Category: health

Frito-Lay to Make Snacks without Trans Fat

Ashley BischoffLeave a comment

I first heard about this on NPR news during my drive to work yesterday, but I've finally been able to find an online citation as well. From MSNBC, “Frito-Lay to make reduced-fat snacks”:

Frito-Lay said that in early 2003 it will eliminate hydrogenated oils and convert to trans fat-free corn oil in Doritos, Tostitos and Cheetos. The company said the change will not compromise the taste of the snacks. […]

The company, the largest unit of Purchase, New York-based PepsiCo Inc., said it will launch Lay’s Reduced Fat chips and Cheetos Reduced Fat snacks in the near future. […]

The coming-addition of reduced-fat Lays and Cheetos is a nice bonus, though I’m especially pleased about their decision to switch to non-trans-fat oils. Maybe it’s becauase it’ll soon be required to list trans-fat on labels? ;)

Trans Fat on Labels

Ashley Bischoff3 Comments

I’m pleased that the FDA has chosen to require including trans fat on food labels. Trans fat &mdash “about as bad as bad gets” — is the kind of fat that is processed so that it will stay solid at room temperature:

Trans fat is very effective in keeping cakes moist, cookies fresh and crunchy, and crackers crisp. It is also one of the worst things you can eat! According to many nutrition experts — and now a long-awaited federal report from the National Academy of Sciences�trans fat in food is about as bad as bad gets.

So, it looks like the FDA will require trans fat on labels by “FY 2003”.

A National Academy of Sciences’ (NAS’) Institute of Medicine report confirming that trans fatty acids contribute to heart disease and obesity has prompted the FDA to hasten efforts to require trans fat on food labels by the end of fiscal year 2003, according to an FDA official. The long-anticipated July 10 report — which likely will form the backbone of FDA’s trans fat labeling policy — concluded that there is no safe level of trans fat in a diet and urged consumers to minimize its consumption.

(See also this MetaFilter thread on trans fatty acids)

Praise for Burger King and McDonald’s

Ashley Bischoff1 Comment

The nutrition watchdog group “Center for Science in the Public Interest” — known for its outspoken views on the nutrition of everyday prepared foods — had some good things to say about some fast food meals:

In a list of best and worst fast foods, the center praised Burger King’s Chicken Whopper Jr. for its taste and as “the only way to get a normal-sized sandwich these days.“ The junior has 350 calories compared to 580 calories for a regular Chicken Whopper, and unlike its competition “actually tastes grilled,” the center said. […]

They also go on to say good things about Subway’s low-fat sandwiches (no surprise there). Of course, the article is sure to mention some of the offenders as well (such as Burger King’s large shake with over-1k Calories). Surprisingly, hash-browns also made the list of worst-foods.

I’m pleased that there are some reasonable foods that I could get at Burger King or Wendy’s, when I have no other options but to eat there. Note to self:

  • Burger King: Get the Chicken Whopper Jr. (350 Calories)
  • Wendy’s: Mandarin Chicken Salad (420 Calories)
  • McDonald’s: Not much luck on meal-items, though the Fruit ’n Yogurt Parfai isn’t bad. (380 Calories)

Low-Carb Eating

Ashley BischoffLeave a comment

I’ve been following some of the low-carb diets, and Josh passed along that 20/20 had a segment last night on low-carb diets. He happened to e-mail me as it was airing, so by the time I read the e-mail, I had missed it ;). Luckily, though, there’s a good summary on their website.

“The theory was that a low-fat/high-carb diet would control weight and help prevent killer diseases. But most of the studies that followed actually failed to show a direct link between fat in the diet and heart disease and cancer. But by then it was too late — even science couldn't shake the prevailing wisdom that all fats are bad, and all carbs are good,” explained Johnson.

By investigating the genesis of this theory, Taubes found that the government's initial decision 30 years ago to promote low-fat diets was not based on recommendations from doctors or scientists, but rather from lawyers who worked for Sen. George McGovern in the mid-1970s. […]

I also found the “good fats / bad fats” and “good carbs / bad carbs” charts especially helpful. I was confused for a sec when it appeared that pasta was listed both as a “bad carb” and and as a “good carb” — but, it looks like the distinction is that “wheat or oat … pastas” are ok (at least, according to the chart).