DASHA® understands that when it comes to enhancing your well-being, the fuel you put in your body to make it go (i.e., food) is just as important as exercise. Making good healthy, food choices improves your wellness. But do you know what all those labels that you read as you browse the grocery store aisles actually mean? Here’s your quick and dirty crash course:
GRASS-FED: This means that the cattle grazed on grass before they ended up in the grocery store. Less stressed animals means leaner meat.
LEAN CUT: “Choice” or “select” cuts of meat are learner than prime cuts. Lean cuts of meat are required to contain no more than 10 grams of fat, 4.5 grams of saturated fat, and 95 milligrams of cholesterol per serving.
GMO-FREE: Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are food that was engineered to be resistant to herbicides and even produce their own insecticides. GMOs have been linked to intestinal problems, inflammatory conditions, slowed brain growth, and internal organ problems. Consumption of conventionally raised meat treated with pesticides potentially increases your risk for cancer, headaches, bowel and other inflammatory conditions, or reproductive problems.
ORGANIC: In order to carry the organic label, meat has to meet regulations set by the National Organic Program. Conventionally raised beef means that cattle are kept in confined living conditions and fed a mostly grain diet to fatten them up faster. Organically raised beef requires cattle to graze on grass for at least 120 days during the grazing season. They also can’t be fed growth enhancers or antibiotics.
ANTIBIOTICS: The FDA has asked meat companies to end the practice of feeding livestock antibiotics to speed growth, thought it will take some time to phase out this practice. Meat that has been given antibiotics puts your body at risk as it builds up resistance to antibiotics, a dangerous thing if and when you develop an infection.
Bottom line: Go organic, grass-fed, GMO-free, lean cut when you can!
DASHA® is a luxury lifestyle brand and New York City-based wellness center created to offer a truly holistic approach to wellness. To learn more, visit dashawellness.com.
