MSG in soup

How/why is it that Chinese restaurants go out of their way to declare their food and sauce packets MSG free, yet MSG is a common ingredient in everyday supermarket foods? MSG is no less addicting because it comes in a can of soup. MSG is an FDA recognized food additive, with no conclusive links to any major health problems--but I would rather be better safe than sorry.

I would really love an ad campaign for MSG free products across the food spectrum, from store shelves to restaurant menus. It would put pressure on manufacturers who use MSG to reconsider, and it would generally raise awareness about the prevalence of MSG in our foods.

It is especially upsetting to me that Campbells, makers of my favorite soups growing up, uses MSG in their classic recipes. These soups are the ones most likely served to kids (they are at least marketed that way). I was sick last week and potato brought home some soup for me. It was chicken soup for my soul-- and neurotoxin for my brain. Unfortunate find, but I will keep spreading the word on MSG products as I come across them.

A Natural Food Nightmare

What did I have for dinner tonight? Usually I have something good to say.. but today.. nada. It was a nutritional nightmare of such gastronomical proportions that I was hungry only 30 minutes after consuming this high calorie monstrosity. I knew there was a reason I stuck to whole foods.

But I am drawn to these things inexplicably. Its like those giant texas claw doughnuts that sit in the vending machine.. they are so gross, but so appealing (like in an addictive way). I dont know if I've shared this story before.. but something in packaged doughnuts makes me ill, YET I STILL WANT THEM. Its messed up. I walk by the vending machine multiple times a day and Mr. Texas Claw or whatever his name is just stares back.. I start to salivate but then stop-- forcing myself to realize the grossness of the whole deal.

Same with cup noodles. I had my once-a-year fix, now we can get back to our regularly scheduled dietary programing.