If it isn’t already difficult to be a healthy eater, nutritionists and dieticians now say that we need to exercise even more caution when picking out groceries in the supermarket.

(Alzbeta Voboril)

We as consumers have been conditioned to see these words on the packaging and automatically assume that the products inside are better for us.

David Zinczenko, author of bestselling book “Eat This Not That! Supermarket Survival Guide,” warns consumers that marketers will try to engage the emotions.

“Ignore the package,” Zinczenko said. “Flip the package over and read the label.”

One of the biggest deceptions given by healthy products is portion size. Often times the caloric intake is so low because the serving size is so small. Another deceptive trait with so-called healthy foods is the amount of sugar in a product.

In his book, Zinczenko tells readers of the worst foods to purchase at the supermarket, followed by a truly healthier option. One of the most deceptive finds was for cereal. The worst cereal one could purchase at the supermarket is Quaker 100% Natural Granola, Oats, Honey & Raisins.

In one cup of this cereal there are 420 calories, 12 grams of fat, six grams of fiber, and 30 grams of sugar.

“Granola, for all its good reputation, is usually weighed down by a deluge of added sugars. In fact, for the same amount of sugar, you could have a bowl of Cocoa Pebbles more than twice the size—and you’d get more fiber and save about 60 calories in fat.

Instead, Zinczenko suggests consumers to purchase Kashi GOLEAN. In one cup, there are 140 calories, one gram of fat, 10 grams of fiber, and six grams of sugar.

Other health food deceptions include:

•Stonyfield fat-free blackberry yogurt. It contains 140 calories, 26 grams of sugar, 7 grams of protein. The amount of sugar is equivalent to two scoops of Edy’s Double Fudge Brownie ice cream.

For a healthy yogurt, Zinczenko recommends Oikos, a Greek style yogurt. It contains 110 calories, 11 grams of sugar and 15 grams of protein.

•Kashi GOLEAN chewy, protein and fiber bar, oatmeal raisin cookie. It contains 280 calories, 33 grams of sugar and 13 grams of protein. The sugar is equal to 15 Hershey Kisses.

Instead go for Kashi GOLEAN protein and fiber bar, crunchy, chocolate peanut. It contains 190 calories, 14 grams of sugar and 12 grams of protein.

•Kellogg’s Smart Start cereal. It contains 220 calories, 17 grams of sugar, 5 grams of fiber. The caloric fat is equal to six strips bacon.

Instead, choose Kellogg’s Frosted Mini-Wheats. It contains 180 calories, 10 grams of sugar and 5 grams of fiber.

•Reduced fat peanut butter. In two tablespoons there are 200 calories and 12 grams of carbohydrates. The calories are equal to that of a Krispy Kreme glazed donut.

Purchase Smucker’s Natural Peanut Butter. For a truly healthy peanut butter, the only ingredients should be peanuts and salt for a heart healthy serving of fat.

•Land O’Lakes Margarine. One tablespoon contains 100 calories and 11 grams of fat. This product comes from a chemical lab, not a cow like butter. It is made partially of hydrogenated oils to keep it together with 2.5 grams of transaturated fat per serving.

Go for whipped butter, containing half the amount of calories as the margarine, 6 grams of fat, and no transaturated fat.

•V8 Splash contains 80 calories and 18 grams of sugar. This is the same amount of sugar that is found in a bowl and half of Fruit Loops.

Instead, Zinczenko recommends V8 Fusion Light Peach Mango with 50 calories and 10 grams of sugar.