What's in the Box?

One of my big peeves is companies who slap a weight related label on their product that is misleading. While I don't think the ads for Quaker's latest Weight Control instant oatmeal are misleading, I think the packaging alone may be.

Here's why:

Quaker Instant Oatmeal: Maple and Brown Sugar vs. Quaker Weight Control Instant Oatmeal: Maple and Brown Sugar. A package of the original variety is 43g, and has 160 calories, with 20 calories from fat; the Weight Control package is 45g, and has 160 calories with 25 calories from fat. So, where's the savings?

Both list "whole grain oats" as the first ingredient but the "classic" formula lists sugar second whereas the Weight Control formula lists whey protein isolate.

The ads claim that the oatmeal will keep you full longer and with protein powder as the second ingredient it will -- and if you add fruit to your bowl you'll have something that your body will consider a balanced meal. Just don't buy it thinking that "weight control" is equivalent to "low calorie."

Facing up to Fatness.

Most days, I don't think about the size and shape of my body. Not consciously at least. But this month I had to buy a formal gown. The shopping experience left a lot to be desired -- and I think that's a kind way to say it. I felt frustrated and very unwanted, but at the end, I had two lovely dresses.

Last night, I did the necessary alterations on the full ball gown and tried it on. I asked hubby to take a photo, which he did. I looked at the photos and my first thought wasn't, "good, it does fit" but instead, "hell, I look fat."

And tomorrow, I will be sitting in a room full of people thinking just that. It sucks, I hate it, but I can't escape it -- not immediately anyway. So, it's back to portion resizing and all that stuff. Again.