Words have power. Words that the food industry uses on their packaging have power as well. Some of the words they use may sound healthy in your mind, but in all actuality they are words of deception. Words such as …all-natural, low-fat, low-calorie, low-carb, fat-free, sugar-free, high-fiber, excellent source of (fill in the blank here), lean, light and the list goes on. When you see these words on a label or for marketing use in a commercial, it’s important not to to get duped.

For instance,  fat-free items can still be high in calories if they contain large amounts of sugar or sugar alcohols.

Low-carb is a word that isn’t regulated by the FDA and can be slapped on any package. In fact, manufacturers often replace those carbohydrates with high-fat, high-calorie ingredients. And FYI…carbs are needed and so is fat in your diet for energy. BUT, you should eat complex carbs (such as whole grains, beans, legumes, vegetables, and fruits) and healthy fats, such as avocados and nuts.

All-Natural is supposed to mean that a product contains no artificial ingredients and is minimally processed, but that’s not rarely the case. Did you know that the FDA does not regulate products with the “all-natural” label if the don’t contain meat or poultry?  So that means, just about any non-meat product on the market can claim to be “all-natural” which includes packaged snack items. The best all-natural items are those with ONE ingredient and they’re found in the produce department! Eat produce options and eat often.

Words also have power in the way you talk to yourself. Do you ever catch yourself saying “I can do this” or is it more like “I’ll never be able to do this?” How you think (and speak) will determine your actions. Now, I know this is a busy season with Christmas right around the corner, but you can eat healthy and you can find time to workout. Make it a priority! It’s not only about you…your health creates a ripple effect to those around you.

Have an awesome week and pay attention to the words you see and the words you say.