What Do Food Labels Really Mean?
FRUIT:
Organic fruit are fruits that are grown without pesticides. Since they cost more, you want to make sure you’re getting what you pay for and is that extra cost really worth it?
So how do you know if the fruit you’re buying really is organic? If the label says, “made with organic ingredients" that means that at least 70% was made with organic ingredients. If it says 100% organic, that means that at least 95% was made with organic ingredients.
ORGANIC FRUIT BUYING TIP
If you're on a budget like most of us and not sure which organic foods are worth purchasing, here's a tip. If it has a peel on it, no need to spend extra money on organic. However, if you're eating berries, organic is your best option. It costs a little more but you'll be saving on medical bills and trips to the doctors office.
WHAT YOU NEED TO WATCH OUT FOR
If there are four numbers in the price look-up label, that means that the produce was grown with pesticides. However, if the sticker on the fruit begins with a 9, that means the produce was grown without pesticides, non natural fertilizers, sewage sludge, genetically modified ingredients, or ionizing radiation.
TRANS FAT: What does it Mean? Partially hydrogenated vegetable oil causes artery-clogging LDL cholesterol . An easy way to remember the difference between LDL cholesterol and HDL is LDL is Lousy cholesterol that leads to heart attacks and HDL is healthy cholesterol. If the label says no trans-fat, there can still be ½ a gram of trans-fat in a serving and if you eat that food often, the trans-fat can really begin to add up.
WHAT DOES LOW FAT, LOW SUGAR, LOW CALORIE REALLY MEAN?
If an item is labeled “low" fat it means that the calories from one serving contains 30% less fat. While low-fat products have less than 3 grams of fat per serving; watch out for the sugar content. If a product is high in sugar but labeled low fat, you can gain weight.
Here’s why. If you’re not burning enough calories to burn off that sugar, you’ll soon see it as excess fat on your body and in your arteries. If a product is labeled "low" in a specific ingredient, it means that several servings can be consumed without exceeding the recommended daily limit.
Low-fat products have fewer than 3 grams of fat per serving; low-saturated fat products have less than 1 gram per serving.
Low-sodium means the product has 140 milligrams or less sodium per serving; low-cholesterol means 20 milligrams or less and under 2 grams of saturated fat.
Low-calorie foods have fewer than 40 calories per serving.
IS IT REALLY NATURAL?
The food manufacturer is the one who ultimately makes the decision to label their food as natural. If the food product doesn't contain artificial ingredients, flavors or added coloring, they can call their food product natural. But that doesn't mean it's good for you. For example, sugar is natural.
According to the FDA, the term natural "doesn't address food production methods, such as the use of pesticides, nor did it explicitly address food processing or manufacturing methods, such as thermal technologies, pasteurization, or irradiation." The FDA also did not consider whether the term "natural" should describe any nutritional or other health benefit. Natural doesn't mean it was grown without pesticides.
It is well worthwhile to look at the food labels and make an informed choice. You really are what you eat. Of course we all like to indulge sometimes. Just make sure to do it in moderation. Same with exercise, you don't need to do those crazy insane workouts to lose weight. I'm so proud to hear back from viewers who decided to take charge of their health and love getting those before and after photos. So motivating! Like this amazing true life saving story...
Good Morning Suzanne, I started with you in March 2014, weighing 184 Lbs. , 5 ft 7in height, feeling horrible with my overweight body. I couldn't move with ease at all, every part of my body hurt. I'm 56 yrs old and felt like I was 92 yrs old, barely moving with all the pain in my joints, my blood pressure was through the roof 168/102.
My Dr. wanted me to go on Blood Pressure pills immediately. I asked him to please let me try a New lifestyle to try to bring my pressure down naturally, and if I couldn't, I'll see him again. I left his office feeling scared to death about dying from what I have done to myself , that I started a clean eating diet that day.
As of today June 4,2014, my weight is now 156 Lbs, my blood pressure is 128/78, and all of my pain is gone. I feel like a new woman. I couldn't even keep up with you before, Now, I work out right along side you! Talk about improvement! Needless to say, I no longer (need) to be on Blood Pressure Medication. Thank you for saving me, I got my health back, I can move again, like a 56 yr woman should move! I juice, no processed foods, eat very healthy, and Love my New lifestyle (for life).
Grateful for life, Noreen Perez. :)
So next time you head out to the grocery store, make sure to compare similar foods from different suppliers and you'll be amazed at the differences. Any weight loss or fitness program consists of 40% exercise and 60% of what you eat to achieve your desired outcome. And when you're over 50 like myself, you have to include exercise to lose weight. Our metabolisms slow down as we age, but exercise speeds it up and can make you look and feel younger than your years.
No Abs, or butts about it! Knowledge is power. Never stop learning. And if you have some stories to share, send them along. I'll be watching my inbox:)
Healthiest blessings,
Suzanne Andrews