I love running so I had to post this ...

Runner.com - Information and Inspiration for the Runner

• Total calories burned by core runners in one year equals 4,234,278,397,440.  That’s enough to power the electricity needs for 1,771,622 homes for a year.  That is equivalent to all the homes in Los Angeles and San Francisco combined.            

• Total energy used by all core runners is equivalent to 177,162,208 gallons of gasoline  That’s enough to power a Boeing 747 around the world 1,093 times. That’s also equivalent to the energy expended by 177 atomic bombs the size of Little Boy, the bomb dropped on Hiroshima.

• Calories a man runner burns per year of running equals 175,386 which is enough to power an LCD TV for 107 days.                                            

• Calories a woman runner burns per year of running equals 119,574 enough to power a clothes washer for 6 months

• An average woman running a marathon will burn enough calories to power a 60 watt bulb for 8 days

• An average man running a marathon will burn enough calories to power a laptop computer for 8 days

• For a half marathon, a woman runner will burn enough calories to charge cell phone for more than 21 days

• For a half marathon, a man runner will burn enough calories to run a clock radio for over 3.5 days

• The total calories burned by all finishers of the New York City Marathon equals 145,154,457, that is enough to light up NYC for 7 .5 hours

The Great month of May Metabolism Meltdown

Ok folks hurry and register because there is only one week left. Follow the link below to view how it works and to register.


THE GREAT MONTH OF MAY METABOLISM MELTDOWN

"I don't have time to exercise?" ..... BALONEY I SAY :) !!!!

"I don't have time to exercise?" ..... BALONEY I SAY :) !!!! 


 The reason may be that you do not make time to exercise because its not important enough to you. However, look at it this way, exercise helps with weight control, makes your muscles stronger, strengthens your bones, helps control stress, gives you better sleep and a better mood, and even will improve immune function. Oh, not to mention looking better! Now with all those perks you will find yourself getting things done faster and more efficient in every area of your life. This gives you more time and energy to put back into exercise. Its a positive cycle, you can't lose.


 "I just do not have anytime after work to get to the gym or workout even at home? ...... BALONEY I SAY AGAIN :) !!! 


 I have open appointments for 30 minute training sessions starting @ 6am - 9:00am on Tuesdays and Thursdays. That's enough time to get in your workout that is targeted for your goals and still get to work on time. 


Your consultation is FREE and your 1st session is FREE as well. Call, text, email or facebook me today to setup your appointment! 


 828-305-4011 
trainwithphil@live.com
facebook.com/gogetit2
facebook.com/plafon

Balance is the Key to 100% Success

There are methods to obtain any goal or dream, however the hard part is completion of these methods. If you have tried some sort of method to obtain a goal (ex. weight loss) and never reached it than try a new method, even if its less efficient. Following a decent method through to completion and reaching your goal is better then starting a more efficient method and quitting because it was to difficult or it did not last. Sometimes we confuse efficient for fast. Fast results do not always mean forever results. Life long methods we can sustain will always equal forever results.


Be Blessed everyone and remember,


BELIEVE. TRUST. CHANGE.

Overcome cravings...

Know your kryptonite. There are two types of craving foods, said Dr. Oz. Those we can occasionally eat a bit of, feel satisfied and are done. And those that have you licking the crumbs from the bag then tearing apart your kitchen hunting for more. Everyone's craving foods are different, so figure out what sends you on a food bender, then steer clear. Knowing the foods that you're powerless around isn't weak, it's smart. "Mine is chocolate-covered nuts," admitted Dr. Oz. "I can go through a gallon of them, and I'll just be getting started. I know that, so I don't have them near me if I can avoid it."

Keep junk food out of the house. You're less likely to gorge on chips or cookies or candy if they're not readily available in your pantry or fridge, so you do yourself a huge favor by not even bringing them home from the market. "Out of sight, out of mind is the best way," said Dr. Oz. "You don't even think about them." But on those days when all you can do is think about double chocolate chip cookies, "go to the store and buy a snack-size amount," said Dr. Oz.

