Are you FED UP? : THE UNORDINARY PROFESSOR
THE UNORDINARY PROFESSOR
Dr. Tanya McCoss-Yerigan's Blog
I am a lifelong learner who has worked with children, parents, teachers, college/university faculty, and community members.  I guess you could say my career has been spent educating others.  They call us professors.  That's a big calling...to "profess".  As though we know everything.  The truth is, I have spent most of my career sifting through information and trying desperately to stay current with the research.  I've done this not so I could "profess" but rather so I could FACILITATE the learning of myself and others.  It is only with a sense of humor that I call my blog "The Unordinary Professor".  I will do my best to share information important to children, mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, grandparents, and educators.  Basically, I will share what my experience tells me might be of interest and relevance to you.  In return, I hope you will share with me too.  I look forward to learning WITH and FROM YOU!     
~ WIFE ~ MOTHER ~ GRANDMOTHER ~ EDUCATOR ~ RESEARCHER ~ BUSINESS OWNER ~ CORPORATE EXECUTIVE ~ AUTHOR ~

Are you FED UP?

by Dr. Tanya Yerigan on 01/10/16

After a life-changing session with my learning community, I am FED UP. Over the course of the past two weekends together, we have watched and discussed the documentary "Fed Up". The emotions that were evoked within all of us included anger, embarrassment, shock, surprise, guilt, and so many more. The manipulation of our diets (and health) in exchange for big company profits is ridiculously fraudulent. When you add to it that much of the marketing is directed at children, it is no less than unconscionable. I urge each of you to get your hands on this video and share it with anyone and everyone who will watch it. It is no less than, as I said above, "life changing".

The video ends with a challenge. The challenge is to try and eat real food that is not processed. Basically, you want to eat things that are in their original state without man-made additives such as sugars and other fillers.  Ideas include nuts, meats, fruits, and vegetables.  A few of my grad students and I are going to try this for a week and report how we feel.

If you'd like to join us, please post below with your name and anything you'd like to say.  To read or add a comment, click on the COMMENTS button on the bottom right.  Clicking on that link will actually take you into the posting area.  Be sure to check into the blog daily to share how things are going and read how everyone is progressing.

Comments (34)

