Friday, January 13, 2017

January 13th, 2017 Not The Same

January 13th, 2017 Not The Same

Today's radio duties included preparing for this ice storm. The brunt of it hasn't hit just yet, but I'm on call if and when it does. We're still short staffed at the studio with people out sick--so it took some time and effort to figure out the most reasonable way to cover everything with less people. I have the studio lines forwarded to my cell phone--oh my--I just took a call from a man listening to our classic hits station--he was very upset because we played the single of Purple Rain and not the full-length album cut with the longer guitar solo. I was polite, assured him I'd check on the album cut and thanked him and his wife for listening. You do not mess with the music of passionate Prince fans--you just don't. It reminded me of the time I almost got fired for cutting off Hotel California 30 seconds too soon. The program director was a huge Eagles fan--and he was seriously upset. I was trying to back-time into news!!

I stopped at the store on my way home. I needed to grab a few things--and refined sugar-free marinara was on my list. I picked up a few other things--grabbed a jar and headed to the checkout. I'm glad there was a line. I scanned the label of the marinara while standing in line--and I was shocked to find "sugar" in the ingredients. Did I grab the wrong one??? I know this is the same brand I always depend on for a good refined sugar-free marinara--but there it was, plain as day-- "sugar." I forfeited my place in line and went straight back to the shelf. I started reading labels--and wow--there it was...the refined sugar-free version right next to this very different version--but only subtle differences in packaging and no mention of the altered recipe. 
Not the same!!! I couldn't believe it! The bottle on the right has refined sugar--the other one doesn't. The label is slightly bigger--but no mention of the changed recipe. The calories are actually less in the sugared version. They basically reduced the fat by moving the olive oil from the 2nd ingredient to the 7th ingredient--and added the sugar for flavor, I'm sure. Two different products--both on the same shelf--both with the same label. This was a good lesson for me-- even with foods I regularly buy--I must always read the ingredients list just in case something has changed! I found a few refined sugar-free jars and bought 'em all.

I know what a few of my friends will ask, why don't you make your own? That's a great question--maybe I perceive it taking way too long. And if I can use a jar with minimal ingredients and no refined sugar, it saves time and money!!!

I'm waiting for this ice storm to kick in. I honestly hope it doesn't happen the way some forecasters are predicting. If it does get bad, I'll be at work early tomorrow.

Today: I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget, I remained refined sugar-free, I exceeded my daily water goal and I stayed well connected with awesome support.

Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean

5 comments:

  1. I hope they don't quit making the sugar-free version. It's pretty sneaky, how the labels are exactly the same, until you turn it around the check the ingredients. Good thing you checked!

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  2. I can't find a sugar free brand anywhere. I've been looking for weeks.

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  3. If you have an Aldi nearby, they have a "Simply Nature" brand marinara with no sugar or oil - 35 calories per serving and it's the best store bought I've had - for less than $2 a bottle!

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  4. I switched to buying pure tomato puree with no other ingredients at all. Since I always add a few things from my spice rack like chilli powder and garlic anyway it was fine without their sugar, salt and spices. You don't have to start with raw tomatoes to cut out the additives.

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  5. Sean... Rao's is what I buy... Sadly more expensive (!!) but the go to refined sugar free sauce of many! Walmart has it. :) God Bless!

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