In this issue:
~ MSG: The Hidden Culprit 
~ Upcoming Food Fitness Teleconference Programs 
***************************

A dish is only as good as its worst ingredient.
- Dr. Andrew Weil

~ MSG: The Hidden Health Robber

My first guideline to Eating for Health - 
if it’s not food, don’t eat it
 – first revealed itself through a dramatic first-hand
experience.  It occurred well into my third year of 
actively making changes to my diet and lifestyle in
an effort to improve my failing health more than a decade ago.
I had quit smoking.
I had quit eating sugar.
I had quit drinking coffee, soda, and alcohol.
I was practicing yoga and meditating daily.
Yet I was still sick and tired all the time.
I had recurrent migraines, depression, brain fog, irritability,
PMS, mood swings, and frequently had extreme fatigue after eating
 - so extreme, I often literally could not stay awake. 
	
It was after one of my unavoidable after-lunch-napping episodes
that one of the primary causes of my woes was revealed.
A fellow co-worker found me in the break room out cold.
I was quite embarrassed when she woke me up out of what felt
like a drunken stupor.  Fortunately she was a compassionate
woman who had been on a natural healing path of her own for
several years and had much knowledge and wisdom to share.  

When she asked if I was all right, I willingly expressed my
puzzling plight, but doubted she would have any helpful answers
as no healthcare professional had been able to help.
I told her how it had become literally impossible for me to keep
my eyes open after I ate lunch and dinner, and how I would have
splitting headaches on a daily basis, which was making it difficult
for me to function.
She listened attentively, then smiled and picked up the bottle of
popular brand salad dressing sitting alongside my empty lunch
containers.  

“What do you expect?” she quipped looking at the ingredients label.
“This dressing is loaded with MSG.  That’ll not only give you
headaches and put you to sleep, honey. After awhile it’ll kill ya!”  
	
“MS … what?,” was my response.  I was essentially clueless.
Since then I have learned that MSG (monosodium glutamate) is an
artificial flavor enhancer that acts as a neurotoxin and is
notorious for causing a host of symptoms and sometimes very
severe acute reactions in addition to contributing to the 
development of chronic conditions. 

Learning this significant piece to the puzzling dis-ease I had
been experiencing, was one of the first times I distinctly remember
thinking why didn’t anyone tell me?
And my second thought was that there shouldn’t have been a need
for anyone to tell me, because dis-ease causing substances
shouldn’t be in my food in the first place! 

As a result of this experience, I had a profound insight.
I realized that instead of something being really wrong with me,
which is what I had been led to believe, there was something really
wrong with the food I was eating.  Millions of people have had
very similar experiences, discovering that one or more chemical
food additives is the culprit in an acute or chronic condition
they have been grappling with and once they removed the offending 
substance(s) from their diet their symptoms and dis-eases went away.
Following is information about MSG, one of the biggest culprits.
 
 THINGS YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT MSG 

· Neuroscientists agree that MSG is a neurotoxin, killing brain
 neurons by exciting them to death.  

· Despite the fact that in 1980 MSG was added to the FDA’s list
 of additives needing further study due to the uncertainties that
 exist, MSG has been increasingly added to food products.

· Studies reveal that when fed to pregnant rats or mice, MSG
 causes the offspring to suffer from learning disabilities.

· In other studies performed on small animals, MSG has been
 proven to cause brain damage in the young.  As a result,
 many baby food manufacturers voluntarily removed MSG from
 their products.  However, there are still junior food products
 and baby formulas on the market that contain MSG.  Ironically,
 many of the formulas for allergic infants contain larger amounts
 than the regular formulas.  

· The leading reaction to MSG, which can take up to 48 hours
 to appear, is migraine headaches.  A fact well recognized by
 headache clinics throughout the country.  

· Other symptoms include, but are not limited to, depression,
 irritability, mood swings, fatigue, learning disabilities,
 seizures, reproductive dysfunction, digestive disturbance,
 and liver/gallbladder problems.

· MSG also affects the hunger centers of the brain causing
 those who eat it to crave more food. That's why food manufacturers
 put it in their products - it keeps you coming back for more!  

· MSG also causes weight gain.  It is actually fed to laboratory
 animals to fatten them up for research without increasing their
 food intake.   

Keeping these factors in mind, when you consider that 90% of 
food budget dollars in America are spent on processed, packaged
foods, and that the majority of processed foods on the market
today contain MSG – is it any wonder that so many people are
sick, fat, or tired?

Despite the unfortunate fact that food manufacturers disguise
this toxic additive under more than 27 different names, MSG
can be avoided.  The best way to do so, which brings with it
a host of other health benefits, is to eat primarily whole,
fresh, natural foods.  When you do eat processed foods, go
with the health food brands that don’t contain chemical additives.

To learn more about MSG,read
 Excitotoxins: The Taste that Kills, by Russell Blaylock
 or visit: www.nomsg.com 

To learn more about our popular food culture and how to create a 
healthier eating lifestyle, read If It’s Not Food, Don’t Eat It!: 
The No-Nonsense Guide to Eating for Health available at: 
www.foodfitnessbyphone.com. 
***************************

Upcoming FOOD FITNESS by Phone Classes
Would love to have you JOIN US! - 

** Starts NEXT WEDNESDAY... ** 

THE BASIC FOOD FITNESS PROGRAM 
This life-changing program provides the practical know-how you 
need to build a healthier eating lifestyle that you can live with. 

DATES: 8 Wednesdays, March 26th - May 14th, 2003 
TIME: 9-10pm EST (7pm Mtn) 
FEE: $99
*********

IMPROVING DIGESTION & ELIMINATION 
Optimize these vital functions to revitalize and energize your 
body, improve your overall health, reverse and prevent chronic 
dis-ease. 

DATES: 4 Saturdays, April 5, 12, 19, 26, 2003 
TIME: 12noon-1:00pm EST (10am Mtn) 
FEE: $49
 
For more info or to register,please visit:
http://foodfitnessbyphone.com/programs.htm

WHAT'S A TELECLASS? - Teleclasses are conveniently done via  
tele-conference call from wherever you are. They are live and
interactive, so particpants may contribute and ask questions. 
Just dial the telebridge line number given upon registration 
at the designated time and you've arrived.  Bathrobe and slippers 
preferred attire!
***************************

During these challenging times it is so important to take really
good care of yourself. Eating well is one of the best ways to keep 
yourself feeling strong and balanced. 

Wishing you all much health and happiness.

Be well,
Kelly




========================================================

Contact: kh@wellnesscoaching.com
Call : 303-746-8970 
For more great information: http://wellnesscoaching.com