Things to look for when reading labels

When was the last time you read the labels on the products you put on or in your body every day? The Global Alliance on Health and Pollution estimates that toxic pollutants are responsible for 15 percent of all premature deaths worldwide. That's all preventable.

Yet, most of us aren't in the habit of reading the labels to know what's in our products, or we don't know what we are looking for. It can be confusing, one week we are supposed to be counting carbs, the next week proteins. Geez, what's the goal anyway?

So here are some simple things to look for:

Step 1: Read the label. Take the time to inform yourself, even if you don't understand everything you read. Step 2: Google words you don't recognize. Pro tip: download the EWG Healthy Living app as a great resource. Step 3: Decide if you want to continue using or continue purchasing that product. Maybe it's not bad enough to throw away, but you want to upgrade the next time you buy that type of product.

Step 4: Seek a swap. If you find ingredients you don't like, find a cleaner alternative. Ask a trusted friend (me, me, pick me! Comment below for some recommendations.