Most people do not know what to look out for, when it comes to reading the food labels and nutrition facts on prepackaged food products. Unfortunately, as a result they fall into the lion’s den aka marketers trap.
I used to be one of those people too. I saw an “Organic, Sugar-Free, Protein Bar” and instantly bought it, thinking I was making a healthy choice. Little. Did. I. Know.
There are so many fancy and appealing adjectives combined with cute food wrappings and labels. These Marketing tactics are oh so very powerful, and let me tell you, THEY WORK. Most of us do fall for it and end up eating all forms of sugar, corn, oil, GMO’s and poisonous processed additives that are harmful for us, especially in the long run. Look out for "Less Sugar" "Gluten Free" Etc...
IGNORE THE FRONT OF THE PACKAGE
Do yourself a favor, and go straight to the ingredient list.
Ignore those shiny wrappers and healthy sounding words. Don't let 'em get you!
LEARN THE LINGO!
Agave Nectar, Brown Rice Syrup, Glucose, Sucrose, Molasses, Maltose, Galactose, and Fructose, are all just a few of the hundreds of words for SUGAR.
CONTAINS WHOLE GRAIN
“Contains Whole Grain” means literally. NOTHING. Just because something “Contains Whole Grain” does not mean it is fully, or even partially made out of whole grains. It can be a whole load of garbage with a sprinkle of whole grain. Tricksters, I know.
NATURAL FLAVORS
Sometimes at the bottom of an ingredient list, you will see “Natural Flavors” sounds innocent, huh? Well unfortunately, the FDA allows the food manufacturers not to disclose the ingredients of “natural flavors” added, it can basically include anything, even things you are allergic to. Try to avoid this at all costs, especially if you have allergies.
FAT-FREE
While this can sound like a dieters dream come true, fat-free products are usually loaded with additives, fake sugars, and more chemicals than a bottle of ammonia. Stay away!
TRANS FAT
Trans Fats are the most dangerous fats you can consume. Your body does not recognize or process trans fats in the same way as it does natural fats. Eating them can really bring on a myriad of diseases. Another thing to add to your list of NO'S!
SERVINGS COUNT
Just because something says it is 40 calories does not mean the entire bag contains 40 calories. It is possible only 2 chips are 40 calories, but the total servings are 20, so the bag really has 800 calories. Just pay attention to the number of servings.
ENRICHED, BLEACHED, OR REFINED FLOURS
These type of flours are empty, have absolutely no nutritional value, and in a nutshell means it has been completely stripped of its fiber and nutrients.
