the time).  And along with my sister, probably the only kids in our neighborhood not at church on Sundays.

This unscientific but probable ratio, reflects the city as a whole. So to think about how a somewhat conservative Christian town rallied around a Jewish guy and his Yiddish expressions tells me two things: life is ironic and the Steelers can bring anyone together.

The ironic part certainly reflects the history of soy. In its purest form, soy is a health food. By pure I mean its natural state like edamame, tofu or miso soup. But when it starts getting genetically modified (which most non-organic soy is), reconfigured into fake meats, stuffed into candy bars masquerading as health bars and even processed into soy milk (traditional Asian cultures make soy milk much differently than Big Food companies), it’s just not the same.

It’s kind of like someone trying to impersonate Myron. It just doesn’t work because you don’t get the full effect.

Yes that’s right, soy milk isn’t a health food. Soy Vey! Too much of any food (minus those leafy greens!) is bad news. Soy is in so much of what we already eat these days: soybean oil, soybeans fed animals, and soy filler in many processed foods. Eating it in other funky forms that are difficult to digest like tofurky and soy chips taxes your digestive system and can cause a range of health problems (irregular bowels, inflammation, allergies, etc.)

Many foods take this same fate and the story of soy reflects what’s happening to many foods being gobbled up by Big Food companies and turned into products. For example, the most famous soy milk brand Silk, was started by a pioneering guy who used 100% organic soy beans purchased from U.S. farmers. Organic soybeans cannot be genetically modified which makes them better than their conventional counterparts.

Eventually, Silk was sold to Dean Foods, the same company that owns Horizon “Organic” and is now making its soy milk from soybeans imported from China. According to the Cornicopia Institute, “Dean Foods reformulated their Silk product line changing almost all their products over to “natural” (conventional) soybeans. They did this, quietly, without telling retailers or changing the UPC code numbers on the products. Many retailers reported that they didn’t find out until their customers noticed and complained.” To get the full report, click here

Even if you don’t care about the health benefits of organic, you probably care about getting ripped off. The interesting thing is that Dean Foods didn’t pass their savings onto you, but rather raised the price of your original organic soy milk and changing the taste of your original purchase.

And this isn’t their first offense. Horizon “Organic” has been boycotted by the Organic Consumer Association for not adhering to the legal definition of organic. Yes, despite the packaging there is no happy cow and certain “leadership” teams of your Big Food companies are contributing to rising cancer rates, environmental degradation and the subsequent health problems associated with a toxic environment. I’d love to hear that boardroom conversation!

Myron would give this the rare Triple Yoi.

But here’s the Hail Mary: Eat food, not products, and touchdown! It’s much simpler than deciphering Myron’s voice when he got excited.

Remember this: there’s a lot of profit in confusion. But with a little common sense and some well-documented history, there’s no debate over what’s always been good for the body and soul – whole foods and Steeler Football with some Myron on the side.

Eating for Radiant Skin and Opportunity for an Ultimate Health Makeover

Spring is here!

After a successful detox, I feel like I just came out of the shop! My mood matches the sense of renewal accompanying spring. For those who want to reboot their own health, I’ll join two of Philly’s premier wellness professionals on April 25th to provide you with an ultimate health makeover. All the details to hit the reset button on your health are on this blog under “Events”. This workshop will provide the information and inspiration to achieve and sustain the loftiest of health goals.

The warmer weather brings sun dresses, tank tops and bathing suits. Regardless of how cute the outfit, radiant skin is the best accessory. Food choices make or break your complexion.

Here’s my recent NBC segment on this topic.

After viewing the clip, you can see I discuss food allergies. Because of genetic modifications to our food supply, overeating the same foods and an increase stress on our digestive system because of processed foods and environmental pollutants, food allergies are skyrocketing.

In this clip, I mention gluten, the protein found in wheat and grains in the wheat family (think spelt, kamut, barley, and rye). Some people think this is another fad-diet trick to drop weight. While it’s true many people do lose weight after eliminating gluten from their diet, it’s in large part due to inflammation levels dropping dramatically.

Food allergies and sensitivities of all kinds trigger inflammation in the body. Too much inflammation will prevent you from losing weight (we’ll discuss this cutting-edge science in detail at the Ultimate Health Makeover workshop) and in many cases, cause you to gain weight. But more than that, food allergies contribute to a dramatic decrease in the quality of life. If you experience constipation, diarrhea, anxiety, depression, asthma, disturbed sleep, PMS and/or lower immunity, you might want to examine if you have food allergies or sensitivities. The video clip provides a starting point on how to do this on your own.

Since cutting gluten out of my diet, my anxiousness and sweet cravings are down (you tend to crave what you are allergic too), while my focus, energy and optimism are flying high. I’ve seen several clients experience a dramatic turn-around in their own health once they go on low to no gluten diets. From eliminating debilitating PMS symptoms to clearing up skin rashes to dropping stubborn weight, they enjoy how wonderful they feel in their bodies more than working around glutenous foods. But as always, test it out for yourself if you suspect any food allergy. Your body will tell you the truth if you take the time to listen.

In the spirit of spring, try to look at things anew, especially the messages your body (including your skin!) are telling you.

Be well,

Ali

Recipe for Radiant Skin

Stop wasting your money on ineffective skin products and get to the root of the problem. Skin issues are a sign of an internal imbalance. Making a few tweaks to the foods you eat can clear up your skin and that drug store habit.

Learn how with my Recipe for Radian Skin on NBC.

Soledad’s Story: Getting Fit Physically, Emotionally and Spiritually

Just a quick update after all this time to let you know how I am doing. Three months since I completed the six-month nutrition program with you, I am still eating the healthiest I have in my life. My energy level is extremely high, my bloating problems have completely disappeared, and most importantly I feel great and look great!

From you, I learned how to maintain a balanced diet on a daily basis without the need to starve. I’ve continued using all of your tips, such as process of elimination, the balance among carbs, veggies and proteins, chewing slowly, and most of all, combining my spirituality with my eating habits. While working with you, I discovered I had food allergies, which caused bloating and other issues. This was probably the most significant discovery I had made and wouldn’t have accomplished this without your support during the elimination process.

I’m still having fun experimenting with the nutritious recipes you gave to me. As I said to you once, the experience of working with you allowed me to change my lifestyle completely. I continue to apply all of your advice on a daily basis and I am most certain I will continue to apply your teachings for the rest of my life. Thank you so much for being there while I was undergoing a medical treatment – my recovery would not have been this fast and smooth if I had not worked with you and if I had not learned how much nutrition could influence one’s physical and emotional health. Keep up your excellent work and many thanks once again!

~ Soledad Mancheno, New York City