It’s been my experience that shopping is often the bane of weight loss and healthy eating. There’s so much junk out there, it’s difficult to shop efficiently and effectively. And I’m sorry to say, you can’t always trust what the FDA says about whether or not something is good for you, either.

Shopping is one of my biggest challenges. Over the years, I’ve learned to be diligent in checking food labels, keeping up to date on what “filler” ingredients are harmful and which ones to steer clear of. I’ve learned to buy organic and natural foods as much as possible.

You probably know that food affects your waistline, but did you know that food affects your mental health as well? Studies have shown that children diagnosed with ADD/ADHD do much better when they follow a diet that eliminates processed foods, sugars (including high fructose corn syrup) and foods with naturally high sugar contents (like apples and apple juice). If this is true for such children, wouldn’t it be possible that it’s true for adults?

And studies have shown that people are getting heavier a lot younger than they used to as well as that diabetes is growing rapidly – even in children. Do you think all of these things could be related?
Frankly, I wouldn’t doubt it. How could they not be? This means that it’s in your best interest to not only watch the carbs, the fats, the calories and such but also pay attention to ingredients, specifically fillers like high fructose corn syrup, “natural flavors” and additives like MSG.

I don’t always buy organic or natural foods but I do try to balance those with other things I’m buying. I do not buy soda and other sugary drinks, chips, candies, donuts, ice cream or other treats and I seriously watch ingredients in things that one would think would be good for you or at least things that aren’t generally considered junk – bread, cheese, oatmeal and some convenience foods. Often, these are laden with exactly the stuff we’re trying to stay away from.

Paying attention to organic and natural foods is critical too. Not all of them are what they claim to be. In fact, did you know that many of the products touted as organic or natural are owned by parent companies like Coca Cola and others? What do you really think goes into those so-called “natural” products? How are they processed? Are they processed in the same facilities where the “junk” food is produced? It’s possible, I’m sure.

One of my favorite natural brands in Bob’s Red Mill. They have all kinds of grains from quinoa to couscous to 10 grain cereal. Flour like wheat, gluten free, rice flour and many others. Their line of products is pretty broad and I can usually find something equivalent to other brands. (I’ll post my modified version of their 10 grain bread later this week. It’s very tasty!)

I also tend to buy products aimed at the vegetarian market because they often have less filler ingredients and crap in them than their counterparts.

What is your experience with shopping? Do you find it difficult to shop well?