I know you’ve seen them before – those articles that pop up in all health magazines offering little tips for cutting a few calories each day. These types of articles and their tips usually elicit three different responses from me.
“Um, I am a basically healthy person and already do this.”
“What in the world?”
Then there are a few that make me say, “That is actually a great idea.”
I really support the theory behind these kinds of articles because the idea of cutting a few calories each day is perfect for weight loss and maintenance. I came across one last night that had me concerned, though. As much as health is evolving and people are increasing their awareness about real food, nutrition researchers and practitioners still can’t break some of their old fashioned suggestions.
Let me give you a few examples of the suggestions I saw.
Have diet soda instead of regular soda.
Order fat-free cream cheese.
Have fat-free fudge pops instead of chocolate.
Leave food on your plate after each meal.
Skip egg yolks.
I don’t think I need to explain the first one given my past posts. You know I’m on a mission to greatly reduce and someday eliminate diet sodas. I also don’t think synthetic fat replacers are the way to go, especially when it comes to replacing chocolate. Personally I would never substitute anything for chocolate. Even a little bit of milk variety is good for the soul, make it dark and it is good for your heart too.
When it comes to leaving food on your plate, this is something I’ve struggled with from a wastefulness stand point. While I don’t think we should consume huge portions, I think it is irresponsible to waste the food we are given. A better suggestion for me is to split the meal in half and take some home or order a smaller portion.
While I love egg whites and their health benefits as much as the next nutritionally conscious person, I see a place for egg yolks in the diet. Egg yolks are brain food. While you save calories (about 70 in the yolk, versus 17 in the white) and fat by choosing whites you are also loosing some pretty beneficial nutrients for the mind. For example, egg yolks contain necessary choline, a nutrient that also plays a role with the metabolizing and accessibility of folic acid.
Yes, there is the cholesterol concern, but a person can eat a few egg yolks a week and maintain health. Just keep your cholesterol intake throughout the rest of your day in check.
In fairness, the article did have some decent, applicable tips. Things like diluting juice with water and leave the butter off popcorn. You can check it out here to see for yourself.
Seeing the suggestions as mentioned above just reminds me that we have a long way to go before real food is supported as healthy over fat-free, sugar-free versions. I think there has been a lot of progress over the years. I’m just wondering when we’ll get to the point of stopping suggestions for diet soda for health reasons. Why not sparkling water? Or why not encourage full, rich foods in moderation for health? Hmm…maybe I should write my own article.
Photo courtesy of Free Range Stock
