Don't Be Fooled by "Fat-Free"

(By: Kimberly A. Tessmer, RD LD)

Fat-free foods sounds like a dieters dream!!  BUT beware!  Fat-free does NOT mean calorie free!  Eating fat-free foods may help you to decrease the amount of fat in your diet but they will not cut out the calories and in some instances may even increase the amount of calories in your daily diet. Fat-free foods can be a dieter's nightmare if not eaten in moderation.  Many people end up eating twice the amount of fat-free foods as they would their full fat counterpart because they somehow have the idea that they have very few to no calories. This is not the case because many fat-free foods use other ingredients such as sugar to add back flavor, which provides calories.  So if your not careful you may not decrease your calorie intake at all and may even increase it.  In addition, since fat provides a feeling of fullness or satiety, foods that are low in fat or fat-free may not end up satisfying your hunger and may cause you to eat more calories than you intended.  

Hitting the Open Highway With Good Nutrition

(By: Kimberly A. Tessmer, RD LD)

Summer time is the time to hit the road for family vacations!  Controlling food choices on the road can be difficult but doesn't have to be impossible.  It takes a little planning ahead before you take off.  Pack non-perishable nutritious snacks such as pretzels, nuts, dry whole-grain cereal, fresh fruit, fresh veggies, peanut butter, rice cakes, raisins, and other dried fruit.  Pack a small cooler with sandwiches, yogurt and cold water.  Not only will your waistline thank you but so will your pocket book!  Stopping at convenience stores and fast food restaurants can add up both in calories and money!