America's Portion Distortion
8 foods you're likely over-indulging in without realizing it.
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Potato chips
Do the math: Those tiny 1-ounce bags that fit into the palm of your hand usually don't satisfy most chip lovers. But that handful still contains 168 milligrams of sodium, which represents 11 percent to 14 percent of the adequate intake of between 1,200 and 1,500 milligrams for adults, says Byrd-Bredbenner. But beware when eating from a larger size bag. A 6-ounce bag—which is easy to finish off in one sitting—increases your sodium total to more than 1,000 milligrams. And, in moments of weakness, who hasn't grabbed even a larger-sized bag? *
"About 10 percent of the population is sodium sensitive, which means you can increase your blood pressure if you increase your sodium intake," she says, noting that high blood pressure is a risk for cardiovascular disease.
The fix: Byrd-Bredbenner suggests buying unsalted chips. You can use herbs to flavor the chips, or sprinkle a minimal amount of salt on them, or use a combination of both strategies, she says. She advises checking the label on the back of the herb products you use to make sure there's no added sodium. And, she adds, because 60 percent of calories in regular chips are from fat, it's best to buy baked chips.
For portion control, potato chip fans can divide chips from large bags into more manageable, smaller bags. Or designate a bowl specifically for chips that, when filled to the brim, holds an appropriate number of chips.
March 20, 2009: The text for this slide originally contained erroneous information about the percent of sodium contained in a 1-ounce package of potato chips as it relates to the recommended intake for adults. The text also misstated the amount of sodium in a 6-ounce bag of potato chips. Both issues have been corrected.
Do the math: Those tiny 1-ounce bags that fit into the palm of your hand usually don't satisfy most chip lovers. But that handful still contains 168 milligrams of sodium, which represents 11 percent to 14 percent of the adequate intake of between 1,200 and 1,500 milligrams for adults, says Byrd-Bredbenner. But beware when eating from a larger size bag. A 6-ounce bag—which is easy to finish off in one sitting—increases your sodium total to more than 1,000 milligrams. And, in moments of weakness, who hasn't grabbed even a larger-sized bag? *
"About 10 percent of the population is sodium sensitive, which means you can increase your blood pressure if you increase your sodium intake," she says, noting that high blood pressure is a risk for cardiovascular disease.
The fix: Byrd-Bredbenner suggests buying unsalted chips. You can use herbs to flavor the chips, or sprinkle a minimal amount of salt on them, or use a combination of both strategies, she says. She advises checking the label on the back of the herb products you use to make sure there's no added sodium. And, she adds, because 60 percent of calories in regular chips are from fat, it's best to buy baked chips.
For portion control, potato chip fans can divide chips from large bags into more manageable, smaller bags. Or designate a bowl specifically for chips that, when filled to the brim, holds an appropriate number of chips.
March 20, 2009: The text for this slide originally contained erroneous information about the percent of sodium contained in a 1-ounce package of potato chips as it relates to the recommended intake for adults. The text also misstated the amount of sodium in a 6-ounce bag of potato chips. Both issues have been corrected.
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Join the discussion!
#1
Saturday, November 21, 2009 9:32:02 PM
I agree with Shannon Deee; as human beings we ARE omnivorous. If we were meant to be carnivorous we would have teeth like a dog's or a cat's and live in dens! I too love fruits and veggies; it's actually rare that I choose to eat meat. I like to eat right and exercise because we all need the right balance of nutrients and to not be sedentary; plus, eating right and exercising most of the time affords you a little wiggle room (which my husband and I use for our weekly pizza date!).
#2
Saturday, November 21, 2009 2:14:10 AM
... and Christmas gifts..
#3
Friday, November 20, 2009 9:18:20 AM
Friday, November 20, 2009 6:28:51 AM
click here to get Christmas gifts 
#5
Thursday, November 12, 2009 6:47:48 AM
Vulcan, it is always like that at MSN.
#7
Thursday, November 12, 2009 6:02:27 AM
Daughter76, I happen to like leafy greens, tomatoes, and all sorts of other veggies with or without dressing or butter. Humans are omnivores. We ARE meant to eat vegetables. We have grinding molars for that purpose. And humans hunt AND gather. We may not graze on grass but we do eat plants.
#8
Thursday, November 12, 2009 3:31:30 AM
Someone better tell the food police that salad is not the same as a food that tastes good. If people were meant to graze, we'd have long snouts and horns and live in a pasture. Food has to taste good before you can eat it---wise up----other wise all you're doing is creating fodder for the garbage pails
#9
Tuesday, October 27, 2009 1:37:36 AM
The biggest trends in society in the last 20 years are the lack of physical activity and the hugh portions that are served in restaurants. Most people eat out far more than necessary. Even the appetizers contain more calories than most WHOLE MEALS that we used to fix at home. It is unbelievable to me that in a society that has access to the internet, physical trainers, exercise DVDs, a gym on most corners and a landscape dotted with GNCs that we still don't understand that a coke has 9 tablespoons of sugar and 112 empty calories. Starbuck's drinks probably contain 400-500 calories (not counting that pastry you just bought, while you rationalize that you didn't eat bacon for breakfast!) Trust me folks, bacon and eggs with a regular exercise program is better than an energy drink and a krispy kreems and watching American Idol...
#10
Friday, September 04, 2009 7:57:41 AM
Rice? Orange Juice? What's next?
I think we all get that moderation is the key. And the occasional indulgence is okay.
As for the 'obesity problem' - we have become a sedentary culture. (And I say this sitting at my computer lol) I mean we have drive -thru bank tellers and drive-thru fast food. Kids aren't allowed to run and play anymore. They may get hurt and, of course, the stranger lurking around every corner. Very different from my younger days.
Eat as healthy as you can (and in this economy it's not always easy to buy the healthy choices), do some form of physical activity, a walk or bike ride after supper, take the stairs instead of the elevator...and when you want 3 slices of pizza, hold the salad - Have It! We need to start enjoying our lives and not worry every time a study is published. It'll change in about 3 years anyway.
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