Eat This or That? How about neither???

If you've surfed around the web enough, or taken a look through your bookstores "health" section, then you've undoubtedly come across the book "Eat This, Not That!", which lists several lower-calorie options for a variety of fast-food and sit-down chains.

Can I tell you what I think? What I honestly think about this?

What. A. Load. Of. Crap.

"I'm eating a glazed donut, instead of a glazed cake donut! I'm saving 100 calories!!" (note: this is an actual example)

To start off, I think the basic rules of eating should be easy. Eat lean protein, eat fruits and vegetables, eat whole grains and healthy sources of fats. Avoid processed foods. Does this book make things easier? Well, considering the subtitle is "Thousands of Simple Food Swaps that Can Save You 10, 20, 30 Pounds--or More!", I wouldn't think so. Instead of basic rules to start living by, we're given a reference book to carry around wherever we go!!

"I'm saving 100 calories! nom nom nom..."

A book like this appeals to people that think they can still eat fast food on a regular basis, but if they just have the egg mcmuffin instead of the hotcakes, then they'll save calories and lose weight! (note: also another actual example)

Fast food is bad for us. We all know that. Eating out isn't much better and can sometimes be much worse. (look back at the October 6th post for simple tips when eating out). So should we completely forgo these things and sit in our home and eat celery all day?

NO!

Just strive to eat healthy 90% of the time during the week (many people fall well short of this. If you're unsure, write it down for a week!). If you eat healthy that often, then you don't have to worry about the fast food or dinners out. You don't have to debate over a big mac or a bag of fries. You just eat whatever you want, knowing full well that your healthy diet the rest of the time is keeping you on track for your fitness goals.

This whole "Eat This, Not That" sells itself as a big book of secrets. There are no secrets. Really. In the very least, the basics are not that hard to learn and remember. Don't deny yourself any food indulgences just to save calories. Just always remember what exactly they are - indulgences. Eat them sparingly and you can leave the books at home.