SEARCH:
Sign in | Join | Help
search Mercola.com
 
FREE Subscription 
The World’s Most Popular Natural Health Newsletter
How The Deceptive Practices of Processed Food Manufacturers Contribute to Childhood Obesity


You can't judge a book and many processed foods marketed to children by their "covers," according to a report being released today at the California Childhood Obesity Conference. Half of the products analyzed contained no fruit at all, even though their packaging prominently featured images or names of fruits.

Researchers used data from a recent Kaiser Family Foundation report to target the leading food advertisers on children's TV programs, then concentrated their focus on 37 products that typically reside on grocery store shelves and feature the word or images of fruit on their packaging.

No surprise, among the products tested with no fruit in them -- yogurt and cereal -- are among some of the worst foods anybody can eat.

What's more, experts also pointed out how parents still trust manufacturers of sweetened fruit-flavored juices, even those that contain less than 10 percent real fruit juice.

Deceptive marketing practices, however, are only one of many contributors to childhood obesity. That said, there are a number of simple things parents can do that can have a profound effect on this health-harming epidemic.

Los Angeles Times January 26, 2007








 
 Do you find this article interesting?
Comment on This Article Community Comments (26)
 
 
Posted On Jan 26, 2007

The breakfast cereal and refined sugars/hydrogenated/trans fat laden granola bar industry, (General Mills, Kellogg's,Pepsico Owned Quaker Oats, Altera-Kraft-Tobacco Owned CW Post, etc.) have lost BILLIONS of dollars in total market share, over the past 15 years, to better for you energy and truly fuctional bars, as has the candy bar and confectionery industry, for the first time, in the past 24 months.

Pouring milk into a bowl in the morning, is no longer convenient for a society out the door to work on cell phones, and NOT really getting much of any nutrition from these aerated, sugary, salty, and less than wholesome dietary intake options, crowding supermarket shelves, because of back door bribe real estate fees paid the super market chains, they semantically call 'slotting fees', passed on to each and every consumer in the highly over priced retail cost per cereal box.

This group of deceptive marketers mentioned, lobby all the time for PHONY 'whole grain' and 'organic' labeling laws at FDA, that dumb-down nutrition, to line their pockets, and try to hold off, or blur, the clear choice distinction of better-for-you or more natural and less processed, brands offered to consumers.

My favorite story, absolutely true, is the the BIG CEREAL COMPANY who did a weight gain feeding test on a new allegedly better for you brand of a breakfast cereal. 

There was a base line group of lab rats fed the new cereal, versus a standard brand, already in the market place.

Guess what?  The standard brand cereal rats had normal anticipated weight gain, and the new and improved cereal rats seemed to be less healthy and lower in weight, when statisitcally correlated.

However, a third group of rats in cages, off to the side of the study, getting normal lab rat food and water, in combination with knawing through their cages at discarded cardboard box packaging (presumably the cellulose and starches in the cardboard) from the newer brand being tested, had the best nutritional weight gain and health of the three groups!!!

THERE WAS MORE NUTRITION IN THE CEREAL BOX THAN THE NEW CEREAL!!! 

Also overheard at a big food science convention, was the head corporate buyer of a BIG cereal company, being asked by an alternative supplier, why he was purchasing scientifcally proven non absorbable calcium (ground rock) for their special cereal targeting women for calcium fortification and bone loss issues?

The answer was very straight forward, "because it's the lowest in price".

The next time you think you are getting real absorbable nutrients, vitamins, or minerals, or other HYPED window dressing in or insignificant tiny amounts of some functional flavor of the week, in that smart or special or good for you box of breakfast cereal,or pretty packaging breakfast or snack bar, think again, and do not waist your time or money!


 
Russ Bianchi
Savvy User Savvy User, Joined On 9/2006
Russ Bianchi  
Replied

veggienut
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 9/2006
veggienut  
 
Posted On Jan 27, 2007
I think it just goes to show that if you pull something off a shelf and throw it into your cart without turning it over and reading the label...you're a chump!


James Buerge
Novice User Novice User Joined On 1/2007
James Buerge  
 
Posted On Jan 27, 2007
Reading labels is important, but the ingredients list on the back is just as deceiving as the package front. For instance, when it says that it includes "natural and artificial" flavorings, that leaves a catch-all for almost endless "other" ingredients that may be included therein, that we will never know about. Another lobbied provision for the manufacturer's benefit, not ours. I have almost concluded that if it has a label, don't eat it. It is a money driven commodity - - not a food.


