By Carolyn O'Byrne

Do you really know what is in the food that you are eating? The packaging might state that it is healthy, and it may appear that it is good for you, but is it really? A closer look at the ingredients could reveal, what you thought was a healthy choice, is not. Knowing what you are eating will make the difference in the quality of your health and insure that you are getting the nutrients that you need. It also factors in with the health of your digestive system, which is one of the most important functions of your body. Just because someone deemed your food edible, doesn’t mean that it is beneficial to you or even safe. There are three main things to be aware of when making healthy food choices.

1. Read the ingredients on the label. Notice that Nutrition Facts and ingredients are two totally different things.
   
   
   The Nutrition Facts area on the label is to inform you of the percentages and total amounts of calories, fats, salts, and nutrients, in addition to providing the recommend serving size. This information is very good to know, but it is not the ingredient list. The ingredients are many times, but not always, located below the Nutrition Facts section.
    
2. Know the ingredients. Do you recognize what the ingredients are? Have they been altered and processed? Is it made up of what you thought it was? Always strive for ingredients that you know, such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, meats, or whole grains. Stay away from MSG (monosodium glutamate, and its many other names), Processed grains, soy, hydrogenated oils, sugar, High fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, processed meats, and GMO foods (Genetically modified organisms, which is food that is genetically altered to be resistant to diseases and chemicals. This in turn compromises our gut and overall health). If I gave you a list of everything to avoid, we would be here all day, so don’t let this overwhelm you. Find another choice if the list of ingredients on the label is long or it is not in its natural form. Try to buy local or organic when you can.
    
3. Educate yourself as much as possible pertaining to your health. Good health and quality of life is a wonderful way to live. You are worth it. This is a good start in helping you to be the driver of your health. What’s in it for you? Quality of life!

Be Your Own Driver.

Coach Carolyn O’Byrne,CHT, is the wife of a trucker, author of the book "Gut Instinct," life coach and colon hydro-therapist. She works with drivers driving them toward results in physical and emotional health. Go here to grab your FREE audio and find her on her website www.BeYourOwnDriver.net or on social media @BeYourOwnDriver.