Grocery Shopping 101 - Two Ingredients to Avoid

I friend of mine recently asked me to start doing some posts to help her change her grocery purchases to healthier alternatives.  As I warned her, this needs to be done in "baby steps". if you do this all at once there is very little likelihood of it becoming a habit, and a very high likelihood you'll go back to your old ways.

For my first post, I'll cover two big things to eliminate from your diet as much as possible.  Among other side effects, both are considered excitotoxins, i.e. things that cause dain bramage (oh, oops brain damage).  I'm only hitting the highlights, and if you want to know more a quick internet search will quickly reinforce why you want to avoid these ingredients.

ALL ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS SHOULD BE ELIMINATED -  TODAY!

That's right and I mean it!  There is absolutely nothing good about artificial sweeteners and list of bad stuff is the longest on the FDA list of complaints.  They are neuro-toxins and have been linked to migraines, kidney stones, Alzheimer, depression and a host of other ills.  Ironically, THEY EVEN CAN MAKE YOU GAIN WEIGHT.  I hear you saying "How? They are zero calorie.", They are also appetite enhancers, i.e. they make you hungry so you eat more.  That should nail the coffin of excuses as to why you can't eliminate today, so JUST DO IT.

If you are looking for a zero calorie sweetener that is safe and readily available, try STEVIA and if you're just looking for a low-glycemic alternative, try raw AGAVE.  Agave is my personal choice; it works great in warm and cold beverages and also in baking.  For a natural zero calorie soda pop try Zevia, they do a good job of imitating the major flavors (especially Dr. Pepper).

MSG - MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE (Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein) YUCK!

This is seasoning used to "blend flavors" in foods to make you eat more. It's the same reason why bars historically have free salty peanuts. Thirsty patrons drink more product. Besides the negative effects on the brain and other parts of the body, its scientifically linked to obesity.  You'll find it most commonly in highly processed foods and fast food restaurants.  Its notorious side-effects are becoming so well known that many restaurants have signs proudly stating that their restaurant is "MSG Free" and even those that don't will usually prepare your meal without MSG if you ask.

It hides under a number of other names (that alone should make you wonder):

' hydrolyzed vegetable protein, hydrolyzed protein; hydrolyzed plant extract, plant protein extract, sodium caseinate, yeast extract, texturized protein, autolyzed yeast, hydrolyzed oat flour, calcium caseinate.'  also 'Accent' and 'Natural Meat Tenderizer'

Basically, there is absolutely no reason to eat it, so avoid it whenever possible!  Think of this as the first step to a healthier you.  If you eliminate the foods you buy with MSG in it you'll also be eliminating the foods that have a lot of other ingredients you want to avoid.