Hey everyone! Last week I had sent a call out for questions on anything! Food, eating healthy, wellness, weight loss or Life stuff. Well, you responded!  Today, I answer a question from a member of our Get well with Elle family.

She asks, ” How can I be sure I’m eating that I’m eating healthy, Elle?”

To answer that question, I want to discuss what you should look for and avoid when reading food labels while doing your groceries. First off, you should realize that the serving size on packages is based off of a 2,000 calorie a day diet.  That’s likely too much for you unless you’re into body building.  Another tip to remember is that 1 teaspoon of Sugar is equal to 4 grams.

Here’s my quick list on what to look for and AVOID

Bad sugars:

White Sugar

High Fructose Corn Syrup

Fructose, Sucrose, Dextrose

Maltodextrin, Mannitol

Sorbitol, Sorghum, Xylitol

Artificial sweeteners like Aspartame, Sucralose and Splenda

Bad Fats:

Hydrogenated/Partially Hydrogenated Oils and Fats

Fractionated Palm Kernel Oil

Margarine, Shortening, Lard

Vegetable Oil

Commercial Canola oil, Sunflower.Safflower oil, Soybean oil, Palm Oil

Additives:

MSG

Nitrates

BHT, BHA

Tartrazine (Yellow #5)

Generally speaking, the fewer ingredients the better!  If you don’t recognize or can’t pronounce more than 2 ingredients don’t buy it.  If you see hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated  listed anywhere on the label, don’t buy it.

I hope this helps you in your journey to healthy eating!

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Thanks, Elle