Have you ever wished eating your favorite snack food like Cheetos would be good for you? According to some snack food companies, that time is now. Nutritionists heartily disagree.

One food manufacturer claims it wants to help consumers find a "little shortcut to a healthier life." A new labeling system will indicate what are supposed to be 'smart food choices." Stickers currently mark products like baked Cheetos and by the end of 2004, more than 100 foods will be identified as "smart choices." Another snack maker introduced 100 Calorie Packs of its most popular snacks such as Chips Ahoy! to help consumers count their calorie intake.

Nutritionists do not like the concept. They fear the labels will encourage people to purchase food they should not eat. Many of the so-called smart foods may be better than their predecessors but still are not healthy choices.

Company officials argue that the stickers will make it easy to find better choices in a given category.

Some say big name companies are introducing these food campaigns to offer alternatives. Critics say they are simply trying to combat the increasing awareness and concern for obesity in the United States.

To qualify, a product must meet the following standards:

• No more than 35 percent of a snack product's calories can come from fat
• Food products like oatmeal and cereal cannot have more than 30 percent of its calories from fat
• 25 percent fewer calories, fat, sugar or sodium than an original product
• Zero trans fats
• Products must meet other nutrient criteria unless they have specific health or wellness benefits

Smart options products made up about 40 percent of this manufacturer's U.S. profits in 2003.

USA Today September 3, 2004

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

Most commercial chips -- corn chips, potato chips, tortilla chips -- are high in trans fat, which is why they are some of the worst foods you can possibly eat. Fortunately, some companies have caught on to the recent media blitz about the dangers of trans fat and have started to produce chips without trans fat. Nevertheless, the high temperatures used to cook them will potentially cause the formation of carcinogenic substances like acrylamide, and this risk remains even if the trans fat is removed. Sources in the above article touched on the fact that some people will eat foods they know are bad for them. In fact, some experts call these tasty, but dangerous products often eaten as comfort food. That's the problem: People should not find comfort in food. These foods contribute to obesity being a major problem in the United States. The good news is that falling victim to extra weight and obesity is nearly 100 percent preventable by following some good advice. First, address the emotional stress that causes you to make poor food choices. In my experience, willpower simply does not work very effectively for this type of problem in the long run. It invariably fails. EFT seems to be an incredibly useful strategy to address these types of eating habits. My free online manual can help you identify the stress and: Remove Negative Emotions Reduce Food Cravings Reduce or Eliminate Pain Implement Positive Goals EFT has been one of the major reasons why most patients are successfully able to more consistently and easily follow the next few steps: Find a nutrition plan that works with your individual nutritional type. Cut sugars from you diet. This means junk food and grains. Avoid soda. Exercise Regularly. Related Articles: Jays Potato Chips Goes Bankrupt Four Ways Junk Food Marketing Targets Your Kids U.S. Government Backs Junk Food Industry Some States Fight Junk Food Sales in Schools Will the Worst Foods Finally be Declared "Junk"?