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6 Marketing Ploys Dieters Should Run From

Posted Wed, Aug 19, 2009, 4:38 pm PDT

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Don't believe the hype! Just because a product is marketed as "better for you," that doesn't mean it's necessarily GOOD for your diet. Hungry Girl's here to call out deceptive buzzwords and some corresponding foods that pop up on food labels all the time...

"Reduced Fat"

Panera Bread Reduced Fat Wild Blueberry Muffin
One muffin = 360 calories, 10g fat, 61g carbs, 1g fiber, 6g protein

One of these Wild Blueberry Muffins packs in 390 calories and 15g fat. Sure, that's 10 fewer fat grams than the regular one, but that doesn't make it a good breakfast option. Our pick? We prefer our homemade Big Fat Blueberry Muffins. They're delicious and packed with berries, and they have less than 3g fat per muffin!

"Oat"

Starbucks Maple Oat Pecan Scone
One scone = 470 calories, 21g fat, 64g carbs, 5g fiber, 7g protein

"Oooooh! It has oats! It must be good for me!" Back up the train, Skippy. It's not like oats cancel out the bad stuff -- they just ride shotgun. Clearly, this scone is also packed with butter, sugar, and pecans. If you want the healthy benefits of oats from the 'Bucks without all that fat, pick up the Perfect Oatmeal. Go ahead and top it with a packet of brown sugar and/or a Nut Medley packet. It'll still be a better choice than this scone.

"All Natural"

Pizza Hut All Natural Pepperoni Pan Pizza
1 slice of a large pizza = 370 calories, 18g fat, 37g carbs, 2g fiber, 15g protein

Don't get us wrong -- we appreciate the effort food companies and restaurants are putting forth to make foods better for us... but this pizza? Don't fool yourself into thinking this is health food. The idea of 18 grams of fat in a single slice of pizza makes us really, really sad. Especially since we are NOT "single slice" people. If you like wholesome ingredients in your pie, try Amy's line of frozen pizzas in flavors like Pesto or Roasted Vegetable. Those are all-natural AND reasonable in the calorie and fat departments. Mmmm...

"Light"

Ben & Jerry's Light Phish Food Ice Cream
One half-cup serving = 210 calories, 6g fat, 37g carbs, 1g fiber, 4g protein

When it comes to ice cream, those two crazy guys from Vermont do know their stuff. But when it comes to what's light and what's not, take it from us! While this version has less fat and fewer calories than the SUPER-HEAVY original, it's still more than we're into (especially since it's so hard to eat just one serving!). We say, stick with B & J's frozen yogurts, which have less fat and fewer calories than the light ice creams. That's right, even the Chocolate Fudge Brownie fro yo is a better choice!

"Vegetarian"

Quiznos Veggie Sub Sandwich
One small sandwich = 550 calories, 27g fat, 44g carbs, 5g fiber, 17g protein

Wow. Vegetarian food can be a great option, but it's not always the most diet-friendly choice. And have you seen Quiznos "small" sandwich? The folks there aren't kidding about it being small! Two high-calorie culprits here are the cheese (2 different kinds!) and dressing, which together account for 250 calories and 17g fat. And we're sure the bread and guacamole are doing their share of damage as well. Want a veggie sub that won't weigh you down? One word: Subway. The 6-inch Veggie Delite has a mere 230 calories and 2.5g fat.

"Low Carb"

Cheesecake Factory Original Low Carb Cheesecake
One slice = 570 calories, 26g saturated fat, 37g total carbs (11g effective carbs)

The fat count listed is for SATURATED fat only (pretty sneaky, Cheesecake Factory), which means there's likely MUCH MORE total fat in that. In short? Low-carb cheesecake is still cheesecake, people. Unless you're one of those Atkins followers who still consider a bacon cheeseburger without the bun to be "eating right," you know better. Make a batch of our Swirls Gone Wild Cheesecake Brownies at home instead.

Bottom line? To see the full picture, you really need to check out all the nutritional info!

