What’s in Your Food? First, Read the Ingredients!

In Domestic Bliss, Wheel Delicious by Nathasha Alvarez

various sweet baked treats like chocolate covered pastries.

In our fast-paced world, convenience often beats everything else. We grab a quick snack, heat up a ready-made meal, or sip on a colorful drink without a second thought. But have you ever stopped to think about what you’re actually putting into your body? Understanding the ingredients in your food is more than just a passing interest; it’s a vital part of taking control of your health and well-being. We owe it to ourselves to be informed, make better choices, and ultimately, be our own best friend.

The Hidden Dangers in Our Food

Our supermarkets are filled with products boasting low-fat, sugar-free, or all-natural labels. While these claims sound promising, they can be misleading. The real story lies in the ingredient list, which often reveals a cocktail of unpronounceable chemicals, artificial additives, and hidden sugars.

Take a look at a typical ingredient list on a processed food item. Chances are, you’ll find ingredients like high fructose corn syrup, monosodium glutamate (MSG), and artificial colorings. High fructose corn syrup, for instance, is a cheap sweetener linked to obesity and diabetes. MSG, commonly used to enhance flavor, has been associated with headaches and other adverse effects. Artificial colorings, found in everything from candies to cereals, have been linked to hyperactivity in children and other health concerns.

I remember the first time I really scrutinized a food label. I was shocked to see just how many unnecessary additives were packed into my favorite snacks. It was a wake-up call that led me to question not just what I was eating, but why I was so willing to trust those enticing front-of-package claims without digging deeper.

In my classroom, if my students can read the ingredient list then they can eat it. No more arguing about processed food or candy in my classroom.

Becoming a Savvy Shopper

1. Understanding Ingredient Lists

The first step in taking control of your diet is learning to read ingredient lists. Ingredients are listed in order of quantity, from highest to lowest. This means that the first few ingredients are what the product is mostly made of. If you see sugar or hydrogenated oils at the top of the list, it’s a red flag.

A good rule of thumb is to look for short ingredient lists with recognizable items. If you can’t pronounce it, your body probably doesn’t need it. Whole foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains should make up the bulk of your diet. These foods don’t need an ingredient list because they are the ingredient.

2. Watch Out for Hidden Sugars

Sugar goes by many names, and manufacturers are adept at hiding it in their products. Common aliases include sucrose, glucose, maltose, dextrose, and syrup. Even “healthy” alternatives like agave nectar and honey are still sugars and should be consumed in moderation.

Reading the ingredient list and the nutritional information together can give you a clearer picture. Look at the total sugars and added sugars per serving to gauge how much you’re really consuming.

3. Beware of Buzzwords

Terms like “natural,” “organic,” and “gluten-free” are often used to imply that a product is healthy. However, these labels can be deceptive. “Natural” products can still contain unhealthy ingredients, “organic” junk food is still junk food, and “gluten-free” doesn’t mean sugar-free or low-calorie.

The key is not to rely solely on these buzzwords. Flip the package over and read the ingredient list and nutrition facts to make an informed decision.

Making Better Choices

1. Cooking at Home

One of the best ways to ensure you’re eating healthy is to cook at home. This way, you control exactly what goes into your meals. Use fresh, whole ingredients and experiment with herbs and spices to add flavor without relying on processed sauces and seasonings.

I started cooking more at home a few years ago, and it has been a game-changer. Not only do I feel better physically, but I also enjoy the process of preparing meals and discovering new recipes. It’s empowering to know exactly what’s on my plate and where it came from.

2. Opt for Whole Foods

Whenever possible, choose whole foods over processed ones. Fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains provide essential nutrients without the added junk. If you need a quick snack, reach for an apple or a handful of nuts instead of a processed granola bar.

3. Educate Yourself

Knowledge is power. Educate yourself about nutrition and the potential effects of different ingredients. There are countless resources available, from books and documentaries to online courses and community workshops. The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to make healthy choices.

Be Your Own Best Friend

In the quest for better health, it’s crucial to adopt a mindset of self-care and self-compassion. Being your own best friend means making decisions that honor and respect your body.

1. Listen to Your Body

Pay attention to how different foods make you feel. Do you feel energized and satisfied, or sluggish and bloated? Everyone’s body reacts differently, so tune in to your own responses and adjust your diet accordingly.

2. Avoid Diet Perfectionism

It’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of the perfect diet, but this can lead to stress and unhealthy habits. Instead, aim for balance and moderation. Allow yourself the occasional treat without guilt. The goal is long-term health, not short-term perfection.

3. Build a Support System

Surround yourself with people who support your health goals. Share your journey with friends and family, and encourage them to join you in making healthier choices. A strong support system can make all the difference in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Personal Stories: Realizing the Importance

My friend Bobby’s story is a perfect example. Bobby has always been health-conscious, but it wasn’t until he started selling his crafts at the farmer’s market that he truly realized the importance of knowing what he was eating. Surrounded by fresh produce and homemade goods, he started asking vendors about their ingredients and was inspired to clean up his own diet. Now, he not only sells his crafts but also shares his journey to healthier eating with his customers.

Similarly, my own journey into better eating habits began with a simple decision to read labels more carefully. The more I learned, the more I wanted to share this knowledge with others. I started talking to friends and family about the benefits of knowing what’s in their food, and soon, we were all making healthier choices together. A big thank you to my sister, Ingrid who is a certified health coach. With her knowledge, I’ve made wiser decisions for my health.

The Bigger Picture

Understanding what we put into our bodies isn’t just a personal health issue; it’s a societal one. When more people demand transparency and healthier options, companies will have to respond. This collective shift can lead to broader changes in the food industry, promoting better health for everyone. Some top celebrities and successful entrepreneurs like Jesse Itzler have taken on food companies like Kelloggs.

Final Thoughts

We live in a world where convenience often overshadows health. However, by taking the time to read ingredient lists, make informed choices, and prioritize our well-being, we can reclaim control over our diets. It’s about being proactive, staying informed, and caring enough about ourselves to make the best choices possible.

Remember, you are your own best friend. Treat your body with the care and respect it deserves. By understanding what’s in your food and making conscious choices, you’re investing in a healthier, happier future. So, next time you pick up a product, take a moment to read the label and ask yourself, “Is this something I want to put into my body?” Your health is worth that extra effort.

Do I really need to add another paragraph about how being physically disabled is another reason we need to care for our body? Yeah, I didn’t think so either.

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