Nobody knows what Healthy Food means
cee134
Posts: 33,711 Member
http://gizmodo.com/nobody-knows-what-healthy-food-means-still-1787185806The FDA just requested public input on the meaning of the word “healthy,” the first step towards a new definition.
The decision came after a scuffle with KIND granola bars where—after being told to remove the tag “healthy and tasty” from its bars—the food manufacturer asked to keep it, arguing it wasn’t nutritional information but a “corporate philosophy.” The FDA eventually agreed to let the company keep the tag but also said it had decided to update the definition of the term.
The current FDA definition describes “healthy” as “an implied nutrient content claim” that suggests the food is consistent with current dietary recommendations, particularly for fat and cholesterol. The problem is that still leaves the term pretty wide open for interpretation—and, as we’ve seen with the case of “natural” that can cause big problems.
FDA to Redefine “Healthy” Claim for Food Labeling
http://www.fda.gov/Food/NewsEvents/ConstituentUpdates/ucm520703.htm
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Replies
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Webster's dictionary definition #3 "conducive to good health; healthful"
Unless you have an allergy to them, the Kind Fruit and Nut bars meet this definition. Nuts have healthy fats and protein. Fruits have micronutrients and carbs.
But, if the FDA stuck to basic English definitions, it would have a lot less to do.5 -
Sad state of affairs...0
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It is a sad state of affairs. Agreed.
On a side note, I freakin' love Kind Bars and do consider them to be one of the better snack bar choices out there. I like that they're not overly sweet.0 -
I find Kind Bars quite tasty and have not had any difficulty fitting one into my goals fairly regularly.0
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Speaking of Kind Bars... find the seasonal offering, the Caramel Almond Pumpkin Spice bar. It's really delicious.2
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The FDA wouldn't know "healthy" if it bit them on the butt...6
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I actually think it's fairly common sense...of course, that hardly exists these days.6
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That's why it's stupid to label an individual food as healthy or unhealthy. It's your overall diet that matters.7
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GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »It is a sad state of affairs. Agreed.
On a side note, I freakin' love Kind Bars and do consider them to be one of the better snack bar choices out there. I like that they're not overly sweet.
Hey I was just curious about what you thought about Odwalla Bars?0 -
Lol..so you dont think labelling food healthy is a good thing? Not everyone possesses the knowledge that you guys do. A balanced diet is all well and good but some people want to eat "healthy foods". I think it is a good move for people that dont know the info you guys have. We have food labelling here and it does help if you are trying to stay under your goals
Jake-- I feel really sorry for someone that has to rely on labeling to hit their goals. I don't think it's going to happen.8 -
snowflake954 wrote: »Lol..so you dont think labelling food healthy is a good thing? Not everyone possesses the knowledge that you guys do. A balanced diet is all well and good but some people want to eat "healthy foods". I think it is a good move for people that dont know the info you guys have. We have food labelling here and it does help if you are trying to stay under your goals
Jake-- I feel really sorry for someone that has to rely on labeling to hit their goals. I don't think it's going to happen.
Thanks for the pity
. What I mean is when im rushing to grab a sandwich in supermarket at lunch having green, yellow and red colour coding helps to see what sarnie I want to aim for. What isnt gonna happen?
That to work, isn't going to happen. Nutrition is so complex that you need some knowledge, and you can't rely on single points or "quick" solutions. But nutrition for healthy individuals isn't complicated, so that knowledge can be quite basic.5 -
kommodevaran wrote: »snowflake954 wrote: »Lol..so you dont think labelling food healthy is a good thing? Not everyone possesses the knowledge that you guys do. A balanced diet is all well and good but some people want to eat "healthy foods". I think it is a good move for people that dont know the info you guys have. We have food labelling here and it does help if you are trying to stay under your goals
Jake-- I feel really sorry for someone that has to rely on labeling to hit their goals. I don't think it's going to happen.
Thanks for the pity . What I mean is when im rushing to grab a sandwich in supermarket at lunch having green, yellow and red colour coding helps to see what sarnie I want to aim for. What isnt gonna happen?
