The Calorie Myth

Here I am making Lasagna for 65 guests. I didn't really get dirty, just dabbed on some sauce for effect. I made homemade gelato and fresh dressing from scratch for the salad made from scratch...they haven't discovered pre-made salads yet - a possible business opportunity for someone out there

While I'm in my kitchen, let me give you a few tips for healthy eating. First: The so-called experts on dieting have the calorie theory all wrong. Let me explain how it works.

Calories are a measure of energy. Eating is the way we who are not blessed with a windmill for a head to make energy. Energy is needed to perform our daily work, exercise, shop and babysit. Cooking a meal, setting the table and cleaning up use calories, thus canceling any calories consumed by eating in these activities. Some foods have received the reputation of being "high" in calories which supposedly makes you gain weight. Let me just point out a few of these myths.

Common Sense: Healthy food is good for you.

Myth: Cake, cookies, ice cream, etc. are high in calories.

Fact: Combining healthy ingredients from different food groups; such as flour, eggs and milk make such healthy foods a "balanced meal".

Common Sense: It is important to consume water. Water has no calories.

Myth: Soda, watermelon and whole milk are high in calories.

Fact: Water is NOT fattening. These foods are first and foremost mostly composed of water. Take the water out, there is virtually no weight left in these drinks. Therefore, things mostly composed of water are not fattening but rather good for you.

Common Sense: "Garbage in, garbage out" applies to food. If you consume 10 pounds of... say whole wheat flour you should by this rule gain 10 pounds (since it is not mostly water or a combination of healthy foods, see above)

Myth: Eating potato chips is fattening.

Fact: Ridiculous! If you eat a 10 oz. bag of potato chips the most you should gain is 10 oz. That's less that a pound. When eating candy, which does weigh more, go for things such as a Milky Way bar or a Twinkie which are light and fluffy. Snickers, by contrast are a bit heavier.

True: Protein is an important part of your diet.

Myth: Meat, as a heavy food item is high in calories. Not when served as part of a healthy meal.
Fact: Protein (steaks, hamburger, etc.) when consumed with other healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables are a balanced diet which is healthy eating. Try potatoes (vegetable) with butter & sour cream (dairy), rolls (grains) and soda. Yum, yum, and good for you too.

Share your diet tricks for a healthless life style!