It is true folks. I once wore a little brown vest covered in badges and held up three fingers announcing that I would “help people at all times and live by the Girl Scout law.” I suppose I am living out that mission with my goal to become a dietitian and help people make lifestyle changes to live healthier and happier lives.
When I was a Girl Scout back in mid eighties I went door to door, signing up all the neighbors for boxes of Thin Mints and Samoas and looked forward to the cookie delivery and badge I received every year. I’m not totally betraying my roots and saying there is something wrong with the Girl Scouts or their cookie sales, but I do have a little bit of a bone to pick about the ingredients they use.
As I was walking into the grocery store the other day, a girl scout had a table set up and requested that I spend 4 DOLLARS to buy a box. I’m sorry to say that I did not contribute to the little girl’s badge this year and if you have been reading my blog for a while, I’m sure you can guess why. Partially hydrogenated cottonseed oil? Now I understand that these cookies are a once-a-year special treat but can’t the Girl Scouts do better? The trans fats found in partially hydrogenated oils have detrimental health effects such as increased LDL cholesterol (the bad kind), decreased HDL cholesterol (the good kind), increased triglycerides, and increased inflammation, all of these factors contributing to cardiovascular disease in our country today.
Come on Girl Scouts! Time to take action and insist Little Brownie Bakers use higher quality products so you can really stand behind what you are selling. Until then I’m not sure that you are really living by the Girl Scout law.
I totally agree, girl! I feel guilty not buying from them...I did Campfire myself. Can we get a pic of you in your uniform on this blog? ;)
ReplyDeletei heard a rumor that trader joes has a samoa knock-off...i wonder if that has hydrogenated oil??
ReplyDeletei second ginger, we need a photo of you in your uniform!!
Firstly, I hear what you're saying and agree.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, this really makes me want a milkshake with thin mints.
Ah Samoa's! Didn't we always buy more of those than even the thin mints??? I know I have a picture of you in GS uniform :)
ReplyDeleteAnd no, I didn't buy any of them this year! Grossed me out looking at the caloric content full well knowing it was all sugar and bad fat!
I was a Girl Scout, too. And I agree with Emily on both items.
ReplyDeleteThese days when I see a Girl Scout with the boxes of YUCK I give them money as a donation because they're doing it to pay for their projects and camp-outs. However, I also point out the ingredients list and tell them exactly what you're saying, Sarah.
I wish the Girl Scouts organization would choose to be a better model of health.