Freshness for Under a Buck

Awesome, awesome, awesome.  That's what I think of 99-Cents Only stores.

And why do I think this?

Since early Spring, they have been offering all sorts of fresh fruits and veggies in every one of their stores for the cheapo price of - you guessed it - 99 cents each.

And I'm not talking about tiny portions of wilted lettuce or baby carrots past their freshness date.  I'm talking about freshly stocked and delivered produce (daily, according to their website) at way more affordable prices than regular supermarkets.

Here's what I saw on their Twitter feed: Dole bagged salad greens, 1.5 pound bags of peaches, plums or nectarines, a huge head of cauliflower, three bell peppers (some red, some green),  2 big avocados....each for just 99 cents.  Serious bargains that are healthy to boot. 

Yes, 99-Cents Only stores continue to sell not-so-healthy packaged foods and lots of candy.  But sometimes small steps can create big changes.  The fact that they are offering a variety of produce to the very people who may need it the most and exposing them to a healthier way of eating (and caring enough to do it the right way, mind you) is awesome. 

I teach community classes and I constantly hear from lower-income families how they choose not to purchase fresh produce due to expense and a short shelf life.  If 99-Cents Only stores can influence even a few families to eat fresh produce (full of healthy vitamins, minerals and fiber) on a regular basis, then I consider it a success.

99-Cents Only stores are in California, Nevada, Arizona and Texas.  But my hope is that if they find this initiative to be successful, then perhaps other dollar-type stores will follow suit. 

Not-so-Happy Meals

My three-year-old son has formed a strange attachment to McDonald's. 

He loves McDonald's.  He talks about it, points out restaurants, mentions how he likes the food.  He also thinks the name sounds funny and that it's cool it starts with the letter "M".

But the kicker?  He's never eaten at McDonald's, been in a McDonald's or seen a McDonald's TV ad.

So how does he even know about the place?

The power of marketing

That, my friends, is the power of some serious marketing and branding (helped along by the laser-eyed focus of a typical three-year-old).  He sees the logo everywhere (and it really is everywhere if you pay attention).  He hears it discussed by other people (friends included) and has seen (and smelled it) in his sister's school cafeteria.

It's a prime example of how kids under the age of eight take in everything around them with all five senses. My son has been influenced by McDonald's - without ever having stepped foot in one.  And lucky for me, he is totally unaware of the Happy Meal and the FREE TOYS!  If he knew, he would be all over it (and me) in a heartbeat.

No more toys?

So I perked up when I read that the Center for the Science in Public Interest (CSPI) is intent on suing McDonald's for "unfair and deceptive marketing" by offering Happy Meal toys.  CSPI claims that McDonald's is influencing children to eat unhealthy (and become more unhealthy, as a result) by appealing to their desire for toys.  

Here's an excerpt from CSPI's website:

"Getting children accustomed to eating burgers, fries, and soda puts them at greater risk of developing obesity, diabetes, or other diet-related diseases over the course of their lifetimes, according to CSPI.  We know from scientific research that young children—and even older ones—do not have the ability to understand how marketing has been designed to influence them...But regardless of the nutritional quality of what’s being sold, the practice of tempting kids with toys is inherently deceptive.."

Is it kind of hard-core?  Yes.  A bit over the top?  Possibly.  But do I agree with it?  Absolutely.  I think it is necessary to grab every one's attention as to how marketers are stealthily targeting our kids and consistently influencing them at younger and younger ages - and not always with their best interests at heart.

Sorry, but fast food is unhealthy
Fast food is unhealthy, no matter how you dress it up with apple dippers in place of fries or milk instead of soda.

With just one Happy Meal, your child will eat one-third to one-half of her daily recommended calories, two days worth of sugar and more than half a day's worth of sodium.  All in just one meal.

In my opinion, kids shouldn't eat fast food.  They are in the critical stage of learning what is healthy and why - and how to form good habits for a lifetime (not just eating, but brushing their teeth, getting enough sleep, washing their hands, listening in school, etc.).  I've seen kids as young as seven already overweight with high cholesterol or high blood pressure, on their way to a (short) lifetime of health problems.    

And a lifetime of eating fast food (a learned habit from early childhood) can only harm them, not help them. 

Parents' role
Some argue it is the parent's responsibility to choose what their child will eat and McDonald's has no part or responsibility in it. As a parent of two young kids, I agree that it is primarily my responsibility.

