Posted by kathryn in Myths, Fruit and Labels & advertising

Potato chips are a better snack than biscuits

I saw the report of this misconception in the weekend herald – because they’re made from a vegetable, potato chips are a better snack. While biscuits are in now way an ideal snack, potato chips are worse. They’re chock-a-block full of fat, with a 50g packet containing about 15g of fat and just over 1,000 kJ. Most plain biscuits are lower than this, a fat free yoghurt is about 400kJ, while an apple is 300kJ – much better options.

Don’t eat watermelon if you’re trying to lose weight

This is one I’ve been hearing a bit lately and I think stems from its high GI (72). However watermelon is 92% water and only about 5% carbohydrate, so despite its high GI, you’d have to eat a lot to negatively impact your blood sugar levels. Instead it’s low in kJ and a fine food to eat anytime, even when you’re trying to lose weight.

Chicken is lower in fat than red meat

Sorry, not always true – most trim cuts of lamb and beef have about the same amount of fat as chicken, while trim pork is much lower and kangaroo is lower again. Lamb, pork and beef also have higher mineral contents, particularly iron and zinc.

Coco Pops are a healthy breakfast for kids

Please, no . . . despite their extensive advertising budget and despite the fact it’s fortified with a whole range of vitamins and minerals (including calcium, zinc, B1, B2), Coco Pops are still 36% sugar. A 30g serve will contain about 11g of sugar. It also has a high GI, so it won’t keep your kids going for long. A couple of slices of wholegrain toast with honey or jam is a much better option.

Light olive oil is lower in fat

Nope, light olive oil contains exactly the same amount of fat and total kilojoules as extra virgin olive oil. The word light refers to the colour and flavour – ie it has a blander / softer taste and is a lighter colour than other olive oils.

End of rant :-)

18 July, 2006