Article adapted from Savor by Sodexo, Fall/Winter 2012 Edition
Counting calories can be incredibly helpful in your effort to lose weight. You should always consult your doctor about the amount of calories you should be consuming daily, which can vary depending on your weight, activity level, and age. However, in general, women should consume around 2,000 calories per day and men should consume around 2,500. So, how knowledgeable are you when it comes to the calorie count of the foods you are eating? Take the test below to find out!
Which do you think is higher in calories?
1) a- McDonald’s Medium French fires
b- Mcdonald’s Quarter Pounder with Cheese
2) a- Two-egg cheese omelet
b- Two slices of plain French toast
3)a-One medium brownie
b-One Hershey milk chocolate bar
4)a-Peanut butter sandwich
b-Tuna salad sandwich
5)a-One cup Cobb Salad
b-One cup Caesar salad
6)a-Slice of cheese pizza
b-Two mozzarella sticks
How Did You Score?
1) B, Quarter Pounder has 520 Calories and French fries have 380
2) B, French Toast has 312 Calories and Omelet has 271
3) B, Chocolate bar has 210 Calories and Brownie has 129
4) A, Peanut butter has 342 Calories and Tuna Salad has 287
5) B, Caesar salad has 184 Calories and Cobb has 161
6) B, Two mozzarella sticks have 302 Calories and a slice of Pizza has 231
Where you surprised by any of these? Keep in mind that these are just estimates based on general food items and correct portion sizes — portion size is key! The “portions” we are served today, especially at restaurants, are much larger than the recommended amount, making it easy to consume an ENTIRE DAY’s WORTH of calories in just one sitting.
The following sites can be useful in helping you to track your calories:
CalorieKing — Has calorie counts from home-cooked, fast-food, and sit down restaurants.
LiveStrong — Calculates the number of calories you should eat per day after you enter Ayour height and weight and set a weight loss goal
Recipe Calculator — Find out how many calories your home cooked meals have in them!