Find a healthier substitute. You may be able to fake out a craving and avoid the extra calories, fat, salt and sugar by eating foods that are close to what you're jonesing for. Craving sweet? Dates are naturally very sweet, as are grapes, prunes, raisins and dried figs. Need something creamy? Try a low-fat Greek yogurt. It's lower in sugar than other low-fat yogurts, and you can mix in some blueberries or honey for flavor. When you need a salt fix, reach for a dill pickle. "You get the crunch and the salt without the fat and calories of chips," said Dr. Oz.

Strike a bargain. Make this deal with yourself: You'll set a timer for an hour, and when the time's up, if you still want what you want, you can have a small amount. Then find something else to do for that hour -- rearrange your sock drawer, go for a walk, comb through your kids' closets for clothes and toys to give to charity. Whatever helps you fill the time so you're not watching the clock. It's a good deal to make, said Dr. Oz. "Most cravings don't last more than 20 to 30 minutes, so by the time the hour passes, you may have solved your problem."

Cleanse your palate. There's a reason fancy restaurants serve sorbet between courses -- it cleans your taste buds so you can enjoy the next dish without being distracted by the flavors from the dish that came before. Use this same tactic to quell a craving. "Brush your teeth, gargle with mouthwash, chew some gum. Nothing tastes good after you have that minty taste in your mouth," said Dr. Oz. And if you have given in to an indulgence, doing any of these things can "clear your palate so the food taste doesn't linger in your mouth, making you crave more," he said.

Call a pal. We often rummage through the kitchen for a quick feel-better fix when we're stressed or angry or sad or vulnerable because comfort food equals emotional comfort is something we learn as children. "When you're a child and you're unhappy, you're often satiated with something fatty, like mother's milk or bottled milk," explained Dr. Oz. "That creates a loop -- unhappiness equals fattiness equals happiness -- that gets learned and reinforced at a very fundamental level in your brain, even before we can verbalize it." The trick to not eating when you're feeling emotional is to find another source of comfort, like a good friend. "Venting to a friend is a much more waist-friendly way of relieving stress," said Dr. Oz.

Are goals important?

Weight loss is like any other task or process. It takes diligence, a learning curve and some hard work. However,  you can think that you are being diligent and working hard and soon realize you are no where near your goal. Before long you wonder "what was my goal?" Most likely you never wrote it down. Start today by writing down your weight loss or fitness goals on paper and put it somewhere you will see it daily. Tell everyone you know your goal. Keeping yourself accountable makes a huge difference. Make sure it is a reasonable goal because it is important to reach it. Don't worry your ultimate goal will be reached also, but start by breaking your long term goal into pieces. Trust me it works and you will feel amazingly satisfied through the process. Then work hard to reach that goal and the satisfaction you will have will be priceless, which will propel you toward the next one.


Remember ......


Put in the TIME.
BELIEVE in yourself.
TRUST the process. 
CHANGE FOREVER.

Women's Weight loss group tonight in Rutherfordton @5:30.  Be ready for a good workout!


 All welcome!!!! 
Message me for details: www.facebook.com/plafon

Are “They” Making Us....

Posted by bklika on Mar 25, 2012 in Articles | 0 comments

Are “They” Making Us Sick?
Brett Klika

“Take two of these and call me in the morning”. Ahhh. Modern “health care”. Our entitled society believes we shouldn’t have to make changes to our lifestyle and our cash-strapped health care system has just given up on the notion. Just listen to the 2012 presidential campaign. The battle over health care comes down to “how are we going to pay for everyone’s drugs?”

As a nation, we’ve defined health care as someone else taking care of us. We’ve looked past personal accountability. To solve problem with our nation’s health and consequently health care system we must look at “I” or maybe a “we” instead of “them”.

The utter absurdity to which we address symptoms, not causes is laughable. This shortsightedness is not only breaking our healthcare system, it’s breaking our ability to thrive as humans. If a house has a cracked foundation, you can pound all the nails into the roof you want, but that house is going to fall apart.