That to work, isn't going to happen. Nutrition is so complex that you need some knowledge, and you can't rely on single points or "quick" solutions. But nutrition for healthy individuals isn't complicated, so that knowledge can be quite basic.
I agree with you, although many on here believe the simple cico system works and that is a basic points system really (just saying). I'm talking as a novice myself. Obviously growing up I have known that vegetables are "nutritious" (words on here, have to be so careful how I word foods) and foods with high saturated fats are 'less preferable'. Before coming on here I didn't think my food choices were that bad, but since being on here and reading up from magazines and websites I have seen my diet wasn't that great. Basically I'm saying I know what it is to be ignorant and not have a healthy knowledge of diet and nutrition. I agree knowledge needs to be given but any step in the right direction is a start - doing nothing is worst
CICO is for weight management. It has nothing to do with nutrients.
And whose idea of healthy would you go for for labelling those sandwiches?
Does the tuna sandwich get green because lots of protein? Yellow because it's not so low in calories because of mayonaise? Or maybe even red because it has bread and thus isn't low carb friendly?8 -
kommodevaran wrote: »snowflake954 wrote: »Lol..so you dont think labelling food healthy is a good thing? Not everyone possesses the knowledge that you guys do. A balanced diet is all well and good but some people want to eat "healthy foods". I think it is a good move for people that dont know the info you guys have. We have food labelling here and it does help if you are trying to stay under your goals
Jake-- I feel really sorry for someone that has to rely on labeling to hit their goals. I don't think it's going to happen.
Thanks for the pity . What I mean is when im rushing to grab a sandwich in supermarket at lunch having green, yellow and red colour coding helps to see what sarnie I want to aim for. What isnt gonna happen?
That to work, isn't going to happen. Nutrition is so complex that you need some knowledge, and you can't rely on single points or "quick" solutions. But nutrition for healthy individuals isn't complicated, so that knowledge can be quite basic.
I agree with you, although many on here believe the simple cico system works and that is a basic points system really (just saying). I'm talking as a novice myself. Obviously growing up I have known that vegetables are "nutritious" (words on here, have to be so careful how I word foods) and foods with high saturated fats are 'less preferable'. Before coming on here I didn't think my food choices were that bad, but since being on here and reading up from magazines and websites I have seen my diet wasn't that great. Basically I'm saying I know what it is to be ignorant and not have a healthy knowledge of diet and nutrition. I agree knowledge needs to be given but any step in the right direction is a start - doing nothing is worst
But losing weight and eating healthily isn't quite the same thing, even though they can occur simultaneously. You lose weight by sticking to a calorie deficit. That is a simple point system. Nutrition is about getting in all you need but not too much of anything, that is complex. Knowing what sources to look for and trust, is difficult. Experts and media like to focus on one thing at the time, and different foods and nutrients are cyclically demonized. Things are also bundled up, like "red meat and processed meat", and trans fat and saturated fat. People get scared, and try everything at once, or do nothing, I agree that is the worst.2 -
snowflake954 wrote: »Lol..so you dont think labelling food healthy is a good thing? Not everyone possesses the knowledge that you guys do. A balanced diet is all well and good but some people want to eat "healthy foods". I think it is a good move for people that dont know the info you guys have. We have food labelling here and it does help if you are trying to stay under your goals
Jake-- I feel really sorry for someone that has to rely on labeling to hit their goals. I don't think it's going to happen.
Thanks for the pity . What I mean is when im rushing to grab a sandwich in supermarket at lunch having green, yellow and red colour coding helps to see what sarnie I want to aim for. What isnt gonna happen?
