When it comes to maintaining a healthy diet, it’s important to be mindful of not just what we eat, but also what goes into the food we consume.

Here are five ingredients that you may want to avoid:

1. PUFAS: Polyunsaturated fats are more prone to oxidation than other types of fats. When these fats become oxidized, they can create harmful compounds in the body that can contribute to inflammation and the development of chronic diseases. 
2. Gums & thickeners: Gums and thickeners are commonly used in the food industry to improve the texture, consistency, and stability of processed foods. Some studies have linked these additives to digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Additionally, some people may be allergic or sensitive to certain types of gums and thickeners too.
3. Msg: This flavor enhancer is found in many processed foods, including soups, frozen dinners, and snack foods. It has been linked to headaches and other health problems.
4. High-Fructose Corn Syrup: This sweetener is found in many processed foods, including soda, candy, and baked goods. It has been linked to obesity, diabetes, and other health problems.
5. Food dyes: Food dyes are chemicals that are added to food and drinks to enhance their color. While they may make food look more appealing, some food dyes have been linked to negative health effects. For example, certain food dyes have been associated with hyperactivity in children. In addition, some food dyes have been shown to cause allergic reactions in some people. Furthermore, some studies have suggested that certain food dyes may be carcinogenic, meaning they have the potential to cause cancer.

At one point in my life, I did not care about any of the above ingredients because I just was not aware of them. There are so many “healthy” snacks  or quick and “easy” frozen foods on the market that appear to be good for you until you look at the ingredients. 

As I have changed our whole lifestyle for the past 2 years since my miscarriage, I noticed the difference in my health.

I threw out anything and everything that had any of these ingredients in it. I also threw out any ingredient I could not read. & now we are at a place where we have our favorite things we buy and know where to buy. We keep it really simple! So simple that nothing in my house has more than 7 ingredients. Yup, you read that right. 

You don’t have to go to the extreme that I did, but I think it’s a good idea to start today. Start reading your food labels and understand what you are putting into your body and how it may affect it. You may not see the consequences now from eating these ingredients but your health one day will show you. 

Also, this became so important to me as a mama. I watch what my kids eat because I know it will affect their health. I want them to learn about food, to know why certain things may make their bodies feel worse and to be able to make the choice for themselves.

& if you really want to think about it, your babies health starts in the womb. It matters what you eat!

And if you are one of those people that says “well, I turned out fine”. My question to you is “did you really?”