Navigating the Maze of Smart Food Choices

Three mistakes we make choosing our food

Are you getting caught in label loopholes?

We wrapped up March as National Nutrition Month and so much about nutrition still lingers with me. I am a coach helping high achieving women transform their lifestyles to go from burnt out and barely surviving to thriving and reclaiming personal authority. So much of what I do bridges the gap between mind, body, soul and sustained high achievement and goal attainment. I teach wholeness as the target and nutrition is a huge piece of that. Health is a personal and unique journey for everyone that includes every aspect of the mind, body, and soul, yet the body, and particularly exercise and nutrition, get the spotlight. On that topic, have you noticed lately the endless array of labels staring back at you from the grocery store shelves? I am baffled by the surplus of "gluten-free," "organic," and "non-GMO" that tend to confuse rather than inform. Navigating the world of food labels can feel like deciphering a cryptic message. It does not have to be with a little know-how and a dose of savvy though.

Trying to Eat Healthy: One of the Top Influencers

When it comes to choosing what goes on our plates, trying to eat healthy is a significant influencer. Separate surveys conducted by the NPD Group, a leading market research company, and the International Food Information Council both found this to be true when studying behavior in consumer food choices. We're bombarded with messages about the importance of nutrition and the dangers of processed foods. But amidst the marketing buzz, how do we separate fact from fiction?

The Power of Food Labels

Food labels can be our allies in the quest for healthier eating, but they can also be deceptive. Marketers know that we rely on labels to guide our choices, and they're not above using sneaky tactics to sway us. That's why it's crucial to approach labels with a critical eye and a healthy dose of skepticism.

Common Mistakes that Sabotage our Health Goals

Let's face it: we've all fallen victim to the pitfalls of misleading labels at one time or another. Here are three common mistakes I see clients make that sabotage efforts to eat healthy:

1. Overlooking Ingredients Lists: It's easy to get swept up in the bold claims on the front of the package, but the real story lies in the ingredients list. Hidden sugars, artificial additives, and unhealthy fats can lurk behind seemingly innocent labels.

2. Trusting Gimmicky Labels Without Thinking: Gluten-free, keto, fat-free – these terms might sound healthy, but they're not always what they seem. Don't fall for the marketing hype; take the time to educate yourself about what these labels really mean for your health. More importantly, which ones makes sense for you to look for and which ones you can completely disregard.

3. Making Our Own Meaning of Labels: Non-GMO, organic, cage-free – these labels evoke images of wholesome, natural foods. But without understanding the standards behind them, we're left to make assumptions about their healthfulness.

Taking Back Control as Informed Consumers

So how do we reclaim our power in the face of misleading labels? It starts with a shift in mindset and a commitment to becoming informed consumers. Here's how you can take charge of your food choices:

1. Look at the Ingredients List First: Before you're swayed by flashy packaging or bold claims, turn your attention to the ingredients list. Familiarize yourself with common additives and hidden sugars, and don't be afraid to put products back on the shelf if they don't meet your standards. Another finding in consumer behavior research shows that giving just a few more seconds to the decision making process is more likely to lead to a healther decision.

2. Use Labels as a Catalyst for Further Investigation: Rather than taking labels at face value, use them as a starting point for deeper research. Look beyond the marketing spin and seek out reliable sources of information to help you make informed decisions. For example, let's say you're at the grocery store and you come across a package of granola bars labeled as "all-natural" and "low-fat." Instead of simply trusting these claims, take a moment to flip the package over and scrutinize the ingredients list. If you notice unfamiliar additives or high amounts of hidden sugars, it's time to dig deeper. Use your smartphone to search reputable health webites or ingredients you don't understand. Taking this extra step, you can make a more informed decision about whether those granola bars align with your health goals.

3. Educate Yourself on What Labels Mean: Did you know that the term "natural" on food labels is not regulated by the FDA and can be used quite loosely by manufacturers? Educate yourself on what labels truly mean to ensure you're making informed choices about the food you consume. Take the time to learn about the standards behind common labels like organic, non-GMO, and free-range, so you can make choices that align with your values and health goals. Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to understanding food labels.

Join Me for Refresh, Reset, Reboot

Want to dive deeper? Check out the Nutritional Reset starting in May where we will completely reboot, learn about ingredients, labels, sugar, mindset, self-sabotage, and more.

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