Read that label - ingredients to avoid
The internet may possibly be the greatest invention of all time, but with it comes an endless stream of information that can be difficult to decipher, especially when it comes to health, wellness, and food. Evan as a Nutritionist I still learn something new and change my views about certain foods on a daily basis. As new research emerges and previously incurable illnesses are being reversed through diet, it has become apparent that food has a much more profound effect on our body than we once thought.
Many times this information can sound like a foreign language to those unfamiliar with it. From GMO salmon being approved by the FDA recently to Carrageenan being compared to MSG, sometimes it's tough to know what's good or bad, especially when it comes to reading food labels. I can't stress enough to people how important reading labels is, many of the food additives the US allows are even banned in other countries because of how negatively they can affect your health. I’ve compiled a list of the dirty dozen ingredients that should be avoided 99% of the time as well as a few of my shopping tips.
SHOPPING TIPS
Never shop on an empty stomach.
Support local farmers by purchasing produce and animal products from your local farmer's market, they usually have higher nutrient content and are fresher!
If it has more than 10 ingredients, put it down.
If you can't pronounce an ingredient, it probably isn't good for you
Always buy organic and non-gmo if possible
Choose whole grain pasta, breads, and crackers
Stock up on frozen produce so you never have an excuse to not eat your fruits and veggies
If eating meat, eggs, or dairy, buy locally raised and always choose free-range, organic, grass-fed and finished free of preservatives (avoid processed meats)
INGREDIENTS TO AVOID
MSG (monosodium glutamate) also goes by: maltodextrin, sodium caseinate, autolyzed yeast, autolyzed vegetable protein, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, yeast extract
Carrageenan
Partially Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
Canola Oil aka Rapeseed Oil
Artificial Flavors
High Fructose Corn Syrup/ Corn Syrup and Artificial Sweeteners (aspartame, saccharin, sucralose)
BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) and BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)
Sodium Nitrate and Sodium Nitrite
Propyl Gallate
Sodium Benzoate and Benzoic Acid
Potassium Bromate
