Scary Seven

Avoid these ingredients when buying groceries

How did you do last week reading labels? Did you find any foods you aren't going to purchase in the future? Or maybe you thought, I don't know what I'm looking for! No worries, I didn't either in the beginning. Here are 7 things to avoid when reading labels in the grocery store (or not purchase again if you find them in your pantry):

High-Fructose Corn Syrup. Potential side effects: obesity, insulin resistance, increased belly fat,

heart disease.

Trans Fats. (labeled as shortening, partially hydrogenated, or hydrogenated) Potential side effects: heart disease, cancer, diabetes.
Artificial Flavors. A blanket term referring to over 100 possible chemical additives. Potential side effects: Allergic and behavioral reactions.
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG). Potential side effects: chest pain, heart palpitations, headaches, stimulates taste buds causing us to eat more.
Artificial Colors. Potential side effects: Allergies, sinus congestion, hyperactivity in children, worsens symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
Artificial Sweeteners. Aspartame (Equal, NutraSweet): primarily affects the nervous system. Potential side-effects: headaches, dizziness, memory loss, convulsions. Sucralose (Splenda) decreases good bacteria in the gut. Saccharin (Sweet'N Low): proven to casue cancer in animals. suspected human carcinogen.
Preservatives. TBHQ: tinnitus, nausea, vomiting. Polysorbates: infertility, immunosuppressant, anaphylaxis. BHT/BHA: liver and kidney problems. BHA is a possible carcinogen. Sodium Benzoate: allergic reactions, carcinogen. Sulfites: allergic reactions - especially for asthmatics.

Whew! That's a lot. The good new is, it's much easier today to find cleaner alternatives than it was 10 years ago when I first read this list. Also, making things at home can reduce or eliminate most of these ingredients. I mean, when was the last time you picked up a bottle of TBHQ at the store to put in your casserole? ACTION STEP: My invitation for this week is to go through your pantry and read for these ingredients. With Sharpie marker in hand, put a big 'X' on any thing that has these ingredients. Then start researching a cleaner alternative for when that runs out so you don't re-buy it. Find one you cannot replace? Ask me! Maybe we can brainstorm together.