I’m sure you’ve wondered about these same questions.  What’s better for you?  I’ve always aspired to a healthy lifestyle, but now as a mom and being concerned over what goes in my kids bodies, I’m especially concerned with making the right food choices.

Butter vs. Margarine?

 It appears this debate continues to rage on… on the one hand, you have butter that has been around forever and is a natural product, but has been linked to a higher risk of heart disease and other serious health problems.  On the other hand, you have margarine which has been touted to be low in saturated fats and fortified with essential fatty acids, particularly omega-3,  and vitamins.  The downside to margarine is that it is processed and the omega-3 is usually plant derived which has limited benefits compared to fish derived sources.  In addition, margarine is made with vegetable oils, which are a significant source of omega-6 fatty acids – which are commonly used in processed foods and baked goods – something most people over-consume – which means they are already getting too much!

My answer:

 I would much rather put something naturally derived into my body than something processed. We switched back to butter in my house and we just use it in a more limited fashion.   Besides, there is growing evidence suggesting that saturated fat may not be as harmful as once thought. You’ve heard of the French Paradox, right?  The French eat lots of saturated fats yet have ½ the rate of heart disease of Americans.  Well… this is another whole article!

Sugar vs. Sweetener?

 To begin with, they are both pretty bad!  There is no doubt we all over-consume sugar/sweetener in our diets.  Sugar is basically eating empty calories and it can play havoc with your blood sugar and insulin levels, which can ultimately affect your arteries.  It also robs the body of the nutrients required for the body to process it.  Sweetener, on the other hand, does contain much fewer calories, but it’s really just chemicals!  We have no idea the effects it may have on the body long term. There is little evidence to suggest sweeteners can help you lose weight – if anything, some studies show that it may actually have you putting on weight!  

My answer:

 Surprisingly (not) I’m still all for the natural, unprocessed option.  We use real sugar in our house when needed, but I use very little of it. That said, you will sometimes find me having the odd Latte with a Splenda – the only time I will use a sweetener.  Since I’m not a coffee drinker, this is usually only once a week, if that.I always try my best to stay away from processed foods and eat fresh.  In other words, I try to shop the perimeter of the grocery store and avoid the middle aisles.  However, I also believe very much in moderation – after all, we only have one life to live and it should be an enjoyable one.  So indulging on occasion also OK by me!

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/butter-v-margarine---which-is-better/article1511588/singlepage/#articlecontent

http://www.healthy-vitamins-rx.com/html/the-french-paradox.html

http://www.realfooduniversity.com/sugar-substitutes/

http://health.ninemsn.com.au/whatsgoodforyou/theshow/694370/artificial-sweeteners-versus-sugar

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