Also I think someone who actually needs a label telling them "this is healthy" probably would also be ignorant of the fact they still need variety in their diet for it to actually be healthy. Context and all that jazz, you know the drill.2 -
stevencloser wrote: »snowflake954 wrote: »Lol..so you dont think labelling food healthy is a good thing? Not everyone possesses the knowledge that you guys do. A balanced diet is all well and good but some people want to eat "healthy foods". I think it is a good move for people that dont know the info you guys have. We have food labelling here and it does help if you are trying to stay under your goals
Jake-- I feel really sorry for someone that has to rely on labeling to hit their goals. I don't think it's going to happen.
Thanks for the pity . What I mean is when im rushing to grab a sandwich in supermarket at lunch having green, yellow and red colour coding helps to see what sarnie I want to aim for. What isnt gonna happen?
Also I think someone who actually needs a label telling them "this is healthy" probably would also be ignorant of the fact they still need variety in their diet for it to actually be healthy. Context and all that jazz, you know the drill.
Well that is a super philosophy - lets do nothing and hope things get better? What would you suggest to help the average guy in the street who doesn't have the know how that you do? (having a discussion, not trying to argue with you mate)
I don't think those people actually exist, and the knowledge of what a healthy diet is, is widely available for everyone already and has been for a long time. Things only get confusing thanks to the dieting industry, calling certain foods, food groups or entire macros as boogeymen.4 -
stevencloser wrote: »kommodevaran wrote: »snowflake954 wrote: »Lol..so you dont think labelling food healthy is a good thing? Not everyone possesses the knowledge that you guys do. A balanced diet is all well and good but some people want to eat "healthy foods". I think it is a good move for people that dont know the info you guys have. We have food labelling here and it does help if you are trying to stay under your goals
Jake-- I feel really sorry for someone that has to rely on labeling to hit their goals. I don't think it's going to happen.
Thanks for the pity . What I mean is when im rushing to grab a sandwich in supermarket at lunch having green, yellow and red colour coding helps to see what sarnie I want to aim for. What isnt gonna happen?
That to work, isn't going to happen. Nutrition is so complex that you need some knowledge, and you can't rely on single points or "quick" solutions. But nutrition for healthy individuals isn't complicated, so that knowledge can be quite basic.
I agree with you, although many on here believe the simple cico system works and that is a basic points system really (just saying). I'm talking as a novice myself. Obviously growing up I have known that vegetables are "nutritious" (words on here, have to be so careful how I word foods) and foods with high saturated fats are 'less preferable'. Before coming on here I didn't think my food choices were that bad, but since being on here and reading up from magazines and websites I have seen my diet wasn't that great. Basically I'm saying I know what it is to be ignorant and not have a healthy knowledge of diet and nutrition. I agree knowledge needs to be given but any step in the right direction is a start - doing nothing is worst
CICO is for weight management. It has nothing to do with nutrients.
And whose idea of healthy would you go for for labelling those sandwiches?
Does the tuna sandwich get green because lots of protein? Yellow because it's not so low in calories because of mayonaise? Or maybe even red because it has bread and thus isn't low carb friendly?
It gets broken down here into 4 catagories and each gets a label based on the quantity. Catagories are calories/fat/saturates/salt and this is on pretty much every product in large retailers
Well, then it DOES go by a simple points system. But even a food stuff that had every single category of those as red can be part of a healthy diet, the non-knowledgable person in your example wouldn't know that though and probably avoid it entirely, unnecessarily. Maybe even though they liked it. Cue cravings and binges (in some people).1 -
stevencloser wrote: »kommodevaran wrote: »snowflake954 wrote: »Lol..so you dont think labelling food healthy is a good thing? Not everyone possesses the knowledge that you guys do. A balanced diet is all well and good but some people want to eat "healthy foods". I think it is a good move for people that dont know the info you guys have. We have food labelling here and it does help if you are trying to stay under your goals
Jake-- I feel really sorry for someone that has to rely on labeling to hit their goals. I don't think it's going to happen.
Thanks for the pity . What I mean is when im rushing to grab a sandwich in supermarket at lunch having green, yellow and red colour coding helps to see what sarnie I want to aim for. What isnt gonna happen?
