Do you make it a practice to read nutrition food labels and ingredient lists on the foods you buy? Do you have an idea of how much fruit and vegetables you eat in relation to processed foods?

Living a lifestyle of healthy eating, that is, eating a diet made up primarily of real food, whole foods, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, lentils, nuts and seeds, has been shown to provide optimal health.  Switching to a plant-based diet, with small amounts of chicken or fish if you choose, has been shown to prevent and reverse food related illnesses that so many people suffer from by eating a diet high in fat, cholesterol, and sodium from eating too much fast food and processed food.

Getting in the habit of reading nutrition food labels will help you be able to see just how many calories you are consuming along with the breakdown of fats, sugar, cholesterol, sodium, protein and fiber.

When reading the ingredient lists, remember that ingredients are listed in order of the most to the least.  Keep in mind that there are many names for sugar and a food item will often show more than one form.  Also, be on the lookout for ingredients you can’t pronounce or don’t know what they are. Beware, they may be artificial flavorings, colors, or other man-made chemicals to preserve and make the food item taste better.

Stay informed for better health!

Love, Health & happiness,

Phyllis