BiomedE
Apprentice User Apprentice User Joined On 11/2006
BiomedE  
 
Posted On Feb 10, 2007
I was at the store the other day and picked up a Lunchables (the box with ham and cheese and crackers marketed as a kid's lunch) out of curiousity of the label.  I didn't even read the ingredients list: I just saw that it took up nearly an entire side panel of the box before putting it back in disgust.

Even thinking about it I feel nauseous.

On the other hand I finally located a farm near me that sells grass-fed beef (and pig!) and I had a delicious steak for dinner (for cheaper than the grocery stores sell it -- cut out the middle man!)


MarieTillman
Novice User Novice User Joined On 11/2006
MarieTillman  
 
Posted On Feb 11, 2007
 The reason why cereal companies are going to organic is because a lot of consumers are looking for products without Corn SYrup or hydrogenated oils.
 I must say that i disagree about the Organic Mini Wheats. The big deal is it does not use cornsyrup for its sugar which as you know your body dosen't know what to with causing all kinds of side effects later in life.
 the real sugar at least can  be processed and used.I think it is a good beginning for big companies that are going organic and i think they should be commended for it. Just getting americans away from  cornsyrup and hydrogented oils alone is a great start,and people are
starting to know.
 Now what RELLY makes me mad is cereals like HEART SMARt,Kelloggs SPECIAL K all have corn syrup and hydrogenated oils.
The commercials make you feel like you are eating SOO o healthy when you buy and eat them.It is  the most missleading thing I have ever
seen. I even called the American Heart Institute to take their heart healthy add off and I think they did.
   Now as far as i have noticed the green check mark in the middle of the circle that is suppose to show you if the food is heart smart or not is
OK. You will notice it on Oatmeal some cereals    and some yogurt.
The products do not contain C.S. or Hydr. oils.
 The definition of organic means all natural ingredients and that includes sugar,I dont believe a product that uses all natural sugar that is organic is miss leading do you?



MarksDailyApple
Novice User Novice User Joined On 11/2006
MarksDailyApple  
 
Posted On Feb 20, 2007
I'm so glad the Doc is relentless in drawing attention to what I consider truly evil marketing tactics for children's "food" (I use that term generously). Breakfast cereals in particular are literally nothing more than dessert --  add in some pasteurized worthless milk and you're really setting yourself up for diabetes, obesity, et al! I am infuriated by the meaningless bandying of the word "fruit" on everything, as if that is any indication of health or has any bearing on the nutrition of the product. Get steamed, get eggs for breakfast instead, and then get a laugh about the ridiculous heights of children's food marketing by reading Mark Sisson's alter ego, the Fuming Fuji.

If your kids aren't into eggs, how about a little smoked wild salmon and fresh berries? Breakfast food doesn't have to be "breakfasty" or even cooked. I love buying wild salmon filets that are smoked. It's a tasty finger food, and coupled with some figs, blueberries or grapes, makes a great energizing breakfast. Another good bet is a hearty slice of raw cheese and some delicious cherry tomatoes, which even kids will eat (the beefsteak toms, not so much). Kids love finger food and these sorts of things are easy if you are trying to get out the door!

Cheers,

Sara


megemassage
Novice User Novice User Joined On 10/2006
megemassage  
 
Posted On Mar 07, 2007
Nature's Path makes a number of good organic cereals.  My favorite is Heritage Muesli with raspberries & hazelnuts.  Applegate Farms and Wellshire both have turkey bacon with no nitrates.  Organic/free-range eggs are always a good choice.  I make "pizza" and "Mexican" omelets which children & adults love.  Spices, pizza sauce, & cheese go into the pizza and spices, grilled onions, salsa, cilantro, black beans, whatever go into the "Mexican" one.  I buy oatmeal in the bulk section at a co-op.  I put the oats in a stainless steel pot the night before with filtered water and let it soak.  It causes a partial sprouting.  It is only necessary to turn the stove to a low setting, stir, and watch for the oats to finish cooking.  They will be very creamy.  Add some spices (cinnamon, allspice, etc.), some sweetener (raw honey, maple syrup, stevia, etc.), and some freshly ground flaxseeds AFTER cooking.  French toast is a rare treat.  Whole fruits or smoothies are great.  You can also eat "dinner" left overs. Who said that you can't eat vegetable lasagna for breakfast?

