The Daily Chomp

Our Blog October 25, 2018

How Grass-Fed Beef Reduces Chronic Inflammation from Omega 3-Omega-6 Imbalances

Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are getting plenty of attention these days as research findings continue to show that the right balance between Omega-3s and Omega-6s plays a major role in health and wellness. You may notice on the two lists below that grain-fed beef is one of the top inflammatory foods while grass-fed beef is one of the top inflammation-fighting foods. So why does grass-fed beef differ so dramatically from its grain-fed counterpart? First, let's get a better understanding of these fatty acids. Top 15 Inflammatory Foods Top 15 Inflammation Fighting Foods Sugar Green leafy vegetables Vegetable oil Bok choy Fried foods Celery Refined flour Beets Yeast Broccoli Dairy Blueberries Artificial sweeteners Salmon Artificial additives Grass-fed beef Saturated and trans fats Bone broth Conventional grain-fed meats Walnuts Conventional processed meats Coconut oil Gluten from store-bought bread Chia seeds A second alcoholic drink Flaxseeds Trans fat foods Turmeric Fast foods Ginger What Are Omega-3s and Omega-6s? They are both essential, polyunsaturated fatty acids that we must get from the foods we eat because our bodies don’t produce them. Both fatty acids play key roles in the healthy functioning of our bodies, affecting such areas as cell membrane structure, energy, the functioning and development of the retina, brain, and nervous system, as well as fighting inflammation. Although both fatty acids are good for you, the trouble comes when the ratio of Omega-3s and Omega-6s gets out of balance. Our western diet of highly inflammatory foods and too few anti-inflammatory foods is causing a dangerous imbalance leading to serious health problems—coronary heart disease, asthma, cancer, autoimmunity, and neurodegenerative diseases, all of which have roots in the body’s inflammation. The French Food Safety Agency suggests that the correct ratio for Omega-6s to Omega-3s should be 5:1, representing an intake of 5 molecules of omega-6 per 1 molecule of omega-3. More Omega-3s in Grass-fed Beef Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is one of the three types of Omega-3 fatty acids. It is found only in plants such as nuts, seeds, and the pasture grasses cows graze on. This fact is one of the primary reasons beef from grass-fed cows is an anti-inflammatory food loaded with nutrition. For example, a 3.5 ounce serving of delicious grass-fed beef has approximately 80 milligrams of omega-3’s, double the amount in conventional grain-fed beef. In stark contrast to grass-fed cows, factory-farmed cows are fed a mixture of inflammatory ingredients including GMO grains sprayed with pesticides, same-species by-products from diseased animals, cheap candy, drugs, chemicals, and even plastics.  The right balance of Omega-3's and Omega 6's plays an essential role in our overall health, protecting us from chronic, life-threatening diseases that are fueled by an excess of inflammatory foods. There is no doubt that choosing grass-fed beef over grain-fed beef will help you achieve health and wellness goals even faster. READ MORE

Our Blog October 25, 2018

Grass-Fed Beef Omega-6 to Omega-3 Ratio Has Many Health Benefits

Typical store-bought grain-fed beef has an Omega-6 to 3 ratio of 20:1. Grass-fed beef has a ratio closer to 3:1. Learn why that matters here! READ MORE

