Read the Label!

Note to all clients, visitors, stalkers, etc:

Before you eat something that comes in a package, READ THE LABEL.

You may be very surprised at what you see. We all know that processed food is often packed with unwelcome corn syrup, salt, chemicals (preservatives, additives), artificial flavoring and sweeteners, and occasionally downright unappealing additives.

Do you have any idea what carrageenan is? Do you know what it does to your body, and what its long-term effects might be?

Unfortunately, a lot of food that gets marketed as healthy is loaded with nasty stuff, and the definition of “nasty stuff” is unclear. The corn industry will tell you that corn syrup (or as they started to say last summer, “corn sugar”) is no worse than sugar. That’s not saying much. Many of the other chemicals are not as well known, and their long-term effects are not well understood. We figure that a little here and a little there isn’t bad, but it adds up, and the results range from no effect at all to cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, gland disorders, and plenty of other unpleasant conditions. Scientists are now tracing many of these diseases back to nutrition, and an increasing cadre of doctors are treating symptoms with a prescription of clean eating, with good empirical results.

What can you about food additives? READ THE LABEL. If the list of ingredients includes things that you can’t identify and runs on longer than a classified ad, put it back on the shelf. If you see corn syrup, wheat (and especially wheat gluten), soybean / safflower oil, anything you had to titrate in high school (sulfur products, for example), and anything that makes you say “eeew” out loud, put it down. I find that the label is often sufficient to stop me from indulging in an unnecessary cheat, via sheer disgust.

Instead, opt for foods that come in natural packages, such as banana peels and nut shells, and cook your own. It’s not always the most convenient option, but if you plan ahead, you can have fresh, real food anytime. Remember – your quality of life depends on it!