read ingredient labels

you ARE what you eat. And I don’t want to be monosodium glutamate, partially hydrogenated oil, FD&C Red #40, natural or artificial flavors, TBHQ, etc.

to eat healthier.

I’ve gotten in the habit of reading labels primarily because I discovered that my son reacts very badly to artificial dyes in foods – especially the reds and yellows. He was having some behaviour problems (being overly emotional and unable to control himself at times), and I thought that instead of taking him to see a doctor (who would probably prescribe some sort of medication), I’d try working with his diet first. And boy oh boy am I glad that he did. As soon as I removed the artificial dyes from his food, there was an AMAZING improvement. He’s still an active, happy little guy, but now he has the self-control that he was lacking – and he is able to get to sleep at night. Those dyes are bad news. And, now that we’re in the habit of checking labels, I look for other things, too. We’re eating more healthily all the way around. (And even my son is getting in the habit of label reading – a skill that will be very good for him into the future).

I just want to get a better grasp on what I really am eating. I’m trying to cut down (and out) high fructose corn syrup. I don’t like long names that I need a degree in chemistry to understand. I think simply reading the label will help me cut down on some of this stuff.

i’m specifically trying to cut out gelatin. i’ve been a vegetarian my whole life so/and i’ve never been very good at it. i also want to cut down on addatives and preservatives.