Our Blog February 24, 2018

How Grass-Fed Beef Speeds up Your Weight Loss on the Keto Diet

There is a huge difference between the nutrients in grass-fed beef and conventional grain-fed beef from factory farms. On a Ketogenic Diet, grass-fed beef delivers additional health benefits including the ability to lose more weight without any extra effort. Let's back up a minute and look at what an average meal looks like on the Keto diet: 20% of calories from protein (meat, poultry, fish, seafood, and eggs) 5% from carbohydrates 75% from high-fat foods like avocados, bacon, butter, egg yolks, and nuts Keto Diet guidelines don't distinguish between healthy proteins like grass-fed beef and unhealthy proteins like grain-fed beef. However, here's what can happen if you make one simple change and eat grass-fed beef instead. Grass-fed beef has a powerful, naturally occurring fatty acid called CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) which is linked to long-term weight management and health. Lower in Calories, Higher in Nutrition Free to roam, pasture-raised cows graze outdoors on a natural diet of healthy grasses, unlike factory farm cows that eat GMO grains loaded with toxins, pesticides, and other unspeakable ingredients. Pasture-raised cows mature at a natural rate without the growth hormones used to fatten factory-farm cows faster. Healthy cows produce healthier, leaner beef while grain-fed cows produce fatty beef due to their unnatural diet and stressful living conditions. In his book, Pasture Perfect, Jo Robinson says that Americans typically eat about 67 pounds of beef annually. If you make the simple switch to grass-fed beef, he calculates that you will save 16,642 calories a year which translates into a five-pound weight loss. By fine-tuning your Keto Diet eating plan with the addition of grass-fed beef, you will enjoy the added benefits of healthier proteins and a noticeable improvement in weight-loss results. Grass-fed Beef's Extra Weight-Loss Boost Grass-fed beef has a powerful, naturally occurring fatty acid called CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) which is linked to long-term weight management and health. Although synthetic versions of CLA have been a popular weight loss supplement for years, grass-fed beef has much higher CLA levels. By fine-tuning your Keto Diet eating plan with the addition of grass-fed beef, you will enjoy the added benefits of healthier proteins and a noticeable improvement in weight-loss results. READ MORE

Our Blog January 13, 2018

Paleo Diet vs. Keto Diet: How Are They Different?

Key Takeaways Paleo and keto diets both focus on whole foods and protein, but paleo emphasizes food quality while keto is built around strict low-carb, high-fat macros to reach ketosis. The paleo diet focuses on whole, minimally processed foods like meat, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds, while avoiding grains, legumes, dairy, and refined ingredients. The keto diet keeps carbs very low and fat high to put the body into ketosis, where it burns fat for fuel. Carbs are the main difference: paleo allows natural sources like fruit and starchy vegetables, while keto restricts most carbs. Both diets prioritize real, protein-rich foods, and options like meat sticks can be an easy, on-the-go fit for each. If you promised yourself that you will lose weight and eat healthier this year, you have more than a few options for achieving your goals. Two of the most popular plans are the Paleo Diet and the Keto Diet. At first glance, these diets look deceptively similar. Both follow these key rules: No grains No legumes No refined sugar Healthy fats only—nuts, seeds, animal fats, and coconut oil Non-starchy vegetables and leafy greens recommended Quality animal protein—grass-fed or organic—is encouraged for maximum nutritional benefit A closer look at both diets—Paleo and Keto—reveals many differences you should be aware of before you commit your time, energy, and hopes to one plan. Paleo Diet Highlights The Goal Although both the Paleo and Keto diets help you lose weight, the Paleo Diet is more of a lifestyle choice for those who choose to eat quality foods that promote digestive health. Weight loss becomes a natural by-product of eating a balanced diet of healthier foods. Paleo Food Plan The Paleo Diet is based on the way our hunter-gatherer ancestors ate over 10,000 years ago. They thrived on a varied, natural diet of nutritious, whole foods like meats, fish, eggs, fruits, leafy greens, regional veggies, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats. Additionally, modern-day Paleo dieters can drink water, coffee, and tea. By avoiding hard-to-digest foods like grains, legumes, and most dairy products, Paleo enthusiasts focus on eating gut-friendly foods which pave the way for essential nutrients to be fully absorbed by the body. They also avoid processed foods, toxins, sugars, artificial sweeteners, sodas, and diet, low-fat, and limit their intake of high-carb foods. Calorie Counting for Paleo Diet? Most people are not good at counting calories. In multiple studies, participants underestimated their calorie intake by up to 50%. The Paleo Diet recommends that you not count calories because the diet helps you focus on feeling naturally satisfied and satiated with healthier fats, more vegetables, and less starchy and sugary carbs. Keto Diet Highlights The Goal The goal of the Keto (short for Ketogenic) Diet is weight loss and fat burning. This is achieved by forcing the body to burn fat more efficiently, a metabolic state called ketosis. Normally when you need more energy, your body burns glucose which comes from the carbohydrates you eat. On the severely low-carb Keto Diet, your carb intake is roughly 5% of your diet, while your fat intake increases up to 75%. Without the glucose produced by higher-carb foods, your body goes directly to burning the fatty acids in your fat cells, resulting in faster weight loss than experienced on the Paleo Diet. Keto Food Plan The goal of the Keto Diet food plan is to maintain a metabolic state of ketosis. This takes careful monitoring of your food intake. Unlike the Paleo Diet, the Keto Diet does not focus on healthy foods versus unhealthy foods. The primary focus is on attaining and remaining in a state of ketosis—fat-burning. Deciding on the best plan—Paleo or Keto—depends on your specific goals and the changes you are comfortable making to achieve them. The Keto Diet prohibits these high-carb foods: Sweet potatoes Starchy vegetables like pumpkin, squash, yams, carrots, and parsnips High-sugar fruits like bananas, peaches, grapes, and pineapples Paleo-approved sugars like honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar, and dried fruits Calorie Counting for Keto Diet? Most people on ketogenic diets consume 5% or less of their calories from carbohydrates. In most cases, you won’t need to count calories on this diet. Which Diet Best Suits You? Both diets achieve results for individuals who follow the plan. Both diets result in health benefits ranging from weight loss, lower blood pressure, and improved cholesterol levels to stabilizing blood sugar levels, clearing brain fog, and improving focus. Deciding on the best plan—Paleo or Keto—depends on your specific goals and the changes you are comfortable making to achieve them. READ MORE