Consider a more logical, real model of health care. There are certain things that form the foundation of human health and survival. There are others, but the following form the most basic human needs:

1. Breathing – Breathing is our #1 survival need and nearly every physiological function we have is based on the quality and quantity of this necessity. We do it about 10,000 times a day. If the quality or quantity of breathing is compromised in any way, so is our health.

2. Water – Water is another foundation of life on earth. As humans were are comprised of mostly water. We need a constant intake of water to maintain appropriate physiological function. If we don’t get adequate quality and quantity of water, our ability to survive is decreased.

3. Sleep – We can go without food longer than we can go without quality sleep. Our body’s ability to perform depends on the “down time” during sleep to recover. With no down time, the human body cannot recover or recharge. It can only burn reserves until everything is gone. Then we’re gone.

4. Food – Our body needs the nutrients in food to stay alive and operate at an optimal level. Much like an automobile, if we use high-grade fuel, we get high-grade performance. Low grade fuel not only decreases performance, it causes damage.

Would you dare put low-grade fuel in a luxury car with a “premium fuel only” sticker? You can buy another luxury car. You can’t buy another body.

5. Movement – The human body is a perpetual motion machine. Nearly every physiological function depends on movement. Our intricate bio mechanical system is designed to allow for a lot movement. Moving at a high intensity is how we used to get food, water, and shelter.

Years ago, if you didn’t move, you died of dehydration, starvation, or exposure. Movement is not a novelty, it’s a necessity. If you don’t have an adequate quality and quantity of movement, your existence will be compromised.

If the above are inarguable the foundations of health, why are they not the foundation of our health care? I’m talking both individually and as well as institutionally. Remember, it’s an “I” or “we” not “them”. You can’t argue that compromising any of the necessities of survival can be catastrophic to one’s health. This is not a “theory” or an “approach” it’s reality.

Why is it then, that we chose to ignore the obvious reality in favor of the short-sided approach of quick fixes? The truth? We are lazy and entitled. We have reverted to a “them” society. Everything is everyone else’s fault and we are victims. Victims shouldn’t have to change their ways because after all, any and all maladies have been imparted unfairly upon them.

A true shift in our health care mentality starts with “I”. Health care professionals know more about the human body than the average man, so a “we” approach is even better. When a right-minded “I” teams with a like-minded “we”, it’s a formula for success. “Them” is always a formula for failure.

Start today with “I will pay attention to the foundations of me and my family’s health”. Breath better, drink more quality water, get more high quality sleep, eat high quality food, and get plenty of high quality movement. Reinforce the foundation of a long, happy, healthy life!

Tired of being overweight? Don't know where to start?

Are you just sick and tired of feeling sick and tired? Are you ready to feel better and have more energy? Have you told yourself  "one day I will get serious and get this weight off"?

If you answered yes to those questions then I have just right place for you. I am starting some weight loss focused groups on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Times are to be announced but probably starting around 8:00am / 9:00am / 10:00am.

These are semi-private groups not classes. There will be time to deal with personal questions and address your individual needs. The group setting will offer support though so you will know that you are not alone. Groups will not be really big so that individual attention can still be given. We will start with the basics so do not be frightened to start whatever your fitness level. These groups will be a place you can relax be vulnerable and learn things that will last a lifetime. Why not finally make that decision to change. You have to believe first and then trust the process and stay committed, and if you do you will change forever. I look forward to meeting you and helping you reach your goals.

Call me, email me or facebook me for details. If you have time take a minute and read my story and find out why I am so passionate about helping people get healthy.

Be Blessed!

BELIEVE! TRUST! CHANGE!


828-305-4011
trainwithphil@live.com
www.facebook.com/plafon or www.facebook.com/gogetit2

Home Sweets Home

Todd Durkin • March 14, 2012 • Comments (0)

Brett Klika
Brettklika.com

If you have kids, I’m sure you want to do everything in your power to make sure they grow up healthy and happy.  With the current disturbing statistics about youth obesity (1 in 3 youth is overweight), fingers are pointing in every direction as to who or what is causing this problem with our kids.  In actuality, recent literature examining nutritional habits and obesity has the culprit a little closer to home than we’d like to admit.

