Travel Fit Tip: Read the Label!
Despite the forward progress that the food industry continues to make in providing more health conscious food choices, we still live in a "buyer beware" market.
Food companies are for-profit organizations, and as such, have a vested interest in heavily marketing their foods to you. So, while I applaud companies such as Kraft and Pepsi for more clearly identifying healthier options, I caution you to realize that "healthier" is a relative term and its definition is in the eye of the beholder--in this case the food company.
My main gripe surrounds the continued use of trans fats in packaged foods. Trans fats have zero nutritional value and have been proven to raise the level of LDL cholesterol, the so-called "bad" cholesterol. Trans fats have no redeeming value and are detrimental to your health in any quantity. For more details on trans fats and some staggering statistics, check out MedicineNet.com.
However, popularly accepted definitions for low-fat items still allow the use of trans fats. Fortunately, the FDA has proposed revised food labels that will clearly outline the amount of trans fats in most foods. In the meantime, check the ingredients for anything "partially hydrogenated." Partially hydrogenated oils = trans fats.
Regardless of the marketing emblems touting "good for you foods," it pays to check the label before buying!
Food companies are for-profit organizations, and as such, have a vested interest in heavily marketing their foods to you. So, while I applaud companies such as Kraft and Pepsi for more clearly identifying healthier options, I caution you to realize that "healthier" is a relative term and its definition is in the eye of the beholder--in this case the food company.
My main gripe surrounds the continued use of trans fats in packaged foods. Trans fats have zero nutritional value and have been proven to raise the level of LDL cholesterol, the so-called "bad" cholesterol. Trans fats have no redeeming value and are detrimental to your health in any quantity. For more details on trans fats and some staggering statistics, check out MedicineNet.com.
However, popularly accepted definitions for low-fat items still allow the use of trans fats. Fortunately, the FDA has proposed revised food labels that will clearly outline the amount of trans fats in most foods. In the meantime, check the ingredients for anything "partially hydrogenated." Partially hydrogenated oils = trans fats.
Regardless of the marketing emblems touting "good for you foods," it pays to check the label before buying!
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