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Are you tired of feeling like you need a science degree to understand the labels on your food? Terms like "organic, natural, gluten-free, non-GMO" can be so confusing! Well, don't worry, we’re going to get this figured out. Let's decode these labels together and make sure you're making informed choices when it comes to the food you’re eating. First, let's talk about the word ‘natural.’ This is simply a fancy marketing term designed to fool you into thinking the product is good for you. But that is simply not true. White sugar and rubber from the rubber tree are both technically natural but that doesn’t mean we should eat them, right? So, when you see the word ‘natural,’ don’t pay any attention. Let’s talk about the word ‘organic.’ If you see a label that says "95% organic" or "100% organic," you can feel confident that the ingredients have been certified organic. But here’s the catch: if the label says ‘made with organic ingredients,’ that means up to 30% of the ingredients aren't actually organic. Sneaky, right? So always look for products that are as close to 100% organic as possible. Next up is the label claim that says ‘non-GMO.’ This indicates that the food is free from genetically modified ingredients which is a good thing! And finally, let's talk about ‘whole grain.’ Similar to the word ‘natural,’ this term has little meaning when it comes to the quality of your food. Grain-based products in the US have been highly refined causing spikes in your blood sugar and are simply not good for anyone. If you really want to optimize your health, I recommend eating as few of the grain-based food as possible (breads, bagels, pasta, and other baked goods made with wheat flour). Instead, opt for the occasional baked good made with other flours such as garbanzo, coconut, or almond. 😊 (Ask me for grain free pancake recipes at your next visit!) Now that you're a pro at deciphering food labels, you can start stocking your pantry with nutritious, clean foods! Here are some resources for your own research: Organic Consumers Website The Non-GMO Project The Weston A Price Foundation
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