As manufacturers and consumers battle it out while trying to unravel the mystery of “what to buy” , there have been different labeling programs that have developed.  As a Dietitian, I get fairly frustrated with the added confusion this brings.  Ultimately it is designed to help the consumer (You) have an easier time picking out healthful choices in the store.   But does it make it easier or more complicated?  It seems, more complicated.

I am sure you have seen these labels on foods you would never think would be a healthy choice, like sugared breakfast cereal that is about 40% sugar?  Seems like something is mixed up.  Per the package – one cereal is supposed to “improve immunity” and another “lowers your cholesterol 4 points if you eat 3 cups of it a day”.  My question is 4 points?  What good is that.  And really is breakfast cereal the best choice to get you started in the day?  And 3 cups of it every day?   

Well, it is being noticed.  And I think it needs to be.  But where do we go from here? 

I think we need to find an answer to this and quickly. 

But wait – we have one.  Rely less on what the food labels says and eat foods that don’t come with a standard food label.  Natural, wholesome foods that have not been altered by food manufacturers. 

This remains our best choice. 

See more about this….http://bit.ly/1BjVWd

This past week I came across a link looking at the Top 10 Best-Selling Grocery Items, which is always intriguing to me.  In one of my favorite books by Patrick Quillin, he referenced the top 10 from a few years ago.  

From then on I am hooked and very curious.  Aren’t you curious to see what the best-selling grocery store items are?   

Well, take a look and find out. 

After looking over the list, review your Top 10  foods on your grocery list.  Are there certain things that you get all the time that you need to get less often?  Buying more whole foods I hope – things that are not so processed?  If not, take this opportunity to change it.

Make your Top 10 – a disease-fighting Top 10!

http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/features_julieshealthclub/2009/10/the-top-10-bestselling-grocery-items.html

This month is the beginning of your big campaign, your mission to protect yourself and fight for your life.  

Let’s start with how you begin your day – breakfast.  Are you taking time to eat a wholesome breakfast?  If you don’t eat breakfast, is it because you get hungrier when you do eat?  I hear that many times.  Mainly because many people eat cereal and that’s it…. just cereal. 

The missing breakfast ingredient is protein!  Eggs, peanut butter, nuts, yogurt or whey protein.  And honestly, most of us would be better off picking something besides cereal.  This cereal just barely gets you started in your day and then BOOM, you are hungry again.

Some better ideas….

- Peanut Butter Whole Wheat Toast with Fruit - and I mean 1 peice of 100% whole wheat toast or New England Brown Bread and about 2 Tbsp of PB. 

- Yogurt, Fruit and Granola Parfait – love the Dannon All Natural Vanilla Yogurt

- Whey Protein Shake – see recipe on my site under Power Up Cancer Fighter Package

- Steel Cut oats with Berries and Almonds

Take the first step, on this first day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.