Calories are a measure of the amount of energy contained in foods. The more calories we consume, the more energy and nutrient are stored in the body.
Watching our daily intake of calories has been shown to be an effective way to lose and maintain a healthy weight. But the amount of calories packed in foods can be deceptive. That is, we tend to underestimate how many calories are contained in a food serving. For example, a banana contains roughly the same amount of calories (~100 calories) as half of a Krispy Kreme glazed donut, but some people may think the banana has less by virtue of it being a fruit.
So do you know what 100 calories look like? Think one scoop of ice-cream, or a quarter of a pain-au-chocolat, or a third of a blueberry muffin, or a small wedge of cheddar cheese, or 1.5 pieces of bacon. Bottom line? It's easier to consume 100 calories than we realize, so choose wisely!
