Read It Before You Eat It

Book excerpt: 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.