BANKRUPTING YOUR BODY WITH EMPTY CALORIES.

07-18-2007

We’ve all heard the term "empty calories." But what are they? All calories provide energy, but not all are created equal, last as long, or are as nutritious to our bodies as others. Tragically, many Americans can’t afford to eat correctly. But those who can often don’t know how to choose a diet that gives them nutrients along with their calories, and end up bankrupting their bodies.

NUTRITIOUS CALORIES

Citrus fruits
Fibrous veggies (raw/fresh)
Whole grains (slow-cooking oats)
Fin fish (salmon, halibut, orange roughy)
Low-fat dairy (yogurt, low-fat or skim milk)
Lean Meats (beef, chicken, pork)
EMPTY CALORIES

Alcohol (empty) beer, spirits
Sugar (empty) candy, white sugar

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ELIMINATING THE FAT FROM YOUR DIET.

We all know—or should by now—that saturated fat is our "foe" in the fight against disease and a worthy adversary in the battle of the bulge. But knowing how to reduce fat from our diets can be challenging to those without nutritional knowledge. Here are some ideas to help you trim the fat—and your waistline!

Peel the poultry
Don’t oil salads
Make mini-sandwiches (using lean meat, half the bread, and more veggies)
Stew meats (don’t fry or broil)
Wash ground beef once cooked
Make sauces with 2% milk instead of cream
Use butter substitute on veggies and potatoes

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FOUR MYTHS ABOUT FOODS.

Our society is full of urban legends, myths, and other lore that is mostly viewed as harmless entertainment, their origins oftentimes every bit as humorous as their content. But myths can also contribute to skewed thinking and practices that mislead at least and devastate at worst.

Just because a myth seems far-reaching and nonsensical doesn’t mean it isn’t perpetuated. After all, how could myths be passed down as fact over the course of decades if no one believed them true?

Four myths that just might surprise you:

Myth 1: Eating pasta makes you fat.
Truth: Overeating makes you fat. Pasta can’t single-handedly take you from thin to fat overnight. That takes diligence and practice overeating many different types of foods.

Myth 2: Eating after 7 p.m. makes you fat.
Truth: Calorie content is the same at any time of day. You may find, however, that you actually consume more calories at night.

Myth 3: Drinking water with meals makes you retain fluid and become bloated.
Truth: When we drink water is of no consequence. Not drinking water causes fluid retention.

Myth 4: Our diets should contain no fat.
Truth: Cutting all fat can cause serious illness. There are good and bad fats. Choose unsaturated fats for good health.

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The Bottom Line:

With so much swirling information in regard to nutrition it is best to consult with someone who has the credentials to lead you in the proper direction. Following the guidance of a Certified Nutritionist or a Registered Dietician is a wise decision to ensure you’re putting yourself in optimal position to achieve the best possible results for your money spent on nutrition and supplementation.