CNN.com Health News: Fast-food Eaters Underestimate Calories

On September 6th CNN.com published an article about a health research study which suggests that no matter how big or small the fast food customer is, they all underestimate the caloric value of meals and individual food items from the menu which land on their tray.

This study helps to dispel beliefs that only larger people are undereducated or lazy about fast food choices and that is why they gained weight. And it may help us to understand why thinner people are gaining weight of epidemic proportions. According to the NIH about 97 million Americans are overweight or obese and that number is expected to rise.

If we as a society are unaware of caloric food values then we all stand to gain weight and lose health. One mistake fast food eaters make is ordering the salad thinking it is lower in calories then the basic burger. But once you add that dressing they give you, it may even be higher in calories then the burger. Another tip is to avoid super sizing the meal to keep calories lower. Or you can do what I and many Americans do which is to avoid fast food restaurant eating at all costs.

For the full article and a short 4 minute video with great tips for eating out more healthfully check out this CNN.com Health Page:
http://www.cnn.com/2006/HEALTH/09/06/diet.portion.ap/index.html?section=cnn_latest

For more tips also check out my previous post about simple steps you can integrate into your daily life to boost your health and lose weight.

Posted by: Juliette Aiyana, L.Ac.