Nutrition, can be one of the most complicated aspects of weight loss. It’s very difficult to read nutrition labels and understand exactly how honest the manufacture is being with you.
More and more products are being labeled “all natural” and “organic,” both labels promise you healthy nutritious foods but only one is legally obligated to deliver.
Heart Smart Minute Nutrition: “All Natural” Breakdown
The first nutrition fact you must understand is that the FDA and USDA does not regulate the term “all natural.” This means that any manufacture can and most often times will, label their product as “all natural” because they know it will sell. You are much more likely to by a bag of potato chips labeled with “all natural” then you are labelled “will clog your arteries and loaded with preservatives.” Did you know that High Fructose Corn Sugar is considered “all natural” by the FDA…I’m not sure what nutrition value it adds to your food and it certainly doesn’t help with your weight loss goals, but since it comes from corn it passes as natural.
All Natural Products can contain:
Pesticides
Herbicides
Heavy metals
Toxic fluoride
MSG
Synthetic chemical vitamins
Heart Smart Minute Nutrition: “Organic” Breakdown
Organic is your best pick for your Heart Smart Minute, nutrition and weight loss goals. USDA Organic products are made without the use of toxic pesticides, GMO’s, antibiotics or growth hormone. Organic meats require that the animal‘s welfare is taken into consideration, cows are required to be on the pasture and all meats must be inspected. Make sure you look for the USDA stamp (white and green circle) on the product. This means it has been inspected and is certified organic. Always buy organic meats, chicken and fruits that you eat in entirety (don’t remove the skin or outer layer).
Take a look at this easy reference Heart Smart Minute Nutrition Chart:
| Issue | Organic | Natural |
| Toxic Pesticides | not allowed | allowed |
| Antibiotics | not allowed | allowed |
| GMO’s | not allowed | allowed |
| Animal Welfare requirements | Yes | No |
| Certification required inspections | Yes | No |
| Cow required to be on pasture | Yes | No |
