HealthyLife Articles

Tag: serving

  • Food Labels 2.0

    Healthylife® Weigh

    Part 7

    Woman choosing and reading label on bread in market.

    You have learned the clues on a food label that can point you toward a healthy choice or away from an unhealthy one. Here are some other common labels on food packaging and what they mean.

    Organic produceis grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, ionizing radiation, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

    Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy productsare produced without antibiotics or growth hormones.

    Benefits of Organic Food

    *  Organic food may be tastier to you.

    *  Organic growing practices may be more sustainable and produce more nutritious food, though this is not always the case.

    *  You may avoid potentially harmful chemicals that may be added during conventional growing and processing.

    The Environmental Working Group publishes a list each year of the “Dirty 12™” and “Clean 15™.” Many plants, like avocados and corn, are naturally disease resistant and hardy. This means fewer pesticides are used on these plants, even when conventionally grown. These plant foods make up the “Clean 15™.” Other plants are less hardy and conventional growing tends to apply more synthetic pesticides. Prioritize buying the “Dirty 12™” organically. Go towww.ewg.orgto learn more about organic farming and see the year’s list.

    Clean all produce before use, whether it is grown organically or conventionally.

    Make your own veggie wash:Mix 2 cups cold tap water with ¼ cup white wine vinegar and 2 tbsp. lemon juice. Pour into a spray bottle. Squirt on your produce and let rest for 2 minutes. Rinse in tap water.

    Non-GMO Project Verifiedfoods do not contain GMOs. This means that the plant was not derived through genetic engineering. The most common products containing GMOs are corn, soy, sugar, and products made from these plants.

    Few studies have been done testing the long-term effects of consuming GMOs. However, GMO farming practices have led to increased use of synthetic pesticides and herbicides. Labeling laws and regulations surrounding GMOs are in development at the time of this guide’s publishing.

    Cage-Free, Free-Range, and Pasture-Raisedlabels refer to the living conditions of poultry. These labels indicate standards for animal welfare.

    Chart showing Cage-Free, Free-Range, and Pasture Raised definitions.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Use Food Labels

    Healthylife® Weigh

    Part 3

    Smiling woman shopping in supermarket and reading food label.

    Information on food labels can help you choose healthy foods and drinks and avoid less healthy options. Some of the healthiest foods, like fruits and vegetables, don’t have a label at all! Practice reading food labels with the foods you have at home or the next time you grocery shop.

    Chart breaking down how to read a food label.

    What seems “normal” as a portion is influenced by what you have eaten in the past, what you see others eat, what you have been served at a restaurant, and what is on a food label. Part of adopting a balanced diet may be creating a new “normal” for yourself that is pleasing, filling, AND the right amount for your body.

    Chart breaking down how to read a food label.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine