What's up with the excess of corn-starch in many seasoning powders in grocery stores?

[RedTerror]

Hello all: I am on a weight loss, fat loss diet, and i am *very* carbohydrate-sensitive, specially sensitive to starchy-carbohydrates, but i like to cook my food, with seasonings, however i've noticed that many meat and chicken seasoning powders have cornstarch and modified corn starch as one of their main ingredients. They claim in the nutrition label that they have 0 calories per serving, but nutrition labelings by the FDA are decieving and not very trustworthy. Specially the 'Jello Sugar Free Puddings' which are also full of cornstarch. And corn starch increases insulin-levels which blocks fat-loss

redterror

[Seymour Spectacles]

RedTerror,

You often can avoid such problems by trying to find a health-food store alternative. The ingredients are typically "cleaner" and simpler in the health-food store brands but they generally will cost more.

Here's one example of a truly healthy and natural seasoning salt that doesn't contain any questionable ingredients.

http://www.realsalt.com/shop/organic_season_salt.cfm

[RedTerror]

Thanks a lot for your information on better seasonings. However i have another question and worry, i already cooked a whole 5 lb. chicken with a about 1 tablespoon of that seasoning which has cornstarch as one of their main ingredients.

Do you think that i should throw away that chicken and cook another one without that questionable seasoning-powder? or is it ok if i eat some of that chicken?

thanks.....

redterror

RedTerror,

You often can avoid such problems by trying to find a health-food store alternative. The ingredients are typically "cleaner" and simpler in the health-food store brands but they generally will cost more.

Here's one example of a truly healthy and natural seasoning salt that doesn't contain any questionable ingredients.

http://www.realsalt.com/shop/organic_season_salt.cfm

[Seymour Spectacles]

RedTerror,

Personally, I would keep the chicken. I doubt that there's enough corn starch to impact you in a significant way. Just make sure to eat other healthy low-carb foods with the chicken.

As an example, have some non-starchy vegetables with your chicken. Don't add to the (potential) problem by adding more empty carbs to the mix.

Remember that you needn't be perfect. Your body (and mind) will reflect what you do most of the time. An occasional slip-up shouldn't have any major impact on your food-plan or your overall results.

[maxlharris]

Keep the chicken. Waste not, want not. A chicken died for that. Whatever.
The cornstarch is probably a fairly limited dose, considering amount of rub used.

They put it in to bulk up the rub. Increase it's adhesive qualities. Make a rub cheaper. If you can find these, they are CS free and generally pretty LC:
Nantucket Offshore
I sent them a question about nutrition in one rub (the Rasta Rub, because sugar was the second ingredient). They sent me an email saying they had the nutrition info on the packets and would I like them to send me some. I said, sure. They sent me 1-3 of everything, for free, and multiple packets of the Rasta Rub. Turns out to be fairly low carb, very friendly. Makes great chicken and ribs. Is really sublime and different on Beef. At any rate, they stock them at my local grocery (Safeway) in the spice aisle, with the fancier stuff. Goes about $6 a tin, the tin can last a long time with regular use.