Food Ads - They're Too Sugary

Ever notice while reading a magazine about healthy eating and exercising that the article is often flanked by ads for sugary, junk-filled foods? This is a real problem in the UK. And I'm thinking the United States is probably no exception.

In the first-ever study of food advertisements in UK magazines, researchers found them filled with sugary, salty options -- a sure contradiction to the health messages of the articles inside. "Nearly every magazine contains advice on a healthier lifestyle, yet we found the food adverts were for products high in sugar and salt and low in fibre such as ready meals, sauces and confectionary," says study lead Dr. Jean Adams.

Here's the question this study raises: Is the bombardment of images of unhealthy food ultimately responsible for our food fumbles? We've already established that we women have a hard time saying no to our favorite foods, so this temptation definitely makes things worse. But don't we still maintain the power to pass on these diet derailers? I say, yes we do. Hope you do too.