Ever wondered if ordering your burger without cheese or using Splenda instead of sugar in your coffee really makes a difference in your diet? Check out the answers we found...

HUNGRY FOR MORE?

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117 Comments

1. Posted by bnthere2_2000 on Fri, Aug 21, 2009, 6:35 am PDT

This really opened my eyes to one of my favorites - quizno's veggie sub! No wonder it tasted so good.
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2. Posted by Iluvfat on Fri, Aug 28, 2009, 11:23 am PDT

I already knew that low fat stuff is not good. I'd rather eat low carb high fat, then all that other. And eating a cheeseburger with no bun is better than eating those brownies you mentioned.
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3. Posted by sam L on Fri, Aug 28, 2009, 11:26 am PDT

"Grungy Girl"...can't make up her self serving mind as to carb or low fat. Whichever fits at the time.
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4. Posted by ztoical on Fri, Aug 28, 2009, 11:41 am PDT

every piece 'hungry girl' writes is just the same rehashed crap people already know. Really something from pizza hut isn't good for you? well d'uh. Ben and Jerry's ice-cream won't help me shed pounds? really? what a shock. Yawn, boring, tell us something we don't know.
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5. Posted by flannelradio on Fri, Aug 28, 2009, 11:43 am PDT

How can anyone figure out what to believe anymore.
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6. Posted by Iluvfat on Fri, Aug 28, 2009, 11:54 am PDT

I've been eating high fat/protein and very low carb and have shed 40lbs. I feel great and don't crave sweet stuff. I would check out The Eades. They are Drs and have written several books about low carb. They have a website/blog called Protein Power and they have some great information you won't find anywhere. Mainly because no one wants to admit that high fat/protein and low carb works.
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7. Posted by JOHN E on Fri, Aug 28, 2009, 11:56 am PDT

This is a load of crap. who cares about all this stuff. People are still going to eat what they want.
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8. Posted by chilesrr on Fri, Aug 28, 2009, 12:01 pm PDT

I love blueberry muffins!!!!!
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9. Posted by jbjdc on Fri, Aug 28, 2009, 12:27 pm PDT

As a practicing chiropractor, I strive to make our patients aware of the above ploys. It is really interesting how easy it is for people to fall for this stuff.
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10. Posted by carmelmtn on Fri, Aug 28, 2009, 12:28 pm PDT

Honestly everyone, are any of you shocked about any of this information? Whether you are health conscious or not the brilliance of marketers keeps us convinced that it is low fat or reduced sugar. It is pretty sad that we don't take the time to educate ourselves on what we put into our bodies.
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11. Posted by peaches91498 on Fri, Aug 28, 2009, 12:37 pm PDT

people are still going to eat it unless they are health freaks
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12. Posted by amym0929 on Fri, Aug 28, 2009, 12:42 pm PDT

This type of article is a reminder to read the ENTIRE nutritional information, regardless of your food plan preference. If the information is not easily available (as in Cheesecake Factory's website), it is probably a calorie/fat/carb-busting choice! When I found info for Cheesecake Factory on an independent website, the entrees averaged well over 1,000 each! Only four or five reasonable choices on the entire menu! I won't be there often!
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13. Posted by Isabel on Fri, Aug 28, 2009, 12:45 pm PDT

People need to eat better. All-Natural is the best way. they're may be other ways, but all natural is really good for your immune system and heart as long as you eat the right portions. Don't overload on meat, but eat more veggies. Yes, i do have fast food every once-n-a-while but I never said I'm trying to loose weight :P Eat at home more often. Have Cherrio's for breakfast and exercise more :] Thank-you for this post about food.... but honestly....Hungry Girl posts stuff that we should already know. ~Isabella
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14. Posted by julius8122 on Fri, Aug 28, 2009, 12:48 pm PDT

Read the nutritional information if you care how much fat is in something. Who cares what you eat as long as it's in moderation. Quit bashing the Adkins type diets - it saved my diabetic dad's life.
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15. Posted by 3dhouse on Fri, Aug 28, 2009, 12:55 pm PDT

