Read It Before You Eat It: How to Decode Food Labels and Make the Healthiest Choice Every Time

by Bonnie Taub-Dix

A nationally recognized nutrition expert tells shoppers exactly what should be going into their carts.

The whole foods movement explained how to shop healthfully at the farmers market, but how can families shop smart at Wal-Mart? There is a wealth of information on labels, but most people have no idea that products labeled "trans-fat free" can contain trans-fats or that "all natural" is a meaningless phrase. Readers can bring this handy guide to the supermarket to help them interpret labels like a pro. How much sodium is too much? Are all carbs the kiss of death? And what does "organic" really mean? Renowned nutritionist Bonnie Taub-Dix clears up the confusion by showing readers how to make sense of the labels and sidestep tricky marketing ploys. She walks them through a typical grocery store and points out the best food choices to make in every aisle.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Nutrition, Food

272 pages, Paperback

First published August 31, 2010

Reviews

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read a lot of books like this in the past, but this one had something the others didn't: an in-depth look at food labels. Sounds boring. Totally boring. And it kind of is. It sheds light on the differences between "fresh", "free", "natural", "light", "free-range", "organic" and more. It explains concepts like the glycemic index,use-by/freshness dates, specific food label icons....It talks about artificial sweeteners, fillers, fiber, protein...This book is full of information that is really helpful to people who don't know how to read labels (which I admittedly don't when it comes to calories and protein and %DV) on packaging. She opens eyes to how companies mask and re-name things to get around regulations. She also demystifies the loopholes in "Whole-Grain" labeling. The author is a dietician, so she has knowledge of the food in which she speaks of. One thing I did not care for was her heavy reliance on the government-approved food pyramid. I do think she did a good job looking at all aspects of the label and how we choose what we eat.

This book has dedicated chapters for dairy, meats, grains, sugars, oils and beverages. Everything you could want to know as far as what your label is REALLY saying and what the pros and cons are for making certain choices.

I also really loved her appendix. It has a chart of her "safety summary", which has a diagram of food additives that you should avoid, that are safe, ones you should cut back on, etc. It also contains a list of vegetables and fruits by seasons. The author recommends that everyone take into account their OWN bodies and needs. I like that.

If you are watching your weight, have diabetes, or generally need direction in choosing good,whole foods, this book will be really helpful. What I walked away with is the same idea I always walk away with after reading a book like this: avoid all processed food. Rely on the whole foods you eat to provide the nutrients and fiber your body needs. It will love you for it.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although this book was of high interest to me, because I am currently trying to change my diet, it was not as useful as I thought it would be. It was dry and boring, and I don't think the author used enough examples. The book was also a bit repetitive, and I found I was already doing many of the ideas suggested in the book.

[Stela Idrizi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book and found it very informing. It helped me look at the food industry and processed food differently. I have always tried to eat very clean anyway, but this helped me decode a lot of what is meant by the logos. I feel happy and informed.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative in a descriptive way. So many books on nutrition have agendas to the point of annoyance and sometimes distortion (meaning omission or skewed facts) that I had given up on them. This book explains clearly what are the most nutritious choices and how to find them at the store. I feel she is very even handed with such controversial topics as organics, high fructose corn syrup and GMOs. A must read for anyone who buys food.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although a bit dry at times, everyone should read this book before going to the grocery store! There is a lot of interesting information here. For example, just because something says that it has 0 grams of Trans Fat does not mean that it really has no Trans Fat.

You cannot always trust what you are reading on a food package or label. This book helps you wade through the "mess".

[Lynette (TheJadedReader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent read if you care about what's in your food.

Helpful to learn all the "tricks of the trade" that food companies can use to lure you to buy their product- some that may or may not even be true!

If you are trying to eat healthier and make the best choices possible at the grocery store, I highly recommend this book.

[Joanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Makes you think twice about what you are putting in your grocery cart and in your mouth! Very informative.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A easy to understand food labels and labeling. Besides the way to read ingredient lists, it also discuses fats, organic designation, sugars, and salts.

[Nohreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative and well-researched book.