FIT Fridays: Read the Label

Hey bloggy friends,
So... that day of grace I asked for turned into a full week. I admit our time management did not go so well. We'd get the kids to bed each night, and then I'd fell asleep. Back to school is apparently tougher on moms than kids these days.

So... here's the long-awaited post. Thanks for your patience. :)

Processed foods. Yep. That's what you've been waiting all this time to read. I hope you're not disappointed. Packaged food has always been my friend. Since I don't like to cook much, I've kept a good supply of frozen, one person meals around forever. I thought I'd eat these amazing, convenient wonders and stay healthy.

Wrong!

Processed foods are tricky! Some so-called low-calorie frozen items are so high in sodium that they cause their own problems. Any food item that provides 40-50% of daily sodium needs is best avoided, especially for people with high blood pressure. High sodium consumption can lead to other health problems too.

Many low-cal foods are packaged as two portions, not one. Without reading labels carefully, the purchaser might think he or she has hit the low-cal bonanza. Instead, calorie consumption is doubled, and the weight sticks around. How frustrating!

Low-fat does not mean low-cal. Sugar-free does not mean fat-free. Low-cal doesn't mean sugar or fat free... It could simply mean a really tiny portion size. These conveniences rarely help.

Sugar free soda presents its own challenge. Obviously, it's comprised of chemicals -- and I just can't imagine those are good for anyone. Chemical issues notwithstanding, researchers believe that sugar-free sodas do the exact opposite of what we expect. The soda's sweetness tells the brain that sugar is on its way. The sugar doesn't arrive and our bodies end up craving it more. I'm not an expert. I'm not saying the research is right. I do know when I've eaten sugar-free (usually accidentally) I'm not satisfied. My mouth just wants more.

The solution? Read the entire label carefully and select prepared foods wisely. Read the portion size before sitting down to eat. Understand the real calorie count.

Better yet, cook and freeze at home.

• We make our own pasta sauce. I use one half of the recipe at the time and freeze the other half for another day.
• We make and freeze our own jam (that might have been helpful information back in June and July when strawberries were fresh). I cut the sugar by about 50% without adding artificial ingredients.
• We cook several pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and freeze what we won't use that week. No preservatives, just cooked right and frozen immediately. 
• Make meatloaf two at a time. Eat one now (not a whole meatloaf. Please share.) Freeze one for later.

Many cookbooks offer an eat one-freeze one recipe section. These recipes are available online as well. The meals are usually simple to prepare and great for families. 

To substitute for that all desired soda? How about fruit infused water? We enjoy mango-water, lime-water, lemon-water, peach-water... just about any fruit works. Simply place some sliced fruit into a pitcher of water and chill for several hours. We peel citrus first so the bitter rind doesn't affect the taste. The natural fruit flavor will infuse the water with delicate sweetness. Refreshing and flavorful. And healthy!

I ran across this verse recently, and it reminded me that I am responsible for the care of my body. "Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?" (Job 12:12)

Healthy eating is an informed choice. It leads to healthy living. Wisdom. And long life.


God bless,
Love,
Karen