OOOOO-weee! I was extra hungry today (again).  I’m having trouble getting my breakfast (7:20 AM) to stretch to a semi-normal lunch hour (12:00 PM) lately.  I keep breaking down by 11:15 and making lunch!

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Oh sammie… I missed you.

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Cheddar cheese, turkey, and bread and butter pickles on toasted WW bread…

 

With an orange!

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Since I ate so early, I split lunch into two portions.  Around 12:20, I had a new Quaker True Delights bar, which Food Buzz was awesome enough to send me for *free*.

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The Toasted Coconut Banana Macadamia Nut was seriously screaming my name, and I gasped in surprise and delight when I unwrapped the bar….

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Look at those ginormous nut chunks and coconut chunks! It was a very tasty bar….

 

BUT I was slightly disappointed by the presence of corn syrup (the second ingredient) and artificial sweeteners (oligofructose).  Those junk ingredients are not particularly "delightful" in my mind.  Nor is having to Wikipedia certain ingredients to figure out what the heck they are!

 

Do you Google weird-sounding food ingredients like me? Do you even read the ingredient list, or just the nutritional facts?  I’m a pretty hard-core label reader because I try to avoid trans fat at all costs.

{ 47 comments }

 

  • fitforfree January 29, 2009, 10:51 am

    definitely — I ate chocolate the other day with Xylitol and had no clue what it was (was happy to find that it’s natural!)

  • Meg January 29, 2009, 10:51 am

    I am a hardcore label reader and I try to avoid anything with crazy names and also any of the things I am allergic to.

  • therunningaddict January 29, 2009, 10:51 am

    I am a big Google Searcher hahahaha…I google almost everything! I like to be in the known 🙂
    Yay! Sandwiches are back!

  • Beadie @ What I Ate Yesterday January 29, 2009, 10:52 am

    I have gotten really lax with my label reading lately. I was just thinking a couple of days ago that I always felt much better when I was more cautious about reading them. I commit to reading them again and getting our the crap ingredients like HFCS and Transfats.

  • Victoria January 29, 2009, 10:52 am

    I read the labels definitely. I like to be able to pronounce my food too.

  • ashley (sweetandnatural) January 29, 2009, 10:54 am

    I definitely read the ingredients and try to avoid chemicals or anything I can’t pronounce!

  • Marissa January 29, 2009, 10:59 am

    Ha ha I totally Google ingredient names I don’t recognize!

  • Katherine January 29, 2009, 11:04 am

    If the label is too long I don’t even bother I just put it back on the shelf. 🙂 I like labels with few ingredients.

  • chasedaylight January 29, 2009, 11:08 am

    Well that explains why there were only 8g of sugar in that bar and how it was so sweet (I didn’t think to look for artificial sweeteners). I do, however, always look for trans fats in the ingredients, but mostly look at the nutritional info.

  • Sarah (lovINmytummy) January 29, 2009, 11:09 am

    I googled everything in my protein powder (EAS) to make sure I at least knew what everything was!

    I LOVE bread and butter pickles. I could eat the whole jar easily.

  • HangryPants January 29, 2009, 11:09 am

    Yes, I do google things like that! I am ususally sad by what I learn.

    I am the same about that bar – tasty, but too much poo in there for a regular buy.

  • Erica January 29, 2009, 11:09 am

    Your lunch looks awesome! I eat breakfast at 6(apple with PB), a small snack (apple of applesauce)at 9 and lunch at 11! I could never wait any longer 😉

    I do google ingredients! I am trying hard to only eat products where I know what all the ingredients are. It scares me to eat tons of chemicals.

  • Amy January 29, 2009, 11:12 am

    I read the labels but I’m not always super careful to read the ingredients list. I definitely check to make sure there are no unhealthy fats or HFCS in it though.

  • Hallie January 29, 2009, 11:15 am

    I’ve seen those bars and they look so good but I just can’t do it for that exact reason…not when there are bars that are much more natural.