Recent data released by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey after over 7,100 in-home interviews on daily nutritional intake may have found this culprit.  Their data shows that kids currently get about 16% of their daily calories from sugar.  59% of that sugar comes from processed foods with sugar added, 41% comes from beverages (soda, “fruit” juice, energy drinks, coffee drinks).

About 250-350 calories from sugar per day in a child’s diet serve absolutely 0 nutritional function.  For kids that regularly drink sugar-based beverages, the average daily caloric intake from sugar is about 327 calories.

The American Heart Association recommends no more than 150 calories from sugar per day for ADULTS!   These calories either take the place of higher quality nutrition, or are merely added to daily food intake as empty excess calories.  This not only adds inches to the waistline, it has been found to contribute to the early onset of problems such as insulin resistance.  This can be a pre-curser to diabetes and possible neurological issues.

With this information, we can now start constructing a case for who and/or what is responsible for a large share of our children’s health problems.  If we were playing Clue, we’d have the perpetrator (processed food and drink), the weapon (sugar), but where does this “crime” take place?

The data demonstrates that processed food and drink did it, with sugar, in the……..HOME!

Of the 7100 households surveyed over 3 years, it was discovered that 63% of daily sugar consumed by kids was done in the home.  A majority of sugar in our kids’ diets is coming from food we purchase, store, and feed them! Not only are our kids eating this way, we as adults are doing it as well, contributing to our own health calamities.

The most effective intervention is to pay attention to what you are buying and making available at home.  Look at labels and minimize processed food and beverages.  Look out for cereals and fruit juices masked as “healthy”, which often are extremely high in sugar and relatively low in nutritional content.  Try to stock your cupboards with real, whole foods and make processed foods and beverages a rare occurrence.

Yes, kids are often going to make sub-par nutrition choices at school, with friends, or when they are on their own.  After all, they’re kids.  Kids don’t have the cerebral matter to act according to how their actions may affect their future.  If you don’t have bad choices available at home, bad choices don’t become part of a child’s eating “vernacular”.  They are available sparingly and consumed as such, having minimal impact on long-term health.

Let’s take a stand against the problem in our pantry.  What are you going to do today to make sure your child grows up to be a happy, healthy, pain-free adult?

5 Reasons To Hire A Personal Trainer

If you are new to exercising and need motivation or instruction, hiring a trainer may put you on the proper path to fitness.

1. You Are Totally Confused

The landslide of fitness routines and diet plans on the market can flood your sensory receptors. It is tough to narrow down a program and commit to it, especially when you really don't fully understand how to do it.

If you are having a hard time choosing or figuring out how to perform your routine, then it is time to call a trainer. A good trainer will put you on the right path to success.

2. You Have Hit a Plateau

If you have been training for a while and you are not satisfied with the results you have achieved, then you need a trainer. A trainer can dissect your training routine like an investigator at a crime scene and make the appropriate changes to put you back on track to faster results.

3. You're Unsure About Your Form

One of the easiest ways to stifle results is to use poor exercise form. You can work out day-in and day-out, but unless you perform your exercises correctly, you won't see the results you long after.

Bad form can cause a serious injury. A trainer can teach you good form and exercise habits that will last you a lifetime. Many beginners should hire a trainer for the first week, so they are taught proper exercise form from the start.

4. You Need To Be Challenged

Exercise plateaus are often difficult to overcome by yourself. Many people just can't find a way to surmount a plateau without the help of a professional trainer. You can save a lot of time and wasted energy if you hire a trainer when you hit a fitness plateau.  A trainer can put together a personal workout plan that  will take you over the hump and onto new results - Fast!

5. Injuries And Special Needs

If you are injured and/or have a specific illness, then your doctor and trainer can work together to make sure that your training routine is effective, but safe at the same time. Working out is supposed to create better health, not impair you further.

 It is an absolute must that your doctor and trainer work together if you are injured or have a specific illness that requires medical attention.

