The Truth About Advertised Healthy Foods

In today’s world people are more health conscious than ever because of the alarming statistics on American obesity. If you are unaware of this statistic an outrageous 68% of all adults over the age of 20 are overweight and 34% of these adults are considered obese (BMI of 30 or more) according to http://win.niddk.nih.gov/statistics/.  

Because everyone wishes to live a healthier lifestyle they quickly jump on fad diets, pills, or foods which promise weight loss. The major problem with this is that companies will use the label “healthy” in order to sell their product. This scheme reins supreme in stores all over America. A common strategy that companies will use is to load a product with vitamins, minerals, and protein in order to make it appear to be healthy and beneficial to you. However, behind that mask is usually tons of sugar and fat which will only hurt weight loss. Another strategy that companies use which I guarantee all of you know about is 100 calorie packs. Now, it is true that as long as you burn more calories than you take in you will lose weight and these packs are convenient for portion control. However, a 100 calorie pack of cookies is exactly the same as a regular sized cookie which is filled with fat, bad carbs, and sugar. The problem with this is that if a person cannot control what they eat they can end up eating more food as a result of the hunger they feel from eating the cookies because of the negative affect sugar has on appetite. 


I don't want to make myself out as a food Nazi who doesn’t ever advocate the consumption of sugar. Sugar in moderation is fine just like everything else.   I just feel that the labels on these foods are misleading and more often than not a large amount of sugar is used in them. A case in point example of this is a popular protein shake sold in most stores. This beverage is advertised as healthy with an abundance of vitamins and minerals and a large amount of protein. At first glance this product looks great to the normal person, they are going to get protein and nutrients from this drink, however the label on the back tells another story about this “healthy drink”. The drink is loaded with 27g of added sugar which equates to108 extra calories. With those unnecessary calories you could have had 4 oz of chicken, stayed full for a couple hours and had 24g of protein, more protein than there was in the shake. 

Please, more than anything, I advocate looking at the nutritional label of foods because it is very easy to save hundreds of calories per meal by being a smart shopper. And always remember the affect food has on your appetite - protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats will keep you full and energized throughout the day, while bad fats/carbs, and sugar will leave you feeling tired and hungry. 


Next week I'll post a list of healthy alternatives to everyday foods which allows me to eat great but stay lean and talk about how eating healthy can become part ofyour everyday routine without hassle. On this list will include healthy nachos, pizza, pasta, sandwiches, ice cream, and much more.

One more thing I want to remind you of is that I used to be there. I practice what I preach 100%.  In 7 months I went from a kid who weighed 215 lb’s with a BMI of 34 (over 1/3 of my body was fat) to someone with 85 lb’s less body fat by following the same exact stuff I am telling you. I promise it can be done, it can be done right, and it can be done fast.


Tip- look at the nutritional label when you purchase an item. Check what the item has in it and if your diet allows for it, then go ahead! Try to keep track of your calories and how you feel when you eat the foods you do. I always suggest eating to keep yourself full and satisfied so if you can do this and lose weight you are well on your way to living a healthy lifestyle.

Tony isn't a licensed nutritionist yet, so he can't give anyone advice on what  to do.  Please consult your doctor for his professional opinion on a diet/nutrition program that will work for you.

Tony's blog is a journal of his experiences and what has worked for him.   He lists general guidelines and suggestions only.  He is NOT a professional.