Take Time To Notice The Nutrition Label

How fast can you grocery shop?

I'm sure I can beat you.

But should I?

All we want to do is get in, out, and home in a hurry. Our carts display products based on the product's pomp, circumstance, and pretty picture.

I recognize that box from T.V.... Their ad was funny... I like funny...I'll buy.

OR

Honey, this box says 'All-Natural', should we get it?... Yea, it's healthy.

Replace all-natural with gluten-free, organic, fat-free, or sugar-free and you get the picture. We are sold and told what's good for us. We accept it without taking the time to notice.

The truth doesn't live on the front of the box. The truth lives on the back (or side).

Take time to notice the nutrition label. It will make or break your health. [Tweet this]

i.e.- Nutrition labels

Don't know anything about nutrition labels? 

Don't worry.

It's easier than you think.

First things first. Fill the cart with as much non-nutrition label food as possible. Produce (fruits and vegetables). Fresh meats. Eggs. Dry bulk foods (nuts, grains, spices). Do this first. The more fresh food packed in means less room for processed food. (Need a grocery list? Get it free- here.)

Now, the business of noticing and negotiating a nutrition label.

Most of the words on the label aren't worthwhile. Scroll down to the ingredient list. 

If there are more than 5 ingredients listed, leave it alone. Well, we just cleared about 90% of the products sold from our basket. Easy peasy.

Why 5? (Because I like to say, "less than 5 will keep you alive.")

But really, it's true.

The more ingredients added the more processed the food becomes. The more preservatives needed to keep it "fresh". By researching, reading, and noticing nutrition labels I've learned that once you pass 5 it's pretty much down hill from there. Are there some exceptions. Of course. On the whole, less than 5 to stay alive, holds true.

If you can't read a word or don't know what the ingredient is; don't eat it. Think of children that pick up..."stuff".. and put it in their mouth. We yell, "Don't eat that it's not good for you". Well....

If sugar grams make up more than 1/4 of the total carbohydrate grams avoid it. Sugar provides no nutrition benefit. None! Sugar is empty calories that are digested near instantaneously and negatively effects our heart, brain, and our appetite. Sugar makes us crave more sugar.

When buying wheat products, it must be 100% whole wheat. Remember our interchanging labels above? Well, wheat products try that trick too. Whole grain does equal 100% whole wheat. Multigrain does not equal 100% whole wheat. Only 100% whole wheat equals whole wheat. 

Please don't interpret this rule to mean you need to by 100% whole wheat products. You don't! However, when 11 of the top 25 sources of calories in the American diet (USDA, 2010) came from refined grain based foods we need a plan of attack. (Of the remaining 14 sources only 6 are arguably healthy. Eek!)

So limit your grains and be sure the wheat products you do buy are 100% whole wheat and meet the above criteria.

Slowing down. Noticing nutrition. Putting thought into food is truly food for thought.

How will these grocery store guidelines change how you shop? Leave a comment below and let us know.

This is a special week for Finding Fit because there will be a post everyday! Slow is the theme all week. So check back each day or sign-up if you're ready to join us in living healthier and Finding Fit in your life.

I want to thank Jeff Goins for the 'Slow Down Challenge". He has reminded me of the beauty of slowing down, smelling the roses, and that great things come to those that work and wait. He also helped me overcome my feelings of not being a writer. Check out his website for more great things from Jeff-  goinswriter.com.