 
 
 
Posted On Jan 28, 2007

Oatmeal is not bad, gets mundane after a while.  I like it with blueberries, no milk or sweetener.  I also like eggs for breakfast.

mmc88121


 
mmc88121
Moderator User Moderator User, Joined On 11/2006
mmc88121  
 
 
 
Posted On Feb 10, 2007
My family have cut out trans fats and hydrogenated oils. I try to only buy organic foods. I do not drink sodas or sugar laden drinks, I mainly drink green tea or Evian water daily.  I do not eat fried foods or frozen packaged foods. I do not eat or drink anything with artificial colors, flavors or with preservatives in it. I am trying not to eat anything now with corn syrup in it either. With all that said.... this has elimated 3/4 of the items in the grocery stores. I have to tell you, finding something to eat in the mornings for myself and my two young children is a real challenge! Most days we either eat organic eggs or fruit for breakfast. We take probiotics, krill oil and the Purple Defense antioxidants daily.  We are getting a lot of informative information from Dr. Mercola and other sources on what we should not eat or drink because sooooo many things are unhealthy for us. But can anyone please give suggestions for alternatives? Does anyone have any receipes for breakfast that are good for us and that taste good?  Does anyone have suggestions for meals that children may enjoy for breakfast and for lunches they can pack for school? Thanks!

 
kare4u
Apprentice User Apprentice User, Joined On 11/2006
kare4u  
Replied

PepperR23
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 6/2006
PepperR23  
 
Posted On Feb 11, 2007
I understand your challenge.  Whole Foods has Kid-sized organic apples that I love because they are small.  Every morning for breakfast I have one apple sliced, organic, caged-free eggs (scrambled in coconut oil) sliced organic tomatoes, sour-dough toast (made without oil or sugar) spread with either coconut oil or organic-cultured better or organic raw honey, and organic (black) coffee.  For a snack I have raw organic walnuts, with sliced fruit, or celery. Hope this helps. 


alm260
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 6/2006
alm260  
 
Posted On Feb 11, 2007
I highly recommed (and so would Dr. Mercola) that you and your children need to figure out what your metabolic type is, so that your kids will be eating breakfast and lunch meals that they will satisfied with.  When most people try to get healthy with changing their meals to whole foods, they sometimes fall back to eating poorly because they aren't eating according to their metabolic type.

If you or your kids leans towards being carbohydrate metabolic types, you need to be vegetable juicing for breakfast.  If you have never done this, I would recommend that you go Mercola's website and type in juicing and he gives some recommendations on how to start slowly.  You can experiment with what your kids like and have them juice their own vegetables (they enjoy this and feel a part of the experience making them more likely to drink it).  My husband and I are both mixed types and so we have vegetable juice with leftover grass-fed meat from the night before (warmed up in the toaster over) or have some nuts with the juice and we feel satisfied.

Another idea for breakfast is fruit smoothies.  If you can get some organic, grass-fed raw milk add this and one or two raw grass-fed eggs, some fruit (you can do a variety of different berries, kiwi, bananas (be careful though because bananas are high in natural sugar or pinapple, mangoes, peaches, etc.) and then add some coconut oil/butter and a few walnuts.  I like to add a little vanilla or almond extract.  You can also add in some vanilla or strawberry protein mix from Dr. Mercola's site.  Yummy!  Just experiment with a variety of things so you don't become allergic to eating the same foods all the time.


Bookrat68
Novice User Novice User Joined On 8/2006
Bookrat68  
 
Posted On Feb 12, 2007
In response to kare4u's e-mail about breakfast, I am boring and eat a different kind of oatmeal every morning; scottish porridge, rolled oats, 5, 7 and 10 grain hot cereal and steel cut oats.  I add cinnamon, maple syrup, raw honey or brown sugar to it plus chopped up nuts and seeds (almonds, sunflower nuts, pumpkin seeds and flax seed).  If you want to trade some more recipes, e-mail me at bookrat68@hotmail.com.  I have some good muffin and bread recipes that you could use to mix things up.  My husband enjoys french toast with free range eggs and real maple syrup or raw honey and I am sure your kids will also. 