1. Tim said on 1/10/16 - 10:58AM
I will join you.
2. Scott Jans said on 1/10/16 - 11:14AM
Best of luck to everyone! I am curious to hear about how you feel.
3. Kim Marty said on 1/10/16 - 01:10PM
I'm in!
4. Tanya said on 1/11/16 - 07:33AM
Clean breakfast done. Yummy! We can do this!! I keep thinking about how good we will feel.
5. Anita Marty said on 1/11/16 - 10:56AM
So excited! My breakfast this morning (to give you all ideas) was baked flax seed with cinnamon, blackberries and almond milk (not sure if that is clean, but the only ingredient in it was almonds!). I love this meal and eat it quite regularly. Today, I also got up early and made a vegetable soup for lunch.
6. Tanya said on 1/11/16 - 11:43AM
Thanks for the great breakfast idea, Anita. It sounds good. For breakfast, I had a poached egg, slices of avocado and tomatoes, blueberries, and a slice of bacon. I am not sure if bacon is clean but I don't think it is processed so I thought I was safe. For lunch I am having grilled tuna, spinach, and tomatoes. Keep sharing...
7. Kim Marty said on 1/11/16 - 03:44PM
Great job! I like the sharing what you ate, so then I have an idea what to eat next. I am not a huge breakfast eater, but I did have an apple this morning. For lunch I had steak and green beans. Supper I don't know yet?
8. Anita said on 1/11/16 - 07:33PM
That sounds amazing! Tonight, I am having a salad because I am really not hungry. I am super tired though and can already feel a sugar craving detox!
9. Tanya said on 1/11/16 - 07:34PM
I was inspired by one of Kim's recipes and made one up. I took a small roaster and put potato slices across the bottom, then pork chops, and topped with apple slices. It was 100% clean and was to die for. I can't wait for tomorrow.
10. Anita said on 1/12/16 - 07:44AM
This morning I am so tired. I went to bed early hoping to get enough sleep and am really dragging today! I also woke up with a horrible headache. I know this is part of my sugar addiction. I am a little nervous though because I have to go grocery shopping and I know anything that has sugar in it is going to be calling my name!
11. Kim Marty said on 1/12/16 - 10:55AM
Glad to hear Tanya! Anita I put the recipes in your box this morning. I hadn't gone to the grocery store yet and needed to be leaving for wrestling early so I only ate an apple, banana and almonds for supper last night. For breakfast I had scrambled eggs and strawberries and black coffee ( I hope that coffee is ok?) You will notice my lunches are pretty boring and I usually eat the same thing for 2 or 3 days. For time management I usually start the grill at 8:00 at night and grill a few steaks to last me 2-3 days and then just pack my lunches that way. Supper is usually what gets me.
12. Kim Marty said on 1/12/16 - 10:56AM
I also took Anita's advice and stayed at the outside of the grocery store last night. My husband was not very happy I was telling him "NO" on everything he picked!
13. Tanya said on 1/12/16 - 03:05PM
My husband mentioned having a headache yesterday. Now today, I also have a terrible headache. Hopefully, it will pass soon!
14. Anita said on 1/13/16 - 07:47AM
This morning I feel pretty good. The headache has pretty well subsided. My stomach has some knots, but overall my energy level is pretty good. I have noticed my mood swings are not as bad! YEAH for that!
15. Tanya said on 1/13/16 - 08:20AM
Still have the headache but otherwise feel AWESOME. I am not hungry at all. I haven't had any sugars and only a little bit of whole grain bread. Because of my neck injury, I haven't been able to work out much though :(
16. Kim Marty said on 1/13/16 - 08:23AM
I woke up with a headache this morning, but it seemed to go away shortly after breakfast. I feel good and have actually lost a few pounds so that makes it worth it. Last night I ate a mixed greens salad with banana peppers and a banana. For breakfast I had scrambled eggs and blueberries and for lunch I am having a pork chop, banana, and sugar snap peas.
17. Tim Y. said on 1/13/16 - 08:23AM
My headaches are totally gone. Since I lift every morning I was really hungry the first two days. Tan increased my protein starting last night and now I feel a lot better. The clean eating is great.
18. Tanya said on 1/13/16 - 08:25AM
I forgot to mention... I can't believe how great the food tastes. I really noticed this morning how sweet a tomato really is. I suppose before it didn't compare to the SUGAR I was dumping into my body. Now with no processed sugar, natural sugar in my food is noticed much more. YUMMY!
19. Anita said on 1/13/16 - 07:20PM
Made it through day 3. I did a complete 2 1/2 day cleanse of only fruit, vegetables, and nuts. This evening I made roasted veggies in the oven and baked chicken. It was awesome! I agree Tanya, the taste of the vegetables is so good when there are not any competing tastes from sugar!
20. Sarah Larson said on 1/14/16 - 09:32AM
I have been on the fed up challenge as well. My breakfast this week has been oatmeal. I've been packing my lunch with lots of fresh fruits, veggies, and hard boiled eggs. Almonds, popcorn, and fruits have been my snacks. We've been eating fresh healthy meals for supper like potatoes, green beans, meat loaf - no ketchup :(, and shrimp. I did notice yesterday that I had a headache mid day too. Didn't think anything of it and how it might be related to the challenge until I saw others posting about headaches. It is para appreciation week here and our lounge has been full of treats and yummy things. I even had to make a pan of s'more bars on Wednesday and couldn't eat one - such a bummer. I'm hoping I can hold out! Pot luck is on Friday and I am afraid I will not be able to eat much of it! Looks like everyone is doing well. Very proud of all of you as it is extremely hard to say no to all the sweets. Keep it up!
21. Tanya said on 1/14/16 - 09:34AM
The headaches are gone! I am feeling great. The food is just so much better than with all the sugars and processed junk. I actually feel way more full. I really need to cut back on portions (which were smaller to start with anyway). The clean eating is just way more satisfying and sustaining. Looking forward to the next few days. Today, we are having a squash soup for lunch. I hate squash but I am going out on a limb here. I will report back later.
22. Kim Marty said on 1/14/16 - 12:00PM
Great job everyone! Sarah it is great to see you have joined us. I am happy to say that I have made it this far without a cheat! Yesterday I was tempted. It was a co-workers birthday yesterday and I so wanted to go up and have a drink with her after work, but I actually believe that since I have you guys to do this with I chose to stay at work and avoid the temptation.
