Foods that *seem* healthy but are not...

**~clover~** · October 24th, 2009, 07:25 PM

lol. Its better to know. You can probably tell I go for the ones that look less exciting, but probably aren't.

**Inanna** · October 24th, 2009, 07:31 PM

I understand.

That is why threads like this are so good. Because many people are sucked in by the advertising of "healthy, organic (organic can also have loads of sugar - albiet of the organic kind), light, no artificial sweetners (usually means loads of sugar which they term a natural sweetner)... etc etc.

They reel us in - and prey on the bet that Mamas are always trying to choose healthy options for our kids so we are more likely to buy "natural etc etc...

**Phteven** · October 24th, 2009, 07:43 PM

^ ITA, I hate it when junk food masquerardes as a healthy choice.
Personally I don't mind feeding my children the odd bit of junk but I like to be clear about what is wholesome and what isn't.

**Inanna** · October 24th, 2009, 07:47 PM

Exactly. I don't mind some junk foood now and then either - but I want my kids to know what is junk and what is not. I have found it really helpful to take them and show them the packets etc so they know. Also whenever those current affairs shows have expose`s on sugar/fat/additive hidden content in staple food shows I make it compulsory viewing for them all!

**Astrid** · October 24th, 2009, 07:56 PM

The last time I checked Cheerio's they had the colouring 160b(annatto), the one that hypes up DD1. Would be interesting to see if it is still being used now that Uncle Tobies has taken it over.

**MrsFabuloso** · October 24th, 2009, 07:59 PM

Magarine, and low/fat low sugar stuff.

My DH is trying to convince me we are better off having the low fat plant sterols margarine. Little does he know the crappola they put into that stuff! I refuse and use either butter, avocado or whole egg mayo if I need to.
And he's also sucked into the ohh, it's low fat/no sugar, must be better! He drinks diet drinks thinking they are better than the full sugar stuff. I would rather have a huge sugar hit than drink the artificial stuff. But I rarely have it in the house, DH buys it when he's working.

**Nettie** · October 24th, 2009, 08:05 PM

Magarine, and low/fat low sugar stuff.

My DH is trying to convince me we are better off having the low fat plant sterols margarine. Little does he know the crappola they put into that stuff! I refuse and use either butter, avocado or whole egg mayo if I need to.
And he's also sucked into the ohh, it's low fat/no sugar, must be better! He drinks diet drinks thinking they are better than the full sugar stuff. I would rather have a huge sugar hit than drink the artificial stuff. But I rarely have it in the house, DH buys it when he's working.

:yeahthat:

Lilias - you're a woman after my own heart...

My thing would be drinks like Coke Zero... people think they're being healthy - but are consuming a whole lot of chemicals and goddess-knows what (who can actually point at a natural ingredient that is in coke zero??? - not me!).

**ladybird11** · October 24th, 2009, 08:08 PM

I hate the marketing aspect of these food items personally...some people don't take the time to read the labels, or don't understand them etc - so they see 'healthy' or '99% Fat free' written on the packaging and think they're getting a *healthy* food item..

As you've all identified they're either loaded with colourings, sugars, salts etc.

**Liviam** · October 24th, 2009, 08:31 PM

Oh God!!! I didn't know half of this!! I'm so ashamed. I thought I was feeding my DD "good" foods but I'm filling her with sugar. Going to have a huge raid out of my cupboards in the morning. I'm so sick of thinking I'm doing the right thing only to find out I'm being lied to!! GGGRRR!!!