Ask the Dietitian: Are Diet Brands Better?

Melissa Kirdzik, the dietitian who helped me shed 26 pounds last year as Shape magazine's Weight-Loss Diary columnist, is back today to answer another healthy eating question that many of us face as we wander the supermarket aisles: Are products from diet brands such as Weight Watchers and Skinny Cow actually better for you?

Melissa says: The reality is that most of the time, these products are not at all different from other brand-name products (for example, Breyers vs. Skinny Cow). What you're really paying for is the individual packaging and the "diet" claim on the label. Why do these products sell? Mainly because most people  don't do well with portion control on their own and are better able to manage their calories if the portion is determined for them. Consumers who buy a gallon of ice cream are far more likely to eat more than the half-cup serving.

If you actually compare labels, you'll probably find that your expensive diet brand ice cream is comparable to a candy bar. When you're trying to lose excess body fat, it's important to keep your sugar intake low. Checking labels will make you realize that most diet products aren't low enough in sugar. Also, when you keep diet products in stock at home, you're more likely to eat a larger portion than if you had the real deal. End result? You end up taking in the same amount of calories, if not more. You might not think twice about eating two Weight Watchers ice cream sandwiches, but think that two Snickers bars would be gluttonous. Really? Time for a reality check.

My advice is to compare the serving size and servings per container. Individually-wrapped items can cost twice as much. Also, check the sugar content -- aim for under 10 grams of sugar per serving. Most so-called diet products are not actually suitable for those trying to lose weight. As always, use ice cream and other desserts as treats and not as an everyday part of your eating. Finally, consider eating a piece of organic dark chocolate in place of your pudding or ice cream.

Budget-wise, a Fudgsicle is comparable to the more expensive Weight Watchers or diet brands, says Melissa, and the sugar-free version of any product will cut down the carb content. If you're avoiding artificial sweeteners, Fudgsicles and Skinny Cow are the better choice, she says, but if you're OK with artificial sweeteners, compare overall calories and pick the brand with the lowest calorie and sugar content.

Thanks, Melissa, for stopping by and for supplying this great information about summer treats!

Comments

[John]

Excellent advice. Too many "diet" products take advantage of the uninformed consumer.

[Dara Chadwick]

Thanks for stopping by, John.