Today's Tip: The 2nd of the 3 Worst Foods You Can Eat

So now that everyone has starting cutting back on the sugar in their diet after yesterday's tip, here's food #2 to avoid...

2. Processed, packaged foods (i.e. anything that comes in a bag or a box). Processed, packaged foods that come in a bag or a box, with a laundry list of ingredients, contain MANY bad-bacteria promoting chemicals and food additives that destroy your gut and create a toxic environment in your belly that can quickly spread throughout your entire body.

If any of you have children with allergies or who have a tendency to be a little hyperactive, you should especially avoid foods that include food dyes such as Red 40 or Blue 2 on the label.  Food dyes have been shown to be an allergy trigger, and can also prompt hyperactive behavior in children who consume it regularly, and exacerbate the negative traits that are associated with ADHD. 

Red 40 dye, a food additive that has an orange-red tone, can be difficult to avoid because it is not only found in red food or drink items, but can also be combined with dyes of other colors. Common children's snacks such as Doritos, colored Goldfish crackers, Kool-Aid, fruit punch, and some bubble gums all contain Red 40.

Strive to eat whole, natural foods...without all the additives...and you'll be well on your way to a healthier bacterial balance in your belly. Where are these whole, natural foods found? In the produce aisle, and in the lean meat section of your local grocer.

When you do purchase packaged foods, look for ones with fewer ingredients - and ones you can actually pronounce!  Also, look for products that list whole grains as the first ingredient.  Sure, your kiddos may love Goldfish crackers and that's fine every once in awhile.  The problem comes when every day you offer packaged snacks instead of using them as a treat.  :)

Sources: Isabel De Los Rios & Beyond Diet; Nancy Cordes, consumer safety correspondent, CBS