What the label is really saying !

Unless your breakfast cereal is loaded with marshmallows and neon colored cartoon characters the words  "healthy", or "natural" are probably featured prominently on the packaging.  Know what these terms mean….and what they don't. 

Healthy is a relative term and if challenged a manufacturer can argue that the ingredients are comparatively healthy.

Many people believe that "natural" means "clean" but a cereal that's labeled natural can contain genetically modified ingredients (GMO's) and pesticides. This is especially common in products made with corn and soy. 

Some products that were previously labeled "organic", or "made with organic ingredients" (meaning at least 70% of the ingredients are organic) have changed their formulas.  If you've been buying a product for some time you may want to revisit the label.  Brand recognition is great but don't assume that  it remains organic, dairy free or gluten free.  Whatever your priorities are in choosing a product it's wise to check the ingredients periodically to see if it still conforms to your standards.

Labeling something "natural" or "low fat" does not mean that it's healthy (truly healthy, not comparatively healthy) , that it's processed without pesticides or fumigants,  or that it doesn't contain dairy, sugar or high fructose corn syrup. 

There are some great products on the market and you don't need to feel guilty about reaching for an easy breakfast or snack from time to time…provided you do your homework beforehand and find out what's going in that package.