Brace yourself. These are some vintage ads from back in the day (which, by the way, I’m sure quite a few moms took in as valid advice).

 

 

It may seem surprising to see such blatantly misleading ads, but this really wasn’t that long ago. And even more interesting? Many don’t realize that marketing and advertising still play the same game today.

More recently, this commercial glorifying corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup has come out (and here is just one study showing the actuality of it).

That commercial is just one modern day version of the ads above, which proves the point that it is always up to us as the consumer to educate ourselves on what is best for us and our family, nutritionally and otherwise. Depending on ads, propaganda, and trends, is basically just depending on a company’s financial goals more than your own well-being. And that’s not blaming the public, whatsoever. I like to think the companies and higher-ups behind these messages TO the public would know better… and either they truly don’t (in which case they should probably hire some more knowledgeable nutrition scientists and wellness consultants, hint hint)… Or, and unfortunately this is probably the winner, financial gain holds precedence over any concern for overall community well-being.

This is why it is so important to not only educate yourself, but take the minimal effort to be aware. Be aware of who is providing or funding the ads you read and commercials you watch. For example, the commercial shared in the link above was made by the Corn Refiners Association (CRA). The ads above were made by Sugar Information, Inc., and the Soda Pop Board of America. These corporations are, obviously, biased of the products they provide.

So, to sum it up, here are some easy tips to keep in mind:

• It’s okay to be skeptical of advertising and marketing, especially in the food world (and this is coming from an admittedly naive, anti-skeptic)!
• Educate yourself.
• The less biased the source of a claim is, the more likely you can trust it.
• When in doubt, just go back to simplicity: turn off the TV and computer, calm your mind of all external influences and sources, and stick to eating (and feeding your family) fresh, unprocessed foods like good ol’ fruits and veggies.