That to work, isn't going to happen. Nutrition is so complex that you need some knowledge, and you can't rely on single points or "quick" solutions. But nutrition for healthy individuals isn't complicated, so that knowledge can be quite basic.
I agree with you, although many on here believe the simple cico system works and that is a basic points system really (just saying). I'm talking as a novice myself. Obviously growing up I have known that vegetables are "nutritious" (words on here, have to be so careful how I word foods) and foods with high saturated fats are 'less preferable'. Before coming on here I didn't think my food choices were that bad, but since being on here and reading up from magazines and websites I have seen my diet wasn't that great. Basically I'm saying I know what it is to be ignorant and not have a healthy knowledge of diet and nutrition. I agree knowledge needs to be given but any step in the right direction is a start - doing nothing is worst
CICO is for weight management. It has nothing to do with nutrients.
And whose idea of healthy would you go for for labelling those sandwiches?
Does the tuna sandwich get green because lots of protein? Yellow because it's not so low in calories because of mayonaise? Or maybe even red because it has bread and thus isn't low carb friendly?
It gets broken down here into 4 catagories and each gets a label based on the quantity. Catagories are calories/fat/saturates/salt and this is on pretty much every product in large retailers
Conflating the complex AND complicating the simple. No wonder you are confused, if you think those labels are going to help you. You won't improve your knowledge (or health) until you accept that it's a dead end. Let it go. Instead, learn what normal, balanced meals look like, and how to combine normal, balanced meals into daily menus. It's not difficult. But you have to accept that you have been misguided, and need to think differently.5 -
stevencloser wrote: »stevencloser wrote: »kommodevaran wrote: »snowflake954 wrote: »Lol..so you dont think labelling food healthy is a good thing? Not everyone possesses the knowledge that you guys do. A balanced diet is all well and good but some people want to eat "healthy foods". I think it is a good move for people that dont know the info you guys have. We have food labelling here and it does help if you are trying to stay under your goals
Jake-- I feel really sorry for someone that has to rely on labeling to hit their goals. I don't think it's going to happen.
Thanks for the pity . What I mean is when im rushing to grab a sandwich in supermarket at lunch having green, yellow and red colour coding helps to see what sarnie I want to aim for. What isnt gonna happen?
That to work, isn't going to happen. Nutrition is so complex that you need some knowledge, and you can't rely on single points or "quick" solutions. But nutrition for healthy individuals isn't complicated, so that knowledge can be quite basic.
I agree with you, although many on here believe the simple cico system works and that is a basic points system really (just saying). I'm talking as a novice myself. Obviously growing up I have known that vegetables are "nutritious" (words on here, have to be so careful how I word foods) and foods with high saturated fats are 'less preferable'. Before coming on here I didn't think my food choices were that bad, but since being on here and reading up from magazines and websites I have seen my diet wasn't that great. Basically I'm saying I know what it is to be ignorant and not have a healthy knowledge of diet and nutrition. I agree knowledge needs to be given but any step in the right direction is a start - doing nothing is worst
CICO is for weight management. It has nothing to do with nutrients.
And whose idea of healthy would you go for for labelling those sandwiches?
Does the tuna sandwich get green because lots of protein? Yellow because it's not so low in calories because of mayonaise? Or maybe even red because it has bread and thus isn't low carb friendly?
It gets broken down here into 4 catagories and each gets a label based on the quantity. Catagories are calories/fat/saturates/salt and this is on pretty much every product in large retailers
Well, then it DOES go by a simple points system. But even a food stuff that had every single category of those as red can be part of a healthy diet, the non-knowledgable person in your example wouldn't know that though and probably avoid it entirely, unnecessarily. Maybe even though they liked it. Cue cravings and binges (in some people).
