Before you grab for the gluten-free, organic cookies, read this.

Hello,

Consumers often eat MORE when a food is labeled low-fat, organic, or even gluten-free. In many cases, it is great to look for these labels when you are making your food purchases, but watch out that you don’t end up eating a bigger portion, which is what happens so often. IN fact, we even have a term for this. We use the phrase “health halo” to describe healthy-sounding claims that often lead people to think  food is healthier than it really is. And hence they overeat as you give yourself permission to eat more.

Here are a few label traps to look out for:

ORGANIC. It is great to buy organic fruits and vegetables when possible if your budget allows. While organic apples are healthy, (and I’m not to worried about you overdosing on apples), it is important to be advised that organic junk food is still junk food! Buying organic cookies, cakes, and crackers should not give you license to overeat. And, in many cases, you will being a paying a premium for such foods.

GLUTEN-FREE. Gluten free products have risen in popularity in recent years but not everyone really needs to eat gluten free. And gluten free does not mean that a food is healthier. Gluten free diets are important for people with celiac disease or people who cannot tolerate gluten.  Gluten-free cookies, however, are still… cookies and these foods DO have calories. In fact, many gluten free products often have more calories than their non-gluten free counterparts.

LOW-FAT AND FAT-FREE. People tend to eat more when a product is labeled low-fat or fat-free. I have many clients who have fallen into this same trap. Somehow, when a food is labeled low-fat, we often forget that it still contains calories. Same with the fat-free label. I had a client who would eat an entire jumbo bag of licorice because he was enticed by its fat-free label. Really, we have no need to fear fat. In fact, healthy fat in the diet certainly has its place and also aids in satiety. This often means that you end up eating less overall. So, my motto for cookies,  cakes, nd the like is:  eat what you love, enjoy the real think, and practice portion control.

So, next time you are tempted to grab for those organic, gluten-free, fat-free cookies, keep it on the store shelf, enjoy the real thing, be mindful of your portion, and try not to overindulge.

Have a healthy week!

Warmly,

Lisa

Dr. Lisa R. Young

  Would you like help cultivating healthier habits? managing inflammation? eating mindfully?… or tips for losing a few pounds? If you’d like a nutrition tune up or any help with  meal planning, weight loss, food shopping tips, or mindful eating, I’m happy to help. I currently have a few openings for VIRTUAL NUTRITION COACHING & COUNSELING SESSIONS. 

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