Candy gets bashed way too much in this world. Being one of those people who eats candy more rarely than the general population of this candy-infatuated country, and the daughter of one of it's loyal and non-hypocritical eaters, I thought I should speak up for those who can't defend themselves - all the candy bars.
My dad is a loyal and non-hypocritical eater of candy. He quickly silences anyone who says anything against his candy bars. "Baby Ruths are bad for your arteries." "Shush!"
Ah, the loyalty. We could stand more of that in this world.
I am a non-hypocritical non-eater of candy. I received a Reese's Peanut Butter Bar on Valentine's day. Half of it is gone. So, if I ever talk about how bad candy is for you, I'm legit. I don't have secret stashes of candy that I eat if I'm in my room when no one is watching or out somewhere dressed in a disguise. I usually leave anything bigger than those mini-Snickers alone. But I'm not bashing it. Candy has it's virtues.
Specifically, I'm here to defend the 'Baby Ruth' today. This is for you, Dad.
So, what exactly are people calling bad for you when they say a Baby Ruth is bad for you??? Check out some of the ingredients:
Peanuts. Aren't people always saying how good peanuts are for you? Yes, they are. They are actually legumes (like beans and lentils - see, they're as good for you as vegetables!), but they have nutrients similar to those found in walnuts and pecans. Packed with protein. And they have monounsaturated fat, which isn't the 'bad fats'. It's one of the 'better fats'. And they have a bunch of vitamins.
Sugar. Who can bash sugar? I can't. I might skip the candy bars, but cookies and cake are another story. And frosting. Anyway, we can't live without sugar. Well, we could, but it makes life much more pleasant.
Coconut oil. That stuff is supposed to help you lose weight!
Palm tree oil - part of the vitamin E family...when in it's natural form, which, in a Baby Ruth, I don't think...moving on.
Soybean oil. Soy is very popular right now. It's expensive and it's always in the "Organic food" aisles, so it must be good for you.
Salt - no need to say anything there. We all know we need some salt in our diet. And since they are cutting it out of soup recipes, we have to get it somewhere, right? (By the way, don't try salt-free soup. Follow my example and listen to people who have - they say it's gross.)
Nonfat milk. Can't complain about that. No fat.
Cocoa. Chocolate. Is good and good for you. Ask any girl. If you ask a girl that doesn't know, ask a different girl. If you are a girl that doesn't know, ask another girl that does. I should ask someone too. I've never caught up with the "chocolate is a girl's best friend" theory. I think my mom trained me not to think that way so she could have all the chocolate in the house. Maybe?
Carageenan - it's from seaweed. For people to use that stuff for food, it has to be healthy.
Ok, I think that's enough. Most of the rest have to do with preservatives and color, which you find in the average loaf of bread. So if you are going to bash a candy bar for having those, then you better not be eating bread either. Or start making home-made bread.
I think I've presented enough of a case in favor of Baby Ruths. I won't be eating one anytime soon, but I don't think there is a need to look down my nose at all the people that love them.
So, go enjoy a Baby Ruth, guilt free.
Dedicated to my Dad. And Baby Ruths. And their friendship.
Sources:
http://adams.extension.psu.edu/Family/Family%20Articles/Peanuts.htm
The ever reliable http://www.wikipedia.org/ . Just research any of the about mentioned ingredients.
The post made me smile. :)
ReplyDeleteGood :)
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