Many grocery chains and manufacturers are implementing new nutrition rating systems, but how helpful are they really? For years, the food industry and public at large has sought an easy, effective means of determining what is a healthy option and what isn’t. With obesity rates rising, and fad diets everywhere, its no surprise. Is it really possible though to make a one-size-fits-all scale that’s right for everyone?
Weight Watchers has been a staple of the diet community for years. The creation of Smart Ones frozen entrees has made Weight Watcher devotees lives much easier keeping track of points in today’s busy lifestyle. They promote a low-fat, low calorie alternative.
So is it healthy? For some, yes. Lets take a look at one of their entrees, Chicken Carbonara which has 250 calories and 4.5 grams of fat. It also has 32 grams of carbohydrates, which may be an issue for someone with blood sugar issues.
Healthy Choice is another well known producer of frozen entrees for the health conscious. While only having 240 calories and 5 grams of fat, their Country Herb Chicken has 600 mg of sodium, something those with high-blood pressure must watch out for.
What about kids? Kraft has dubbed their Lunchables product with a “Sensible Solutions” sticker, promoting it as a healthy option. However, a look at the label on the Lunchables Nachos reveals 380 calories, 21 grams of fat, 880 mg of sodium, and 41 grams of carbohydrates.
While none of these products are “bad”, they merely prove a point that there is no single system that will address everyone’s dietary needs. Everyone’s body needs different things, some requiring restrictions in areas, such as diabetics, or extra nutrition, such as athletes, or those with trouble gaining weight.
All things must be done in moderation, and the only key to eating whats healthy is learning what your body needs, and becoming educated in making the right choices nutritionally.
