Dear Elizabeth,
I’d like to lose at least a small bit of weight. Diets never seem to work for me or any of my friends. I feel healthy and happy but sometimes struggle with overeating. I know that I need to consult my doctor but wanted input from another woman in my age group. What works for you, Elizabeth?
Signed,
CJ, (Cookie Jar)
Dear CJ,
When it comes to dieting, I have tried it all. If you find a way to avoid going to the cookie jar for seconds, tell me how. A friend shared this with me, and we both had a good laugh about the calorie counters among us! Who else has followed the below (very funny) myths of calorie counting?
If you eat something and no one sees you eat it, it has no calories. Do not count it. ( Not true.)
If you eat a candy bar and then drink diet soda, cancel the candy bar calories. (Right.)
If you eat a meal with someone else, your food calories don’t count if you eat less than they do. ( I wish.)
If you eat food for medicinal purposes, the calories never count. (What?)
If you eat movie snacks, do not count them. They are part of the movie package. ( Not so.)
If you eat cookie pieces, the very process of breaking them leaks out the calories, so no calories.
(Dream on.)
If you lick off the spoon in the process of making something else, they contain no calories. (Really?)
If you eat foods of the same color, they all have the same calories. (Applies only for vegetables.)
If you eat frozen food, they have no calories because calories are units of heat. (Another myth.)
These tips have helped me have a good laugh and remind myself not to take dieting too seriously. Truth be told, exercise and a balanced diet consisting of healthy foods have always been part of my lifestyle. I also limit my food intake and drink lots of water. I happen to have a sweet tooth and try not to feel too guilty when I treat myself to dessert. Even if it’s before 5 pm - Life is short! :-D
Let me know if my tips provided some laughter!
Elizabeth