The Daily Turn On! Food labels can be deceptive

Life is too short not to be fully "turned on." The Daily Turn On! energizes all aspects of "you." Every Monday The Daily Turn On! with That's Fit Life Fit expert Laura Lewis will provide you with ideas and tips to awaken your mind, your body and your life as you journey through each day of the week! Check in each Monday to get your tip for Turning On every day of your life.

Recently someone asked why, on a 12 ounce can of soda would the label give an ingredient listing for only eight ounces? First of all I congratulate that individual for noticing the discrepancy between the 12 ounces contained in the soda can versus the eight ounces in the nutrient analysis. Honestly, it really angers me to see this type of what I deem as labeling deception. I mean, come on. Would you ever drink just eight ounces out of a twelve ounce can of soda? I don't think so. I even enjoy an occasional Coke every now and then. But when I drink it, I know exactly what I am doing because I always look at the "serving size" of which the amounts listed on the label are referring to. If I drink a 12 ounce can of Coke I am swilling down 144 calories, caffeine and a few other things I choose to ignore during those rare occurences. Honestly, this happens probably every two to three months. However on the days I just want a Coca Cola I am going to drink the entire 12 ounces. Could I leave four ounces in the bottom of the can to save myself 50 calories? No way. Would you?

This week, I want you to "turn on" your observation skills and begin reading labels of foods you consume on a regular basis. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Marketing vs. Reality. I picked up a bottle of cranberry juice that said "pure juice." Now it's important to me as I often recommend to others that pure cranberry juice, diluted with spring water and a slice of lemon is a good thing to drink in the morning upon rising. I certainly enjoy it. I cannot tell you how many times I have had people buy the wrong juice just because they read the label on the front of the food or beverage and not the actual ingredient listing. What was really in the "pure juice" referenced above? Well, in addition to cranberry juice it contained grape juice, apple juice and other items. Pure cranberry juice is not sweet at all and does not have a big glycemic impact. The pure juice above, if drunk on an empty stomach, could elevate the blood sugar quickly. So do you see what I mean?

Serving Size. On that bag of "healthy chips," what is the serving size? It might suprise you! I am not surprised. If you really knew the entire bag of healthy chips you just bought contained 400 calories instead of the 150 calories listed on the ingredient listing for "one serving" would you buy it anyway? I think not. Unless you have tremendous will power.

Ingredients: What are they? Read all ingredients listed on the label carefully. If an ingredient is "wheat flour" does that mean it is "whole wheat?" No! White flour is made from wheat, it has simply been stripped of it's bran, germ and important natural nutrients. The "wheat flour" may be white flour. Look for the "whole wheat" or other "whole" grains instead. And what about all the rest of those ingredients including food additives? How about Corn Syrup? MSG? Aspartame? The Center for Science in the Public Interest has a great list of food additives. It's a must read if you are even remotely concerned about your health.

This week, Turn On Your "Label Reading" skills and get a reality check. Oh, and please do share what you find!