Beef Labeling Guide

Women's Health provides the truth behind the labeling on the beef you're buying:

If it says...

Natural:  All fresh meat qualifies as natural (captain obvious) as long as it is not more than minimally processed - which is what the USDA requires.  Don't choose "natural" beef, especially if the price is marked up.

Organic:  According to USDA, the criteria to state that foods are organic "cannot contain hormones or antibiotics, and the animals must have been fed a vegetarian, pesticide-and herbicide-free diet without genetically modified sources or animal by-products, and had continuous access to pastures."  This is why I love organic.

Grass-fed:  Another captain obvious moment here since nearly all cattle are fed grass at some point in their lives, making the term "grass-fed" meaningless.  Don't choose "grass-fed" beef, especially if the price is marked up.

Pasture-raised:  There is no specific pasture-raised certification, but animals raised this way can roam freely in their natural environment.

Certified Angus Beef:  Nearly 65% of cattle are black-hided and receive the Angus stamp, but only 25% meet the Certified Angus Beef standards, making it the best quality beef.

rBGH-free or rBST-free:  Signifies that the beef product come from a cow that was not treated with a genetically engineered growth hormone that artificially increases milk products, which may cause human health problems!

So next time you're at the fresh meat market at your local grocery, you'll know what to stay away from and what to take home for dinner.

Tidbits

Is it just me or did June completely fly by!?  I didn't realize it was nearly July until I got my Women's Health magazine in the mail on Friday!  And we know what that means...time for your FilthyFit Tidbits!

I liked this picture.

 

*Aim for 3 portions a day of fruit to reap the benefits without packing on the pounds (from high sugar content.)  Benefits of fruit:  decreased heart attacks, stroke risk and some cancers.

*One in six cell phones are contaminated with fecal matter (EW) that could contain E. coli.  So, make an effort to clean your phone once a week.

*On average, lean people chew their food 21 times before swallowing, compared to obese people who chew their food only 17 times.

*Women who ate 2 or more servings of citrus fruit a day had a 10% lower stroke risk compared with those who ate fewer than 2 servings.

*A recent study found that three-fourths of weight equipment was contaminated with cold causing rhinoviruses.  So put down a towel on the bench or mat, shower immediately, change into clean clothes and of course keep your hands washed.

*Make sure your bike fits you:  seat height should be at or right below your hip; the seat should be just far enough from the handlebar that you are able to relax your elbows; your handlebar should be at the highest position that feels comfortable (which alleviates pressure on your back).

*Fight summer headaches by 1) not skipping meals 2) going fragrance free as strong odors can induce a headache 3) passing on that third cup of caffeine (limit to 200 milligrams daily) 4) taking a break from staring at a screen 5) throwing out leftovers as tyramine levels rise with time and can therefore balloon blood vessels 6) taking your hair out of a pony tail.

*Alcoholic drink add-ins not only add flavor but add extra calories.  Calorie counts for two ounces:  club soda-0; tomato juice-10; tonic water-21; other soda-26; fruit juice-30-39; simple syrup-100; grenadine-214; coconut cream-271.

*Make your long term relationship last by having more fun!  Kid around with each other, go on a double date, compete with each other (in a friendly game), head out to the ballpark or engage your fear factor.  

*It's summertime...in Dallas.  It's hot so exercise accordingly.  Sand, concrete and tennis courts absorb heat and transfer it to you.  On super hot days choose to exercise on a dirt trail or a grassy field.

*Surfing your own Facebook page (not your "friends'") may boost your self esteem.  So spend some time updating your wall.

*32% of people live alone; 13% percent live with their parents; 0.5% think living with their parents is the ideal situation......

*The first step in getting bikini-body-ready is to eliminate processed foods.  They may be satisfying and taste good but they make you crave more food than your body needs.

Have a healthy and great July!  xoxo