Marketing... Do your homework!!

Mar . ket . ing:  The action or business of promoting and selling products or services, including market research and advertising.

I had a coaching call this morning that got me thinking about marketing. My client was told by her doctor
to increase her intake of calcium to support greater bone density related to menopause. Fine. Sounds like good advice. Not that I would assert otherwise anyway, as I am not a doctor - but it did sound reasonable. The interesting part though, was that both parties assumed the only way to get calcium was through dairy.
​I have two words for you: "Got Milk?"  My point is not to dispute dairy, but to point out the power of marketing. For instance, below is a short list of foods that contain calcium, and how much, from a book titled, The Kind Diet. Milk is not the only source. Just the only one with a memorable brand and lots of star power. 

Calcium milligrams, per 100-gram serving (100 grams = 3.5oz or 1/2 cup)

Butter  20
Whole milk  118
Chickpeas  150
Collard green  203
Parsley  203
Soybeans  226
Almonds  234
Sesame seeds  1,160
Hijiki sea vegetable  1,400

Interesting, isn't it? (I'll assume your next question is: "What's a hijiki sea vegetable? Google it.)

Here is my rule of thumb: Never make decisions on how you vote or what you eat based on ads. Do your homework! On that note (not to get political) here is another fact I find interesting... According to OpenSecrets.org,  the number one campaign contributor in the state of Minnesota in the 2016 election cycle - is the sugar industry; American Crystal Sugar to be specific. And four additional major food-based companies are listed among the top 20 donors. 

Do your homework!!! Get informed. This is your health. This is your life. Be DONE playing small. Look around. Really observe the marketing. Read the boxes - not just the nutritional label, but the marketing on the package. Watch the commercials. Observe restaurant menus. Notice the messages. Become aware of all the ways your decisions about health are influenced by paid advertising or marketing. Then go back up and read the definition at the top of this blog. The purpose of marketing is to motivate you, the consumer, to buy something - which may or may not be in your best interest. Do some brands and retailers have a core mission that is about  more than money, yes. Figure out who they are. Don't be a victim. You have a mind. You have a choice. Use them! 

That's all I have for today. But now you have a job for the week. I would love to hear your biggest a-ha! 
gms