Why are labels so complicated???

I'm trying to eat healthier. What's the most important thing you look for on your labels? I'm looking on the label of these "chips" I bought: All Natural, Certified Gluten Free, Certified Vegan, Low Sodium, 0g Trans Fat, 0mg. Cholesterol, Certified Kosher, Whole Grain, No MSG, No Artificial Colors, Flavors, or Preservatives. WOW! Never knew they could make anything that's made of so much of nothing!

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SW-User

OK, so "natural" here means nothing, gluten free is only helpful if you have Coeliac's disease, vegan simply means that it's made with plants and nothing else, Kosher is only helpful if you're Jewish, 0g/0mg trans fat and cholesterol simply means they contain none (or trace amounts) of those things, MSG is that stuff they use to flavour everything, whole ggrain means there's slightly more nutrition (but most likely not enough for it to be meaningful in any way) and tends to just be a marketing term (like natural and organic), and the no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives is similar to the "natural" thing earlier.

alohamom · F

DAMN, so I should have just grabbed a bag of Doritos! At least it has flavor!!!

SW-User

Pretty much. If you want to be healthy, stick to fresh fruit and vegetables, some meat (if you eat it), and lots of water.

alohamom · F

Yeah, those are the obvious go-tos. If only I had the will power to stop my cravings for salty crispy snacks!

SW-User

I feel your pain with that one. Apparently drinking water when you get cravings is meant to help, but I can't really attest to that. Just minimise how much you have, and you should be ok.

alohamom · F

@KiwiDan: Nods, as I crunch away....