Are Fruit Loops a “Smart Choice?”  Even though they are 40% sugar?  It says they are a smart choice on the label!  It says they are “whole grain,” too.

What about Cocoa Puffs?  Are they a smart choice?  Yes, according to the green (for go and eat it) “Smart Choice” label from manufacturers.

Check out this ABC news story, which also mentions Bagel-fuls, filled with cream cheese and red dye #40 sugared jam, also a “Smart Choice.”

Now, the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) is taking a look into the controversy.  Take a look at this New York Times article that talks about the FDA’s plans to overhaul food packaging labels, to correctly report exactly how much fat, sugar and salt a manufactured food product contains.  It’s about time, I think.  We haven’t been able to trust food packaging or marketing since the very beginning. I’m not sure we will ever be able to completely trust food advertising and marketing claims.

We have to make our own smart choices.  In order to be healthy and smart with food, we need to understand a little nutrition: it’s simple, eat foods with whole grains that are not “enriched” (that means something has been taken out) with little or no sugar added.  Watch the amount of fat.

No, mayonnaise is not a smart choice!  Don’t trust the label on the jar that says it is.