From the Kitchen Friday: Are All Calories the Same?

T

We have heard a million times that a calorie is a calorie is a calorie. And while Cool and I were in the kitchen today, we had a discussion about an article in Time Magazine about this topic. 

http://time.com/#2988142/you-asked-are-all-calories-created-equal/

 

Now being a dietitian, I have never thought all calories were the same and Cool agreed. If it was true, you could eat all your calories a day in candy bars and potato chips, while maintaining your healthy weight and adequate health in all your other body systems (heavens no candy bars would never cause heart or blood sugar problems). 

No, not all calories are created equal. Refer back to one of our previous post about beverages for example. Yes, there is as much sugar in a number of Oreos as a green drink, but if you had to choose between the two, of course the green drink would be a better choice. Just for the added nutrients: vitamins, minerals and fiber, all things Oreos lack. 

Think of your calories as money. You don't spend money frivolously. Each calorie is a dollar. If you are allowed to spend $1600 dollars a day, you would buy some amazing things. Why not spend your calories the same way?  Make your calories count, get the most bang for your buck. Choose the green drink over the Oreos. Choose a homemade burger versus a fast-food burger. And if you're going to spend your calories on something, make sure it is the most delicious thing you have ever eaten, or it's really not worth it. 

-Crazy

Making It Monday: Fresh Herbs for the Whole Year

Ok I am a basil fanatic!  I truly mean it. I would eat a caprese salad for breakfast, lunch and dinner if possible. Summer produces an abundance of fresh herbs and I use them constantly. But I do have a lot of them and hate to have them go to waste at the end of the season (I would never waste basil). My pots are full of basil and mint (did I mention Mojitos are my favorite beverage of the summer) and both grow well and abundantly during these warm months.

I am always left with pots full of both, so I have come up with a couple of easy ways to make them last throughout the year. Have a looksie at our "Making It Monday" Minute:  http://youtu.be/CUJlwgzU7Z4

You can do this with any fresh herb. Make it taste like summer in the dead of winter while your cooking up your favorite warm soup...or a Mojito. I don't judge.

-Crazy