Our Blog December 17, 2017

Higher Levels of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Make Grass-fed Beef a Nutritional Powerhouse

What are omega-3 fatty acids and why should we care that grass-fed beef has more of them than grain-fed beef? Omega-3 fatty acids are in the media spotlight because an increasing number of research studies—including a 2017 landmark clinical trial in Ireland—have come to the same conclusions about Omega-3's tremendous nutritional health and disease prevention value. Additionally, surveys show that consumers prefer products that are higher in omega-3's. A Trio of Powerful Nutrients Omega-3 fatty acids consist of three types of fatty acids—DHA, EPA, and ALA. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosatetraenoic acid) are basic building blocks for our overall health including the brain and eyes, proving lifelong support and cardiovascular health. DHA and EPA are not prevalent in cows, but they can be extracted from fish and algae. ALA, the third omega-3 fatty acid, is found only in plants such as nuts, seeds, and the pasture grasses cows graze on. This fact is one of the primary reasons beef from grass-fed cows are loaded with nutrition. Omega-3 fatty acids are so important to our health that we humans need all three of them to function and thrive. Nutritional analysis shows that cows fed on grasses their entire lives produce a leaner beef than conventional grain-fed cows, yet their fat has higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, namely ALA. For example, a 3.5 ounce serving of grass-fed meat has approximately 80 milligrams of omega-3's which is double the amount found in conventional beef. Better Feed for Animals. Better Food for People. The old saying, "You are what you eat", normally refers to people, but these days it also refers to animals raised for food. Motivated by keeping profits high and costs low, factory farms feed beef cows an unnatural diet of GMO grains to fatten them up faster.  And it gets worse... The cows are also being fed same-species by-products from diseased animals, candy, plastics, drugs, chemicals, and other unmentionably gross ingredients. By contrast, grass-fed cows are raised outdoors on a steady diet of pasture grasses. They grow strong and healthy, and the meat they produce is loaded with nutritional benefits for us humans. In addition to higher levels of omega-3s and other nutritional advantages, grass-fed beef benefits our planet, too. Well managed pastures cause less pollution of nearby waterways and use far less energy than factory farm operations. It's no wonder sales of fresh grass-fed beef soared from $17-million in 2012 to $272 million just four years later. A recent clinical trial in Ireland fed 161 participants a diet featuring the regular consumption of naturally enriched omega-3 chicken and eggs. After six months, researchers suggested that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, dementia, and depression. Future studies will also focus on meat and pork. Omega-3 in Grass-Fed Beef Grass-fed beef has twice the amount of omega-3's as conventional beef, and it is mostly ALA, the omega-3 that isn't found in salmon and other fatty fish. READ MORE

