Ten Things Not to Buy in Grocery Stores

Now before I continue, I don't want you to be alarmed by what I am writing so that you proceed out of fear. My purpose in publishing this blog is to inform you so that you can simply make more informed choices.

Over the years I have become aware, as I am sure you also have, that labels don't always tell the truth. The good news is that there are a few pretty common items you can make for yourself at home! One good rule to go by is this: If it tastes strange and defies logic (e.g. if that canned tomato doesn't totally taste like tomato, or if that purportedly fresh fruit juice sits on an unrefrigerated shelf yet doesn't spoil), don't bother. Here are a few such things:

1.   Butter Substitutes: Fun doesn't kill people; manufactured food kills people. :) Seriously, don’t use butter (or any fat) substitutes, because your body is not created to process it. Butter is fine as long as you don't use consume too much.

2.   Yogurt with Fruit on the Bottom:  I always thought I was doing my body good by eating this stuff. Then I read the label and realized I may as well be eating yogurt with fruit snacks in it! The fruit is so processed that it takes away much of the nutritional value. Instead, buy organic whole milk yogurt (lowfat yogurt is also processed) and put your own fresh fruit in it. It tastes a million times better, and it is better for your body!

3.   Canned Whipped Cream: Not only does it cost more, but it’s also filled with unnatural stuff. It’s easier to buy a carton of whipping cream (make sure the only ingredient is cream) and whip it with a hand mixer. You can add some cane sugar if you want (although fresh cream with fruit is delicious without any additives), and there you have it!

4.   Salad Dressing: Commercial dressing has preservatives and additives. Finding a simple recipe to make your own is easy, too! Or experiment with adding some red pepper flakes, herbs, or balsamic vinegar to olive oil for a good dressing. For a simpler flavor boost, add just a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice to your salad along with some freshly grated parmesan.

5.   Salsa: Again, preservatives. Vegetables are not supposed to be able to sit on a shelf for long periods of time without spoiling. To make your own fresh salsa, do this. Dice a few good tomatoes, onions, a jalapeno, and fresh cilantro. Mince some fresh garlic, and pour about 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice into the mix. Add about a capful of white vinegar per 2 cups salsa. Put the mixture in the fridge to get delicious, and you have something good!

6.   Jelly, jam, or preserves: Commercial preserves have unnatural sweeteners and preservatives. To make your own, try this. Put some finely chopped fruit (best ones are blueberries, blackberries, apricots, peaches, and pineapples) in a small saucepan with a little water and about 1 cup raw sugar. Boil until it carmelizes. 

7.   Sweetened Hot Chocolate Mix: Chocolate can actually be fairly good for you, but not with all the additives. You can get a similar effect by melting dark chocolate (or using unsweetened cocoa powder) in a saucepan with some milk. You can add a bit of cane sugar for taste. Another sweetening option is to puree the heated milk and cocoa with a very ripe banana. Just be sure to drink it immediately before the banana has time to settle and become thick. SO GOOD!

8.   Canned Produce (Including Beans): The processing of canned produce takes away some of the nutrients. Even if they add the vitamins and minerals back to it, it’s still not in its original configuration, which is best for your body. Buy fresh or frozen produce always. If you’re concerned about spoilage of fresh items, you can always cook excess and freeze it.
9. Orange Juice: Almost every "fresh squeezed" orange juice brand out there (Tropicana, Simply Orange, etc.) uses what they call "flavor packs" for their juices. It's basically a packet of preserved orange by-products (debatably derived from oranges, but not proven to be), shelved for up to a year. When it comes time to make the juice, the flavor packs are added to a concoction and sold as juice. Granted, Natalie's Orchid Island is all natural. But if you have time, make your own. It tastes better and is better for you. 
10. Shelved Juices: Apple juice, grape juice, etc. that you find in the non-refrigerated section of the grocery store is packed with preservatives and chemicals that shouldn't be in juice. Buy only refrigerated juices, or get a juicer and make your own. Even simpler, put your blender to work and make smoothies! One of my favorites is what I like to call Sunrise. About 1 cup orange juice, 1/2 cup frozen peach slices, 1/2 cup frozen pineapples (cheap at Trader Joes :) ), 1 banana, and 2 tablespoons whole milk yogurt. 

I hope you enjoyed this!