Fair point - but this is the thorn in that argument. That doesn't apply to everybody, but it clearly works for you and others which is great. I avoid the red foods, I tend eat fresh foods for my dinner and once a week I have a cheat day. That way is not the best way or the perfect way, its my way and works for me. I understand you 'need a bit of everything' as you say
Please also let go of the idea that there is a perfect or best diet. There isn't. A diet that is good for you, is one that provides you with everyhing you need, and not too much of anything. That can be done in a number of ways. A diet that is working for you, will be one that is good for you, and one you easily can stick to, at home, at work, with your mates, on holiday, when you are sick, sad, happy, worried, or just bored.1 -
Sorry, I thought you were looking for help. If everything is OK, I'll leave you to it.3
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sanchez253 wrote: »GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »It is a sad state of affairs. Agreed.
On a side note, I freakin' love Kind Bars and do consider them to be one of the better snack bar choices out there. I like that they're not overly sweet.
Hey I was just curious about what you thought about Odwalla Bars?
I'm soy intolerant, so I can't eat those. They look tasty, though!0 -
stevencloser wrote: »stevencloser wrote: »snowflake954 wrote: »Lol..so you dont think labelling food healthy is a good thing? Not everyone possesses the knowledge that you guys do. A balanced diet is all well and good but some people want to eat "healthy foods". I think it is a good move for people that dont know the info you guys have. We have food labelling here and it does help if you are trying to stay under your goals
Jake-- I feel really sorry for someone that has to rely on labeling to hit their goals. I don't think it's going to happen.
Thanks for the pity . What I mean is when im rushing to grab a sandwich in supermarket at lunch having green, yellow and red colour coding helps to see what sarnie I want to aim for. What isnt gonna happen?
Also I think someone who actually needs a label telling them "this is healthy" probably would also be ignorant of the fact they still need variety in their diet for it to actually be healthy. Context and all that jazz, you know the drill.
Well that is a super philosophy - lets do nothing and hope things get better? What would you suggest to help the average guy in the street who doesn't have the know how that you do? (having a discussion, not trying to argue with you mate)
I don't think those people actually exist, and the knowledge of what a healthy diet is, is widely available for everyone already and has been for a long time. Things only get confusing thanks to the dieting industry, calling certain foods, food groups or entire macros as boogeymen.
The basic idea of what is healthy is disseminated in children's programming and in schools. It's really not knowledge that's lacking.0 -
GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »Speaking of Kind Bars... find the seasonal offering, the Caramel Almond Pumpkin Spice bar. It's really delicious.
So sad I can't get these in the UK
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stevencloser wrote: »stevencloser wrote: »snowflake954 wrote: »Lol..so you dont think labelling food healthy is a good thing? Not everyone possesses the knowledge that you guys do. A balanced diet is all well and good but some people want to eat "healthy foods". I think it is a good move for people that dont know the info you guys have. We have food labelling here and it does help if you are trying to stay under your goals
Jake-- I feel really sorry for someone that has to rely on labeling to hit their goals. I don't think it's going to happen.
Thanks for the pity . What I mean is when im rushing to grab a sandwich in supermarket at lunch having green, yellow and red colour coding helps to see what sarnie I want to aim for. What isnt gonna happen?
Also I think someone who actually needs a label telling them "this is healthy" probably would also be ignorant of the fact they still need variety in their diet for it to actually be healthy. Context and all that jazz, you know the drill.
Well that is a super philosophy - lets do nothing and hope things get better? What would you suggest to help the average guy in the street who doesn't have the know how that you do? (having a discussion, not trying to argue with you mate)
I don't think those people actually exist, and the knowledge of what a healthy diet is, is widely available for everyone already and has been for a long time. Things only get confusing thanks to the dieting industry, calling certain foods, food groups or entire macros as boogeymen.
They do and I was certainly one of them. The ignorance of saying 'ah it was just a few beers and a kebab' nothing bad. Fridays and saturdays I was probably hitting 3000 calories minimum. I don't wanna slip into our classic discussion about demonising foods like McDonalds. So you think the US govt doesn't need to put warnings or guidance on foods on US? I understand most places have calories written on menus etc now?
Nothing bad about a few beers and a kebab. A lot wrong with that 7 days a week making up 90% of your diet.
