Understanding Our Food Labels

I received Good Food Made Simple samples and compensation for my time. All opinions are my own.

Do you ever stop to take the time and read the labels on the foods you buy? When you stop to read those sometimes confusing labels, do you give up and just toss the food into your cart anyways? It’s time to take a stand and start understanding what is in those products!

I have a really good friend that completely transformed the way her family eats. They’ve gone to a plants only approach after doing tons of research and realizing how unhealthy many of the items available for us to eat really are for us. It’s been really fascinating to watch her journey. Certainly, there have been times when she struggled to each only clean foods with all the conflicting choices around them. Still, her family is such an inspiration to me! I know that choosing foods that are better for you can improve your health, mood, attitude, everything! But often, it seems too overwhelming to start. That can’t be our excuse, though. It’s too important to not take the time and educate ourselves.

Take a look at the ingredients in this oatmeal, it’s what you would expect: water, oats, syrup, brown sugar and sea salt. But most oatmeal products ingredient list looks nothing like this!

If you can’t pronounce an ingredient, or don’t even know what it means or what it does, then it’s probably something we shouldn’t be eating. To help us understand better what those labels mean, Good Foods Made Simple has launched an “Eat Clean, Eat Simple” campaign that can help you learn what in the labels from nutrition facts to ingredients list.

Here is some of the research to get you thinking:

REAL STAT: Only 35% of people surveyed reported that they always look at the ingredients label. This suggests that nearly two-thirds of Americans are unknowingly ingesting additives and preservatives into their bodies that could be harmful.
REAL FACT: Consumers should always look for “clean” ingredients – meaning no artificial preservatives, no additives, no hydrogenated oils (a source of trans fat), no artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners.
REAL FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Not enough is known about the long-term effects of artificial coloring in our foods, and many times we find out too late. For example, after Halloween 1950, the government banned Orange #1 when many children became ill after consumption. In the seventies, testing showed Red #2’s carcinogenic properties and it was banned. Since then, Yellow #1, #2, #3 and #4 are also now illegal. If you aren’t sure about the effects of an artificial coloring, it’s best you stay away from consuming it.
REAL STAT: The 22% of Americans that agree frozen vegetables are as healthy as fresh are correct. Can this say: Only 22% of Americans know that frozen vegetables are as healthy as fresh vegetables.
REAL FACT: Not all fats are created equal. For example, fat found in avocados is good – it’s heart-healthy unsaturated fat. However, fats from hydrogenated oils, made in laboratories and found in many processed foods, are not good. In fact, they have been found to elevate blood cholesterol levels and interfere with the body’s ability to metabolize good-for-you fats.
REAL FOOD FOR THOUGHT: While you may think you’re eating clean ingredients, if you turn the box over and read the ingredient list – not just the nutrition label – you may be disappointed and confused.

Good Food Made Simple understands that simple ingredients are best. They have built their brand making food that has only ingredients from farms and never with any artificial preservatives, flavors, colors or sweeteners. They understand that today’s world is a busy place so you’ll find quick and convenient options that don’t sacrifice on their commitment and quality. Their product line includes frozen oatmeal, egg patties, breakfast burritos, breakfast bowls, mac ‘n cheese and entree burritos.

You can find a helpful ingredients dictionary at GoodFoodMadeSimple.com/eatclean to help you as you shop for clean and good foods. While there, you’ll also find coupons, a “Clean Supermarket Sweep” grocery shopping spree sweepstakes when one winner will win a $500 supermarket sweep just for taking a fun and easy quiz!