Is It Good Eating Or Good Salesmanship

Well, you’d like some unbiased information about healthier eating, but you don’t trust the media, since all we tell you to do is roast Newt Gingrich in a 350-degree oven until the fat runs off.

So, instead, here’s some unbiased advice about healthy eating from food companies: *”Avoid too much alcohol … instead drink plenty of water or a healthy beverage, such as orange juice or grapefruit juice.” - from the Florida Citrus Commission, representing orange and grapefruit growers.

*”Lower-fat microwave popcorn … has the great taste of movie theater popcorn with half the fat.” - from Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popping Corn.

*”One quick and convenient way to get an extra serving of vegetables is by drinking a vegetable juice.” - from V8 Vegetable Juice.

*”Trying new low-fat and sugar-free treats is one way to keep your resolution without giving up snacks. Frozen novelties … can give you the taste you crave without knocking off your diet.” - from Good Humor/Breyers Ice Cream.

Book report: If you know people with eating disabilities - difficulty in chewing or swallowing, for example - then you might be interested in a new cookbook.

“Memories Cookbook,” a fund-raiser for the Northern Idaho Alzheimer’s Association, features lowfat, veggie and family recipes, many of them oldfashioned favorites, and has a small section of recipes for anyone who has trouble eating.

The book is edited by Laura Carnie, who writes a weekly column in this food section. Among the recipes is her Huckleberry White Chocolate Cheesecake Pie (this is quite possibly NOT a lowfat creation), which won the People’s Choice award at the Coeur d’Alene Homes Sweet Dreams Dessert Soiree last October (regrettably, they failed to invite the Fresh Sheet, or we would have provided more indepth nutrition analysis).

The book is available by mail for $8.50, including taxes and shipping. Write to: Northern Idaho Chapter Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 1294, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83816. Fading fast: Updates on underappreciated natural foods: Tap water accounts for only 17 percent of beverage consumption in the United States, down from 25 percent in 1983. About 27 percent of beverages consumed are soft drinks.

U.S. flour consumption hit a 46-year high in 1993 - 140 pounds per person. But we’re still pretty puny flour consumers: the French average about 240 pounds per year and the Egyptians more than 375 pounds.

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