Learn To Read Labels

We look at food labels every day.
We determine how many calories per serving we are eating, how
many calories come from fat, how much sugar and carbs in each
serving and don't forget fiber!

But don't just pay attention to the nutrition facts!

Ingredients are crucial

Make a habit of reading the ingredients list on the foods you eat, not
just the calorie information.
Although weight loss is a calorie equation, ingredients in our food
can not only hinder our weight loss efforts, but they can make us
sick.

The shorter the better

In most instances, the shorter the ingredients list is, the better the
food is for you.
Some foods, like Kashi for example, sometimes have a lengthy list,
but they are good for you.
That's why it's important to know...

What ingredients to avoid

There are so many dangerous and disgusting things in our food, that
you need to learn what to avoid at all costs.
As a general rule, you should eat whole foods and avoid processed
foods altogether, but just in case:

Avoid:

Anything that says: "high fructose corn syrup", "hydrogenated",
"refined", "bleached" "enriched" "artificial", "flavor" or "glutamate."

Artificial sweeteners like, splenda, aspartame, sweet n low, etc.

These things cause havoc in our systems! Spiking our blood sugars,
making us retain water, crave fatty, bad foods, raise our cholestorol,
and throw a kink into our metabolisms - making our weight loss slow.

These "foods" are not natural, they were made in a factory and
should not be in our bodies.

They contain bleach, trans fats, chemicals, and colorings - all of
which are BAD!

Diet foods are not a good idea

By diet foods, I mean "sugar free", fat free", that kind of thing.

They may be low in calories and seem healthy, but the damage they
cause does more harm than good.
They are packed with man made chemicals, colorings and
sweeteners. All bad!

Remember - no "diet foods" - It is better to have small servings of the
real thing!

Healthy alternatives

When those cravings hit, don't reach for something made with
chemicals.
Instead, try swapping bad foods for healthier options, or find a
healthy version of your favorite foods.
Not Oreos, but Newman's Own cookies, not sugar free jello, but full
fat ice cream - a small portion worked into your calorie budget.
Not fried french fries, but baked sweet potato fries.

Get creative! The possibilities are endless.