Is There Food in Your Food?

Since starting my fitness journey last year, I have taken a very hard look at food labels. Actually, I have been reading some labels carefully since my daughter was diagnosed with autism, as she cannot eat gluten, casein or soy. But that was for her food. For the rest of us, I have only recently been more careful.

Know what disturbing thing I have learned? There is NO FOOD in a lot of what we eat as food. What we are being sold, under the guise of food, is a lot of processed, chemically designed, genetically mutated stuff. Yes, it contains some 'nutrients' according to the labels, but what those nutrients actually provide our bodies is questionable.

I strongly suggest that you take a look at the documentary, Food, Inc. It is a huge eye-opener. After that, see what you can find out about what is in the food you buy. Are you a fan of prepared meals, frozen dinners, pre-packaged lunches or canned pasta? They can all be great 'quick' meals when families are short on time, and they are often on sale or offered with generous coupons. But take a look at what is in them.

I bet you will discover a lot of words listed that you cannot pronounce. I bet you will also see a lot of preservatives, fillers, corn products, soy products, dyes and multi-syllabic nonsense.

Where is the food in your food??? I remember when Breyers started advertising that their icecream contained only five ingredients or fewer. I was a kid at the time and had no idea what a great thing that is!

When shopping, I beg you to read labels. If the ingredient list is longer than four lines, re-consider your purchase! Stick with whole foods when possible... fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, lean beef, chicken, pork and fish. Go for the least-processed items possible.

I am sure I will get laughed at for this, but I also strongly suggest you go back to basics. Need a cake for your child's birthday? Drag out that Betty Crocker cookbook and make one from scratch! Not only will you find it is cheaper, but it will taste better! And best of all, you will know exactly what is in your food!

Not convinced? Look around you. More Americans are obese than ever before. More of us have diabetes, heart disease and cancer. All of these health issues are not coming out of no where. It all starts with what you put in your body every day.

Drink water. Eat whole, unprocessed foods. Oh yeah, and exercise at least three times a week.

By the way, I've lost 55 pounds since December 1. I feel like a completely different person. I have more energy, fewer aches and pains and am gradually reducing my daily medications! You can do it too!