Our Blog September 15, 2017

Can Eating GMO Foods Make You Sick?

Foods containing GMOs (genetically modified organisms) have taken over America's food supply in astonishing numbers and are posing serious health risks for all of us. The Center for Food Safety, a nonprofit watchdog agency, reports that overwhelming percentages of genetically engineered (GE) crops are grown from genetically modified (GMO) seeds, affecting: Up to 92% of U.S. corn crops 94% of soybeans 94% of cotton, from which cottonseed oil, often used in food products, is derived Over 75% of processed foods on supermarket shelves – from soda to soup, crackers to condiments – contain GMO ingredients. In a mad rush to create more genetically engineered foods, the biotech industry continues to claim that GMOs are safe. But study after study confirms their claim is false. GMO Health Risks Today's genetically engineered foods are not the same as the natural hybridization methods farmers have used for centuries to grow better varieties of grains, fruits, vegetables, and raise animals for food. Genetically engineered organisms are freaks of nature that disrupt the basic genetic codes of our food supply. Biotech scientists take genetic material from one species and insert it into different species. The following is just a sampling of the health dangers consumers face due to the presence of GMOs in unprecedented percentages in our food supply. 1. Exposure to More Pesticides Most genetically engineered crops are modified with a gene that resists pesticides. This means that GE crops are immune to Monsanto’s infamous weed killer, Roundup. The main ingredient in Roundup is glyphosate, a known carcinogen that has been linked to many health problems in animal studies such as cancer, diabetes, birth defects, reproductive damage, and endocrine disruption. Overuse of Roundup results in herbicide-resistant "superweeds", causing farmers to use even more toxic herbicides every year. In addition to harming the environment, this abusive practice is now linked to alarming increases in diseases and disorders in people. During the decade following the 1996 introduction of GMO seeds and crops, The Institute of Responsible Technology (I.R.T.) reports that: The percentage of Americans with three or more chronic illnesses jumped from 7% to 13%. Food allergies skyrocketed. Disorders like autism, reproductive disorders, digestive problems are on the rise. Currently, physician groups such as the American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) are urging doctors to prescribe non-GMO diets for all patients. 2. Antibiotic-Resistant Superbugs At least 2 million people contract antibiotic-resistant infections annually, and at least 23,000 die as a result, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Popular antibiotics that saved lives for decades are now becoming useless against pneumonia and other life-threatening bacterial infections. The problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria stems from two main sources: Doctors over-prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics, along with other toxins and harmful ingredients, are in every bite of factory-farmed meat we eat. Factory farms now produce between 78% of the beef, 95% of the pork, 99% of the turkey, and 99.9% of the chicken on the market. These animals are regularly treated with antibiotics to prevent them from falling ill and dying from their filthy, confined living conditions. You may have noticed that more meat packages have “No Antibiotics Added” labels, but that doesn’t mean those products are suddenly nutritious and good for you. Factory farm animals consume a regular diet of GMO feed from genetically engineered crops like wheat, corn, and soy. So when you eat factory farm meats, you’re eating GMOs, too. Genetically engineered organisms are freaks of nature that disrupt the basic genetic codes of our food supply. 3. Dangerous Consequences The biotech industry is still relatively young, so the longer-range health consequences of GMOs are just beginning to surface. One study published in Lancet magazine was indicative of similar findings by different research groups: Milk from cows injected with a genetically engineered growth hormone was shown to have significantly higher levels of insulin-like growth factor-1, a substance linked to cancers of the human breast, colon, and prostate. If the biotech industry is so confident that GMO foods are safe, why have their advocates successfully fought against GMO labeling on foods? 4. Consumers Demand GMO Labeling Year after year, countless consumer polls confirm that Americans overwhelmingly support GMO labeling. Polling statistics show that supporters number 89% to 95% of all total respondents. It is obvious that consumers are concerned about food safety and have the right to know if GMOs are in their foods. What Food Labels Can You Trust? In the absence of easy-to-understand GMO labeling, smart consumers can avoid the health risks of GMO foods by choosing products labeled Non-GMO Project Verified or USDA Certified Organic (learn more: GMO vs Organic). Non-GMO Project Verified Snacks In 2016, the Chomps product line received official Non-GMO Project Verified status and now proudly wears the bright, orange "butterfly" label showing consumers that Chomps are GMO-free. With up to 12 grams of protein and under 100 calories in every stick, Chomps is a perfect snack and nutritious addition to well-balanced breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, too! Certified Paleo-friendly, Chomps are made from 100% grass-fed non-GMO Angus beef and enhanced with the down-home flavors of farm-fresh ingredients and preserved with natural celery juice. The perfect complement to an active lifestyle, our beef sticks are wrapped individually in a natural collagen casing. Unlike those unhealthy tough-to-chew jerky brands, Chomps are tender, flavorful, juicy, and have no gluten, no soy, no hormones, no antibiotics, no dairy, no MSG and no GMOs. Enjoy your protein boost the healthy non-GMO way—try Chomps! READ MORE

