"Low fat", "Trans fat free", "Made with Natural Ingredients", "Baked, never fried."
Seem familiar? Of course it does my friend, as if you've yet to come across one of these labels perched upon a grocery store shelf, I'd suggest coming out from under your rock at some point. Life can be difficult, and the scheming ways of industry in food product labelling certainly doesn't help. Many of us have finally come to the realization that FAT FREE DOESN'T WORK, but what else are we still oblivious to? One would be astonished if they knew all of the tricks food companies have up their sleeves, and just how detrimental to one's health they can be. But no fear, I've taken the sweet time today to familiarize you, the healthy consumer, with 3 foods to always avoid while making that weekly shopping trip.
Seem familiar? Of course it does my friend, as if you've yet to come across one of these labels perched upon a grocery store shelf, I'd suggest coming out from under your rock at some point. Life can be difficult, and the scheming ways of industry in food product labelling certainly doesn't help. Many of us have finally come to the realization that FAT FREE DOESN'T WORK, but what else are we still oblivious to? One would be astonished if they knew all of the tricks food companies have up their sleeves, and just how detrimental to one's health they can be. But no fear, I've taken the sweet time today to familiarize you, the healthy consumer, with 3 foods to always avoid while making that weekly shopping trip.
1) Frozen Dinners
Hey, you hungry, man? No but seriously, I get it. Time crunches are inevitable and time for a quick bite may be all we have on any given day. But, that's no excuse to fall victim to the evil world of pre-made frozen meals. Major labels such as Hungry Man, Michelina's, Stouffer's, and many more have not only made capital by using low-quality ingredients, but also by incorporating copious amounts of salt to every entree available. But, why the fuss about salt? This heavenly mineral is just a downright blessing to any meal, in small doses I may add. Large quantities of salt are directly connected to dehydration within the body, subsequently rendering your body incapable of performing to its greatest potential. Water boosts metabolism, promotes muscle growth, and cools your body. However, salt dries up your internal system, and therefore hinders the body's ability to perform any of the functions listed above. After all, who really wants to eat a grey piece of meat with a solid block of processed sauce?
Hey, you hungry, man? No but seriously, I get it. Time crunches are inevitable and time for a quick bite may be all we have on any given day. But, that's no excuse to fall victim to the evil world of pre-made frozen meals. Major labels such as Hungry Man, Michelina's, Stouffer's, and many more have not only made capital by using low-quality ingredients, but also by incorporating copious amounts of salt to every entree available. But, why the fuss about salt? This heavenly mineral is just a downright blessing to any meal, in small doses I may add. Large quantities of salt are directly connected to dehydration within the body, subsequently rendering your body incapable of performing to its greatest potential. Water boosts metabolism, promotes muscle growth, and cools your body. However, salt dries up your internal system, and therefore hinders the body's ability to perform any of the functions listed above. After all, who really wants to eat a grey piece of meat with a solid block of processed sauce?
2) Margarine
A more recent invention in the consumer industry, margarine has long since become the topic of discussion concerning its health benefits compared to butter. So, the truth? Plain and simple, butter does indeed generally hold a greater fat content than its packaged counterpart. However, the 8 grams of fat per serving is indescribably more beneficial for your body than the 2 grams you may receive from margarine. Why? Butter contains omega 3 fatty acids, a fat which is often stored and used as energy within the body. Society's fear of fat has to end at some point, as many provide us with countless health benefits. Butter is natural, it's made from animals and best of all, IT ACTUALLY EXPIRES. However, margarine is a different story. That code on the lid that we can't understand is actually the expiration date, ladies and gentlemen. And why is it written like this, you may ask? Because that's their way of hiding the fact that this packaged spread won't go bad for another year after opening it. That just doesn't seem natural to me, and who wants artificial food? Margarine contains hydrogenated oils, which are man-made and are of no use to your body other than making it lumpy. These fats are saturated and are immediately stored in your muscle tissue as fat, not energy. Solution, stray away from the margarine craze and jump on the butter bandwagon. You won't be disappointed.
A more recent invention in the consumer industry, margarine has long since become the topic of discussion concerning its health benefits compared to butter. So, the truth? Plain and simple, butter does indeed generally hold a greater fat content than its packaged counterpart. However, the 8 grams of fat per serving is indescribably more beneficial for your body than the 2 grams you may receive from margarine. Why? Butter contains omega 3 fatty acids, a fat which is often stored and used as energy within the body. Society's fear of fat has to end at some point, as many provide us with countless health benefits. Butter is natural, it's made from animals and best of all, IT ACTUALLY EXPIRES. However, margarine is a different story. That code on the lid that we can't understand is actually the expiration date, ladies and gentlemen. And why is it written like this, you may ask? Because that's their way of hiding the fact that this packaged spread won't go bad for another year after opening it. That just doesn't seem natural to me, and who wants artificial food? Margarine contains hydrogenated oils, which are man-made and are of no use to your body other than making it lumpy. These fats are saturated and are immediately stored in your muscle tissue as fat, not energy. Solution, stray away from the margarine craze and jump on the butter bandwagon. You won't be disappointed.
3) Potato Chips
Yeah, sure why not? It's "trans fat free" after all, isn't it? WRONG. Potato chips are 9 times out of 10 made from starchy white potatoes, as opposed to their healthier sweet potato counterpart. Despite the fact that label may tell you that these chips are low in fat, they don't mean low in saturated fat. Oh no here's the kicker. From my observation, with an average of about 16-18 grams per 20 chips, brands such as Lays and Ruffles have been enjoyed by families everywhere for decades. However, every gram of fat you see on that label is saturated and stored as nothing but... well... fat in your muscle tissue. Due to the high concentration of man-made fats within these tasty snacks, they fail to provide us with the energy found in monosaturated oils (avocados, nuts, olive oil). Not to mention that the carbs found in chips are of the simple variety, and digest quickly as sugar within your body, leaving you plump as a pumpkin if consumed regularly or in large helpings. Oh, one more thing if I may? The raging salt contents don't help either (but that was already discusses). Opt to make your own sweet potato chips at home, where alternatives such as olive oil and healthy toppings such as cinnamon and rosemary can be substituted to contribute to a snack with complex carbs and healthy fats (energy people)!
Yeah, sure why not? It's "trans fat free" after all, isn't it? WRONG. Potato chips are 9 times out of 10 made from starchy white potatoes, as opposed to their healthier sweet potato counterpart. Despite the fact that label may tell you that these chips are low in fat, they don't mean low in saturated fat. Oh no here's the kicker. From my observation, with an average of about 16-18 grams per 20 chips, brands such as Lays and Ruffles have been enjoyed by families everywhere for decades. However, every gram of fat you see on that label is saturated and stored as nothing but... well... fat in your muscle tissue. Due to the high concentration of man-made fats within these tasty snacks, they fail to provide us with the energy found in monosaturated oils (avocados, nuts, olive oil). Not to mention that the carbs found in chips are of the simple variety, and digest quickly as sugar within your body, leaving you plump as a pumpkin if consumed regularly or in large helpings. Oh, one more thing if I may? The raging salt contents don't help either (but that was already discusses). Opt to make your own sweet potato chips at home, where alternatives such as olive oil and healthy toppings such as cinnamon and rosemary can be substituted to contribute to a snack with complex carbs and healthy fats (energy people)!
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