I was reading the side of a dried fruit box today. The ingredients list was accurate, but the nutritional data was incorrect. The reason why I feel it was incorrect was because nobody I know eats the portions that are metered out in the nutritional data area of every box and bagged food. When we grab a handful of fruits or vegetables, each person's hand is a different size. Therefore, a handful means different things to different people. Our portions are not what the box says either. I eat a large amount of food in quantity, but because it is the most healthful food that I can take into my body, the results in my body composition is different than somebody who is sedentary and eating the standard American diet.
Food companies who put these portions on packages know that if it looks low in calories, fats, and high in vitamins and minerals, we will most likely purchase that food with regularity. When I eat a piece of cheese, do I make sure it is 1 ounce like the box says the portion should be? Who eats one cup of popcorn? The side of my skinny popcorn bag clearly advertises that each cup is only 35 calories! Furthermore, when putting unhealthy nutrition facts on the sides of packaged and processed foods, if the food manufacturer puts small enough portions, and they use less than 1 gram of an unhealthy ingredient, they are permitted to say 0 grams of that toxic ingredient is inside the food. The key here is that food manufacturing companies make the portions very small on purpose so that they do not have to reveal all of the information. This is a legal loophole.
For me, I found the easiest and most healthy way to go about eating, is to choose foods that do not come in a box or prepackaged bag. For example, I prefer the produce section, and talk to my butcher and fish monger personally to find out where my food came from and how the animals are treated. When it comes to cheese, dairy, and healthy fats, I do my own research. Plus, we must be honest about our own portions and what we are taking in. It may not match the side of the butter container, almond butter container, or other information on the side of any packaged food, no matter how healthy it is.
Let's get real. Let's be honest. The truth will set you free. Allow yourself food freedom. We are not a slave to the advertising industry. We are not a slave to the processed food industry. This is our opportunity to take charge of what we put in our bodies and how much we put in our bodies. I am not about portion control. I am about being realistic. Be honest with yourself. I am. I want to hear from you. Please comment and subscribe to my newsletter on any page.
Bkessings,
KJ Landis
Food companies who put these portions on packages know that if it looks low in calories, fats, and high in vitamins and minerals, we will most likely purchase that food with regularity. When I eat a piece of cheese, do I make sure it is 1 ounce like the box says the portion should be? Who eats one cup of popcorn? The side of my skinny popcorn bag clearly advertises that each cup is only 35 calories! Furthermore, when putting unhealthy nutrition facts on the sides of packaged and processed foods, if the food manufacturer puts small enough portions, and they use less than 1 gram of an unhealthy ingredient, they are permitted to say 0 grams of that toxic ingredient is inside the food. The key here is that food manufacturing companies make the portions very small on purpose so that they do not have to reveal all of the information. This is a legal loophole.
For me, I found the easiest and most healthy way to go about eating, is to choose foods that do not come in a box or prepackaged bag. For example, I prefer the produce section, and talk to my butcher and fish monger personally to find out where my food came from and how the animals are treated. When it comes to cheese, dairy, and healthy fats, I do my own research. Plus, we must be honest about our own portions and what we are taking in. It may not match the side of the butter container, almond butter container, or other information on the side of any packaged food, no matter how healthy it is.
Let's get real. Let's be honest. The truth will set you free. Allow yourself food freedom. We are not a slave to the advertising industry. We are not a slave to the processed food industry. This is our opportunity to take charge of what we put in our bodies and how much we put in our bodies. I am not about portion control. I am about being realistic. Be honest with yourself. I am. I want to hear from you. Please comment and subscribe to my newsletter on any page.
Bkessings,
KJ Landis
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