Our Blog October 19, 2015

Are You Eating Good-for-You Beef or Bad-for-You Beef?

Americans love beef—whether it’s a grilled hamburger at a back-yard barbecue or a filet mignon at a five-star restaurant. We are consummate carnivores, and we always look forward to our next beef meal. But the truth is, all beef is not the same. Beef can be a wonderful source of healthy protein, nutrients, and vitamins or it can be filled with GMOs, toxins, and other ingredients that can lead to serious health problems. Here’s how to make sure you always choose healthy beef. The Bad-for-You Beef Historically, American beef producers raised healthy cattle on pasture lands of endless grasses and vegetation. The cattle grew up strong and vital. Unfortunately, in the 1950s, beef producers took a turn down a road that would inevitably lead to raising dangerously unhealthy cattle. This change occurred when cattle ranchers started feeding grains to their cattle to fatten them. Today those grains are grown from GMO seeds which are associated with a long list of health dangers for the cattle, the environment, and consumers. Eventually fattening up their cattle wasn’t enough for ranchers. They wanted the cattle to grow big enough to sell or slaughter in two to three years instead of the normal four to five years. They started injecting the cattle with growth hormones to speed up their natural aging process. (Wait, it gets even worse than this.) Even though all cattle graze on grass for the first part of their lives, they are switched over to grain as soon as possible for the fattening-up process. Living on grain, cattle didn’t need to graze all the time. So ranchers developed Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) where cattle were shoved into small pens—nose to tail—and never allowed to go outside, walk around, and graze. It’s not surprising that the animals got weaker and sicker and needed bigger doses of antibiotics to fight disease. This inhumane process that creates most of the beef in the U.S. is the kind of beef that can make you sick. These days, a steak or hamburger arrives on your plate filled with pesticides, GMOs, growth hormones, and antibiotics. This is definitely “bad-for-you” beef. The Good-for-You Beef Healthy non-GMO grass-fed beef is usually imported from New Zealand and Australia—two of the top beef exporters in the world. Both countries have a long tradition of raising beef on non-GMO grass their entire lives. Cattle ranchers never feed them grain, they never give them growth hormones or antibiotics, and they always let them graze and stay outside all year round. In New Zealand, where the climate is temperate and the air is pure and crisp, GMO seeds and products are illegal. The country is passionate about protecting their environment and keeping it clean. The Nutritional Power of Non-GMO Grass When cattle dine on natural grass their entire lives—free of GMOs and pesticides—they are ingesting the right balance of “good-for-you” anti-inflammatory polyunsaturated fats—Omega 3’s and CLA Omega 6’s. Omega 3 fatty acids are essential for normal growth and may play a role in preventing and treating coronary artery disease, hypertension, arthritis, cancer, and other inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. For all these reasons, 100% non-GMO grass-fed Angus beef from New Zealand is the good-for-you beef. It’s leaner and significantly higher in flavor, nutrients, vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory fatty acids. Look for the “New Zealand 100% Non-GMO Grass-fed Beef” label, and buy with confidence. You know you’re adding healthy protein to your diet that is good for you and delicious, too!   Chomps natural beef snack sticks are a modern, healthy twist on the favorite convenience food of our hunter-gatherer ancestors. Chomps delivers ten grams of protein in a blend of natural ingredients starting with 100% grass-fed Non-GMO New Zealand Angus beef and palate-pleasing spices. Chomps are gluten, soy, hormone, and antibiotic free, and they don’t contain dairy, MSG, or any synthetic preservatives. Loaded with hearty farm-fresh ingredients, Chomps juicy snack sticks will come to your rescue anytime you need a protein boost. READ MORE

