Trans Fat
Hey,
wow...when it comes to healthy living, Singapore is a bit the backward and now the buzz word is 'trans fat' when the whole of America probably knows its existence already. What the hell is trans fat? According to this pamphlet...(I shall go all technical about it)..
'Trans fat is a type of fat which is formed when liquid oils are changed into more stable semisolid fats, such as shortening and hard margarine. This process is known as hydrogenation.'
'Trans fat is also produced by the normal action of bacteria in the stomach of cows and sheep.'
'The main sources of trans fat in our diet are pastries, cakes, cookies, biscuits, commercially deep-fried foods as well as products containing vegetable shortening and hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils'.
What's so bad about trans fat which is unlike saturated fats which if you dont know by now..is one of the worst form of fats..well..here's the deal. It turns good cholesterol into bad cholesterol and what does this escalate into? Heart disease. Scary shit. Now why this sudden emphasis besides the fact that it increases the risk of developing heart disease? Well..it is some sort like a hidden danger like for example, it even exists in your normal loaf of bread whether white refined flour or wholemeal flour. Now everyone craves over wholemeal bread like the other time, I put back the loaf coz I got the smaller version and then two people attacked the next two loaves including the one I had put back. Like what the?! Cant they just at least wait for me to move away from that freakin shelf first instead of almost shoving me? Anyway, price isn't a factor now coz wholemeal bread costs a little bit more than your average bread but for the sake of health, it doesnt even matter. And it's shocking to know that we have to limit our trans fat intake to 2g. 2 freaking grams!!! Might as well starve myself..
For few weeks, I bought from this local supermarket who produced their brand of goods including the wholemeal bread which they sold in this jumbo pack for just $1.45. It was a deal alright but after reading this pamphlet, and then looking at the nutritional information on the package, I was like..oh.my.gawd. No wonder Im paying so little for so much! The nerves. Im not saying what is the shocker coz I dont want to sound like some unqualified dietician but I switched bread which is the first bread in Singapore that has no trans fat. STill, can never trust them enough but for now, well..what the hey. Sigh...I will make that $1.80 stretch a bit no matter how tempting the spreads that I got for the bread are.
Actually right, adopting a healthier lifestyle is pretty fun if you ask me. Okay so you may have to give up a heck lot of food and would beat yourself up over why the heck you chose this kind of freakin lifestyle especially if the food is beckoning you to come gobble them up. But seriously, if you dont be so rigid and treat yourself once in awhile with sinful indulgence, you can go far. Im not encouraging you to be the next sheep who grazes on grass with your bowl of salad but the fun bit of trying to eat healthier is when you swop your usual snacks with healthier alternatives. Just be creative! At the end of the day, you will feel that you have done something good for your body in the long term rather than just craving for an hour glass figure or have model proportions. It should be solely about your health if you want to live life longer and look youthful even when you reach the mid point of your life and beyond.
Here's a useful website for a guideline on the local foodfare (and no..it's not about the best makan places in town..hello wake up..its a health website)
http://www.hpb.gov.sg
Okay personally I have not quite taken a good look at this site yet coz it reminds me of work..like geez..wonder why. Anyway, happy treasure hunting!
wow...when it comes to healthy living, Singapore is a bit the backward and now the buzz word is 'trans fat' when the whole of America probably knows its existence already. What the hell is trans fat? According to this pamphlet...(I shall go all technical about it)..
'Trans fat is a type of fat which is formed when liquid oils are changed into more stable semisolid fats, such as shortening and hard margarine. This process is known as hydrogenation.'
'Trans fat is also produced by the normal action of bacteria in the stomach of cows and sheep.'
'The main sources of trans fat in our diet are pastries, cakes, cookies, biscuits, commercially deep-fried foods as well as products containing vegetable shortening and hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils'.
What's so bad about trans fat which is unlike saturated fats which if you dont know by now..is one of the worst form of fats..well..here's the deal. It turns good cholesterol into bad cholesterol and what does this escalate into? Heart disease. Scary shit. Now why this sudden emphasis besides the fact that it increases the risk of developing heart disease? Well..it is some sort like a hidden danger like for example, it even exists in your normal loaf of bread whether white refined flour or wholemeal flour. Now everyone craves over wholemeal bread like the other time, I put back the loaf coz I got the smaller version and then two people attacked the next two loaves including the one I had put back. Like what the?! Cant they just at least wait for me to move away from that freakin shelf first instead of almost shoving me? Anyway, price isn't a factor now coz wholemeal bread costs a little bit more than your average bread but for the sake of health, it doesnt even matter. And it's shocking to know that we have to limit our trans fat intake to 2g. 2 freaking grams!!! Might as well starve myself..
For few weeks, I bought from this local supermarket who produced their brand of goods including the wholemeal bread which they sold in this jumbo pack for just $1.45. It was a deal alright but after reading this pamphlet, and then looking at the nutritional information on the package, I was like..oh.my.gawd. No wonder Im paying so little for so much! The nerves. Im not saying what is the shocker coz I dont want to sound like some unqualified dietician but I switched bread which is the first bread in Singapore that has no trans fat. STill, can never trust them enough but for now, well..what the hey. Sigh...I will make that $1.80 stretch a bit no matter how tempting the spreads that I got for the bread are.
Actually right, adopting a healthier lifestyle is pretty fun if you ask me. Okay so you may have to give up a heck lot of food and would beat yourself up over why the heck you chose this kind of freakin lifestyle especially if the food is beckoning you to come gobble them up. But seriously, if you dont be so rigid and treat yourself once in awhile with sinful indulgence, you can go far. Im not encouraging you to be the next sheep who grazes on grass with your bowl of salad but the fun bit of trying to eat healthier is when you swop your usual snacks with healthier alternatives. Just be creative! At the end of the day, you will feel that you have done something good for your body in the long term rather than just craving for an hour glass figure or have model proportions. It should be solely about your health if you want to live life longer and look youthful even when you reach the mid point of your life and beyond.
Here's a useful website for a guideline on the local foodfare (and no..it's not about the best makan places in town..hello wake up..its a health website)
http://www.hpb.gov.sg
Okay personally I have not quite taken a good look at this site yet coz it reminds me of work..like geez..wonder why. Anyway, happy treasure hunting!
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