Do calories confuse you? This short video provides a great way to visualize what you are eating in relation to its caloric value.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMGUmcveQeg&feature=youtu.be
You might be surprised at how much -- or should we say, how little! -- a 200 calorie portion of your favorite fast food comprises. When you compare half a slice of pizza or part of a hamburger to a 200 calorie portion of fruits or vegetables, you see that there is a noticeable discrepancy in the quantity of food.
Also of note is the difference between liquids and solids. Compared to certain foods, soft drinks may comprise a greater volume in 200 calories, however, these calories are considered “empty” as they have no nutritional value. There is also a difference in comparing certain drinks to each other: you can drink more black coffee than is humanly possibly before you reach 200 calories, but as soon as you add cream and sugar, you top out at about two cups. On the other hand, a 200 calorie glass of milk is a smaller amount than a 200 calorie glass of Coke, but the milk is nutrient rich and thus more satiating to your body.
A key take away from the video is that while paying attention to calories is important, just counting calories alone will not provide you with a healthy diet. It’s the quality of the calories and the nutritional value of the food that is most important. And it's important to remember that what you put into your body affects your mouth as well as your overall well-being. In general, foods that are healthier and better for your body are also better for your teeth!
Check out this video and let us know what you think. What were you most surprised to learn about?
