A few years back, I was in America's "heart-land" (Des Moines, Iowa) and happened upon this "food" stand. So ... I snapped a picture.

When it comes to the American food system, it's hard to shock me. However, when I read that this candy boasted that it is: "A Fat Free Candy", I was surprised. 

Why? 

It ain't the fat that counts, it's the calories and sugar. This box contains 630 calories and 28 teaspoons of sugar. Yep, it's good and plenty full of calories and sugar.

The Fat Free statement reminds me of this quote: As a population, we cut dietary fat in a rather dysfunctional way, and we grew even fatter. – Dr. David L. Katz

Dunkin Donuts is marketing smart swaps. This video is comical. Pretty much anything the DD chef recommends ain't so smart. And, candidly, is misleading. For example, low fat/no-fat options are meaningless. The real question to ask is: How much sugar and calories are in that low fat offering? Also, what about the trans fats? If America runs on Dunkin, that's one good reason (there are many) for our obesity and diabetes dilemma.

By the way, when I wrote my book, much of it was written in my local Dunkin Donuts store. I wanted to be in the "lion's den" while writing a diet and health book. It worked out great: I got free wireless Internet and the only thing I "ate" was coffee.

Dr. Dean Ornish shilling for Mars (the candy company). 

Nothing shocks me anymore, however, I must admit, that I was surprised to see Dr. Ornish associate himself with a junk food (M&Ms, Milky Way, Skittles, Starbursts, Twix, and more) company. No doubt, great candy, but a whole lot of sugar and empty calories. 

Dr. Ornish: I hope you got a great PayDay.

I grew up in West Orange, New Jersey. I don't go back too often. However, I was there this weekend. I decided to go for a run past my old neighborhood. One stop (not to eat) was this Burger King. Since I used to walk by BK all the time, I assume this was where I munched on my first fast food fiasco. Oh, about 45 years ago.

Since I moved, a new establishment was built next door ... Dunkin' Donuts. Surprise, surprise.

Sorry to be the "Grinch" who stole Halloween, but since August, I've been observing an overload of candy! 

On a recent trip to my neighborhood CVS pharmacy (we have 3 within one mile of each other), I was not sure if I entered a candy store or a drug store.

That 66% figure the CDC keeps quoting (overweight and obese Americans) is because of our toxic food environment ... Halloween candy for three months and then we're off to the next overeating holiday.

And the frosting on the cake ... Those delicious cookies the Girl Scouts are selling...loaded with trans fats.

If I worked for big pharma, I'd be lovin' it.

When it comes to the American food system, it takes a lot to shock me. Well, this insane mixed message did, in fact, shock me. They are selling a six pack of this junk food under the guise that they are assisting with the fight against breast cancer. 

Now that's chutzpah!

By the way, I did purchase the above product. I made the purchase for two reasons: 1. Strange things motivate me to live a healthy lifestyle. This product made me "hopping mad" and it serves as a great motivator to me ... the Western diet is littered with garbage. 2. I have added one more prop for my presentations. I have a lot of "food" products that demonstrate our toxic food environment. This is just the latest.

I'm scared of snakes (in this ad, that's a snake crawling on Eve), however, I'm even more scared of POM fruit juice. One simple reason: It comes packed with 300 calories! 

Pom also makes health claims that are untrue - the FTC has filed a complaint against POM. Bottomline: I recommend staying away from all calorie-packed fruit juices. That means almost all that are on the market.

If you want real fruit juices, make a delicious fruit smoothy at home. Those will have real nutrients and antioxidants.

... But not in my junk food! If you want a good source of Omega 3s, try eating wild Salmon or take an Omega 3 supplement.

And by all means, ignore front of package labels. The above package is a great example of one to ignore.