Nothing wrong with having a day where you eat 3000 either, if the rest of your diet is such that your weight isn't moving in a way you don't want it to.
Do you see the things in common here? In every single case, it depends entirely on your total diet, never on singular foods.
The only warnings foods need are for allergies and such. And even then I'm amused by the obvious ones like a bag of peanuts having to say it contains peanuts, if only so no smartass can go and purposely eat them and then sue because it didn't say.7 -
kommodevaran wrote: »stevencloser wrote: »kommodevaran wrote: »snowflake954 wrote: »Lol..so you dont think labelling food healthy is a good thing? Not everyone possesses the knowledge that you guys do. A balanced diet is all well and good but some people want to eat "healthy foods". I think it is a good move for people that dont know the info you guys have. We have food labelling here and it does help if you are trying to stay under your goals
Jake-- I feel really sorry for someone that has to rely on labeling to hit their goals. I don't think it's going to happen.
Thanks for the pity . What I mean is when im rushing to grab a sandwich in supermarket at lunch having green, yellow and red colour coding helps to see what sarnie I want to aim for. What isnt gonna happen?
That to work, isn't going to happen. Nutrition is so complex that you need some knowledge, and you can't rely on single points or "quick" solutions. But nutrition for healthy individuals isn't complicated, so that knowledge can be quite basic.
I agree with you, although many on here believe the simple cico system works and that is a basic points system really (just saying). I'm talking as a novice myself. Obviously growing up I have known that vegetables are "nutritious" (words on here, have to be so careful how I word foods) and foods with high saturated fats are 'less preferable'. Before coming on here I didn't think my food choices were that bad, but since being on here and reading up from magazines and websites I have seen my diet wasn't that great. Basically I'm saying I know what it is to be ignorant and not have a healthy knowledge of diet and nutrition. I agree knowledge needs to be given but any step in the right direction is a start - doing nothing is worst
CICO is for weight management. It has nothing to do with nutrients.
And whose idea of healthy would you go for for labelling those sandwiches?
Does the tuna sandwich get green because lots of protein? Yellow because it's not so low in calories because of mayonaise? Or maybe even red because it has bread and thus isn't low carb friendly?
It gets broken down here into 4 catagories and each gets a label based on the quantity. Catagories are calories/fat/saturates/salt and this is on pretty much every product in large retailers
Conflating the complex AND complicating the simple. No wonder you are confused, if you think those labels are going to help you. You won't improve your knowledge (or health) until you accept that it's a dead end. Let it go. Instead, learn what normal, balanced meals look like, and how to combine normal, balanced meals into daily menus. It's not difficult. But you have to accept that you have been misguided, and need to think differently.
It's a pervasive trend in society these days that everyone needs everything distilled down to the simplest, most easily digested (pun intended) version of information, and it's quite depressing. That people need a color coded system to tell them whether eating something is a good idea, without having to learn about why it may or may not be a healthful addition to their diet, is yet one more step in this trend of never having to apply critical thinking, to not understanding science, to just blindly following the recommendations of someone else who tells you something is "bad".
It just isn't that difficult but we see people here all the time who are so confused by the information propagated by the media, by blog posts, by broscience articles, by Pinterest infographics, etc that they have no idea what they should be eating. The diet industry profits by making people think this is more complex than it actually is...
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It's also alot harder because there are so many more choices. Walking through enormous supermarkets, it's difficult not to be confused. When I was a kid you couldn't buy food from all over the world. Globalization has brought us new products that we know nothing about. There are advantages and disadvantages to this. I think labeling foods to try to help people is too complex and makes the problem worse. Since cooking shows are popular all over the world now, that may be a window to educate the public. Nutrition should be taught in schools at an early age, in my opinion. Then again, there are people that just don't care. We are here because we care.2
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What constitutes a healthy diet needs to be first taught in the home...2
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WinoGelato wrote: »The diet industry profits by making people think this is more complex than it actually is...
^^^This. If society gets informed they are all out of a job...
