A handful of clients and peers passed this article along this weekend. Have you read it? It was in the New York Times Magazine this weekend – The Extraordinary Science of Addictive Junk Food.
The author has done extensive research on the food industry for a book that is coming out this month. In this article, he highlights the pressing concern of our nation’s obesity crisis and reviews a few case studies of products such as Dr. Pepper, Lunchables, Coke and Frito-Lay and unfolds the inside marketing strategies that led to the success of these products. What is revealed is quite disturbing. While these companies are making millions, if not billions of dollars, the population is getting severely overweight and extremely unhealthy. The author interviews many of the high level executives involved with the product design and marketing campaigns and many admit to feeling guilty for the harm they have inflicted on our health and lifestyle.
Many of you are reading this thinking, “Jae – I do not eat processed foods like that! I have not had a soda in years! This doesn’t apply to me..”
This applies to all of us because so many individuals in this country are obese and that impacts our economy, our health care system, our education and our lifestyles. Also, while you may not be eating the most extreme cases of processed foods, do you know what you are eating? If you are eating anything from a box, bottle or can it has been processed. I don’t care if it is baked, local, low-fat or uses natural sugars – it can still be considered junk food and processed. That is not to say it is bad for you, or unhealthy, or the devil, but it is important to read the ingredients and know what you are eating.
That is all I hope for all of us – that we actually know what we are eating. Then we can make whatever choice we want.
The large companies in the food industry may have marketing geniuses and food scientist wizards working for them to master how the food is presented, but remember that a health food store can be a dangerous place as well. Words like natural and healthy do not mean anything. Also do not pay attention to the claim that something is nutritious because I do not really know what that word means. And I AM A NUTRITIONIST!! The whole thing is a bit much…I mean seriously!
This is not supposed to depress you but rather empower you. Be a smart consumer. Know what is in your food. Understand why you are eating what you are eating. Make choices that feel right to you and are in line with your goals.
I am here to support you every step of the way.