 |
Health Halo Effect
rd411
 Health Halo Effect Simply put, the health halo effect leads people to overestimate the overall healthfulness of a food based on one narrow attribute. Health halos are proven to cause people to eat more food than they intended, such as eating two organic cookies when you would normally only eat one nonorganic cookie. Studies have shown that people eat far more low-fat foods than they do traditional versions. The same also is true for people with diabetes who eat too many sugar-free foods, inaccurately believing that if it is sugar free, it is either low in carbohydrates or carbohydrate free. So, how do you not fall prey to the hype? The following tips should help. Trans fats
Trans fat-free foods generally contain the same amount, or more, total fat and saturated fat as foods that are not trans fat free. Cholesterol
Only foods that are animal based (meat, poultry, eggs, cream, and cheese) contain cholesterol. All cereals and crackers are cholesterol free, because they are grains. Organic foods
Organic foods are not lower in calories and fat than nonorganic foods. Whole grains
Whole-grain foods are not necessarily lower in calories and fat or higher in fiber. For instance, '12-grain' or 'multigrain' breads are not necessarily high in fiber. However, whole-grain cereals that are coated in sugar are still a more appropriate choice for dessert than for breakfast. High-fiber foods
Yogurt, juice, crackers, cereal bars, and other foods that are 'high fiber' do not contain the same fiber found in whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and beans. Save your money. Sugar
A food that contains no high-fructose corn syrup usually contains at least as much total sugar as other similar products. Healthful choices
Do not assume that every salad, sandwich, soup, or muffin is a healthful choice. These items sometimes are excessively high in calories, fat, and sodium. You must do your research. Snack foods
Snack foods, such as fruit chews, that are fortified with vitamins (most often vitamin C) are not worth the extra cost. A piece of fresh fruit always is the better choice. Fruit juice
Fruit juice is not truly equivalent to fresh whole fruit. All natural
'All natural' means absolutely nothing. All-natural maple syrup and honey contain as many calories and as much sugar as table sugar. Antioxidants
Bottled iced tea does not contain the healthful antioxidants found in freshly brewed tea. Salt
Sea salt contains as much sodium, ounce for ounce, as table salt. Granola
For years, granola was thought of as a health food, but many granolas actually are high in fat and sugar. Yogurt
Many yogurts are too high in sugar to make the calcium and probiotics worth it. References and recommended readings Helm J. Healthy food labels can lead astray: what's good for you can cause you to do not-so-good things. Available at: http://www.cookinglight.com/eating-smart/nutrition-101/health-halo-healthy-food-labels-00412000068402/. Accessed August 16, 2011. Helm J. The devilish effect of a 'health halo.'
Available at: http://nutritionunplugged.com/2010/04/the-devilish-effect-of-a-health-halo/.
Accessed August 16, 2011. Lee JW, Shimizu M, Wansink B. Health halo effect: don't judge a food by its organic label.
Available at: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110410130831.htm.
Accessed August 16, 2011. Tierney J. Health halo can hide the calories.
Available at: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/02/science/02tier.html.
Accessed August 16, 2011. Wansink B, Chandon P. Can 'low fat' nutrition labels lead to obesity- Journal of Marketing Research. [serial online]. 2006;43:605-617.
Available at: http://foodpsychology.cornell.edu/pdf/permission/2006/LowFat-JMR_2006.pdf.
Accessed August 16, 2011.
|
|
Our free monthly e-newsletter is designed to be used as a resource for our patients in discovering and empowering them to make the best choices for their health and wellbeing.
Other Articles
About Our Practice
My office offers individualized care for my patients. I am devoted to providing each patient with excellent chiropractic care with a personal touch. I specialize in making HOUSE CALLS. I make HOUSE CALLS in Morris, Sussex, Warren, Passaic, Essex, Bergen, Hudson and Union and Counties at present. I am licensed in the State of New Jersey and the State of Florida. Since 1969 I have been involved in managing my practice and also managing the practices of friends of mine in the States of Florida and New Jersey. I have experience in managing an office that is a straight chiropractic office seeing up to 300 patients per day to managing an office that performs numerous therapies to managing an office that had 3 medical doctors with a staff of 10 people working for me. Through my experience I know I can pick the proper therapy that I believe a patient may need rather than using the same treatment on everyone. I was fortunite to be able to attend the First Independent Presidents Chiropractic Congress in Washington, D.C.. I am Past Secretary, President and Executive Director of Beta Omega Chi Chiropractic Fraternity; Past Secretary of the Alumni Association of New York Chiropractic College and member of the Board Of Directors; Past Coordinator of Student Activities of New York Chiropractic College; Past Treasurer, Secretary ,Vice President and President of the Northern Counties Chiropractic Society; Past Coordinator for Council on Scoliosis Screening for Morris, Sussex, Warren & Hunterdon Counties; Past member of the Public Relations Team of the New Jersey Chiropractic Society and was on the Legislative Team of the New Jersey Chiropractic Society which made it possible for Chiropractors to be included in Blue Cross Blue Shield in New Jersey. Since I graduated from Columbia Institute of Chiropractic I have taken,yearly, post graduated courses from New York Chiropractic College, Los Angeles College of Chiropractic, Parker Chiropractic College, Life Chiropractic College, New Jersey Chiropractic Society and the Florida Chiropractic Association. Shortly I will also be associated with a practice in Florida and in Bergen County, New Jersey.
|
|