Calorie Myth Busters

Counting your Calories

How many times have we all tried to cut back calories? While we’re all aware of the straightforward fact that consuming fewer calories leads to weight loss, this strategy is more important than just the no-brainer method it seems to be. Find out what’s for real and what’s just hype.

Myth: Cutting carbs rather than calories is more effective weight loss

According to a recent study from The New England Journal of Medicine, a cut back in calories is a more effective diet than one that calls for low protein, carbohydrates or fat. All in all, it’s not the time of day, the combinations or the nutrition content of the food you eat—it’s the plain and simple amount of calories you’re consuming that will really help you manage your weight in the long run

Myth: Use reduced-fat peanut butter to cut calories

The difference between reduced-fat peanut butter and regular peanut butter actually won’t make a difference in your calorie intake. One serving of creamy peanut butter has the same amount of calories as one serving of reduced-fat creamy peanut butter—about 190 calories for two tablespoons. In addition, peanut butter with or without salt also has the same amount of calories. For a lower-calorie spread, try PB2 Powdered Peanut Butter, at only 50 calories for two tablespoons..

Myth: Salads are never high in calories

Just because you’re eating a bowl full of mostly veggies doesn’t mean it’s a low calorie meal. Throw in an avocado and you’ve already boosted your meal another 235 calories. Though avocadoes are healthy in many ways, steer clear of the green veggie when trying to cut calories. Your salad dressing choice can make or break your calorie count, so be careful. Sprinkle on some Italian dressing and you’ve added over one hundred calories to your salad. A healthier and lower calorie option is oil and vinegar.

Myth: My morning coffee doesn't add on that many calories to my diet

We’re not telling you not to drink your coffee. But what we are telling you to do is keep your eyes open when you add sweeteners, milk, cream, etc. Coffee-Mate’s powder version of its fat-free French vanilla flavor has 10 more calories than the regular French vanilla powder. Surprised? You’re not alone.

Myth: Frozen yogurt is a good low calorie option for a sweet treat

If you’re going for the sweet treat, choosing yogurt over ice cream is commonly the way to go. However, always find out about the nutritional information of the frozen yogurt you’re getting. At almost 200 calories for one serving (1/2 cup) of Ben & Jerry’s low fat frozen yogurt, you could get the same serving of Breyer’s ice cream for 70 less calories.

Myth: It doesn't matter how many nuts I eat because they're so small

While they may be small in size, nuts can be large in calories. Nuts serve as a nutritious snack—in moderation. We all know the feeling of seeing a bowl of nuts one minute, and ten minutes later that bowl has been mysteriously emptied. Remember, it’s all about moderation. Just 14 cashews bring you to 163 calories. So next time you’re munching on nuts, try not to go overboard.