23. Anita said on 1/14/16 - 09:13PM
YEAH Sarah!!! So excited that you are on board. Day 4 I had a salad with the leftover roasted veggies from the night before. I added goat cheese to the salad (I know it sounds gross, but try it out-I LOVE it). For supper I had a chicken salad with avocado, sunflower seeds, olive oil and lemon juice along with some fresh veggies. I am so not hungry either and I feel better all around. My complexion has even changed. This morning I was also down 4 pounds which is an added bonus. I have been drinking 1/2 my weight in water in ounces to keep removing the toxins and stay hydrated.
24. Tanya said on 1/14/16 - 09:29PM
I also noticed my skin feeling softer. I thought I was imagining it.
25. Tanya said on 1/15/16 - 03:19PM
WooHoo! I can't believe we are nearly done with our challenge. We are on day #5. It has gone so fast! I have to confess, about 10 minutes ago I just about busted into the bars we have frozen. I thought about how stellar you all have been and ate almonds and an apple instead. THANK YOU!
26. Kim Marty said on 1/16/16 - 10:07AM
Great Job Tanya!
27. Anita said on 1/16/16 - 08:25PM
One more day to go...but honestly I feel so good right now that I really do not want to go back. I have so much more energy than I have had in the past. The past 2 days we have been at wrestling and I easily could have had some gooey pizza, but I planned ahead and packed a lunch. It probably wasn't as good as pizza, but it did the trick! I have enjoyed reading everyone's posts and it has been so helpful to have a group to keep us accountable.
28. Sarah Larson said on 1/17/16 - 09:41AM
Last day! Wahoo! There has been many challenges and rewards with this challenge. First the challenges: I have resisted a week worth of goodies in the lounge, packed my lunch instead of pizza party, resisted 3 classroom birthday treats, I couldn't eat ANYTHING on the potluck on Friday, eating out yesterday for a community meeting at a small town bar left ZERO options - forces to eat a plain hamburger. Man did the waiter look at me funny! Very expensive - I've been to the grocery store 3 times this week! Rewards: It has opened up a great discussion in my classroom. We have been looking at the sugar in our snacks daily. I feel like I have had more energy. Just this week I have kept up with the weekly classroom/home chores, finished my husband's Farm Finance course, written ch. 5 in my paper, helped my husband blow 3 huge pallets of insulation after work into our shop attic, and now it's on to Quarter 2 report cards and portfolios for today.
29. Sarah Larson said on 1/17/16 - 09:41AM
Last day! Wahoo! There has been many challenges and rewards with this challenge. First the challenges: I have resisted a week worth of goodies in the lounge, packed my lunch instead of pizza party, resisted 3 classroom birthday treats, I couldn't eat ANYTHING on the potluck on Friday, eating out yesterday for a community meeting at a small town bar left ZERO options - forces to eat a plain hamburger. Man did the waiter look at me funny! Very expensive - I've been to the grocery store 3 times this week! Rewards: It has opened up a great discussion in my classroom. We have been looking at the sugar in our snacks daily. I feel like I have had more energy. Just this week I have kept up with the weekly classroom/home chores, finished my husband's Farm Finance course, written ch. 5 in my paper, helped my husband blow 3 huge pallets of insulation after work into our shop attic, and now it's on to Quarter 2 report cards and portfolios for today.
30. Tanya said on 1/17/16 - 12:12PM
Thank you for joining and sharing in the challenge. I have thoroughly enjoyed it and learned a ton from each of you. Tim and I have decided to continue the clean eating with just a few modifications...we will enjoy an occasional sweet treat and processed food. I mean...it would be nice to have a cracker once in a while ;) We LOVE the energy it has given us! What is everyone else thinking?
31. Anita said on 1/18/16 - 06:46AM
I am going to try to do my best to stay on this clean path. I really miss my dark chocolate and wine, but I figure if I keep it in modification it will be okay. I spent all weekend in the gym with wrestling and did AWESOME until last night when the team ate out. I tried my hardest to find something that would stay with my plan so I had chicken and shrimp with veggies and red potatoes. It was amazing, but loaded with salt I am sure. I didn't even have a drink, just a water! As of this morning, the clean eating gave me the added benefit of losing 7 pounds. Crazy in one week!
32. Sarah Larson said on 1/18/16 - 07:53AM
Wow! I can't believe the weight loss. I should have weighed myself. I will too do better to eat fresh foods. I am planning to eat clean for breakfast and lunch and then do a traditional family meal in the evening. I did miss my sweet after supper! Loved the amount of energy I had this week.
33. Tracey said on 1/20/16 - 10:03AM
Coming in late to the party, but I have been trying to stay sugar free. It was easy until we had the Raguse family Christmas. I did enjoy the stuffing and creamed corn at dinner, but did not eat pie and cookies. I set out a lot of fruit and veggies and everyone enjoyed them. I am starting over on my 10 days, but the first 5 went well, no cravings no headache... I lost 8 lbs in the first week, and hope to keep it off. My acupuncturist told me that sugar is an inflammatory and staying away from it will help my arthritis so another reason to stay away from sugar!!!
34. Tanya said on 1/20/16 - 10:25AM
It is amazing to hear how well everyone has done! I don't have a lot of craving for sugar anymore. Last night, was weird though. Out of the blue, I wanted a Hershey's Kiss sooooo bad. It was almost mind controlling. I couldn't think of anything else for the longest time. Remember...I don't like chocolate. Strange! It certainly may be an indicator of how powerful the addiction to sugar really is.


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READ MORE FROM 
Dr. Tanya Yerigan
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McCoss-Yerigan, T. (2014). No ordinary son. Granite Falls: Infinitely Yours Publications.
Yerigan, T. (Fall, 2008). Five great fall excursions, Savor Magazine, 11.
Yerigan, T. (2013). Probe, Present & Prescribe.
Yerigan, T. & Krepps, L. (2010). Do teachers impact literacy strategy implementation in content area classrooms? Journal of Instructional Pedagogies.1-18.
Yerigan, T. (2007). Getting active in the classroom. Journal of College Teaching & Learning,5(6), 19-24.
"PROF"essional Development for YOU!
McCoss-Yerigan, T. (2015).If you could see what I see.