Kicking the Soda Habit January 23, 2010
Posted by atharkhan in : Personal , 7commentsA few years ago, I switched from regular soda to diet soda. It wasn’t a “health” decision. I preferred the taste of diet soda. However, after reading, about the health consequences of using artificial sweeteners, I started considering healthier alternatives. Based on my research, honey, and Stevia-based sweeteners are the healthier alternatives to refined sugar and artificial sweeteners. And, that meant I had to give up diet soda.
I used to drink at least one, and often two or three cans of diet soda each day. Worse, I realized that I often went a day or two without drinking any water at all. I tried to stop drinking soda altogether, but that turned out to be more difficult than I had anticipated. Water tasted too “bland” to me and I kept craving the taste and carbonation of diet soda.
So, over the last month, I have been using Crystal Light, La Croix, and Perrier depending on whether I want flavor, carbonation, or both. Drinking water from a Brita pitcher has also helped a lot.
Since I increased my water intake, I have noticed that I am less tired and haven’t had any excruciating headaches. Due to my soda habit, I was probably dehydrated all the time and didn’t even realize it. The most interesting thing that has happened is that now I actually feel thirsty very often. I can’t remember the last time I felt thirsty. I don’t know if there is some “Hydration Sensor” that has been reactivated in my brain.
I don’t regularly drink as much water as I should be just yet. But, I drink at least 4 glasses of water every day — which is a vast improvement.
Switch to grass-fed beef? November 7, 2009
Posted by atharkhan in : Personal , 8commentsOver the last several months, Denise and I have been attempting to reduce our consumption of processed foods. We define “processing” as any kind of alteration from the original, “whole” nature of the food. Wherever possible, we try to either perform that same (processing) step ourselves, or avoid it entirely. As an example, rather than buying ground beef, we prefer to buy a (contiguous) piece of meat and grind it ourselves.
We’ve also been attempting to reduce in general, our consumption of meat and get our proteins from other vegetable sources. Whatever meat we do consume, comes from a store that sells kosher/zabiha meat sourced from a local cattle farm in Illinois.
Now, I am wondering whether to switch to grass-fed meat. The only issue I have is the cost. Do you believe that grass-fed beef is worth the premium price tag? Are there any places in Chicago that you recommend?
