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March 27, 2008
Buyers Beware
Lately I have noticed more product placement during television shows than ever before. I watch a lot of reality TV and that could be the reason why. Last night on America’s Next Top Model they made sure they showed the name of the cellular phone company on the phone several times.
As much as I love The Biggest Loser, I believe they have become the worst in the product placement category. So far, they have advertised Ziploc Bags, Subway, Brita water filters, Extra chewing gum, Orville Redenbacher's 100 Calorie Popcorn, PAM Cooking Spray, and Quaker Oatmeal: Weight Control. It’s really obvious and sometimes comical and corny when they endorse products because you as the viewer can tell the whole situation was planned, directed, and probably scripted. Having said all of this, I have a point.
My point is this; you can’t just go by what they are selling even though it is a TV show about losing weight. Just because the oatmeal is called Weight Control, doesn’t mean it is the best one out there. The Weight Control flavors include cinnamon, maple & brown sugar, and banana bread. Each of these packets has 160 calories. However, if you buy the Quaker Low Sugar Oatmeal, shown HERE, you will see that the maximum amount of calories is 120. When you’re counting calories like I am, 40 calories is a lot.
When counting calories, you have to do the research for yourself. If you care about calories, read the back of the box and make sure you look at the serving size. Take this Weight Watchers Smart Ones Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Sundae for example. It has 170 calories, but that is for one cookie. Since you get two in the box, many people would think you could eat both cookies for 170 calories. This is not so.
As a matter of fact, I almost did the same thing as THIS WOMAN until I read the back of the box right before I opened them. WARNING: She drops the F-Bomb.
Like her, I was disappointed that I was only able to eat one after seeing the picture of two on the box and salivating over them. I haven’t bought any since either. To me, it’s not worth the calories for the small amount you get. Buyers beware.
Posted by tami at March 27, 2008 12:01 PM
Comments
I just wanted to make a comment about the oatmeal:
I buy the Quaker variety pack that comes with Apple Crisp, Cinnamon Roll, and Banana Bread. Each packet is in the range of 150 to 160 calories. I don't buy the weight control kind or the lower sugar kind because they both contain sucralose (Splenda brand) which is VERY VERY bad for you. I am also counting calories right now, but I am very careful not to purchase food that contains any type of artificial sweetener such as sucralose, aspartame, or acesulfame K. If I have to end up buying a product that contains more calories, I consider it a trade off. Personally I'd rather have the extra calories than eat anything containing artificial sweeteners.
Posted by: Stacey at March 27, 2008 12:48 PM
Unfortunately, there are no current independent human studies saying that long term use of sucralose (Splenda) is harmful. Many of the studies that say it is safe are done by the manufacturer and the ones that report it as bad are done by the sugar or other sweetener industries. There is definitely an agenda where both groups are concerned. I don't doubt that some people are sensitive to sucralose, just like some people are sensitive to peanuts or milk. Also consider that the amounts of sucralose used in test animals are not only much higher than what a normal person would consume, they are also conducted On Animals. Many scientist would argue that even though animal testing is conducted, there are differences in animal and human biology.
I personally will continue to use Splenda products as I would much rather avoid the calories than worry about using a product that might be bad for me but no one really knows. By the time they do find out if it is harmful or not I will be dead of pollution, cooking oil, second hand smoke, deodorant poisoning, or some other substance or chemical in the air and/or the products I use.
Posted by: Kevin at March 27, 2008 1:43 PM
Stacey, you make a very valid point and one which I never considered. This is exactly why not everyone’s diet can be the same. I personally don’t care how much artificial sweetener is in something. I have loads of it all day, especially in my coffee. Splenda packets have no calories, so I love them! I’m glad you warned other people though. I’m sure that’s why they didn’t recommend the Low Sugar on The Biggest Loser. They do not like artificial sweeteners either. I learned that when they didn’t want anyone to have any diet soda’s … which I also drink!
Posted by: Tami at March 27, 2008 1:49 PM
I realize there is an ongoing debate about the safety of artificial sweeteners. I personally believe they are harmful to the body, but unfortunately, no long term studies have been done to prove to the public how harmful they are. I don't look down on anyone else for using them (as a matter of fact, a lot of my friends think I'm a nut for my beliefs), I just personally choose not to. There are some artificial sweeteners that I believe are safer, such as Stevia. I know Stevia is controversial simply because the FDA won't approve it, but I think it is better because it is natural.
Anywho, I just wanted to let you know that I'm not knocking you or anyone else for using artificial sweeteners, I was just stating my opinion on the subject. :)
Posted by: Stacey at March 27, 2008 6:48 PM
Stacey, I am glad you mentioned the sweetener issue. That may be a concern that many people have. I like hearing different sides and so does Kevin.
Posted by: Tami at March 28, 2008 6:34 AM
LOL! She drops the F bomb. That's hilarious. The woman seriously wanted two cookies, eh? 170 calories for a cookie is A LOT if you ask me. I watch my caloric intake too, and I wouldn't waste 170 on a cookie.
Posted by: Tammy at March 28, 2008 9:33 AM
I think the artificial sweetener issue is just a personal choice. For example, I consume only organic animal products; milk, eggs, butter, meat, because I think non-organic is bad for you. Are there studies that show non-organic is signifcantly bad? Yes. Are there studies that show non-organic is not harmful at all? Yes. It's up to us to view the data and make personal decisions on our own for our own health. I do not consume a lot of artificial sweetener, but I don't avoid it completely. It kind of weirds me out that it can taste so good and have no calories, so my personal belief is to use it in moderation, because nothing can come w/o a cost! LOL!
Posted by: Tammy at March 28, 2008 5:08 PM