Contrary to what the manufactures claim on the packaging of these so called "health" food, real food is whole, unadulterated and unprocessed.  Manufactures will use the newest buzz terms to lure you into purchasing their "healthy" products.

Take for instance, the term "low-fat", you'd be alarmed to read on the ingredient list for these foods typically contain a higher sugar or salt content. Don't let your focus on fat deter you from excluding everything else.

As a parent, I know I want to provide our son with the healthiest food options available. As I walk down the grocery store aisles and see all the packaging aimed to target our children with health claims aimed to target the parent such as "high in X,Y,Z", "a good source of X" and "high in fiber" I am intrigued to read the ingredient list. Once again, my colleague Mark M (certified Holistic Nutritionist) summed up Kellogg's Frosted Flakes Gold product for us.

"Promoted as a
healthy, whole grain alternative to sugared cereals. Package materials
are adorned with ambitious statements like “long lasting energy” and
“crunchy flakes made with 10g of whole grain.” 

A simple glance at the
ingredients list demonstrates how blatantly deceptive these statements
are! First ingredient corn (GMO! GMO! GMO!), second ingredient SUGAR! In
fact, each 31 gram serving (3/4 cup) contains a whopping 10 grams of
sugar. Almost one third of this “whole grain” product is sugar - this is
only 1 gram less than the original product!!! Whole grain wheat does
not even make its entrance until the FIFTH ingredient. On top of the
abundance of sugar, the product contains high fructose corn syrup
(diabetes in a box!), natural flavouring" (a pseudonym used to hide
noxious chemicals that are FAR FROM NATURAL!) and BHT (a chemical
preservative that is banned for use in the UK)." 

I'm not saying I am perfect....far from it. However, I do feel that making the choice to eat only real food for the month of January  (yes I miss my popcorn) has really opened my eyes and hubby's  eyes on how certain foods we were eating were just plain deceptive to what they claimed. Our nutrition isn't all that bad but it did need some work. Since we began this journey we have felt more energetic, less foggy and more in tune with our bodies.

Our food preparation is fun as we turn on the music and create new meals
each day. Our pallets are satisfied with the new spices and herbs we
are testing.  On Pinterest I have a RECIPE board for those that wish to check out some of the delicious meals we have followed or intend to make in the future.


Here's an infographic for you that shows what's food and what genetically modified and places is can be found and their effects.

I understand that purchasing organic food is expensive however choosing the foods that contain the lowest amount of processing and manipulation can work in your favor in the long run.

If you are interested  on learning more and have some time to watch a video, check out the full length video of The World According to Monsanto

Next time your grocery shopping take a moment and check out some of
these products, then you decide on if it works for your healthy
lifestyle or not.