Unhealthy "Healthy" Food
Trying your darndest to eat healthy only to be confused by what actually is and isn’t a healthy food choice? You’re not alone! Thanks to a psychological effect called “health halo”, it can be far more difficult to distinguish between actual nutritious options and processed foods with big marketing and ad budgets aimed at convincing you the “gluten free” junk their pedaling is healthy.
In short the “health halo effect” is a phenomenon in which a food or food company is perceived as healthy based on one claim causing grocery shoppers and diners to overlook other nutritional facts or information about the product they want to buy that's not necessarily healthy. If you need more convincing look no further than the history’s “low fat” craze and today’s gluten free and all natural fads companies use to prey on our gullible appeal to health. In the words of a wise marketer I know, “Crack is also gluten free.” haha. But seriously here are a few of the most popular buzzwords and tactics used to sell you.
Low fat
Natural
Organic
No Added Sugars/Reduced sugar
Whole wheat
With Vitamins and minerals
Gluten Free
Want to go on an even deeper dive? Check out this video from the PTDC where Dr. Yoni Freedhoff, a vocal obesity specialist and blogger at Weighty Matters goes over the many sneaky ways food marketing strategies try to obfuscate the healthiness (or in 99% of the cases, the UN-healthiness) of food with “clever” and dishonest language.
So what’s a man or woman to do?! The first step is to simply be aware that this is in fact what the industry is trying to do and know what cues and clues to look for. If you’ve read this far you’ve already taken the first step in the right direction! Secondly look past the front of the package which is only designed to sell the product and learn to read/scan the nutrition and ingredients panel. For starters avoid foods with trans fats and foods that are high in sugar or sodium, while aiming for foods that are higher in protein and fiber. Here’s a basic primer to get you started.
If you’re ready to take this knowledge a step further and get in the best shape of your life contact us to find out more about how we can help you with our fitness and nutrition coaching services powered by some of the best in the world!