Our Blog September 25, 2015

Health Benefits of New Zealand Grass-Fed Beef

If you look closer at the labels on beef in supermarkets, you'll see that a lot of grass-fed beef products are actually imported from New Zealand and Australia. How did that happen? The benefits of grass-fed beef from New Zealand is a story about tradition, climate, and protecting people's health. Size, Terrain & Climate New Zealand is located in the southern hemisphere, 932 miles southeast of Australia. Whereas New Zealand is about the size of Colorado, Australia is almost as large as the United States. Dramatically different in size and terrain, both countries are world-famous exporters of high-quality grass-fed beef products. When you think of New Zealand, visualize the magical landscapes of the Lord of the Ring films—mystical snow-capped mountains, dense forests, sparkling lakes, rolling green hills and valleys, and Pacific Ocean vistas. It is a place where the human footprint is very light (three-million population), and the air is amazingly clean and pure. The temperate climate translates into mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers—good news for grass-fed beef producers. A Tradition of Raising Animals on Non-GMO Grass New Zealand, like most developed nations in the world (with the exception of the U.S.), bans the production and sale of GMO products (genetically modified organisms) in their country. They don't consider GMOs to be safe. Growing research and evidence connects GMOs with health problems, environmental damage, and violation of farmers' and consumers' rights. New Zealand has a long tradition of growing high-quality Angus cattle on the country's extensive pasture lands. The cattle enjoy an idyllic life, free to roam in the sunshine doing what ruminant animals do best—eating healthy non-GMO grasses all day long. New Zealand cattle are pasture-raised and finished, meaning that they are fed on natural grass and vegetation their entire lives. They are never forced to eat grain. As a result of the country's temperate climate, pristine air, and healthy, live non-GMO vegetation, New Zealand Angus beef is leaner and significantly higher in flavor, nutrients, vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. GMOs and American Beef In the U.S., where the majority of grass seed producers use GMO seeds, it's hard to find domestic non-GMO grass-fed beef. Consequently, a simple "grass-fed beef" label on domestic beef doesn't mean the beef is healthy or devoid of GMOs. Additionally, harsher winters in the U.S. prevent a natural cycle of year-round grazing. Since fresh grass isn’t available several months of the year, cattle have to eat hay which is dead vegetation devoid of the natural nutrients of living grass and most likely grown from GMO grass seeds. In contrast, American consumers can confidently buy grass-fed beef from New Zealand because it is 100% GMO-free. The Rise of America's CAFO Tradition In the 1950s. American beef producers started feeding cattle a diet of grains instead of grasses to deliberately fatten them up. Eventually, growth hormones were added to accelerate the process. Conditions continued to worsen because it's not natural for ruminant animals to eat grain; it makes them sick. Today the majority of American beef comes from Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs). These inhumane facilities force cattle into unnaturally small spaces in filthy conditions where disease runs rampant. The lower cost of American beef has come at a high price, producing products ridden with pesticides, GMOs, antibiotics, growth hormones, and other dangerous additives. With the proliferation of CAFOs, the healthier alternative of free-range cattle nearly disappeared. For American producers dealing with the higher costs of raising grass-fed non-GMO cattle, it's been hard to compete with New Zealand beef. America's Growing Demand for Grass-Fed Beef Faced with an obesity epidemic and more knowledgeable about the dangers of junk foods and GMOs, Americans are demanding healthier natural and organic foods including beef products. Thanks to New Zealand's robust grass-fed cattle industry, you can confidently dine on delicious and healthy non-GMO beef at a significantly lower price than our own domestic grass-fed beef. — Chomps are a modern, healthy twist on the favorite convenience food of our hunter-gatherer ancestors. Chomps delivers 10 to 12 grams of protein in a blend of natural ingredients starting with 100% grass-fed Non-GMO New Zealand Angus beef and palate-pleasing spices. Chomps are gluten, soy, hormone, and antibiotic-free, and they don't contain dairy, MSG, or any synthetic preservatives. Loaded with hearty farm-fresh ingredients, Chomps will come to your rescue anytime you need a protein boost. See what Chomps is all about! READ MORE