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WinoGelato wrote: »kommodevaran wrote: »stevencloser wrote: »kommodevaran wrote: »snowflake954 wrote: »Lol..so you dont think labelling food healthy is a good thing? Not everyone possesses the knowledge that you guys do. A balanced diet is all well and good but some people want to eat "healthy foods". I think it is a good move for people that dont know the info you guys have. We have food labelling here and it does help if you are trying to stay under your goals
Jake-- I feel really sorry for someone that has to rely on labeling to hit their goals. I don't think it's going to happen.
Thanks for the pity . What I mean is when im rushing to grab a sandwich in supermarket at lunch having green, yellow and red colour coding helps to see what sarnie I want to aim for. What isnt gonna happen?
That to work, isn't going to happen. Nutrition is so complex that you need some knowledge, and you can't rely on single points or "quick" solutions. But nutrition for healthy individuals isn't complicated, so that knowledge can be quite basic.
I agree with you, although many on here believe the simple cico system works and that is a basic points system really (just saying). I'm talking as a novice myself. Obviously growing up I have known that vegetables are "nutritious" (words on here, have to be so careful how I word foods) and foods with high saturated fats are 'less preferable'. Before coming on here I didn't think my food choices were that bad, but since being on here and reading up from magazines and websites I have seen my diet wasn't that great. Basically I'm saying I know what it is to be ignorant and not have a healthy knowledge of diet and nutrition. I agree knowledge needs to be given but any step in the right direction is a start - doing nothing is worst
CICO is for weight management. It has nothing to do with nutrients.
And whose idea of healthy would you go for for labelling those sandwiches?
Does the tuna sandwich get green because lots of protein? Yellow because it's not so low in calories because of mayonaise? Or maybe even red because it has bread and thus isn't low carb friendly?
It gets broken down here into 4 catagories and each gets a label based on the quantity. Catagories are calories/fat/saturates/salt and this is on pretty much every product in large retailers
Conflating the complex AND complicating the simple. No wonder you are confused, if you think those labels are going to help you. You won't improve your knowledge (or health) until you accept that it's a dead end. Let it go. Instead, learn what normal, balanced meals look like, and how to combine normal, balanced meals into daily menus. It's not difficult. But you have to accept that you have been misguided, and need to think differently.
It's a pervasive trend in society these days that everyone needs everything distilled down to the simplest, most easily digested (pun intended) version of information, and it's quite depressing. That people need a color coded system to tell them whether eating something is a good idea, without having to learn about why it may or may not be a healthful addition to their diet, is yet one more step in this trend of never having to apply critical thinking, to not understanding science, to just blindly following the recommendations of someone else who tells you something is "bad".
It just isn't that difficult but we see people here all the time who are so confused by the information propagated by the media, by blog posts, by broscience articles, by Pinterest infographics, etc that they have no idea what they should be eating. The diet industry profits by making people think this is more complex than it actually is...
I agree, I prefer to listen to people I don't know in forums lol. Can't say that media, blogs, articles, documentaries, the govt, the UK govt are all wrong, but you guys are correct?
I think an issue here is that you don't realise that not everyone studies up on this stuff. Saying 'oh it is depressing that people down know' - but that is society, you are only as strong as your weakest animals. There are people that need these guidelines, that do need to be led, to be educated. There are people that don't know how to cook so are reliant on ready meals etc
The problem, though, is that people won't become educated by those color codes and whatever else. It's a crutch. If people were going to see the colors, then look to see why that food was made that color, then great. Of course, if people are going to look into the matter, then they probably don't need the color codes in the first place. While it might be better than absolutely nothing, it's still nowhere near "good."1 -
People will do more research into what is the next phone they will buy, car, computer, couch, or kitchen appliance, then fuel they will put in their body.
Food labelling has all the information we need if we take the time to read it. Now, with the internet it really isn't that hard except in the cases of some restaurants and deli type situations, but even then we can make an educated guess.
We don't need big brother telling us what food to buy any more than we need him telling us what other consumer goods to buy. All the relevant information is already available.1
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