We've given up a lot of convenience foods to be green, we really have. Between the excess packaging and the unpronounceable ingredients list, it's hard to find things like premade cookies that fall into our eco-conscious diet. We're the first to admit that sometimes, though, we let the word "organic" serve as a green light to eat things that otherwise might not be too healthy. Turns out, we're not the only ones.
A recently-released study says that folks often think "organic" means the snack in hand is healthier. And while it might be better for us (and the Earth) in the long run, there's something else to keep in mind.
In a study released by the Cornell Food & Brand Lab, results showed that people assumed that snacks labeled organic contained up to 40 percent fewer calories than they actually do.
Meaning, people who snack on prepackaged foods are apt to eat more in one sitting. We can related, as we sit here snacking on organic gingersnaps. That "organic" label makes us feel a little better about indulging.
What about you? Do you fall into the "organic = healthy" trap like we are apt to do? Or do you keep your snacking, even of the organic variety, to a minimum?
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I cannot think...I just want those cookies!
I think it largely depends on your definition of "healthy". Healthy could mean low calorie, or in the case of organic foods, it could mean unprocessed, real foods. So yes you could say organic cookies are healthier than say Oreos because there is no HFCS, refined ingredients, and other processed parts. However calorie-wise the Oreo and organic cookie are probably the same because a cookie is a cookie, even when healthier ingredients replace the bad ones.
Calorie is not a bad word. "High-fructose-corn-syrup" is (ok, it's a bad phrase). So, all cookie and no filler makes me happy. Also, snacking makes me happy, and happy equals healthy. So, as long as those 200 calories are all legitimate sustenance (what's that, a 30 minute vigorous walk to burn off?) I don't see the problem.
("Queen of Justification")
I see organic as being a safer food, not a good for my healthy type of food. Being organic doesn't affect the nutritional value of the food. I think a lot of people don't actually know what the USDA organic label certifies. It doesn't have any claims to be healthy for humans. Although no chemicals is healthier in that they aren't being detrimental to your health (but this doesn't affect nutritional health!). So cookies are not a healthy food. However, most things are okay in moderation. And as long as you realize what you are eating is not healthy for you and make sure you don't too much of it, you are good.
For those that don't know what organic is....
From USDA's site:
"What is organic food?
Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; or ionizing radiation. Before a product can be labeled "organic," a Government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. Companies that handle or process organic food before it gets to your local supermarket or restaurant must be certified, too."
Lol, "Organic" is the new "lowfat"!
Uh, do donuts have calories?
Your body doesn't say, "Oh, this is ORGANIC fried sugar. I'll just burn these right up."
http://thesweetest3.com/