Learn to Read Food Labels
- Written by Robyn Holder Robyn Holder
- Published: 12 October 2020 12 October 2020
I recently did a presentation – in person, no less! – about food labels for Slutak Chiropractic. I thought my readers might enjoy some of the highlights from this well received session! Dr. Jill Slutak believes in keeping the “host” (us!) healthy, and provides these sessions free of charge!
It's a fact we all need to rely on processed and packaged foods sometimes, so think about being sure what you are choosing is a healthful item. It is SO important to learn how to read food labels – and read them all the time – especially with packaged foods you use often.
A new label was recently approved that provides better information on serving size, servings per package and added sugars. It is much more helpful to consumers.
Labels in general can be tricky. They offer great information, but might be confusing, too. Ingredients are listed with the most prevalent ingredient first, and so on. Sugar and sweeteners can be called by over twenty-five different names, thereby falling lower on the ingredient list, and not having to be called “sugar” on the label. So, we buy the product, thinking it’s healthy for us because, “look, it has very little sugar in it.”
Sometimes, food producers will gain – really, they pay huge amounts of money for – the endorsement of national associations, like the American Heart or Diabetes Associations, to approve a certain product for consumption. So, we consumers, trusting the auspice of these associations, think, “hey, this product must be good for me – it’s endorsed” and into our shopping cart it goes!
I promote organic foods, and I personally try to be gluten-free. But, organic and gluten-free processed foods can be just as unhealthy as their regular counterparts. Organic sugar is still sugar, and when gluten is removed from a product, something has to replace it – and sometimes it’s not the most health-promoting ingredient…but it is gluten-free.
What’s a savvy consumer to do??
It’s easy, really! Learn to read labels. Learn to recognize ingredients that might not be the best for your health and vitality. Learn to know what the Nutrition Facts label means, and why sometimes the actual ingredient listing is more important than the facts on the Facts label! Learn this and you’ll be able to make wiser and more healthy decisions regarding your foods!
Full Circle Vitality Group offers label reading sessions, and we’ll even go to the grocery store with you to help you learn how to make wise choices. Give us a call!
To Your Vitality!
