Read ingredient labels.
Become informed. Take this seriously and read every ingredient list on the label for every food you eat this week. It will probably shock and amaze you.
A few things to think about concerning ingredient lists:
1. Read the labels of foods already in your home as you use them.
2. Read the labels of foods which you buy at the grocery store (I know this can take time, but it is worth doing). If you don't have much time, buy mostly the unprocessed foods given to us by God that don't have labels. Produce, raw nuts, beans, grains, etc. These are the best foods to eat and cook with anyway. Begin eating more and more foods without labels. (Of course, meats also do not have ingredient lists, but there are other very important things to learn about obtaining good quality meats. I will share this information soon.)
3. Try to buy foods with a short list of ingredients that you can pronounce and identify as a real food item, as shown with the can of diced tomatoes above.
4. I have a list of ingredients which I never eat, and those which I minimize - I will provide these later in the week.
The amount of man-made ingredients and additives which are in foods is a huge topic which I will be addressing in much more depth. This week, I want you to become aware of what is in the food you are eating, and then I will guide you on how to make changes in the weeks to come.
Advanced Challenge for those already reading labels:
Read ingredient labels! So many times, I stop reading labels of my favorite brands of items that I regularly buy and then by chance look at the ingredient list and find that it has changed (and always for the worse). So my challenge this week for all of us is to read labels. Any food item you eat that has an ingredient label, read it.
If you are just beginning the weekly challenges, please be sure to read the posts under Weekly Challenge - In Advance.
I studied each label while shopping today and I was surprised at how many items at a well know health food store were made with "enriched flour". I made much better choices by slowing down and reading the labels. Another great challenge, thanks Mary!
ReplyDeleteI'm planning on going shopping today -- I'm glad I stopped by for the reminder of the weekly challenge
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