Health Halo Effect

Health Halo Effect

I recently posted tips on how to read and understand food Ingredients Lists (which is the most important information on a food package) and how to understand Nutrition Facts Labels.

I coach my clients on ways to empower themselves as educated food consumers as part of creating a LIFESTYLE of health and fitness. To build on reading food ingredients and nutrition facts labels and to help simplify it, beware of the "Health Halo Effect" as a result of front of package health claims such as "Natural" (which is meaningless and a non-regulated term), "Low Fat", "Low Calorie", "Gluten Free", "Protein" or "Healthy". 

Basically, the more marketing claims on the front of the package, the more the food manufacturer doesn't want us to turn it around and read what's really in it! Front of package health claims - or product marketing - sell more food products and food companies are more interested in selling more products than anything else.

Studies show that we are programmed to think foods with health claims on the front of a package are healthier choices and could aid in weight loss - the Health Halo Effect. So, next time you pick up a packaged food, take note of the marketing claims on the front of the package and then be sure to turn it around and read the ingredients list and nutrition facts label to be sure you are making a healthy choice and not drawn in by the luring package claims!