Did you know the FDA has no formal definition for what “natural” means on food products?
The workable definition is something like:
“The general understanding that it implies nothing artificial or synthetic has been added that would not normally be expected to be added.”
For a food to be labeled “High” in anything, it must contain at least 20% or more of the recommended daily amount of that specific nutrient.
“Good Source” only requires 10-19% of daily recommended amounts of that nutrient.
While this may sound good and well, it’s important to note that, in some cases, the FDA guidelines for recommended nutrients can be significantly less than optimal.
Take protein, for example. The FDA suggest adults aim for 50g of protein per day. This is substantially lower than our goal of 1g per pound of our ideal bodyweight. (sometimes by as much as 75+% too low.)
A food could be labeled “High Protein” as long as it contains just 10g of protein per serving. It can be a “Good Source of Protein” as long as it contains 5-9.5g protein per serving.
If your goal is to eat 150g of protein (for someone weighing 150lbs), this 10g would only contribute 6.7% of your daily protein needs.
This is why we shouldn’t be looking to the marketing labels on food to make purchasing decisions.
And why having a good enough understanding of nutrition can help you navigate your food world. I put together a short nutrition course that I’d love to share with you. It includes everything you need to understand to feel more confident around food right now.
Four modules. Thirty minutes (or less) per module. Everything you need to know and nothing you don’t. And I want to give it away to you—no strings attached.
Just send me an email to alex@ateamfit.com to let me know you’re interested.