Be “Package” Smart!

When was the last time you were in a grocery store?  Did you spend some time in the aisles?  Are you as amazed as I am by the millions of products that are filling the shelves and freezer sections of the grocery stores?  I must admit, there have been some efforts made as of late to provide “healthier” options for all of us.  But, do you just trust that Blue, Green or Red menu item that “claims” to be lower in fat compared to its leading competitor?  Or “trans fat free”? 

You probably also ask yourself, “How can this taste so good if it’s supposed to be low in fat?”  There are two types of fat: The good fats, or unsaturated fats (polyunsaturated and monounsaturated), and the bad fats, or the saturated fats (saturated and trans).  We need a little bit of HEALTHY fat in our diet each day, but there’s a catch when it comes to those snack products, like popcorn, chips, crackers, granola bars and even some margarines that are claiming to be “healthier” in nature.  So, what culprits do you need to look out for on the Ingredient List?  Palm and Palm Kernel Oil.  These are unhealthy hydrogenated trans fats that have shown up on ingredients lists of “low fat”, “heart-healthy”, “health menu” items, and they don’t do your body any good!  No naming names here, but just have a look at the ingredient list of your favourite low-fat snack item next time you check into the grocery store.

I can understand people’s frustrations when looking at a nutrition label.  There is quite a bit of information on them.  That’s why I encourage you to choose whole foods that don’t need a label on them because there has been little to no processing done to them.  Fresh fruits and vegetables, meat and dairy products, and most whole grain starch items are the items that should be filling up your grocery cart each week.  Find a product or 2 each month that you can clearly identify as being healthy by looking at a few different labels, and to give yourself a treat once in a while.  But if you need that sweet tooth craving fixed, grab a fresh fruit with yogurt, or 1 piece of dark chocolate (more than 70% cocoa) .  Or if you need that salty kick, spread a tablespoon of peanut butter on whole grain toast or celery, an apple or pear!

March is Nutrition Month®!  This year’s slogan is “Celebrate Food…from field to table” with a theme of Cooking together is the recipe for fun!  What do we want to do?  Choose whole foods (foods that have had very little to no processing done to them) as often as you can this month.  Get everyone in the kitchen helping out, making healthy meals together.  Visit www.nutrition2011.ca for a number of great recipes, cooking tips and strategies to feed everyone in your family with the healthiest food, even that picky eater!

Good luck and have fun!