Food is?

I was recently on the NorCal blog site when I found this blog post I wanted to share about food ( or lack of).

This isn’t new...we all know that the Paleo diet consists mainly of fresh meat, vegetables, fruits, and nuts & seeds! Processed foods don’t typically make it into our grocery carts...and as a result we think we can skip the necessary label check. However, have you ever tried to actually navigate the label on the back of a cereal box? 
Even though it may be gluten-free, that doesn’t mean you are avoiding other potentially toxic ingredients. Think you are in the clear if you avoid the cereal aisle...think again! There are still tons of marinades, cans of tomato sauce, and seasonings, that must be read. Today’s food industry is full of preservatives and artificial flavorings, so it is important to read labels and know what you are eating. Ever wonder what blue #1 and #2 is or what they do? Or Bht or modified food starch? These things are the types of ingredients that you should be aware of and try to avoid. These guys can be hidden anywhere so be sure to double check your labels! Check out a few of the most common things you’ll find in our foods...then head over to fuelasrx.blogspot and take a look at the whole list that Registered Dietician Amy Kubal has generated.



Butylated Hydroxytoluene and Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHT and BHA)
What they are: Antioxidants used to preserve fats and oils.
Where they’re at: cereals, granola bars, beer, breads, crackers, etc.
FYI: BHT and BHA are derived from petroleum.  BHA has been shown to cause cancer in animal studies and the Dept. of Health and Human Services has catagorized it (BHA) as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen”.

Artificial Flavors
What it is: A clever name for a whole bunch of ‘allowable’ chemicals like - phenylacetaldehyde, butyl alcohol, etc....
Where it’s at: Almost EVERY packaged product on the shelves, from Wheat Thins to granola bars.
FYI: The label just says ‘artificial ingredients’, you never know exactly which ones.


Evaporated Cane Juice, Dextrose, Corn Syrup, High-Fructose Corn Syrup, Agave Nectar, Maltodextrin
What they are: SUGAR!!
Where they’re at: Breads, cookies, yogurt, protein bars, soy milk, chicken sausage, deli meats, crackers, candy, ice cream, soda, ketchup, canned fruit, cereals, salad dressings, pudding, chips, etc.
FYI: Sugar is as sugar does. “Natural”, “Organic”, “Pure”, etc. all result in the same thing - insulin spike and fat storage. 

Vee Bleu