Think you can dig into a deluxe cheeseburger just because you are eating a salad on the side? You are not the only one. Consider this: Recent research shows that many people think a healthy option they add - the salad, for instance - actually results in "negative calories"! That is, if you eat the salad, your overall meal has fewer calories than if you didn't eat it. Sure, having a salad is better than having a side of french fries - fewer calories and carbs - especially if you opt for a light oil and vinegar dressing. But don't stereotype foods into "good" (salad) and "bad" (cheeseburger) categories, suggests Alexander Chernev, Northwestern University's lead researcher on this project. Instead, he recommends considering the calorie count of your entire meal when making choices about main dishes and sides.

 

Health Watch from Diabetes - Healthmonitor February/March 2011

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