Kat


BRflamingo
Apprentice User Apprentice User Joined On 2/2007
BRflamingo  
 
Posted On Feb 12, 2007
Hi.  I have a few suggestions.  If your kids like rice, you can cook brown rice or used leftover rice, chill it overnight, & make rice pudding the next day.  Great breakfast when you add some chopped nuts.  I can't eat wheat but there are lots of alternatives that I use that you can use regular wheat products for if you like.  Lots of days, I do rice toast with almond butter and a piece of fruit.  You could do any of the nut butters on different types of bread.  I also make a cookie-type thing with canned pumpkin & nuts that I eat for breakfast. It's good with tea for a snack too.  It could be used for a great grab & go breakfast.  I also eat quinoa.  You might want to look into that for a hot breakfast.  I also make some cookie-type things with the flake form of quinoa.  Other thoughts are cheese toast for the kids - a good bread & some cheese.  Although I don't eat much dairy because of lactose intolerance I find I can tolerate the raw milk cheddar cheese sold at Whole Foods and also aged Parmesan which is made from cultured cheese & is not pasteurized ( it makes good cheese toast also - especially with some olive oil on the bread first!)  You can try some scrambled eggs & tomotoes or other stuffings like refried beans & lettuce- I prefer the black beans - rolled into organic corn tortillas.  I use a rice crust pizza, but you could make your own pizza, which I used to do pre-nowheat days- & eat leftover pizza for breakfast.  Another good thing is sweet potatoes.  Sliced & drizzled with olive oil & chopped rosemary & baked - they are good hot or cold & with a handful of nuts - you've got breakfast.  Or you could cube & steam & mix with applesauce & spices & some nuts for a warm breakfast.  Got to just think outside the old routine & a new world opens up.  Happy eating.


Tinytwin
Novice User Novice User Joined On 2/2007
Tinytwin  
 
Posted On Feb 13, 2007
I gave up on cereals, as most contain salt, sugar and wheat.  The only 2 that don't are puffed rice and oats.  I sometimes eat the oats raw with some honey mixed in. 
I buy plain yoghurt and make my own fruit yoghurt by adding in a mashed banana to 500 ml pot of yoghurt, and a tablespoon of honey (or honey to taste).  Greek yoghurt needs less honey as it has a mild flavour.


sucram
Novice User Novice User Joined On 3/2007
sucram  
 
Posted On Apr 24, 2007
You can try some smoothies combining armond milk (made by blanching armonds then blending them with water), make it a fruit smoothy or a protein smoothy using eggs, walnuts and cocoa beans for a bit of flavour. Try adding nuts, seeds and dried fruit to your fresh fruit for more bulk in your food. Rolled oats are a good cereal substitute, and you can get some oatmeal milk from your health food store to go with it. just boil up the milk, add the oats, stir and cook on a medium heat until the oats are soft and it forms a porridge, put it in a bowl and add sliced fruit for more flavour. Theres no rule against having a meat/vegetable based breakfast either, maybe a quick easy stir fry.

 
 
 
Posted On Jan 28, 2007

Oatmeal and a real banana look like your best bet.

Kurt www.easystm.com


 
Kurt_Jarcik
Novice User Novice User, Joined On 1/2007
Kurt_Jarcik  
Replied

eatright
Novice User Novice User Joined On 2/2007
eatright  
 
Posted On Feb 10, 2007
I eat Ezekiel cereal.  It is made from freshly-sprouted grains according to the box and there is no sugar of any kind in the ingredients.  I could probably do without this, but since I love cereal so much, it seemed I should at least choose something genuinely organic.  If anyone knows that this cereal is not what it seems, let me know.

 
 
 
Posted On Feb 10, 2007
I found this video on cereal very interesting. I happened to see Oprah show with Bob Greene touting the benefits of FiberOne - said it was great source of fiber,make one feel full, and possibly lose some weight. I bought a box - big mistake. I didn't enjoy the taste or the weird texture. Worst part is I found that I am very "allergic" to wheat.
Had to go to doctor to correct mistake!

 
whidbey hiker
Novice User Novice User, Joined On 2/2007
whidbey hiker  
 
 
 
 
© Copyright 2009 Dr. Joseph Mercola. All Rights Reserved. If you want to use this article on your site please click here. This content may be copied in full, with copyright, contact, creation and information intact, without specific permission, when used only in a not-for-profit format. If any other use is desired, permission in writing from Dr. Mercola is required.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using this product.