Our Blog March 16, 2015

The Government's Bad Diet Advice - Turning the Food Pyramid Upside Down

  Healthy eating and proper nutrition are essential to making good food choices. Today, there are many different diets you can choose from, but which is best for YOU? Recently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released a food pyramid with more specific advice on portion size and calories to help people gain better guidance for healthy eating. Orange represents grains. The USDA recommends eating 5-8 ounces of grain per day. Green represents vegetables. The USDA's dietary guidelines recommend 2½ cups of vegetables per day for people eating 2,000 calories a day, with higher or lower amounts depending on the calorie level. Red represents fruits. The latest dietary guidelines call for people to eat two cups of fruit a day. Yellow represents oils. The USDA recommends getting most of your fat sources from fish, nuts and vegetable oils. Blue represents milk. The latest USDA dietary guidelines encourage consuming three cups per day of fat-free or low-fat milk. Purple represents beans and meats. The USDA says people should choose lean meats and poultry while consuming varying protein sources. But is this really the best plan for healthy eating? Nutrition experts have been wrong in the past For example, saturated fats were thought to contribute to health problems including an increased risk of heart disease for decades. Recent research revealed that in fact, this was not true. So last fall, experts on the committee responsible for developing the country's dietary guidelines acknowledged that low-fat diets were not necessarily healthier. This isn't the first time the government has been wrong about their dietary recommendations for healthy eating. In 2013, we were advised to reduce our salt intake but that suggestion was contradicted by an Institute of Medicine study. The Upside Down Food Pyramid So let’s take a look at the food pyramid for a moment. If you were to flip it upside down the guidelines for healthy eating would then include large amounts of protein from beans and meat, then milk, then fats. Then would come fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Many dietary experts believe that this is actually the best approach to healthy eating because protein is one of the most essential nutrients for a lean body. Fats are also vital to the proper function of many body systems including the brain. This dietary approach most closely resembles a Paleolithic diet (one that includes foods only eaten by our caveman ancestors). A Personal Choice Choosing the right diet is a personal choice but when we take a look at what the government has recommended in the past it is clear that they are not always correct. And in the case of the food pyramid, they might have things completely backward! A diet that includes fewer grains, less sugar and more protein from animal foods like meat, dairy, and eggs is a great way to achieve good health. It also includes very few processed foods that are known to cause chronic health problems. If you want to consume healthy foods consider flipping the food pyramid upside down. And if you’re looking for a few high protein snacks – try Chomps meat sticks! Made from 100% grass-fed beef and loaded with nutrients for healthy eating. READ MORE

