MAKING SMART LABEL CHOICES? MAYBE, MAYBE NOT.

You would think that the food industry’s effort to provide its consumers with guidance in regards to what the nutritional benefits of a product is would be a good thing. But with major scrutiny from both nutritionists and the Food and Drug Administration, the food industry may need to rethink their strategy.

You’ve probably seen the labeling: Smart Choices. Sounds good so far, but lets dig a little deeper. Smart Choices is a title coined up my the major food labelers marketing team; while utilizing a green check mark as its symbol of excellence. The idea here is that whenever you see a product (lets just say cereal, for example) with this check mark, you are being informed that that particular product is a healthy choice and meets good nutritional criteria.

At first glance this doesn’t seem to be a problem. But when products such as Fruit Loops ( a cereal known for its extremely high sugar content) are considered “healthy”, then a blatant effort to pull the wool over the consumer’s eyes is being done.

Many major food developers have opted out of the Smart Choices campaign until the Food and Drug administration has regulated the nutritional labeling process. In the meantime, you may still come across many products in your local grocery store that bear these labels. Take head. Remember to scrutinize your label when shopping and when in doubt, go for the fresh fruits and veggies.

For a shopping list that will definitely get you off to a good start, visit the Be A Fit Mama Programs section for a Shopping List Guide.

be inspired. be confident. be fit.

~kenya