And I will admit that, even as a dietitian, it's hard work to get your kids to always eat healthy, to stock the right kinds of food, to cook at home even when you're tired - every day, non-stop, for years.  But most of us do the best we can, because it's the right thing to do.

For the rest of us?  Maybe it would help just a bit if the toys were gone.  Anyone who has kids knows the power of the whine.  Especially on a tired, run-down parent.

As for McDonald's responsibility?

McDonald's has become part of many families' mealtimes - that's simply the way it is, unhealthy or not.  Is it because of free Happy Meal toys?  Perhaps partly, but there's much more to it than that. 

Whatever the reasons, McDonald's should take a hard look at themselves and admit as to why, really, they offer free toys.  And decide if that particular marketing strategy is the best - no, the right - thing to do. 

Photo Credit: Jeff Cronin

Drinking it up at Race Trac

 

Have you heard about the new promotion at Race Trac?  If you live around Dallas, I'm sure you have. 

I learned about it in stages.  First, a parent friend mentioned it to me, because her daughters (high schoolers) are participating in it.  A couple of days later, I read about it in the local business paper (my husband sent me this article from the Dallas Business Journal).  Finally, I saw a story on the local 10:00 news the next day - live, from a Race Trac, complete with patron interviews. 

Yes, it's big stuff around here.  So, what exactly is the deal?

This summer, go to any Race Trac (a gas station/convenience store), purchase a 20-ounce plastic cup (with a lid) for $6.99 and until August 1st, refill it for free anytime.  That's right, you can return to Race Trac as many times as you want to fill your humongous 20-ounce cup to the brim with any fountain or frozen drink. 

Kids are lining up in droves for this deal - middle schoolers, high schoolers, college.  And the biggest selling Race Trac for this promotion is right here in our metroplex area.  Some kid at a local high school even mentioned it in his valedictorian speech; and one girl interviewed on the news mentioned she went to the store three times (count them - three) that day to get her soda fix - while the reporter laughed along with her commenting about how she must be on such "a sugar high".

Race Trac, I'm sure, is ecstatic with all of this extra exposure, attention, word-of-mouth and not to mention, big bucks (I mean, I'm even writing about it on my humble blog).  

I'm all for a good deal.  And I'm all for saving money.  But I think Race Trac could have come up with a better promotion, one that supports current health efforts instead of undermining them. 

What about a voucher for just one refill per day?  Or make the cup 8-ounces and cap the number of times you can fill up.  Seriously, if some kids are guzzling 60 ounces of fountain drinks a day, what else are they eating or drinking (or really, what are they not eating or drinking if they are filling up on liquid calories and caffeine)? 

What do you think?

Image from racetrac.com

Nutrition You Can Love......

I have recently started writing a monthly nutrition column for CoppellToday.com called "Nutrition You Can Love".

This month, I answer some questions my friends and family have asked over the last few weeks:

• What's the deal with vitamin D?
• What exactly is a "gluten-free" diet? (I've also been asked: "Should I be on a gluten-free diet?")
• Are fresh fruits and veggies the best?
• Is coffee bad for me?

Check it out - you might find something new or interesting to think about.  You'll also see my other recent articles about sugar and spring cleaning your diet.

A Double-Downer

Check out this latest article from today's MSNBC about KFC's Double Down sandwich. 

You know the Double Down.  

The sandwich that takes two fried (or grilled) chicken filets, bacon, melted cheese and "sauce" and slaps it all together like a breadless sandwich.

The sandwich that has sold almost 10 million here in America (yes, I said 10 million) over about a 6-week time period.  If you're counting, that's a daily average of 238,095 sold.

The sandwich that will happily fulfill more than 60% of your daily recommended allotment of sodium.  And about 30% of the average recommended calories for the day.  Not to mention over 60% of your recommended fat intake, too. 

And at about $5.00 a pop, KFC is making a nice little bundle from this venture.

So while KFC is raking it in, Americans are continuing to pack it on - and in - our bodies.  And for longer than a "limited time"; KFC announced it will now offer the Double Down indefinitely.

Seriously, do we really need this for a longer period of time?  Weigh in on comments and let me know what you think.

*Photo: AP/KFC

We all scream for....frozen yogurt

Check out my latest article for the Dallas Morning News, published two weeks ago:

Anybody remember the frozen yogurt craze of the ‘90’s, when a TCBY or I Can't Believe It's Yogurt could be found on every corner? I certainly do. I loved frozen yogurt back then and still do. But alas, the craze all but faded away when the low-carb trend took over.

