Jump on the bandwagon!

Are you on the latest diet bandwagon? Are you tired of unsafe ingredients and questionable processing methods? Do you want more information about your food? If so, you're part of the healthy food movement.

What do healthy food movement consumers want? They want to clearly understand what's in their food. They don't want things in their food like coal, insects, carcinogens, hormones, MSG, GMO's, pesticides, animal by-products (feathers, ground bones), or BPA. These consumers are educating themselves on the potential risks of consuming such foods and are either willing to pay more for quality products or simply refusing to buy offending products.

Responding to this movement, companies have altered some of their practices. For example, meat companies now sometimes boast that their products contain no added hormones or antibiotics. Also, some foods marketed towards children are now free of synthetic food dyes and high fructose corn syrup. Other food manufacturers participate in the Non-GMO Project, pledging not to use genetically modified ingredients.

These changes come mostly because consumers demand them. So, how do you let food companies know you're on the bandwagon?

First, hit them at the bottom line and don't buy offending products. For example, if food dyes concern you, seek safer alternatives, and stop buying foods with synthetic food dyes.

Don't buy highly processed foods. They usually have multiple offending ingredients. Instead, use the internet to find an easy recipe that will clean it up. This will send a strong signal to the market.

Talk to your grocers; ask them to stock desired products. Also, let them know some of your business has been taken elsewhere, but you'd prefer to shop with them.

Shop locally by visiting farmer's markets for produce, meat, honey, and even homemade jams and jellies. Also, get to know your farmer and ask about their practices.

Research food manufactures and their products. The websites www.fooducate.com and www.foodfacts.com can help with education on the ingredients (Fooducate even has a free app for your phone). If something troubles you, take five minutes and call, e-mail, or Facebook food manufactures to kindly let them know. Also, let them know the type of products you're interested in--this usually gets the attention of the customer service representatives.

Jump on the bandwagon! It'll be good for your health, your kids' health, and our collective future health!