Whether you are a school or college kid with many responsibilities and activities or an adult with a busy job, or a parent who has to manage multiple kids, a household, we are all struggling to stay healthy and fit. The food industry doesn't help by making it very confusing to know what foods are healthy. No matter how busy we get, it is important that we remember that our health and wellness comes before everything else. One simple rule of thumb is to avoid processed foods. Another simple tip is to make sure you recognize the ingredients on any food label. I have created a list of some of the most toxic ingredients found in our foods.
Artificial sweeteners: Aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose are commonly found in diet and low-calorie products, but have been linked to health concerns like cancer and metabolic disorders.
High-fructose corn syrup: This sweetener is often found in processed foods and has been linked to obesity, diabetes, and other health problems.
Trans fats: These are often found in processed foods like baked goods and fried foods, and have been linked to heart disease and other health problems.
Sodium nitrate and sodium nitrite: These are commonly used in processed meats like bacon and deli meat and have been linked to cancer.
Artificial colors: Many food products are colored with artificial dyes, which have been linked to hyperactivity and other health concerns.
Monosodium glutamate (MSG): This flavor enhancer is commonly found in processed foods and has been linked to headaches, nausea, and other health problems.
BHA and BHT: These are commonly used as preservatives in processed foods and have been linked to cancer.
Hydrogenated oils: These oils are often found in processed foods and have been linked to heart disease and other health problems.
Pesticides: Many fruits and vegetables are sprayed with pesticides that have been linked to cancer, reproductive problems, and other health concerns.
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs): Many crops are genetically modified to resist pests or herbicides, but there are concerns about the long-term effects of consuming these foods.
Be sure to read the labels of packaged foods and familiarize yourself with these and other potentially harmful ingredients to make informed decisions about what you eat.
Blogger bio: Chitra Rochlani is a NASM certified personal trainer (CPT) and corrective exercise specialist (CES) and Precision Nutrition Coach. She focuses on teaching her clients to move their body efficiently so they get lean, strong and feel good about taking care of their body.
Chitra empowers her clients to break free of the diet mentality and develop a speedy metabolism using fitness, nutrition and mindset tools. She uses her "Fit Warrior" method to combine nutrition, fitness and mindset to help her clients look, feel and perform at their best.