I am astonished ....

[kimandkathess]

....at the ingredients in some of the so called healthy foods on the market.

I have been looking at the labels for everything. Since I am trying to switch my family over to organic or more natural items.

I was looking through my coupon insert this morning and have found a lot of coupons that I am happy with. I decided while looking at the coupons I would check out the websites if I was interested in the coupon to check thier products and ingredients.

Two things I cam across were
Raisin bran
Emerald nuts breakfast to go

Both seamed very healthy to me. I was suprised to see highfructose corn syrup multiple times in raisn bran! I half expected to see some sort of sugar in the Emerald nuts breakfast to go, and I do as well as some other items i didn't understand so I think I will stay away from that, I was happy to find the True North nut clusters at biglots the other day so we sill stick with them. As for the Emerald nuts, i think I will use the coupon for the Plain nuts instead.

I also find it astonishing at how many "new" overlyprocessed items come out. The newest one Ive seen are the Fun-da-middles from betty crocker. It's just sad that so many people in out country are overweight (myself included) and have medical problems because We have been given these overly procsssed foods because they are convenient, yummy, and cheap! I am so happy to be making a change, though slowly so as to not overwhelm myself, to atleast take a stand and make a difference even if its in my family alone.

I know not everyone can't afford to eat more healthy and organic, but its so sad that people have to sacrifice health just to be able to eat. It shouldnt be that way.

[OneHotMomma]

I've noticed the same thing. It's so sad that it seems hard to find healthy foods.

I'm trying to switch to more whole foods even though it takes more time in the kitchen. Mostly, veggies, fruits, and meats from the meat counter for us. I'm also trying to start making our own baked goods and looking into finding a farm for fresh dairy.

Most people do not have that kind of time to spend feeding our families anymore. It's the prefab foods and convenience meals I think that have caused so much illness here. If you look at other countries, most of their time is devoted to preparing food as opposed to people here always working for a paycheck. Don't get me wrong, other people have jobs but most of those revolve around food and homemaking if you really think about it.

[JulieDB]

I do not personally think Raisin Bran is a healthy food. Yeah, it has bran but it's sickly sweet. I remember my mom trying to give it to me as a child. I hated raisins then and I hate them now.

I don't know about that other stuff. I think I glanced at it and it has something I am allergic to in it. Most likely almonds.

[clippyclippy]

My kids like to point out that Fruit Loops have less sugar than Raisin Bran
Can't argue there.
And yes, I'm on the verge of cutting out tons of stuff from my typical stockpile. My biggest concern is the amount of sugar we are consuming. Weight isn't as big of an issue as behavior in our family. I have teens, and although I've always tried to be careful with sugar, I'm only recently beginning to seriously consider the effects on things like mood. I'm not so sure the typical brush-off we hear, that it's "just hormones", or a "stage" is so true. I think a lot of it may have more of a connection to the modern diet.
So count me in on the disgusted shoppers looking to get away from all that junk.

[CW&M Mom]

Did you look at an organic raisin bran?

Bran and rasins are probably 2 of the most healthy foods we have. Huge amounts of fiber...you just need to find a brand that doesn't have high fructose corn syrup..and I'm sure there are brands.

For me is something has a huge amount of fiber in it...I tend to not worry quite as much about the sugar content. My kids literally snack on frosted mini wheats...like they don't even put milk on it LOL. I give them a little ziplock bag..and they eat it instead of crackers or chips. Yes it has some sugar on it...but that is some serious amount of fiber..and fiber is one of the best foods for us.

[CW&M Mom]

I should mention as well....when it has a ton of fiber...you poo it out..this is why you don't have to worry quite as much about the cal content of high fiber food..if fills you up better..and more of it...well...leaves your body

[OneHotMomma]

I have noticed that my 4 year old is a lot nicer and less cranky when he doesn't have sugar. It's probably a little easier to get them off it when they're younger though. When he stays at my mom's he comes home crazy, but after he's been home for a few days without sugar he's so much more pleasant to be around.

[momof2inohio]

I don't stockpile any food at all since most of it is processed junk. I have been shopping more at Whole Foods lately. It's more expensive but the health benefits for my family far outweigh the cost.

I agree though...I think its a shame that healthy food has to cost so much and alot of families just cannot afford it

I get fruits and veggies from our local farmers market and then stock up on staples at Giant Eagles. Meats and veggies and fruits (when the farmers market is closed for the season) I get at Whole Foods.

[foggierbard9]

We get chicken, beef, pork, yogurt, milk, eggs, and most veggies from our farmer's market and then I get my other stuff at Whole Foods, some grocery stores, and even online with Amazon until I find some cheaper options. I am done sacrificing the health of my family by getting free/cheap food. I will spend the $$ now on good/whole/real foods as opposed to processed foods that who knows what they are putting in them/feeding those animals.

[CSchunk]

I definitely wouldn't classify almost any processed food as healthy. Perhaps it would be safer to say you are looking for healthier options.