Against All Odds: Holidays Can Be Fun AND Healthy 🎄🕎 🥳
A few naughty bits, but let's make it nice
3 min read
RED RED WHINE
In kinda-news-that’s-not-that-breaking, the FDA is considering banning the use of Red Dye #3 in food products, the chemical colorant that’s been linked to cancer in animals and ADHD and other behavioral issues in children. It’s worth noting that the same agency BANNED the use of Red 3 in cosmetics over thirty years ago, yet says there’s “not enough evidence” to ban it in food, though Europe has already done so. If someone can explain the logic here, caller lines are open. Meantime, its allegedly “less toxic” cousin Red 40 is still fully legal and running rampant, literally painting the town red. 💃🏻 So yes, avoiding Froot Loops is a good place to start, but also a bit obvi. Instead, consider some of the grown-up products where red dyes currently hide in plain sight, just for reference:
Tylenol PM: Red 3
Tylenol: Red 40
Maraschino cherries: Red 3 (doh, Manhattans 🍸)
Cinnamon gums- Trident & Big Red (I MEAN IT’S IN THE NAME): Red 40
Yogurt and other pink-colored dairy products: Red 40
Sports drinks: Red 3
Better news: I can confidently recommend a few solid alternatives here, including Genexa’s acetaminophen with zero dyes or fillers and PUR chewing gum–as an unapologetic Cinnamon Trident lover, between the dye and the aspartame, this swap is a must, and TBH the cinnamon flavor doesn’t suffer, it lasts miraculously longer than other better-for-you gums.
🍭 Given it’s the season where one must pass through the seven levels of the Candy Cane forest, through the sea of swirly twirly gum drops, and then walk through the Lincoln Tunnel- it’s a minefield of dyes out there, so now you’re equipped to make the call yoursELF. 🤓
NAIL IN THE COUGHIN’
In more bad news for things flavored red, old fashioned cough syrup is now a two-time offender. Not only does it contain the dreaded red dyes, but the actual active decongestant ingredient phenylephrine has been deemed completely ineffective at addressing cough and sinus symptoms, and products containing it have been removed from shelves. OK so there we see some swift action. It seems when it comes to our federal health agencies, efficacy Trumps safety. He who coughs last…
HERE’S A TIP, MAKE THE CHANGE
Welp, we’ve reached the end of our 2024 conversation, yet I feel we’ve barely scratched the surface. There’s so much I need to say to you, so many reasons why. Despite the blues about the holiday reds, there are still plenty of opportunities to add a dash of healthy sprinkles while you devour the cupcake of holiday cheer. To refresh:
Walk after meals: 3 minutes or 300 steps can change your life
Eat fermented foods like sauerkraut and yogurt, 2-3 servings per day
Practice good sleep hygiene: there are SO many ways to do this
Protect your liver and your gut against the holiday gorge
Practice patience, breathe deep. AKA check yourself before you wreck yourself
SHOP IT LIKE IT’S HOT
Last looks at my favorite healthy goodies, I’m OOO til 2025!
🏮Favorite Sleep Tool: Red light devices from Helight
⏰ Sleep-Friendliest Clock: Zero brightness and gentle wakeups by Loftie
🍷 Pre-Party FTW: Your pre-alcohol BFF is ZBiotics, designed to break down the toxic byproduct acetaldehyde for a great next day. Use the code ALLTOOWELL for 10% off!
🧂 Salty Stocking Stuffers: LMNT stick packs for hydration and recovery with ZERO sugar. Use this link and get a free sample pack with your first purchase!
🙋🏻♀️ It’s me…hi. All Too Well merch is for you and your well-ish peeps. Give the gift of punny swag and support your favorite newsletter at the same time!