    Hard-core label reader for sure. I get made fun of for it but that doesn’t stop me! Does anyone “sneak a peek” at labels at, say, a potluck? Please tell me I’m not the only one!

  • thelongweigh January 29, 2009, 11:19 am

    I am finally getting to the point where I am reading the ingredients instead of just the nutrional info. It’s an eye opener, thats for sure!

  • Simple and Divine January 29, 2009, 11:25 am

    I NEVER buy anything w/o looking at the nutritional info… I usually look at the ingreds, but not often enough— I’m def a calorie commando :-\

  • Jen January 29, 2009, 11:35 am

    I am a definite label-reader, but I don’t usually Google the ingredients to see what they are. Usually if I don’t know what the ingredients are I just put it back on the shelf…

  • ksgoodeats January 29, 2009, 11:38 am

    I’m not a fan of those Quaker bars 🙁 weird ingredients definitely skeeves me out sometimes but since I eat natural things most of the time – I don’t mind a little of the odd ingredients here or there. Oh and I google EVERYTHING!

  • brandi January 29, 2009, 11:40 am

    I read ingredients – I try to stay away from HCFS if at all possible.

    That bar looks so good with the big chunks of coconut – looks like my snack for this afternoon!

  • Amanda (Two Boos Who Eat) January 29, 2009, 11:46 am

    I did the same thing. I googled the ingredients and was so bummed. How could you let me down Quaker???

    I’m thinking of making some bars myself using similar stuff.

    Your sandwich is making me so hungry! It’s only 10:45am here! I’m dying! Definitely need to find a lunch with staying power.

  • Beth January 29, 2009, 11:57 am

    I bought the raspberry almond chocolate flavor and I think due to sheer excitement I didn’t read the label until after I had one. I’m glad you solved the “oligofructose” mystery. Needless to say I won’t be buying these bars in the future.

    Did you see this article about how high fructose corn syrup contains mercury? They list Quaker as an offender.

  • Kailey January 29, 2009, 12:06 pm

    I’ve become more relaxed with looking at ingredient lists, but that could be because most products I purchase I’ve been purchasing for years now and know the ingredients are fairly clean. By the way, I haven’t eaten deli turkey in…a year or so, but that picture has me jonesin for a sammie like that furreal!

  • jane January 29, 2009, 12:09 pm

    i am a compulsive label-reader. i am really picky in choosing foods that have the fewest ingredients and ones i recognize and trust. of course i’m not perfect and do cave in on some products, but for the most part i’m not interested in processed crap anyway!
    only problem is, all the label reading causes me to spend WAAAY too much time in the grocery store…yeah, people don’t like shopping with me… 😉

  • Sally January 29, 2009, 12:15 pm

    I eat breakfast around 7:15 and then don’t have lunch until 1 (or 1:30 on days when I have subjects!). I’ve gotten into a a good pattern and sometimes I get hungry around 11 but am able to hold out until 1ish.

    I am a pretty compulsive label reader but I also try not to buy too many things with labels! I think yogurt, cheese, and dark chocolate are the things I buy regularly that have labels.

  • Carolina John January 29, 2009, 12:24 pm

    that’s why you eat 6 small meals a day! i’m starting my day with pre-workout meal at 4:45 am, so i’ve got 4 meals in by noon. it’s nuts. breakfast is post workout about 7 am, then a 10:30 snack meal, and lunch at noon. gotta fuel up for the hard workouts!

  • VeggieGirl January 29, 2009, 12:37 pm

    Hell yes for eating REAL FOOD with PRONOUNCEABLE ingredients 😀

  • Kimberly January 29, 2009, 12:55 pm

    I love reading labels and researching ingredients — it’s interesting stuff, plus, knowledge is power! 🙂

    Do you eat a mid-morning snack? That would certainly help you last longer… I eat a light breakfast (soy latte, toast w/ PB, bit of fruit) around 7am, then a yogurt w/ fruit around 10. Come 1pm, it’s lunchtime!

