Be aware of a label’s claim to healthy fame.

We’ve been programmed to identify with words such as organic, all natural, gluten-free, healthy, lean, low-carb, low-calorie, low-fat, fat-free, diet, light, reduced-fat, real and non-GMO. But after taking a closer look, you’d be surprised how misleading these “comfort words” may be.

I like to call it “The Label Illusion!”

What I found during my little FULLfoods field trip was countless, and I mean COUNTLESS, foods whose labels insinuated they were “healthy” when they were actually FAR from it. At one point I even tossed my hands up in the air and let out a little, “What the heck?!” As if shopping for healthy food isn’t confusing enough, now we all have to worry about the sincerity of the label too?

Because shopping for healthy foods can be so confusing, I wanted to break down a few words that most of us gravitate to.

Confusing "Healthy" Word #1: Organic

When you see the word organic, you may automatically think it means the food is much better for you. But the organic label is a little trickier than that. Not only can “organic” foods still contain synthetic ingredients (read more about that HERE), the food itself may not be all that healthy.

Here’s what I mean: Organic isn’t a label that magically makes BAD FOOD good for you.

Confusing "Healthy" Word #2: Gluten-Free

Gluten-free is another word that’s often associated with healthy. But just like organic, gluten-free chips are still chips and gluten-free bread doesn’t mean it’s made with the best ingredients.

Not only do gluten-free foods tend to be lower in folate, thiamin, riboflavin and niacin (essential micronutrients that are involved in energy metabolism), gluten-free foods often have less fiber and more sugar and fat. In fact, several studies have found a trend toward weight gain and obesity among those who follow a gluten-free diet.

While we try to keep our household relatively gluten-free, we’re careful not to just pick something up off the shelf because it states it doesn’t contain wheat. As always, check the ingredients and choose gluten-free foods and with real-food ingredients.

Confusing "Healthy" Word #3: Fat-Free

Attention shoppers: Put down that ball of “skinny” mozzarella and and step away from the reduced-fat crackers!

Many people think that low-fat and fat-free foods are healthy alternatives to our favorite foods. But foods labeled fat-free, reduced fat and low-fat often contain additives like salt, sugar and chemical fillers to make up for the loss of fat (taste), which renders them poor nutritional choices that often result in weight gain.

Here’s the thing, our bodies need healthy fats to keep our cell walls strong, absorb important vitamins and regulate our hormones. Healthy fats also help us feel satisfied after eating. Without that fat, you want to continue eating because you don’t feel satiated. Several studies show that people who tend to eat fat-free foods eat twice as much (or more) of these foods.

Rather than looking for low-fat products, concentrate on eating fats that are naturally occurring, found in whole foods and are healthy for you (whole milk, yogurt, nuts, olive oil, avocados, salmon, etc.). If you do reach for a low-fat version of one of your favorites, be sure to check the label for familiar, nutrient-dense ingredients and a minimal amount of sugar before ringing it up at the register.