DIET | DETECTIVE^®

We're all products of the "Health Food" generation.

Bravo for Bran? Just because the label or the bakery tells you it's a bran muffin does NOT mean that it contains whole wheat flour. In addition, many bran muffins are loaded with calories from oil, sugar, eggs, and butter. The same goes for breads, even brown-colored, seed covered "wheat" breads. "Wheat" does NOT equal "whole wheat." Always check the nutrition label for fiber content.

Don't Be Chicken Chicken breast is lower in fat and calories than beef, but not when it's coated with batter and fried. A crispy chicken sandwich can sometimes have more calories than cheeseburgers. Go for grilled or baked chicken sandwiches instead. And hot dogs made from chicken offer little calorie and fat savings over beef (unless the label specifies low fat). Turkey franks are not much better.

How Sweet It Is Sugar-free cookies and cakes were made with the diabetic in mind, but they still usually have nearly the same amount of calories as the regular type. Check the label for the amount of fat too - you may be unpleasantly surprised.

Going Bananas? How could bananas be bad for you? Easily, when they're fried into crispy, oily banana chips. About one large handful of banana chips could contain as much fat as a Snicker's bar. Have a fresh banana instead.

A Greener Pasta There aren't too many vegetables in vegetable pastas like spinach or tomato. The only benefit they may provide is making your meal more colorful. Save your money and buy regular pastas, adding fresh or frozen vegetables to increase their vitamin, mineral, and fiber content.

Health Nut Reduced-fat peanut butters may sound tempting, but read the label for a reality check. Peanut butter will always be a high fat food. Even the supposedly "low-fat" ones contain over 10 grams of fat. Plus, they have about the same amount of calories as regular peanut butter. Labels that state "less sugar" are no better.

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