Since you cannot often control what ingredients restaurants use to concoct your meals...it's obviously much easier to avoid these ingredients when YOU are making your own food / recipes at home.
1. Emulsifiers & Preservatives
Used to improve texture or extend shelf life.
Examples: carrageenan, polysorbate 80, sodium benzoate
Common in: salad dressings, nut milks, packaged snacks
2. Added Sugars (by many names)
Hidden sugars that spike blood sugar and cause cravings.
Examples: sucralose, dextrose, maltodextrin
Common in: protein bars, cereals, sauces, flavored yogurt
3. Highly Processed Oils
Inflammatory seed oils used in cooking and packaged foods.
Examples: canola oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil
Common in: chips, crackers, dressings, frozen meals
4. Titanium Dioxide
A whitening/coloring agent with gut health concerns.
Common in: candy, gum, powdered creamers
5. Artificial Sweeteners
Zero-calorie sweeteners that may disrupt metabolism and gut health.
Examples: aspartame, acesulfame K, saccharin
Common in: diet sodas, sugar-free gum, protein powders
6. Synthetic Food Dyes
Linked to behavioral issues and allergic reactions.
Examples: Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1
Common in: candy, cereals, sports drinks, snack cakes
7. Sodium Nitrite
Preservative used in meats that may increase cancer risk.
Common in: bacon, hot dogs, deli meats
8. High-Fructose Corn Syrup
Cheap sweetener that contributes to fat gain and insulin resistance.
Common in: soda, sweetened drinks, granola bars, condiments
9. Some seed / misc. oils
Examples: sunflower oil, palm oil, canola oil, Safflower oil - they they are Heavily processed fat that may affect heart and gut health.
Common in: peanut butter, cookies, microwave meals