Zen and the art of muscle maintenance, courtesy of a helping hand.

For more information on personal training please Click Here

Be blessed and remember .... 


Put in the time, Believe in yourself, Trust the process, Change Forever!

DO YOU HAVE A GOAL?

As a trainer I am here to help you believe in yourself. No matter if it is weight loss or a marathon you want to run or any other type of fitness goal I know that you have the potential. I was 100 pounds over weight when I started my journey and now that I am a trainer I am excited to motivate others but I still have goals myself. I realized today as much as I thought I believed in myself to reach my goals I stopped somewhere along the way. I still have some weight to lose myself and I realized if I try to hide that and focus solely on others that I am in turn quitting on myself. I am the trainer I am today because of what I have accomplished and now I realize I can only be a better trainer by finishing what I started and completing my ultimate goals. If I can emphasize anything it is to set a goal and BELIEVE BELIEVE BELIEVE!!! What are your dreams? What are your goals? Have you quit in the middle? 


NO MORE EXCUSES! 
Put in the time, Believe in yourself, 
Trust the process, 
Change FOREVER! 



 Get Started Reaching your goals CLICK HERE

How Insulin Plays A Critical Role

One of the endocrine system's most important hormones is insulin, which plays a critical role in how your body uses food. When you eat, your digestive system breaks food down into glucose, and the glucose circulates in your bloodstream (where it's often referred to as blood sugar). In response to the rise in glucose after a meal, the pancreas releases surges of insulin, whose job is to clean the glucose from the blood. Insulin directs some of the glucose to the body's cells, which use it for energy. Some of the glucose is diverted to the liver, where it's converted into glycogen (stored glucose) for later use by the muscles. Insulin then helps turn any leftover glucose into fatty acids and stores them in fat cells, where they can be tapped later for fuel.

Problems arise when your body starts creating too much insulin, which can happen for several reasons. One of the most common is that you ate too many highly processed, refined carbs, such as white bread or pasta. Such carbs increase blood sugar dramatically, requiring a rush of insulin to clear the blood. If your blood sugar surge is really dramatic (as it would be if you ate those refined carbs on an empty stomach), insulin overreacts and works twice as hard to clean the sugar from the blood. This overefficient removal of sugar means that your blood sugar concentration drops, with the result that you feel hungry again and crave (and probably eat) more carbs. That's the postsugar "crash and binge" cycle, the root of sugar addiction. In addition, when your muscles are still fueled from your last snack, the insulin converts those extra calories into fat. And as long as large amounts of insulin remain in the bloodstream, your body won't have a chance to tap into your fat stores for fuel — so you won't burn any fat, either.

This cycle can eventually lead to insulin resistance, a condition in which your body produces insulin but the cells become insensitive to it — as a result, the insulin can't do its job to lower the glucose concentration in the blood. Insulin resistance is a precursor of type 2 diabetes and is common among overweight people. Elevated levels of glucose in your blood is a surefire sign of it.

There is hope for preventing the problem. The key is to maintain low levels of insulin by eating whole foods, pairing carbs with protein, and avoiding highly processed carbs. When your insulin-release mechanism works the right way, it helps keep your weight in check. When it's not working, you're in trouble. If you can take control of your insulin's ups and downs, you'll be primed to lose weight and restore your body's hormone power!

From LOSING IT! With Jillian Michaels
Tuesday, March 06, 2012

Belief is the first step ...if you do not have it, do not begin because your sure to fail.

Just GO GET IT!!!! Make the decision today!!!

READ MY STORY
Contact me to start your journey!!!

Home with the family.....

Wonderful Monday home with the family. They were out of school and I did not have a client today so I was able to stay home with them. I still got to plan my work day for tomorrow but at least I get to have the company of my family. Its so fun to watch the kids play and be so free to be themselves.

Many of you may know that I have been working for R&R Home Entertainment for the last 10 years. In this economy it is truly a blessing to have a job, but God has been birthing new desires and passions in my life and opened new doors for me. I am proud to say that I will be a full time Fitness Solutions Trainer as of Monday February 13, 2012. It was a blessing to have such a flexible consistent place of employment as I did with R&R but I praise God for the new direction He has given me. For more information on my training please visit www.philliplafon.com.


