Category: Nutrition and Health

Glucose-Fructose aka High Fructose Corn Syrup

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Photo by Paul @ Flickr

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has received a lot of media attention and it is generally recognized by most people as something that should be avoided as much as possible (along with other forms of added sugars too!). However, when you pick up a package in a grocery store in Vancouver or any other cities in Canada, you will not see HFCS in the ingredient list. This is because HFCS is labelled as “glucose-fructose” in Canada!

 

HFCS or “glucose-fructose” is a common ingredient in processed foods such as soft drinks, sweetened fruit drinks, canned fruits, boxed desserts, flavoured yogurt, baked goods, breakfast cereals and even condiments.

 

The best way to avoid HFCS and other added sugars is to choose natural, wholesome foods as much as possible. Otherwise, be sure to compare products and be sure to choose the one with the least amount of added sugars before you make a purchase.

 

Try Vegetarian!

Meatless Mondays has become a popular and easy way for many people to cut back on meat consumption and explore new and exciting recipes  to nourish our bodies with more plant-based options. Recently, Ali Chernoff, registered dietitian based in Vancouver and owner of Nutrition At Its Best, has developed a five-day vegetarian meal plan to help readers take it one step further. Check it out!

Fresh in April: Asparagus

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Source: THOR @ Flickr

Spring is here!

That means farmer markets are going to start popping up everywhere again and we will have easy access to the freshest local produce that BC has to offer. (Go onto the Vancouver Farmer Market Website to find a location closest to you).

Asparagus is one of the earliest vegetable to pop up in spring – so I thought as Vancouver finally heads into spring weather, let’s talk a bit about asparagus.

When you pick asparagus, look at the tips and pick out ones that are tight and firm (they tend to be more tender). Don’t forget to look at the other end too – I prefer slimmer stems as they always seem to be less woody.

Once you get home, either stand the asparagus upright in a small amount of water in the fridge or wrap it in a wet paper towel inside a plastic bag and placed inside the crisper.

Asparagus is a great source of vitamin K, B vitamins and fiber. Try it as an appetizer, in a soup or even a light side dish to a hearty main course. Enjoy!

Here are a few recipes to highlight this vegetable:

Sesame-Ginger Glazed Asparagus

Asparagus Frittata

Asparagus Ribbon Salad

Pasta with Peas and Asparagus

Cream of Asparagus Soup

For more information on the health benefits of asparagus, check out WHFoods: Asparagus.