Pierce Mattie Public Relations New York

Low carb diets seem to be the fast track to losing weight and with the popularity of Atkins and South Beach, it's no wonder the diet industry is loving the craze. As recently as last week one of my friends tweeted the praises of a low carb diet contributing to her weight loss. And while for the short term low carb may provide quicker results, thinner doesn't always mean healthier when you follow this diet track. Due to the way low carb foods and diet products are marketed, many times consumers are misguided to believe that what you "read" on the front of the package is what you get...and that's not always true.

Think about it, how many times are we rushed in the market only glancing at the front of the package to deliver us the information we need to make a quick, and what we believe to be, informed decision? How often have you taken the time to not only read the front of the label, but the nutrition facts panel on the back as well? If you are anything like me, not as often as you should. And due to a recent study by the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, we're not alone.

Just because it says low carb doesn't mean nutrition and caloric-wise that it is beneficial. So take the time to look beyond the front label, or low carb marketing hype, directly to the nutrition facts when shopping for products to manage your weight.

To read more about the study, visit www.jneb.org.