Also you can visit Fitness Solutions  @ www.yoursolution4fitness.com

Phillip LaFon 

NASM-CPT

Personal weight loss of 61lbs

Read My Story

(828) 305-4011

trainwithphil@live.com

The common denominator ....

I went to an indoor water park this weekend and I was shocked at what I saw. It fueled me to continue my journey to my goal weight but also fueled my fire and passion to train and help others even more.  I saw only 2 men out of hundreds that actually had muscle tone to their abdomen and chest and arms ... and then maybe 1 out of ten that would be considered a somewhat healthy weight but the rest were definitely overweight and some extremely over weight. Trust me I am not criticizing anyone instead my heart was breaking to see what America is doing to themselves. I know these people cannot #1 feel good about themselves and #2 have bodies that will sustain them into there elder years. They all had small children that are going to miss out on a lot of play time while they're young and complete loss of the parent when obesity takes their life early.

I thought to myself I know that normally out of this many people there would be more then 2 muscular guys, or at least guys that were not considered over weight.  So, what is different in this observation? My conclusion was the presence of kids. The common denominator is that all these people have a few kids and a busy life. My point is they are not taking time to take care of themselves instead they are thinking that they are spending all of their time providing a good life for their children (good food and fun) and this is most likely their priority. The big piece of a the happy family puzzle they are missing is that they will not be able to enjoy this life they are providing if they can not engage in activities with their children. They are soon not going to have the energy or stamina to spend time outside of the home. Trust me I know what it feels like to be morbidly obese and to be tired all of the time and not feel like doing anything. I did not always put 2 and 2 together with my weight though. I made excuses. " i'm not sleeping well", or "I had a rough day" or whatever.  When I finally made that decision to do for them it all changed. Of course I was doing it for me too but the combination of knowing that taking time for myself was also taking time for them it was worth it.  I just felt like I should share this. I hope that it helps or encourages someone to make some much needed changes.

Be blessed everyone.

 Ready for Change? I am here to help? 

 Click here

What? Really? I eat that everyday!

So ok those of you that know me well would probably say that when I decide to do something I go for it. Your right I do. I usually go for broke in about everything I do.  It's kind of an all or nothing when it comes to how I approach things.  One thing I have learned though is that going extreme from the get go is not always beneficial. I bring this up because if you have stepped back to look at your life and have decided to make healthier choices, then I would encourage you to take small steps.  If your changes are too drastic all at once then you may very well find yourself at a place of burn out in certain areas.

So, if you are looking for a place to start let me be of assistance.

Enemy #1:  HFCS (High Fructose Corn Syrup)

Now if you have read or heard of how bad this can be for you, then you are probably thinking "I don't buy any of that junk food that has that crap." I am sorry to inform you that you may need to begin reading some labels. I am sure that you purchase at least one thing with it if not many that contain HFCS, unless you're reading and are already educated on the subject. Ready for the surprise products sitting in your pantry right now that contain HFCS?

1. Your loaf bread. "I buy wheat bread," you say.  SO ..... what's your point ... lol ... shocked? I was too!
There are brands of wheat bread that don't have HFCS but not many. We now only buy (Natures Own) and it has to be the 'whole wheat' because their 'honey wheat' still contains it.  If like white bread then your out of luck and if your reading this and actually care about your health then erase white bread from grocery list anyway and you will not have to even face that obstacle.

2. Now you have bread under and your ready to go eat your healthy green salad ..... eeeerrrrrrrt! Put on the brakes buddy! Yep you guessed it your salad dressing may contain it as well especially the sweeter ones like Thousand Island and French and probably Honey Mustard as well.  I know one brand that does not contain HFCS and it is Wishbone.  Now I am not endorsing dressings that contain a lot of mayonaise especially (non organic mayonaise ... lol) because I am trying to encourage healthier choices here, but for the person taking small steps and replacing that super high calorie meal with something more sensible then salad is a much better choice then cheeseburger and fries.  Take one more small step if this is where you are and put the dressing on the side and dip your fork before each bite.  All you guys probably think that sissy and I did too but get over it you will be glad you did!

