Food Myths: Gateway to a Happier You
Last week as I was eating a slice of pizza I went through an age-old argument with my two selves. The self that is slightly (and I will only claim to "slightly") healthy argued that I do not need a Coke with my pizza--there's already a lot of calories in the pizza, and I need to drink more water anyway. The other side--the side that makes it hard for me to deny myself anything--argued that in fact drinking Coke with my pizza is essential and if I'm already having a bunch of calories, why not enjoy them even more with an ice-cold, refreshing Coke. This argument went back in forth for a while, as if I were in an episode of Herman's Head. And then it happened. My hedonistic self declared: Well, you really need to have that Coke to counteract all the fat.
A few minutes later, Coke in hand, I pondered the debate that had occured. I realized that, like House says, everybody lies. Well, to themselves at least. I have several food-based myths I perpetuate and the object of lying to myself about these self-invented myths is to give myself the thumbs-up to eat something I shouldn't or to allow myself to eat more than I should. Here's my Top 3 list:
- It is necessary to drink Coke with fast food or fried foods in order to counteract all the fat entering my system. All the acid is particularly effective against cheese. It will save me later from a fried-food hangover.
- If a candy bar includes peanuts (such as Snickers) it is a healthy snack. All those peanuts provide a lot of extra protein.
- It's important to eat dessert after every meal because sugar aids in digestion. (I have no idea where I picked up this one...)
Anyone else with me on these? Got your own food myths? Add a comment and make me feel better.
--KitchenMaus
Sammy on August 29, 2008 at 08:58 AM
Coke just adds fuel to the fire (thanks to HFCS).
I actually LOST weight from regularly eating fast food in Europe (because I had to economize while I was there). Why? Their fast food is regulated - so it's more wholesome. That means you don't have to eat as much to feel full. And their Coke is still made with suger, not HFCS.
Al on August 29, 2008 at 10:04 AM
The only thing rational about man the rational animal is his ability to rationalize his own present position.
bro on August 29, 2008 at 11:10 AM
There's a saying that nothing tastes as good as thin feels. Sounds like something health nuts tell themselves to stay sane. I tried eating consistently healthy for a time and wanted to blow my brains out. If it makes you happy and you don't regret it afterwards, that's all the justification you need. Having water with my pizza might be slightly healthier, but certainly not enough to justify compromising my enjoyment. If foods go together, they should be together. Otherwise, why eat food at all? Might as well just get yourself an IV if all that matters is nourishment.
Spanno on August 29, 2008 at 11:34 AM
I've convinced myself that mochas are good for me because of the coffee (metabolism) and the milk (calcium).
--Spanno
Em on August 29, 2008 at 01:11 PM
The turkey that you sample on Thanksgiving (as well as all of the other samples you take from other dishes) have no calories. How convenient!
Lady Hawkeye on August 29, 2008 at 08:27 PM
I keep dark chocolate on my desk at all times. Somehow knowing that it's right there prevents me from eating it. Instead of craving chocolate and wandering off to find some, I crave chocolate, see that it's right there and say, "Oh, there's some chocolate. How convenient. Now on to the next e-mail."
vanderleun on August 29, 2008 at 08:59 PM
Numero Uno: Coke adds life. Everybody knows that.
Numoro Two-o: The peanuts in Snickers, as every one knows, are genetically modified, to deliver twice the protein. So eating two is better.
Numero Three-o: If you eat two Snickers after every meal you won't need to eat dessert.
MRSCHILDS2001 on August 30, 2008 at 05:49 AM
Of course, if you eat while standing, it doesn't count. This is due to the "fact" that any calories ingested go directly to your feet and are excreted by natural moisture release. Doesn't everyone know this? I should write a self-help book. LOL
on August 30, 2008 at 01:59 PM
if coke can clean grease out of a carborator then it would do a really good job in cutting indigestible food grease. :D
steve on August 31, 2008 at 10:39 AM
Dessert calories dont count if you eat your dessert first, then eat the main meal. Works well with brownies dont know about other desserts, but I think it works.
Add extra butter to everything, it help keep you lubricated. Same thing with olive oil.
Natty on August 31, 2008 at 01:06 PM
I am totally guilty of #2... I feel downright saintly if I get the Almond M&Ms instead of the Peanut M&Ms.
Carol on September 01, 2008 at 07:26 PM
I am totally with you on number 1. I think it is that the bubbles in the coke (beer also works fine) knock against the fat breaking it into small pieces so it can easily leave the body without becoming part of me or my blood vessels. I have believed this and followed it since I was 20 and I'm now in my 60s so it must be right!