If it's true that we really are what we eat, then we better be eating healthy. How do you really know whether you're buying the right foods? If food labels confuse you, you are not alone.
The food industry is very good at selling you its products. One way companies market their food is by slapping a label on it -- telling you their product is heart-healthy, or all-natural.
Almost everywhere we look, we are surrounded by food.
"We can eat everywhere we go, from the bookstore to the airport, and there's more temptation than ever," said author and nutritional researcher Dr. Robert Davis.
How do you find the healthy stuff at the grocery store? Many of us go by what is says on the box, or the bag.
"And it's overwhelming to figure out which to buy based on the labels on the foods," said Davis.
Davis, who wrote Coffee is Bad (no Good) For You, says don't go by the labels.
"My advice is to ignore them all, because these are generally marketing gimmicks," said Davis.
Heart-healthy can mean a lot of things. Multi-grain just means there are several grains, not that you're getting healthy whole grains, so check the nutritional label. And what about the claim a food is natural, or all natural?
"But in fact, it doesn't really mean anything, there's no strict definition by the FDA when it comes to those words so when we see that, we pretty much should just ignore it," explained Davis.
The same thing applies with magic bullet foods -- that promise to be all you need to protect your heart, or help you slim down.
"I think what's important to remember is unfortunately, it's not that simple. That what is really important is really our overall diet, our overall dietary patterns, not whether we include or exclude a certain food," said Davis.
So, what's the secret? Davis says aim for working in as many good-for-you foods as you can each day. That means fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and healthy fats. You want to cut back on junk food, refined carbohydrates, Trans fats and red meat.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:28 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:28:40 GMT
Melanoma is considered the deadliest form of skin cancer. A veteran dermatologist says he used to see three to five melanomas a year. Now, he says, he sees that many in a week!
Melanoma is considered the deadliest form of skin cancer. A veteran dermatologist says he used to see three to five melanomas a year. Now, he says, he sees that many in a week!
Thursday, May 16 2013 11:00 PM EDT2013-05-17 03:00:47 GMT
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows millions of American kids suffer from mental health problems. Experts believe as many as 20 percent of American children are affected.
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows millions of American kids suffer from mental health problems. Experts believe as many as 20 percent of American children are affected.
Thursday, May 16 2013 12:02 AM EDT2013-05-16 04:02:20 GMT
Hundreds of American troops have lost a leg or arm in Afghanistan because of improvised explosive devices or homemade bombs.
Hundreds of American troops have lost a leg or arm in Afghanistan because of improvised explosive devices or homemade bombs. It was 29-year-old John Kremer's job to find those hidden bombs, and safely destroy them. That's what the Buford man was trying to do, when one of them exploded right under his feet.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 6:42 PM EDT2013-05-15 22:42:54 GMT
"You're fired!" Those are two words you never want to hear from anyone, especially your own doctor. But that can happen when patients and physicians don't see eye-to-eye.
"You're fired!" Those are two words you never want to hear from anyone, especially your own doctor. But that can happen when patients and physicians don't see eye-to-eye.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 7:48 AM EDT2013-05-14 11:48:46 GMT
There are more than 31 million Americans enrolled in Medicare Part D. And according to a recent survey, more than a third are worried about prescription drug costs.
There are more than 31 million Americans enrolled in Medicare Part D. And according to a recent survey, more than a third are worried about prescription drug costs.
Monday, May 13 2013 6:08 PM EDT2013-05-13 22:08:35 GMT
It was a risky delivery: a young mother who'd lost one baby at birth was delivering her second child by C-section.
It was a risky delivery: a young mother who'd lost one baby at birth was delivering her second child by C-section. She was surrounded by more than a dozen specialists and nurses. But this high stakes birth wasn't in a hospital operating room. It was at Zoo Atlanta.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:31 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:31:42 GMT
For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios. But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios. But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:28 AM EDT2013-05-17 15:28:00 GMT
They say the third time's a charm, and that's certainly the case for Candice Glover. A third try on American Idol was just what she needed, and on Thursday night she was crowned the season 12 champ.
They say the third time's a charm, and that's certainly the case for Candice Glover. A third try on American Idol was just what she needed, and on Thursday night she was crowned the season 12 champ.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:18 AM EDT2013-05-17 15:18:53 GMT
What's better than Friday? FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY! This week, we got a visit from Masala Fresh Indian Street Food, and just like always, Good Day's Buck Lanford was more than willing to have a taste.
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Friday, May 17 2013 11:17 AM EDT2013-05-17 15:17:48 GMT
Can you smell what The Rock is cookin' next? He's ready for Fast & Furious 6, which opens in theaters on May 24!
Can you smell what The Rock is cookin' next? He's ready for Fast & Furious 6, which opens in theaters on May 24! The Rock --- who almost never goes by his real name, Dwayne Johnson-- joined Good Day to give us a sneak peek.
Friday, May 17 2013 10:18 AM EDT2013-05-17 14:18:11 GMT
Need some great advice about... well, anything? Ask Wendy! Wendy Williams has a brand-new book (called, of course-- Ask Wendy) that offers advice on all the "drama" in your life.
Need some great advice about... well, anything? Ask Wendy! Wendy Williams has a brand-new book (called, of course-- Ask Wendy) that offers advice on all the "drama" in your life.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:54 AM EDT2013-05-17 11:54:05 GMT
For most women, there's a big difference between the wedding you wish you could have, and the wedding you can actually afford. So how can you have your dream wedding and not break the bank?
For most women, there's a big difference between the wedding you wish you could have, and the wedding you can actually afford. So how can you have your dream wedding and not break the bank? We got some tips from an expert.
Thursday, May 16 2013 11:21 PM EDT2013-05-17 03:21:44 GMT
American Idol Season 12 is almost officially over, and now, all that's left is part two of the giant finale.
American Idol Season 12 is almost officially over, and now, all that's left is part two of the giant finale. Good Day's Paul Milliken never met a red carpet he didn't like-- so who better to break down the final performances of the season live from downtown L.A. bright and early!
Thursday, May 16 2013 10:03 AM EDT2013-05-16 14:03:48 GMT
In the words of Ryan Seacrest, "It's all come down to this." So who's it gonna be: Candice or Kree? (yep, we know that rhymes)
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