3. I will leave you with one more product to look out for because again this one is surprising or at least not thought of right away.  So lets say know you are using ground turkey and have now grilled up a healthier burger that you are eating on a whole wheat bun that you have ensured does not contain HFCS make sure you have read the labels on the red stuff you are about to squeeze on that burger. Yep ketchup has it .... there are a lot of brands that do not now and some even advertise it on the front.  It's a pretty easy switch just a matter of being aware.


Now you are aware of a few key products consumed a lot that contain HFCS I want you to be well informed on why this is so important.

Scientists Finally Prove High Fructose Corn Syrup Risk

For the last several years, getting good answers about the health risks of high fructose corn syrup has been difficult. There has been a lack of true scientific substantiation on either side of the debate.

Although many of us suspected this stuff really isn't healthy for us, we didn't actually know how it was affecting our bodies.

Well, a team of Princeton researchers has now released their official findings on a high fructose corn syrup study with (not so) shocking conclusions.

The Princeton researchers had been studying not only side effects of high fructose corn syrup, but how your body reacts when it's ingested. They discovered that rats which had access to high fructose corn syrup gained significantly more weight than those with access to basic table sugar, even when their overall caloric intake was the same.

They did two studies and here are a few excerpts from their findings:

The first experiment — male rats given water sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup in addition to a standard diet of rat chow gained much more weight than male rats that received water sweetened with table sugar, or sucrose, in conjunction with the standard diet. The concentration of sugar in the sucrose solution was the same as is found in some commercial soft drinks, while the high-fructose corn syrup solution was half as concentrated as most sodas.

The second experiment — the first long-term study of the effects of high-fructose corn syrup consumption on obesity in lab animals — monitored weight gain, body fat and triglyceride levels in rats with access to high-fructose corn syrup over a period of six months. Compared to animals eating only rat chow, rats on a diet rich in high-fructose corn syrup showed characteristic signs of a dangerous condition known in humans as the metabolic syndrome, including abnormal weight gain, significant increases in circulating triglycerides and augmented fat deposition, especially visceral fat around the belly. Male rats in particular ballooned in size: Animals with access to high-fructose corn syrup gained 48 percent more weight than those eating a normal diet. In humans, this would be equivalent to a 200-pound man gaining 96 pounds.

What does this mean to you as a consumer, chef, cook, parent and conscious adult who cares about what goes into your body? It means all these months that you've been reading labels and finding out what snacks and pre-packaged foods are laced with this obesity enticing ingredient (which seems like almost everything), the time has come to say good-bye. Sure a candy bar packs a punch and for lack of a better phrase, really satisfies you, but it will do more damage than eating an entire tray of cookies fresh from the oven (and then some).

This doesn't mean you have to quit eating what you love, but it does mean that cooking for yourself and your family is more important than ever. Use real ingredients, use sugars and fats of all sorts, but the time to hesitate is through when it comes to the ever present, High Fructose Corn Syrup. As a consumer you vote with your dollar and the more we chose foods (even if they're prepackaged) without this nasty ingredient, the better!

Read more about Princeton's Findings from the University Website.

Here's a few more thoughts on High Fructose Corn Syrup to brush up on what is is, why we should avoid it and even some advertisements on television telling us that it's just fine to eat. 

• Good Question: Why Should High Fructose Corn Syrup Be Avoided?
• Food Science: The Low-Down on High-Fructose Corn Syrup
• TV Watch: New High Fructose Corn Syrup Ads

(via: Princeton University)
(Image: Flickr member Pink Shebet Photography licensed for use by Creative Commons)

• Sarah Rae Trover
• March 23, 2010 01:00PM

The above article with the scientific findings about HFCS was taken from the following source:


http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/food-science/princeton-proves-high-fructose-corn-syrup-
woes-once-for-all-112003