From The Past: March 27, 2008

Lately I have noticed more product placement during television shows than ever before. I watch a lot of reality TV and that could be the reason why. Last night on America’s Next Top Model they made sure they showed the name of the cellular phone company on the phone they used several times.

As much as I love The Biggest Loser, I believe they have become the worst in the product placement category. So far, they have advertised Ziploc Bags, Subway, Brita water filters, Extra chewing gum, Orville Redenbacher’s 100 Calorie Popcorn, PAM Cooking Spray, and Quaker Oatmeal: Weight Control. It’s really obvious and sometimes comical and corny when they endorse products because you as the viewer can tell the whole situation was planned, directed, and probably scripted.

My point is this; you can’t just go by what they are selling even though it is a TV show about losing weight. Just because the oatmeal is called Weight Control, doesn’t mean it is the best one out there. The Weight Control flavors include cinnamon, maple & brown sugar, and banana bread. Each of these packets has 160 calories. However, if you buy the Quaker Low Sugar Oatmeal, you will see the maximum amount of calories is 120. When you’re counting calories like I am, 40 calories is a lot.

When counting calories, you have to do the research for yourself. Read the back of the box and make sure you look at the serving size. Take the Weight Watchers Smart Ones Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Sundae for example. It has 170 calories, but that is for one cookie. Since you get two in the box, many people would think you could eat both cookies for 170 calories. This is not so.

Don’t take someone else’s word for anything. Always read for yourself because you know what you want for your body.