Don’t Be Fooled by Misleading Food Product Claims

With so many flashy claims on food product boxes and packaging, it can be hard to tell which claims really mean you’re buying a healthy product, and which offer more hype than help.

by Ian Lee, HealthCastle.com With so many flashy claims on food product boxes and packaging, it can be hard to tell which claims really mean you’re buying a healthy product, and which offer more hype than help. According to dietitian Gloria Tsang, founder of nutrition network HealthCastle.com, some claims splashed across grocery store packaging mean virtually nothing in terms of health benefits – even though they’re designed to create a healthy impression. "There is very little regulation over how manufacturers are allowed to use certain claims," Tsang said in a press release. "That means you have to educate yourself about which claims are actually meaningful so as not to be fooled into paying too much for products with no added benefits, …

• Photos (1)

Recipe Corner

Five Healthy Takes on New Orleans Snacks for the Super Bowl

Capture the essence of New Orleans by serving Cajun and Creole-themed foods for the Super Bowl.

by Ian Lee, HealthCastle.com This year's Super Bowl happens in New Orleans. Most Americans may not travel all the way to the Big Easy to watch the game, but anyone can capture the essence of the region by serving Cajun and Creole-themed foods. Classic Louisiana foods tend to be heavy on fat, calories, and sodium, but some simple variations can help cut down on post-game regret. Dietitian Gloria Tsang examined five of the "best-known New Orleans food items" to create simple suggestions for lightening up the classic recipes. "Louisiana's rich food culture gives Super Bowl fans lots of options for regionally appropriate Super Bowl party foods," Tsang said in a press release. "We just tweaked them so that they work as healthier snacks while …

• Photos (1)

Getting Protein Without Eating Meat

Protein is not unique to meat products, but those eliminating or reducing meat intake need to be careful to replace this easy and familiar source of protein.

By Ian Lee October is Vegetarian Awareness Month, which makes it a great time to think about incorporating more non-meat options into your diet. Even for those who don’t plan to switch to full-time vegetarian eating, the Meatless Mondays trend means more and more people are looking for healthy vegetarian options for family meals at least once a week. Protein is not unique to meat products, but those eliminating or reducing meat intake need to be careful to replace this easy and familiar source of protein, according to dietitian Gloria Tsang, founder of nutrition network HealthCastle.com and author of Go UnDiet: 50 Small Actions for Lasting Weight Loss.  “Protein builds and maintains muscles, organs, skin and blood, assists in energy …

•  2 Comments
• Photos (1)