New recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) include warnings not to put plastic containers in the microwave or dishwasher. The pediatricians also said you should avoid all plastics with recycling codes 3 for phthalates, 6 for styrene and 7 for bisphenols, and use glass or steel packaging instead, KRON 4 reports. Not only that, they are recommending that you avoid processed foods.
These recommendations coming from this particular body of medical professionals may be startling for some at first, especially if you rely on plastics for everyday use, put those plastics in a microwave often, and particularly if you loathe washing dishes by hand. And telling you not to buy processed foods? The plastics and processed food industries must be reeling — not that they weren’t already, seeing that at least 50 of the main processed foods companies have left the Grocery Manufacturers Association, a processed food lobbyist group I dubbed the most evil organization on the planet a few years ago.
The agricultural and sugar industry must be shaking too, as their products are largely what make up processed foods. From the factory farm producing corn, soy and wheat to concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) to the packaging companies producing everything from cereals to canned products to packaged desserts and meats, the news that the AAP wants you to quit feeding your children these GMO- and sugar-laden products must be stunning.
When you think about it, ditching plastics is almost an after-thought because, if you refuse to buy processed foods and that industry fails, then the plastics industry automatically will falter as well. It’s vindicating that science has finally caught up with … science. But what can you do follow these recommendations as quickly as possible? Here are some suggestions:
- Educate yourself on the health impacts on sugar, as permanent changes are easier once you know the why behind the change.
- Reduce net carbs in your diet and increase healthy fats, as I describe in my book, “Fat for Fuel,” and purchase only fresh, whole, organic foods. Yes, that requires meal preparation on your part, but this can become a great family time if you involve everyone and make time to make meals.
- Include fermented foods in your diet, as they support your digestive health, help you reduce sweet cravings and help you feel fuller.
- As the AAP advises, eat real food, not processed foods that come in boxes, cans and plastic bottles. Whole, organic, non-GMO foods provide your body with the nutrition you need; plus, they are more filling.
If you need help in switching away from processed foods, try turbo tapping, a form of the Emotional Freedom Techniques. And, yes, strip your cupboards of all things plastic and use glass for all your food needs.