Have you ever walked around the supermarket and felt like every box is jumping out at you saying “buy me I have 9 grams of protein,” “no buy me I have extra fiber,” “get me, I only have 8 grams of sugar,” etc.
Food shopping is so tricky. When I walk down the interior aisles of the supermarket all I see is a billion dollar marketing scheme. The Big Food Industry tricks us in believing that the food we are buying is healthy, when in fact, that is far from the truth. It makes me so MAD! I can’t possible uncover all their secrets in one newsletter, (check out my Personalized supermarket tour for all the inside secrets) but I can tackle one issue today, SUGAR.
Many of the “healthy” foods you feed your family on a daily basis are loaded with sugar. It is hidden in places you would never think of. Why you ask? Good question. Sugar is highly addictive. If we eat a product with sugar in it, chances are we will come back for more, which is exactly what the Big Food industry wants you to do.
So what can you do to change? Another great question, you’re just full of them today.
Tip #1: Read the back labels where the ingredients and nutritional labels are. Do not get fooled by the front. That is just a commercial convincing you to buy something.
Tip#2: If you see high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in the ingredient list, DO NOT buy it! (Hint hint… check your ketchup.) Don’t freak out, there are many delicious versions of ketchup without HFCS.
Tip #3: Be aware. Check out this link that a friend of mine sent me. It will open your eyes to the amount of sugar you are feeding yourself and your kids on a daily basis. I just had to share it with you! http://www.takepart.com/photos/shocking-sugar-stats/naked-pomegranate-blueberry-juice
Tip#4: Not eating refined sugar does not mean you have to give up your sweet tooth.
Lety is a certified health and wellness educator specializing in alternative eating. She supports families struggling with the confusion of what is "healthy food”, as well as families overwhelmed by food allergies. She promotes healthy and allergy free eating in her workshops, pantry cleanouts, food shopping experiences, group programs and one on one consultations.
As an educator, Lety has presented various workshops to many institutions including, libraries, schools, PTA's, doctors’ offices, girl scouts, cub scouts, sports teams, private homes and more.
Lety is a graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, as well as a New York State Certified teacher and the creator of www.MindfulEatingHC.com
For more information on how she can help you create a healthy family.
