Think it’s easy to know the difference between good food and bad food? Think again.
An apple is good food. Trans fat is bad. But what about something in between? What if a snack product on the shelves of your favorite health food store promises you it’s good-for-you food? Is it really good food?
Finding good food starts by developing an awareness of what’s in the foods that you eat. Because manufacturers create what we eat by enhancing flavors, color, and taste through a variety of manipulative techniques. They promote it in a pretty package to make you buy. And that doesn’t mean it’s in the best interest for you to consume it and keep you and your family healthy.
You can’t trust the words “organic” or “natural” and assume they are good for you. Giant food corporations have come to dominate the organic market. And when profit is the name of the game, additives are included to increase those profits tenfold. So how do you tell?
The easiest way to start paying attention to what you eat is to look at the ingredients. Can you read them? Most of the ingredients you should avoid fall into one of three categories: food additives, artificial sweeteners, and artificial colors. While there are many, look for things like:
- Trans fats - used in processed baked goods and fast food
- High fructose corn syrup - processed sweetener linked to diabetes and obesity
- MSG - flavor enhancer known to be a carcinogen
- Yeast extract - another name for MSG
- Artificial sweeteners - this includes saccharin, neotame, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, sucralose, and more.
- BHA/BHT - a known carcinogen to extend shelf life
- Brominated vegetable oil - keeps flavor oils in soft drinks
- Artificial colors - gives food its attractive appearance but causes a multitude of health problems, including asthma and hyperactivity in kids
Good foods heal. Good foods are fresh, pure, and whole, or as close to unprocessed as possible. This includes things like:
- Apples
- Avocados
- Asparagus
- Bananas
- Broccoli
- Cantaloupe
- Figs
- Radish
- Seaweed
- Grains
- Beans
- Lentils
- Nuts and seeds
- Vinegar
Know what you’re eating and ask questions before you place anything on the plate in front of you. Avoid fast food, processed foods, sugary drinks and sodas, and you’ll be taking a step in the right direction.