On a recent Sunday afternoon, my daughter mentioned a newspaper article I might appreciate. So I read, What you’re eating counts more than calories do, by Carrie Dennett.
My daughter was right – I liked it. If I could, I’d quote the whole thing here, but since that wouldn’t be right, I’ll just tell you the gist. (If you want to read it for yourself, check the March 27, 2016, issue of the Seattle Times.)
It appears that today’s calorie counts, like the ones that appear on nutrition labels, were formulated over a hundred years ago, and scientists with the USDA are discovering the counts are wrong.
Take your basic nuts. Years ago when dieting, I carefully counted out six almonds for a snack. As if that would satisfy anyone, much less someone on a diet.
Scientists are now discovering nuts are one of the best foods around – not only because of the protein-fiber-fat combo, but also because of the pleasure we get from chewing nuts. I would’ve been better off eating as many almonds as satisfied me. Yumyumyum. Yumyum. Yum.
Another tidbit that Carrie reported:
Calorie needs can differ by hundreds of calories even between two people of the same age, gender and weight – the three factors used to estimate calorie requirements.”
All my life, I’ve had a big appetite and was amazed I didn’t weigh more. Even now, people might be surprised at the amount of food and calories I ingest, especially sweets, e.g. a tablespoon of sugar, more or less, in my morning tea.
Carrie closed her article with advice:
1. Choose foods that satisfy.
2. Build appetite awareness.
3. Cook more at home.”
I’m getting comfortable with number 1 and enjoy the freedom. Still working on 2 and 3.
What’s your secret to eating?
Posted on April 26, 2016
Norma Nill 
My secrets to eating:
1) use only one hand at a time
2) stop eating before I get full
3) take pleasure in savoring each bite slowly
Thanks for reading and sharing your system, Doug! I especially like #3.
Eat when you are hungry!
A hearty Amen to that, Elisabeth! Thank you for reading and commenting.
Eat to satisfy the “needs” of the total body, not just the “wants” of your brain.
Thanks for reading my blog, Daryl, and sharing your wisdom!
Thanks for calling attention to the article and its contents. Very interesting and makes perfect sense!
I appreciate your feedback, Judy!
Oh boy, eating. It’s such a problem.. I love carbs. They are my downfall.
I can relate, but then I remind myself that carbs are brain food. Thanks for responding to my blog, Anita!
Thank you for your comments.My mind has been consumed with when and what I can eat next on my diet, for years. My problem is I eat healthy all day but evening snacking is my downfall. I haven’t figured out how to squash my impulses
That happens to me, too. I call it “getting the munchies.” Thanks for stopping by, Margaret!