I'M NOT DUMB.....I SWEAR!! :)

I'm not dumb.

Actually I think I'm fairly intelligent.

I graduated college with honors and was accepted to three top ranked graduate schools for the study and practice of Orthoptics (a treatment for pediatric eye muscle disorders).

I enjoy reading and writing.

I'm quite skeptical and don't take things at face value in order to avoid deception.

So why on earth would I make such poor food choices in the grocery stores?????????

I know how to read!!! It doesn't take much effort to turn a box around and read the nutrition label and serving size! It doesn't take much common sense to understand that products are meant to be sold in grocery stores and they will market their product to be as attractive and appealing as possible all the while treading on the brink of lying to the consumer about the product and its overall value to your life, your diet and your health.

Use common sense when you shop! Teach your children to use common sense when they shop with you! Read the labels - know what are "good" fats that your body needs and the "bad" fats to avoid. Watch for high fiber and high protein products with low amounts of sugars, saturated fats and trans fats.

Educate yourself on product labeling and be aware of deceptive schemes that entice you to buy a product because it's "lean", a "healthy"alternative, "lower in fat", "non fat"...

Hire the best food detective there is - YOU! You must investigate foods you put in your shopping cart and your body. Take the time to critically review each product and assess them to determine whether or not a product is indeed healthy for you and your family.

Now here's a pop quiz. Here is a popular label for a well known product. Critically evaluate this can's contents, ingredients, labeling and serving size. Is this product as purely healthy and fat free as it appears?


Ok...time's up. Put your pencil's down! :) Here is the answer: No.

Why? Because the serving size has been defined to be a 1/3 second spray which contains less than .5g of fat per serving therefore they can technically define this product as great for fat-free cooking. However! If you go longer than 1/3 second spray on your cooking pan, you immediately begin to incur calories, fat grams and all those little zeros on the label will quickly disappear! Not to mention this "All Natural" product contains a propellant additive!

Make alternative choices for you and your family. Buy an olive oil sprayer/mister for $9.99 at your local Bed, Bath and Beyond store. Use a small drop of olive oil on your pan and spread it with a paper towel before heating up the pan. Buy non-stick cookware.

Choose to make better choices. Choose to educate yourself. Choose to be choosy in the products you buy and don't fall for deceptive labeling.