Our Blog October 25, 2014

Antioxidants: Functions, Benefits, and Sources

What Are Antioxidants? Antioxidants are molecules that inhibit the process of oxidation. Oxidation is a natural process that happens in our bodies, and we see it happen in foods when apple slices and bananas are left out for long; they turn brown. When oxygen is metabolized in our bodies it creates free radicals which are unstable molecules that cause harm or death of our cells by damaging the cellular proteins, lipids or DNA. Once these free radical attack they turn the attacked molecule into a free radical which lead to a chain reaction of free radicals. This chain reaction causes damage that leads to premature aging, and when extensive enough can potentially lead to chronic diseases, cancer or carcinogenic processes. Antioxidants interact by binding to the free radicals and neutralizing them so they can no longer cause any harm. Functions of Antioxidants Mother nature has provided our cells with naturally occurring antioxidants that are equipped to manage the damage of oxidation. However, due to the increasing harmful chemicals in our environment such as pollutants, radiation, smoking, fertilizers and unhealthy diets filled with processed and fatty foods, our bodies may be over-taxed when there is a high accumulation of free radicals. If your diet is not balanced then it would be beneficial to look into incorporating the intake of antioxidant-rich foods, and if it is balanced then you are probably getting a sufficient amount of antioxidants. Either way, eating fruits and veggies is never a bad idea because they are one of the main sources rich in antioxidants! Benefits and Sources of Antioxidants Here are some of the well-known antioxidants as well which foods they are most abundant in : Vitamin E Especially Alpha-tocopherol; prevents body tissue damage by protecting cell membranes from oxidation. Sources: Nuts, seeds, avocados, and vegetable oils Vitamin C This is a water-soluble vitamin and it tends to scavenge free radicals in water environments in our bodies. Sources: Guava, red bell peppers, kiwi, oranges, and pineapple Beta-carotene This gives fruits and vegetables their rich yellow/orange pigments. It is converted into vitamin A in our bodies but it is also a powerful antioxidant. Sources: sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, apricots, tangerines, cantaloupe, and dark leafy greens Selenium This is a trace element and only a small amount is required in our diet but that amount is essential. It is required for the formation of a group of proteins that work as antioxidant enzymes. It also works together with Vitamin E and C as an antioxidant in preventing free radical damage. Sources: brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, seafood and fish, asparagus and mustard seeds Manganese & Zinc These are trace elements that form essential parts of various antioxidants. Sources: Manganese is found in seafood (mussels), pumpkin seeds and hazelnuts; Zinc is found in seafood (oysters), beef and lamb, toasted wheat germ and spinach Coenzyme Q10 It is an antioxidant that is synthesized in our bodies but it can also be found in foods. Sources: beef, chicken, fish, nuts, seeds, plant oils, broccoli, and cauliflower Phytochemicals You may have heard this term a lot as well as polyphenols and flavonoids. This term is sort of the umbrella term for the various compounds produced by plants that have antioxidant functions. Sources: Tomatoes, watermelon, kale spinach, collard greens, berries, raspberries, pomegranates, nuts, beans, and whole grains... essentially all plant foods. An Antioxidant-Rich Diet A diet rich in antioxidants can aid in the prevention of many chronic diseases including heart disease, eye diseases, premature aging, and cancer. Although our bodies may be equipped with natural antioxidants, it is still important to incorporate foods rich in antioxidants such as fruits and vegetables so that we can provide all the energy and essential nutrients for our bodies to function optimally. READ MORE