  • just me January 29, 2009, 1:14 pm

    i’m with you on the having to pronounce the ingredients…i wasn’t too excited about those ingredients, but it’s free so i’m happy!

  • Maggie January 29, 2009, 1:29 pm

    I usually try to avoid the bad stuff, but I do make exceptions for artificial sweeteners sometimes. I’m hoping stevia will become more popular because I have no problem with it – I wouldn’t call it artificial.

  • Heather McD (Heather Eats Almond Butter) January 29, 2009, 1:42 pm

    I always read the ingredients. I’m amazed by some of the stuff used in “health” food.

    Maybe you should try a mid-morning snack Caitlin. With all the running you’re doing, maybe your body is asking for more calories. I try not to snack, but sometimes, I know my body needs it.

  • kay. January 29, 2009, 2:00 pm

    hey caitlin!

    it’s karina (from glades!). i’ve been silently lurking for a few months since i discovered your blog address on your facebook page. i figured now was as good a time as any to come clean! lol

    so, much like everyone else on here, i’ve been very inspired and motivated by everything i’ve read. i joined a gym, go at least 4 times a week, and work with a trainer once a week with one goal in mind: become a runner. i’m about one month in, and couldn’t be happier. i thought i’d share and remind you that your work and dedication to this thing is not only appreciated by but is important to us. so thanks!

    btw- i had my first “i feel like a runner” moment yesterday! my trainer (coincidentally a distance runner) has us doing sprints twice a week for heart conditioning and i pulled a hamstring! lol it wasn’t pleasant, but gratifying to know i’m pushing myself (and learning important lessons about warming up and stretching!). anyway, hope you’re well and congrats on becoming a Mrs.!

  • Anonymous January 29, 2009, 2:06 pm

    i eat breakfast at 6:30 am usually a cup of cereal and a banana with coffee and for snack at 10:00 i have an apple and then lunch at 1:00 🙂 eating at 10:00 really helps!

    anna<3

  • Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point January 29, 2009, 2:06 pm

    im glad i know im not the only label-reading freak! whole foodies, unite!

    a couple of you suggested a mid-morning snack. i may have to do that!

    karina – ahhhh thanks for delurking!! and yay for running. your poor hamstring – that sucks. are you healed now?

    i just checked out your blog; i love your header — it’s beautiful. did you make that?

    oh man, glades. those were the days (or not). lol. i think you may have had a better middle school experience than i did, but its still fun to remember those days. oh lord. i’m having flashbacks RIGHT NOW! 🙂

  • kay. January 29, 2009, 2:17 pm

    ha! i wish! it’s actually artwork by Brandon Boyd (lead singer of Incubus). i found it in one of his books and have since been in love. i’m actually considering having some, if not all, of it put somewhere on my body permanently. but, i’m kind of waiting on getting my soccer body back so i could actually show it off before i make that decision!

    and no, i’m not healed, unfortunately. i’m in the middle if RICEing, but i’m still having trouble walking (won’t even consider running tonight!). i hope it works itself out soon, i’d hate fall behind 🙁

    and my middle school experience was… OK, i guess. a couple bad hair cuts kind of impeded the “fondness” of the memories. lol i think those are awful, awkward years for everyone, though (i hope!)

  • Lauren January 29, 2009, 2:34 pm

    I google EVERYTHING! I always type “Define: *insert word here*” and I love that I get the meaning and links to where it comes from

  • Elina January 29, 2009, 2:42 pm

    I always check nutritional info and almost always read the ingredients list for new foods. Some brands I trust, though, and don’t check. Maybe I should be doing that too, because I think a lot of companies use their good brand name and sneak some bad stuff in there sometimes. Sounds like those bars are not going to become popular in the blog world despite being tasty!

  • Summer Slim January 29, 2009, 2:44 pm

    that sandwich looks great! they’re seriously one of the easiest things to make but also one of my favorite things to eat!

  • angelcubbie January 29, 2009, 3:34 pm

    Hey Caitlin!

