The Graphite Blog

With “healthy eating” becoming a nearly $40 billion trend, it’s no surprise that manufacturers of food products are walking a fine line between legal and deceptive advertising. You won’t be hard pressed to find a product that claims “clinical research shows that eating this food can lower your cholesterol” or “this food helps you lose weight.” Natasha Singer writes about some companies that have taken claims a bit too far in a recent New York Times article.

Just turn on your television, flip through your favorite magazine, or open your refrigerator door. You’ll have no trouble finding a food that will surely help you live longer, better, or stronger – well, according to the advertising at least. Many of the most well-known companies, like General Mills and Kellogg, are marketing their products’ so-called health benefits by sometimes making inflated claims.

It’s important to note that these companies don’t claim that their products prevent or cure diseases – making such a suggestion would be against federal regulations. But take a peek at the fine line between legal and deceptive, and you’ll find a crowd of companies carefully, but not so gracefully, dancing.

One of our favorite mentions in the article was about a very well-known beverage – Welch’s 100% Grape Juice. The packaging for this tasty drink proudly sports the coveted “red heart” from the American Heart Association – a glossy accessory that probably costs more than a pretty penny. Here’s what’s most intriguing about the juice: with 36 grams of sugar, Welch's 100% Grape Juice has more sugar than a regular-sized Snickers candy bar (with 30 grams of sugar). Although we’re certainly not suggesting that you ditch the bottle for the bar, we are suggesting that consumers should examine food labels a little more closely, not rely solely on endorsements from “experts.”

The aptly titled “Food With Benefits, or So They Say” goes on to talk about steps regulatory agencies are taking to better protect consumers. The Federal Trade Commission, for example, filed complaints against Kellogg for its Frosted Mini-Wheats breakfast cereal and against Dannon for its Activia yogurt product. More recently, the makers of Pom Wonderful have faced scrutiny because of claims made in product advertising.

Check out the article to read about the ongoing battle between the government and multi-billion dollar companies.

Despite the overwhelmingly obvious benefits, exercise is frequently skipped, often conveniently missed, and commonly hated. The list of excuses made is endless – from dislike of a gym’s distinct aroma of sweat to schedules that provide too little free time and flexibility. Excuse makers (you know who you are) must realize that exercise is an activity to find time for, be excited about, and look forward to.
 
Finding a fondness for physical activity isn’t hard – just think outside the box for motivation.
Use a little creativity to adapt the activities you already enjoy doing – like socializing or dancing – into activities that will get your body moving toward a healthier lifestyle. After all, exercise isn’t an activity reserved for intimidating gyms and a great workout doesn’t have to include treadmills or weight benches. Our bodies can get a great workout just by doing physically demanding activities that we enjoy.
 
Here’s some ideas to get you started:
 
Zumba. If you enjoy moving your body to the latest rhythmic beats, then try Zumba. While grooving to Latin-inspired music, you’ll hardly feel like you’re working out.
 
Gardening. For those with two left feet and a green thumb, gardening might be a better option than Zumba for exercise. Planting trees and flowers, pulling weeds, and mowing the lawn are great ways to get your body moving while doing something you enjoy.
 
Socializing. For the chatty types that are capable of walking and talking at the same time, gather a group of just-as-capable (and just-as-chatty) friends for a regular gab-fest. Meet every Saturday morning for a walk-and-talk. As you exercise your mouth by chatting, it will feel more like you’re enjoying a night out than a workout.
 
Volunteering. Try an activity that could benefit you in several ways – like volunteering. Building houses with an organization like Habitat for Humanity, for example, could be very rewarding. By hammering nails and sawing lumber, you’ll give your body a workout, while at the same time meeting new people and helping others in need.
 

The concept of the “ideal” body shifts slightly from decade to decade — and sometimes minute to minute. Now when you’re talking about your backside, scrawny is out. Today’s top derrieres belong to well-endowed divas Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez and Beyonce. As you self monitor your caloric intake, here are a few workouts that some claim will help you get that perfect booty.

Kim-Inspired Workout

In this video from Diet.com, you’ll get glute exercises including the Bird Dog, Donkey Kick, Curtsy Lunge and Airplane. “This workout will tone and lift your butt, focusing on strength-training your glutes,” notes the description. And the disclaimer: “You will not get a big butt from this workout video. It may make it smaller as the result of making it tighter!”

Get J Lo’s Bum

From Videojug, learn how to get Jennifer Lopez’s bum with this English trainer. Her two suggested moves are a Squat using a medicine ball and a Bulgarian Lunge. 

Beyonce’s “Let’s Move”

It’s tough to argue with the benefits of Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move Initiative, which included a flash workout from Beyonce. The campaign is focused on curbing childhood obesity. Here are all the moves and instructions. Get moving!