The Problem with High Fructose Corn Syrup

The problem with High Fructose Corn Syrup )HFCS) is how prevalent it is in our food system specifically processed and packaged foods. I saw a commercial a few days ago that tried making HFCS look like the friendly neighbor next door but it isn't.

The issue here for me though are the people who are out to do away with HFCS but see no problems with any other sugar. Drinking 4 glasses of orange juice for example in one day is basically just as bad for you as drinking 4 sugary sodas. Sure you get more vitamins and nutrients from the juice but if you are concerned about you or your child's sugar intake you need to watch all the sources of sugar you are eating.

HFCS becomes an issue because it is so inexpensive and that allows it to be everywhere even places it really need not be. Cakes, cookies, cereals, breads, ice creams, TV dinners, ketchup, the list of foods with HFCS is incredibly long. Obviously some of the foods here on my list do require a sweetener and because if the cost HFCS is the choice of the global food conglomerates. The solution here is quite simple; don't buy their mediocre crap.

I know people are very busy with jobs, little Billy's soccer practice, little Sarah's ballet lessons, and all the other time consuming aspects of life but try for the love of all things sacred to take an hour each week and make some homemade treats for the family.

The great part of making homemade treats is that not only are you cutting out HFCS (which amazes me that they can call natural because of how processed it is) but you can limit the total amount of sugar you are feeding your family. You may be thinking why not just buy the low sugar or sugar free options available at your local mega-mart. The answer there is that those products have less sugar but an insane amount of fat. At home you can make what I like to call slightly sweet treats that have no extra fat and less sugar.

The next time you do go to the market take a few minutes and check out not only where HFCS syrup is hiding but all forms of sugar because it really is everywhere in our packaged food system. Don't get me wrong I love sweets and I'm not telling anyone to cut them out but what you should do is try to cut out the foods containing sugar in your diet that really don't need to.

Healthy Eating :)