ALL ABOUT INGREDIENTS

What it is:

Maltodextrin is a preservative that is derived from corn, usually GMO. It is added to food in order to improve the texture, taste and shelf life.

 

Why to stay away:

It is really bad for your gut bacteria and will spike your blood sugar.

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What it is: 

Carrageenan is a seaweed that helps with the texture of foods

 

Why to stay away:

It is bad for your gut bacteria and the flora in your gut

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What it is:

There is nothing natural about "natural flavors." In fact, it is not even a government regulated term. It is a way for food brands to disguise chemicals.

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Why to stay away:

As long as a natural ingredient, say coffee, is included in the product, a brand can put as many chemicals in the product and still call it natural. So whenever you see the word "flavor" in the ingredient name put it down! For example, look your vanilla extract or vanilla bean instead of vanilla flavoring.

The quality of oil depends on how that oil is extracted. In order for companies to be the most cost efficient they extract oils with high heat and a chemical called hexane. Like any chemical hexane is really bad for your body to ingest but still they continue using this method because it is cheaper and quicker than expeller pressed oil.

 

It is also important to note that grocery stores offer oil sprays which are advertised as easy to use and no mess. But what they are not telling you and maybe you do not realize is how that oil is extracted from the can. More of those harmful chemicals! Stay away from propellant sprays and instead look for ones marked non-propellant such as the avocado oil by Chosen Foods.

 

Here is a list of the common highly processed oils to stay away from:

 

Worst:

Canola Oil

Vegetable Oil

Soybean Oil

Grape Seed Oil

Sunflower Oil

Corn Oil

 

The following are some great alternative which are extremely heart healthy as well:

 

Best:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for finishing)

Olive Oil (for cooking)

Avocado Oil

Algae Oil

Expellar Pressed Oil

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It's in 90% of the foods we eat -- its as if the food industry is trying to make our lives harder. When you go to the grocery store take an extra second to make sure any of the following ingredients are not listed on the food label, yes they ALL mean sugar.

 

Other Names for Sugar:

(cane) sugar

sucrose

dextrose

maltose

maltodextrin

high-fructose corn syrup

What it is:

Mono and triglycerides are another name for trans fatty acids which are emulsifiers that help oil and water blend. They also make the products more shelf stable and improve the texture.

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Why its bad:

They are high in fat and if not limited can increase the risk of heart problems.

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