Like it or not, we’re eating plastic. How to avoid it...

How much plastic have you eaten today?

If you’ve had any milk, meat or processed food, you’ve probably consumed a bit. According to Dr. Christopher Ochner, from the New York Obesity Nutrition Research Center, the phthalates used in packaging and processing don’t break down and often stay in the food we’re eating. While it would be difficult to avoid them completely, here are a few things you can do to reduce your plastic consumption:

* Eat less dairy and pork. These foods have high levels of phthalates, most likely because of the plastic tubing used to milk cows or the plastic packaging containing the meat. Pork seems to retain more of the plastic elements than other meats.

* Try to use glass for leftovers. Limit your use of plastic containers and wrap and do NOT heat up food with plastic. Microwaving food in plastic is a big no-no. 

* Order fresh fish and meats from the market or butcher. Anything that hasn't been wrapped or packaged in plastic is better for you.