Rapid Network

I've been trying to knock some of the common myths about weight loss out of your head and today I've got a huge secret to tell you.

There's one simple thing that's keeping you from the rapid weight loss you're capable of. It's a secret ingredient that's in many of the foods we eat - additives.

What Are Food Additives?

Although additives seem like a new threat to your health, they've been used by people for centuries. Additives are used for lots of different purposes. They're used to keep food edible when stored a long time. They allow you to eat certain food items in any season. They make food look better, taste better, and sometimes healthier for you.

Not all additives are bad for you. In fact, they can even be good for you. The bad ones I'm talking about are certain food additives that are very common and lead to weight gain.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are found in lots of food items and especially dairy. In fact, unless you're buying organic dairy products, you're probably consuming them.

These additives kill bacteria. The problem is that they also kill good bacteria that keeps your stomach and digestive tract clean. The result is bloating and weight gain.

Usually, products that are free of antibiotics will tell you that on their packaging. Unfortunately they also cost a bit more, but it's well worth the price. You can also check manufacturers' websites for more detailed information.

MSG

You probably remember all the controversy surrounding MSG a few years ago. MSG, or monosodium glutamate, is an amino acid added to foods to enhance the flavor. Folks said that this common ingredient used in Chinese food gave you headaches and caused all kinds of other health problems.

The truth is that MSG is found in all kinds of food, not just Asian cooking, and it doesn't cause all sorts of weird health problems, but it does make you fat. Recent studies have shown that it increases appetite in rats and it may do the same in humans.

High Fructose Corn Syrup

I saved the best for last. High fructose corn syrup (HGCS) is a man-made sweetener that's even sweeter than sugar! Now, that's pretty sweet and it doesn't come without a health cost.

Unlike real sugar, this sweetener is highly processed and your body reacts differently to it. Rather than turning into energy, it's much more likely to turn into fat. It also raises your risk of diabetes and other health problems.

And guess where you find it? Soda. If there's one thing I hope you're getting from this series, it's that you have to put down the sweet, fizzy soft drinks! It's also found in lots of processed packaged foods and snacks.

Look for these ingredients on labels as you shop. In fact, learning to read nutrition labels is the single greatest thing you can do for your health. Become a savvy shopper.