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5 Red Flags on Ingredient Labels

Grocery shop smart! With kids going back to school, here are easy ways to ensure a healthy home

As families prep for back-to-school, one of the most common questions I get asked is about nutrition. Here are 5 red flags when it comes to deciphering ingredient labels and ensuring a healthy home.

Red Flag #1:  Artificial Colors and Flavorings

Health concerns with artificial colors include cancer/tumor growth, hyperactivity in children, allergies, migraines, indigestions, etc. “Artificial Flavors” is known to cause cancer, increased gut disorders, and have an impact on brain health.  

Red Flag #2:  MSG (Monosodium Glutamate)

This flavor enhancer is found in some dressings, soups, frozen dinners, dry package dinners, Asian cuisines, select chips, seasonings, and more. Studies show MSG consumption increases metabolic disorders and can be addictive (that’s why you can’t put down that bag of chips).

Red Flag #3: Health Claims

Terms like “All Natural,” a “Good Source of 9 Vitamins and Minerals,” and “Fiber Plus Antioxidants” can be misleading. This lingo is often used on sugary Snapple drinks and morning treats like Pop Tarts. This verbiage is ultimately a luring distraction for highly processed foods. If a product has to “showboat” how healthy it is, be skeptical.

Red Flag #4:  Laundry List of Ingredients

Long story short, stick to foods with 10 or less ingredients.

Red Flag #5:  Sugar-Coded Words

There are over 200 different names for sugar! Avoid getting foods with ingredients of words ending in “ose” (glucose, fructose, lactose, dextrose, maltose, sucrose). More red flag ingredient words include syrup, juice, and nectar.

Final thought (and a question I get asked a lot)... Does organic mean gluten free?

No! Organic Certifications are issued by the USDA certifying it’s grown without the use of prohibited substances, fertilizers, and pesticides; it also must be free of bioengineered (GMO) ingredients. Gluten-free foods simply do not contain any gluten, pertaining to wheat, rye, barley, or triticale. 

Adrienne Ferro is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and Health Coach helping women achieve peak wellness through sustainable fitness, nutrition guidance and healthy habits without an overly restrictive approach. Having experienced a personal health scare and 30-pound weight loss, Adrienne developed a passion for helping others. craving4coaching.com