    Just wanted to delurk again to chime in or breakfast. I eat breakfast between 8:30-9:00 and my lunch isn’t until 1, so it’s often 1:15 before I can eat. In order to make my breakfast last longer I just make it a calorically heavy meal with lots of healthy fats and protein. I run before breakfast and my pre-run snack (about 90-100) plus breakfast (about 430-450) usually adds up to about 540-550 calories or so together and I always last until lunch.

    If you don’t mind me asking, how many calories do you typically aim for in your breakfast? Maybe you should consider upping it. Studies have shown that people who eat a higher cal bkfast (up to 610 calories) tend to snack less and eat less on a whole throughout the day.

    Just my two cents : )

  • angelcubbie January 29, 2009, 3:37 pm

    Oh, I have a question too. I need new running shoes (mine are a year and a half old, and have been through a marathon plus minumum 20 miles a week…bad I know…), I was thinking of buying them before my long run Saturday. Is it a bad idea to run in new shoes for a 10 miler right away? Should I break them in slowly or does it matter? Thanks!!

  • Justine January 29, 2009, 4:45 pm

    It’s kinda funny cuz I used to look at the label and only pay attention to the calorie count and not the ingredients. Now I look at the ingredients (ALL the time) and hardly ever look at the calorie count!

  • mytastytravels January 29, 2009, 4:53 pm

    I am an avid label reader being an R.D., but I agree with you. I like to eat as wholesome as possible and avoid artificial ingredients as much as I can. I don’t really eat high fructose corn syrup, but it has been shown to be comparable to sugar in calories and digestive breakdown. It’s really all about moderation and the fact that it is present in so many “junk” foods, that it gets a bad rap for weight gain. Of course if you eat too much junk, you’ll gain weight! Trans fats are a definite no no. I posted some info on the importance of soluble fiber. love the blog!

    -Kristen

  • Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point January 29, 2009, 6:43 pm

    angelcubbie – hmm i think my breakfasts are more around 400 or 500. maybe i should up it!

    re: the new shoes on a long run, im not sure. my first thought is that good fitting running shoes don’t “need” to be broken in, so if they are good, they are good. however, my concern is that on the 4th or 5th mile you might realize they aren’t really all that good, and yet you keep going because its a long day! does that make sense (because i would totally do that)? …. so really, my answer is i have no idea. although this would be an excellent question to ask the runner’s world blog! you should send it in!!

    kristen – thanks for providing RD info! your comment was very interesting to read. i agree that the evidence against HFCS is complete, but its probably just safer to avoid it in large amounts. and trans fat…. eww!!

  • Rose January 29, 2009, 7:34 pm

    I felt the same about those bars. I would probably buy them once in a while but they wouldn’t be my go-to bar, you know?

    PS: I am thinking about tackling a half-marathon and will totally need your advice in the future!!

  • Beth January 29, 2009, 7:37 pm

    Kashi has a new line of bars similar to those Quaker ones, with far fewer weird ingredients. I had the Dark Chocolate Coconut one and it was awesome!

  • Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point January 29, 2009, 7:44 pm

    rose – ohmigod that is excellent!!! you will do AMAZING on your half with your friend. having a tangible goal is so helpful.

    my advice is: carefully research training programs (I like hal hidgon’s the best) and follow it at least 75% of the time. get your long runs in. and you CAN do it. always remember that you’ve done harder things. feel free to email me whenever for support.

  • Lindsay January 29, 2009, 9:24 pm

    Oh goodness! I can’t bear to go longer than 3 hours without eating a meal, ESPECIALLY during times when I am as active as you are! I of course make my meals smaller since I am eating 6 meals a day, but I couldn’t go from 7 till noon. I take lunch at 10:30 most days (or eat a snack at 9 and have lunch at noon if I am forced to eat at a “normal” hour)

  • ChickPea January 29, 2009, 10:34 pm

    I am a hard core label reader too–if I get bored reading the ingredients list (i.e., it’s too long!), I put it back.

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