Day Nine of the 100 Reps Challenge
This is why I love The New York Times (well, this, too)*. Just because something is being touted as coming from a “healthier” restaurant, brand, or menu line, doesn’t mean that it is healthy. Just look at Kashi cereal!
We are so easily tricked and fooled into thinking that things are much better than they are because they have this “health halo”- so the best thing we can do is become as informed as possible and be really aware of what we are eating. Rather than make assumptions, we need to take the initiative to inform ourselves.
Today’s Challenge
10 push ups with rows (that’s 10 each side)
10 crunches
20 leg swing/speed skaters: shift your weight from one leg to the next, swinging the opposite leg behind while using your arms for momentum (20 each side)
Do this set 5 times throughout the day or all at once to complete 50 push ups with rows, 50 crunches, and 100 leg swing/speed skaters!
Fitness Tip: Switch it up with different types of crunches for each set. Do regular crunches, bicycle crunches, and reverse crunches, or anything else that you can think of to make it more interesting and to target a variety of muscles.
*Can’t be bothered to click on the link? The first one is “Health Halo can Hide Calories” and is discussing how easily we’re duped into thinking something is far better than it actually is because it has health claims stamped across it or because it has a reputation for being more nutritious. The second link, “Quest for the Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie”, will take you to an extensive history of the chocolate chip cookie, complete with baking tips and a recipe. Bet you’re clicking on that link now!
um…I think annatto colour (from the cereal review you linked back to) comes from BEETLES! Oh, wait – I think that’s carmine http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/QAA400058
Thanks to the link to the NY Times. You make a good point about the perceived “healthy food”.
And way to go with the challenges!
I found that article really interesting, thanks Sagan! I’ve often wondered whether subconsciously we (the royal) eat more of health foods because we view them as almost negative calories, taking away the “badness” of whatever else we might have eaten that day.
I’m so paranoid about health claims, I think I read those labels even more closely than the normal stuff!
It’s irresponsible marketing though, plain and simple.
TA x
most of the healthiest food doesnt even tout itself as healthy. if theres room on the packaging to talk about how healthy it is, its probably processed.
Kelly Turner
http://www.groundedfitness.com
Leslie- yum, beetles. Thanks for the link! I have been looking for information on annatto colour and there doesn’t seem to be a lot out there, its very frustrating.
Sharon- pretend healthy food drives me nuts. I don’t understand why our grocery stores aren’t lined with real food, instead.
TA- yes, its VERY irresponsible. I love reading labels. Could probably spend hours at the store just comparing labels, hehe.
Kelly- EXACTLY what I was getting at. If the company feels a need to rave about how healthy it is, you just know that you’ve gotta start questioning it!
Love that article! One of my friends sent that to me and as I was reading it I kept saying under my breath “Yes!” I hate fake healthy food, but what I hate even more are the people who eat said “healthy food” like Goldfish (made with whole grains apparently) and talk about how health conscious they are while drinking their calorie free diet soda.
Great point – we shouldn’t just assume that healthy means healthy, or light means healthy, or …
I’m falling behind on this challenge!! Grr…
This crosses over to labels on food that are “diet” or even “for diabetic” with calorie limits way beyond what is actually expected. Moderation and portion control is the only saving factor in a diet to control weight.
I read that Health Halo article a few days ago. Very true. People think that because something is “healthy” they can binge on it?!?! What?!?! Where is common sense, I wonder.
I really like all of these challenges that you’re posting.
Catherine- agreed. The problem is awareness. I remember "way back in the day" when I drank coke zero and I figured it was fine because it had no calories. It didn't occur to me that the stuff in there is TERRIBLE for your body- or if I thought about it, I didn't understand WHY those ingredients were so bad for me.
Lance- too many things are associated with being healthy these days! (also the challenge might look daunting- but I promise its not that bad once you do even one set:)).
Tom- great point. Its like with the Heart & Stroke Foundation putting their "health check" on can of soup that contain 1/3 of the max amount of sodium we should be getting in a day. The Heart & Stroke Foundation! Boggling.
Magpie- am glad you're enjoying them! And you're right- but at the same time, its easy to think that Subway *must* be healthier than KFC… then you start looking at the nutrition info (HFCS in the bread! Eek).
“Health Labels” are sooo deceiving. The sole purpose of “advertising” the healthfullness of a “product” is to sell it. I look at it this way, if it needs a label to tell me it’s healthy, then think again. When was the last time a real whole food (like an apple or orange or lettuce) needed a label telling us it’s good for you?
I have a problem with those dumbbell pushups/rows in that the palms of my hands hurt. A lot. I continue to try different grips, but there’s some sort of nerve in my hand that does NOT like this exercise! any tips will be appreciated.
Squawkfox- exactly. We need to be wary and remember that the number one priority is to sell sell sell.
Cammy- ouch, that’s not good! you can try without using any actual weights. How quickly do your hands start to hurt? Maybe you can do them in sets of 5 rather than 10? Another idea is to just forget about it altogether- instead, do the 10 push ups, and then do 10 bent over rows. You’ll still be getting in your workout that way. Sounds like we should be looking for stretching exercises for our hands… hope you figure it out and do let us know if you manage to find a way that works!
oooo wow – i definitely agree it’s about educating yourself b/c many things are super misleading!
Couldn’t do the challenge today. I’m sick. I’ll have to do double tomorrow! Do you mind if I add you to my blogroll?
Strongandhealthy- I’d be honoured:) Hope you’re feeling better!
Good point in making sure that people are educated before jumping into new food routines. Marketing is so misleading these days!