Well, lucky for me it’s back - and there are two new yogurt stores right here in my town (Cherry on Top and Tappy’s Yogurt). With a new “serve yourself and pay by the ounce” concept, and tantalizing names like Cake Batter, Caramel Cream and Orange Dream, they’re a different breed than the TCBY’s of days past.

But the newest twist? Today’s frozen yogurt is touted as a health food – marketed as “fresh and natural”, full of “live and active cultures”, with vitamins and minerals.

Hmmm, a sweet treat with possible health benefits? This I had to check out.

Read on to find out the nutritional story behind this new fad.

What’s really in it?

I took a peek at the ingredients and nutritional data for both stores – and not surprisingly, discovered there’s a bit more involved than just milk, fruit and "natural" flavorings:

Sugar: Yes, good old white sugar (it’s frozen yogurt, what do you expect?). In almost all flavors, sugar is the second most prevalent ingredient (skim milk being the first). Some contain additional sweeteners like high fructose corn syrup or corn syrup solids.

How much sugar can you expect? In about an ounce of yogurt, 20% of the content is sugar. I served myself around 10 ounces (filling half my container), which contained about 17 teaspoons of sugar – the same as what’s in a 20-ounce Coke. That’s a lot of sugar (not to mention about 500 calories). Serving yourself is convenient, but pay attention to your amount and toppings.

Low-sugar options: There are a few low-sugar flavors; these contain some white sugar plus other sweeteners like juice concentrates, sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners (aspartame or acesulfame K).

These varieties contain about 7% sugar per ounce – or 6 teaspoons in a typical 10-ounce serving (about the same amount in six Oreo cookies).

Probiotics: Live and active cultures (better known as probiotics) are “helpful” bacteria found in cultured foods like yogurt, acidophilus milk and kefir. Studies suggest they can improve your immune system by maintaining a good/bad bacteria balance. Additionally, they may help relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and lactose intolerance.

Today's frozen yogurt heavily markets probiotics. And it does contain some - but really, how much? Compared to regular, dairy yogurt found at the grocery store (which is chock-full of probiotics), frozen yogurt’s content is minimal.

It certainly doesn't hurt that probiotics are in there, but don't expect the marketed benefits of "healing infections", "boosting immunity" and "stimulating memory" to be of any significance (proposed benefits taken directly from the Cherry on Top website).

Other ingredients:

• artificial food colors: a surprisingly large number of flavors contain artificial colors like red #40, red #3, blue #1, yellow #5, yellow #6 and Brilliant Blue FCF;
• vegetable shortening and partially hydrogenated vegetable oils: both of which contain artery-clogging trans fats;
• cholesterol:anywhere between 10mg to 90mg per 10 ounces (your daily recommended consumption should be under 200mg);
  
• sodium: a 10-ounce serving contains an average of 200mg of sodium – which is about 10% of your daily recommended amount.Some low-fat varieties had twice as much as regular flavors, while sorbets had the lowest amounts.

The bottomline…..

My verdict? The new flavors are tasty and rich - a far cry from the chocolate/vanilla swirl of yesteryear - and the variety of toppings is fun (including fresh fruit). This frozen yogurt is a great treat and a pretty good substitute for regular ice cream. My kids loved it, too.

However, no matter how dressed up it is or what the advertisements say, it’s a dessert, plain and simple. Not a health food. On the spectrum of dairy products, consider frozen yogurt nutritionally closer to low-fat ice cream than to dairy yogurt. It may contain some probiotics, calcium, protein and B-vitamins - but the amount of sugar, calories and undesirable extra ingredients outweighs any nutritional value it might have.

Try it out for yourself and just remember to treat it as a treat - then enjoy.

Talkin' Salt and Sugar with AAUW in Arlington

Many thanks to the AAUW (American Association of University Women) in Arlington for being such a gracious host for my recent nutrition seminar about hidden sugars and salt found in our favorite foods.

You were a wonderful audience - most attentive and inquisitive. I hope everyone walked away armed with at least one easy change you can make for a healthier life.

Photo: Kathryn Head, Susan Zeff and Carol DeMatteo. April 26, 2010. The AAUW Meeting with program "Healthy Eating Tips and Trends" by Susan Zeff, Registered Dietitian was held at The Waterford at Pantego. Photos courtesy of Susan Miller.