I'm sorry HG, but you show all eating out options, then tell us to make your version at home (muffins and cheesecake). The point would be to give a healthier choice at the same location so those tempted to choose can pick a smarter-for-them option.
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16. Posted by jklvioletmoon on Fri, Aug 28, 2009, 12:56 pm PDT

everything is ok in maderation and people need to portion control and excersice any diet that resticts certain foods is not good
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17. Posted by platinum_polar_bear on Fri, Aug 28, 2009, 12:57 pm PDT

I agree with some of the people below I mean nobody really cares whats bad for you what has too many calories or too much fat people are still gonna eat it..unless they are health freaks or sre under a strict diet..which is neither for me..People are still gonna eat whatever the hell they want..I think anybody with common sense knows whats good and bad for them its called nutrition facts...
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18. Posted by ur_awesome on Fri, Aug 28, 2009, 1:02 pm PDT

Being healthy isnt being a freak. Its a liftstyle choice.
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19. Posted by jamesthejust1984 on Fri, Aug 28, 2009, 1:20 pm PDT

This article is one big advertisement. I wonder how much money she is getting for pushing B & J, Amy's or Subway. Bottom line is that being healthy is about choices, from what you eat, to excercise or even mental well being.
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20. Posted by Julie C on Fri, Aug 28, 2009, 1:22 pm PDT

some of you need to learn how to spell
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21. Posted by currier.suzanne on Fri, Aug 28, 2009, 1:26 pm PDT

I tried the recipe for the blueberries, wonderful. Nice to be able to eat something that tastes good and isnt loaded with too much crap.
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22. Posted by Crazy J on Fri, Aug 28, 2009, 1:38 pm PDT

I hope Hungry Girl doesn't have a self-esteem problem. Are you people always this mean?? Goodness,...let the woman do her job. Eat what you want, it's your body. You don't have to follow what she says. Gosh.
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23. Posted by Bob W on Fri, Aug 28, 2009, 2:40 pm PDT

If you don't like what hungy girl writes don't read it. I think it's cool that someone's getting the word out that food companies really don't care about your health, nor is it there resposibilty to. They care about making money.
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24. Posted by Bob W on Fri, Aug 28, 2009, 2:45 pm PDT

I am interested to see what hungry girl looks like? I went to her web sight but it didn't have any pics.
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25. Posted by foodmaker98 on Fri, Aug 28, 2009, 2:54 pm PDT

Listen, for the health nuts, this is good. For the fatties, this is good. For the normals, this is a piece of crap.
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26. Posted by dianat323 on Fri, Aug 28, 2009, 3:34 pm PDT

I love love LOVE all that fattening food, and while this is all fine and dandy like sour candy I would rather live my life and all the flavors it has to offer. Like the mighty Al Bundy once said, we should all be like the mighty cockroach they eat crap and will still out live all of us. Anyways I want to die with a bang ... yes that bang will probably be my arteries.. but I will die with a smile on my face and a Quiznos veggie sub in my hand
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27. Posted by beckym0719 on Fri, Aug 28, 2009, 3:35 pm PDT

I believe in balance, but I also feel as though the stress of trying to eat 'right' is as bad as anything else. If we listen to all the fads and what to, and not to, eat we will be down to drinking water. Oh wait that is right, that has to be a certain kind as well. Here is a concept, talk to your doctor about your health and your body. They are going to have a great base of information to help you. Just enjoy life though - take a break, have a cookie and a walk!
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28. Posted by Joy L on Fri, Aug 28, 2009, 3:42 pm PDT

Never fall for tag words. ALWAYS read the nutrition information before you jump in. That being said, sometimes you eat what isn't good for you, just be sure you know.
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29. Posted by mookietude on Fri, Aug 28, 2009, 3:44 pm PDT

So that's why I'm so CHUBBY!
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30. Posted by allsportsmind on Fri, Aug 28, 2009, 3:45 pm PDT

i still love quiznos though
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