he other day I posted a question on my Facebook page and I shared this photo
I asked the question…
“Which bar contains more calories and more sugar?”
There were lot’s of guesses, most assuming that it was probably the least obvious choice. However there was one comment from a long time regular client of mine Julie C that I absolutely loved.
Julie wrote…
“I would read the label. LOL !
Although if I’m going to buy something like that I’m going to go for what tastes better… empty calories better taste good!”
I couldn’t have said it better myself Julie.
I do NOT know the nutritional content to all foods, not even most foods. I simply turn the packet over and take 5 seconds to read the label.
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Cherry ripe nutritional details
- Serving size – 18 grams weight
- 363 kilojoules – which equates to 86 calories
- 10 grams carbs, 8.8 grams of those are sugar
- 4.5 grams fat
- <1.0 grams protein
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Weight Watchers cherry chocolate bar nutritional details
- Serving size – 21 grams weight (so slightly bigger than the cherry ripe bar)
- 378 kilojoules – which equates to 90 calories
- 14.3 grams of carbs, 8.3 of those are sugar
- 3.1 grams of fat
- 0.8 grams protein
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Which makes these 2 bars VERY similar in size, weight, sugar, calories etc.
The problem I have is that one implies through the messaging that it is a “diet” or even “healthy” choice.
I have written about this previously “What have fake friends got to do with healthy eating”
Also see my rant on hidden sugars HERE
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** Please note
I am NOT suggesting that you should or should not eat either of these treats. You can eat any food that you choose too. Its absolutely none of my business.
I share this information only to highlight the fact that the marketing messages on the front of the packet are there to SELL you. The nutritional details on the back of the packet are there to INFORM you.
If weight loss, or even weight maintenance is your goal, then I urge you to become “Calorie and Nutrient Aware”. Eat whatever food you like and adjust the rest of your plan to fit it in.
This is not hard once you know how. I can teach you all about it in my new program fitness and fat loss coaching program … Healthy, Happy and HOT.
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On a side note…
I thought I would do a quick check to see if the serving size / weights matched up to what was stated on the pack. What I found was very interesting.
- The Cherry Ripe bar came up exactly as stated, 18 grams weight.
- The Weight Watchers bar stated the serving size is 21 grams on the packet, however, the scales showed 27 grams
This raises the question….
If the serving size stated is under reported by more than 25%, does that also mean that all of the other details have been under reported too??
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Want more help with your fitness and fat loss goals?
Check out my step by step online fitness and fat loss coaching program HERE
or have one of Australia’s leading dieticians write you an individual weight loss meal plan HERE.
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