Yes! Judgement Day Has Come

If you are trying to maintain adherence to a strict Food Plan you are probably also reading labels.

Here is the FDA’s explanation of US Food Labels.

Here is an 8 minute video about food labels in general.

Here is a little video explaining calories from fat and how to understand the information provided on the food label.

Here is a Poster from the FDA that you could print (8.5 x 11) and keep on hand since most fresh fruits don’t fall from the tree wearing a snazzy label.

Same problem with veggies? Print this Poster.

And, of course fish come with gills and scales but no label. Here ya go. And it includes information on some shell fish, too.

Most of those food choices are not too tricky and most of us don’t have too many questions about Calories and Calcium content. But, “Light”, “Lite”, and “Free” seem to be the most confusing thing to understand. Technically, the FDA says this is what those words mean. And, what about “Organic”, “Healthy”, and “Natural”? The FDA warns, “The terms "natural," "healthy," and "organic" often cause confusion. "Consumers seem to think that 'natural' and 'organic' imply 'healthy,'" says Schneeman. "But these terms have different meanings from a regulatory point of view."
According to FDA policy, "natural" means the product does not contain synthetic or artificial ingredients. "Healthy," which is defined by regulation, means the product must meet certain criteria that limit the amounts of fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium, and require specific minimum amounts of vitamins, minerals, or other beneficial nutrients.
Food labeled "organic" must meet the standards set by the Department of Agriculture (USDA). Organic food differs from conventionally produced food in the way it is grown or produced. But USDA makes no claims that organically produced food is safer or more nutritious than conventionally produced food.
For example, says Schneeman, "A premium ice cream could be 'natural' or 'organic' and still be high in fat or saturated fat, so would not meet the criteria for 'healthy.'"

I happen to really enjoy my organic food choices. I have been eating foods from an awesome little service that provides locally grown products to its patrons with stellar variety and sweet customer service. But, I still had to wonder about the word organic. There are websites talking about it, and this is the best quick summary that I have found:
USDA Organic: In 2000, after a 10-year development process, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) rolled out its rules covering use of the word "organic" on foods. The USDA accredits independent certifiers, who then check the claims of producers. The system has three levels:
"100% Organic": Can only contain organic ingredients, meaning no antibiotics, hormones, genetic engineering, radiation or synthetic pesticides or fertilizers can be used. Can display the USDA organic logo and/or the specific certifying agent's logo.
"Organic": Contains 95% organic ingredients, with the balance coming from ingredients on the approved National List. These products can also display the USDA organic logo and/or the certifier's logo.
"Made with Organic Ingredients": Must be made with at least 70% organic ingredients, three of which must be listed on the package, and the balance must be on the National List. These products may display the certifier's logo but not the USDA organic logo.

I liked that link in particular because it led me to another post about what is in organic food that is not really organic. Huh? How is that possible? This is how! People, come on! You know you gotta flex your “Buyer Beware” muscles when you are shopping for food just like if you were shopping for next Yugo.

According to a brochure produced by the USDA, “Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation. Before a product can be labeled ‘organic,’ a Government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. Companies that handle or process organic food before it gets to your local supermarket or restaurant must be certified, too.”

Here is one outstanding post that sums up some of what I have been saying by my nutritional crush, Whole9. I agree with Melissa. Follow some simple rules to ensure you are getting what you want out of the food chosen to put on your plate in your mouth.

Eat Fresh Foods that are locally grown in a chemical free environment.

Eat foods that are packaged only if you can actually pronounce the ingredients. Once the ingredients start getting science-y you are no longer eating food.

If the food you are eating came prepared it will have an ingredients list. Ensure that all of the ingredients are something that you could produce or hunt down. I am not saying that I go on a regular beef slaying mission the third Thursday of every month. I am quite grateful for the butcher who does that for me. But, you get the idea.

Enjoy food that is in ‘season’. It keeps your menu varied and has far less of a chance to have been preserved. (I still think preservatives are creepy. Are you really trying to embalm yourself before your dirt nap?)

Ok – if you are trying to Kill Your Coward, it is up to you to have a plan. I hope this helps you stick to YOUR Food Plan and not get tripped up by labels and lingo that can be a slippery slope.

Your Memorial Day grilling will taste even better without a bunch of junk in the yummies. So get out there, judge your food, and have a safe and sun screen slathered beginning to your summer.

Posts coming up: Another visit to the important idea of Rest and Rest Days, being in The Zone, and why Peanuts should only be consumed as a Comic Strip and not your mouth. What else do ya want to hear about?