Nutrition Education

I can say that I am constantly amazed by the lack of education that we have when it comes to our bodies and our nutrition.  I read a post online today by a mother who had taken her almost 2 year old twin to the physician's office for a check up.  The twins had been sick off and on, hadn't been eating well because of it and so they both lost weight.  The physician's suggestion to her was to get them to eat, whatever she could, even if it was junk, as long as it was something.  My jaw dropped...we wonder why our children have health issues related to obesity??  Our pediatrician's are recommending we change our children's diet to "all junk" as long as they are eating???  I couldn't believe it!! 

I guess if you consider the fact that most doctors only take very brief courses in basic nutrition during their schooling...it wouldn't be that big of a surprise...but I can't believe they feel compelled to give such advice.  I know nothing about rewiring the electrical system in your house...therefore I'm not going to give you advice and suggestions on how to do it.  I know physicians see themselves as normal, everyday people...but their patients do not.  Most of us trust our doctors and believe that what they are telling us is coming from a place of knowledge...but after working in health care, I can tell you that a lot of what physicians tell you is opinion...some times based in scientific facts...sometimes not. 

In general, we've given up a lot of our nutritional decisions to other people.  Eat what the doctor says, or what the latest diet book says, or what they tell you is "good for you" on the news or in the newspaper.  We take supplements, and drink tea because someone said they will save our heart or make us lose weight...but how many of us look into the claims??  How often to you turn that box of cereal around and look at the ingredient list??  Can you pronounce half of the things that are in your food??  Do you know what they are??  I know I didn't.  I blindly believed that if the food manufacturers are allowed to sell it to me...it couldn't possibly be harmful, right??  In this day and age, with all the loops they have to jump through, how could these chemicals not be safe??  Anytime there is a question of food safety, the manufactures first comment is almost always "It's FDA approved."  As American's, we have turned our health over to our government??  I'm not sure about any of you, but last time I checked, our government hasn't been able to successfully manage much over the last 50 years...so why am I trusting them with my health and the health of my family??? 

I guess once again, my point is to educate yourself about the foods you are consuming.  If you look at all the ingredients in your favorite cookie, look them up, learn about them and still want to eat them...go for it.  I'm not saying all food processing is bad for us...but I have to say that we've had a major shift in our health over the past 50 years...and the foods we consume play a role in that.  It's really quite simple to transform your eating habits...if you do it slowly.  There are lots of options out there.  If you would have told me six months ago that I'd be giving up artificial sweeteners and processed foods, I would have laughed in your face.  I'd thought about it several times, but thought the process would be far to difficult and not realistic for me.  What changed??  Nothing in my life changed...just my thought process about it.  I can assure you, it really is quite simple...I feel better and I know I am doing what's best for myself and my family. 

Today's recipe is quite simple, it's for a tequila lime chicken.  Super delicious recipe that is easy!! 

Tequila Lime Chicken

1/2 c tequila
1 c lime juice
1/2 c orange juice
1 T chili powder
1 T garlic, chopped
1 T cumin
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
1/4 c cilantro
2 T salt
1 T pepper
1 whole chicken, cut into portions

Mix all ingredients together, add chicken.  Marinate at least 2 hours or overnight. 

I bought a whole chicken that had been cut up at the store and used that, but you can use whichever cuts you prefer.  I cooked the chicken on the grill and it was amazing...juicy, flavorful and delicious!!

I also found a recipe and changed it a bit to make a tequila lime BBQ sauce, which I didn't try, but will include in case any of you would like to try it!!!

Tequila Lime Barbecue Sauce

1 1/2 cups natural ketchup
1 cup molasses
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
3 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp black pepper
1 tbsp chili powder
2 tbsp spicy brown mustard 
1 cube of beef bullion
2 shots of tequila
3 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp honey
Hot sauce, to taste 

Pour the ketchup, molasses, and vinegar into a saucepan on low heat. Mix well. Add remaining ingredients and stir until blended. Leave the sauce on low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. You can either serve the warm BBQ sauce, baste chicken or refrigerate.

Take a little time to educate yourself today on the foods you are eating and the foods your body wishes you were eating!!!  Enjoy the recipes!