Ingredients to Watch Out For

Since you cannot often control what ingredients restaurants use to concoct your meals...it's obviously much easier to avoid these ingredients when YOU are making your own food / recipes at home.

1. Emulsifiers & Preservatives

Used to improve texture or extend shelf life. Examples: carrageenan, polysorbate 80, sodium benzoate Common in: salad dressings, nut milks, packaged snacks

2. Added Sugars (by many names)

Hidden sugars that spike blood sugar and cause cravings. Examples: sucralose, dextrose, maltodextrin Common in: protein bars, cereals, sauces, flavored yogurt

3. Highly Processed Oils

Inflammatory seed oils used in cooking and packaged foods. Examples: canola oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil Common in: chips, crackers, dressings, frozen meals

4. Titanium Dioxide

A whitening/coloring agent with gut health concerns.Common in: candy, gum, powdered creamers

5. Artificial Sweeteners

Zero-calorie sweeteners that may disrupt metabolism and gut health.Examples: aspartame, acesulfame K, saccharin Common in: diet sodas, sugar-free gum, protein powders

6. Synthetic Food Dyes

Linked to behavioral issues and allergic reactions. Examples: Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1 Common in: candy, cereals, sports drinks, snack cakes

7. Sodium Nitrite

Preservative used in meats that may increase cancer risk. Common in: bacon, hot dogs, deli meats

8. High-Fructose Corn Syrup

Cheap sweetener that contributes to fat gain and insulin resistance. Common in: soda, sweetened drinks, granola bars, condiments

9. Some seed / misc. oils

Examples: sunflower oil, palm oil, canola oil, Safflower oil - they they are Heavily processed fat that may affect heart and gut health. Common in: peanut butter, cookies, microwave meals