So I have been on a quest to find tasty food low on calories. And while yes, lean protein and leafy greens are high on my "to eat" list during the week, I am trying to not only improve my healthy eating habits, but understand the psychology that makes me over eat and crave junk food. I must admit that after a few days off of the sugar and refined carbs, I find myself not as hungry and feeling full after eating less. So that is definitely one giant check mark under my Kick A** checklist. But...the point of this is to not just loose weight but change my eating habits.

First of all, before I continue, let me tell you the past week I have jumped back on the healthy train and lost the four pounds I gained through my weekend away and then my dad's birthday party. I have been counting my calories and putting in some exercise time. So I feel back on track!

But I am trying to examine this week some good food tips, especially for going out...here's what I discovered...

Fast food can make you fat, so dinner at a sit-down chain must be better, right? A menu analysis from Yahoo of 24 national chains revealed that the average entree at a sit-down restaurant contains 867 calories, compared with 522 calories in the average fast-food entree. And that's before appetizers, sides, or desserts—after all that, you better be pushing your car home!

That “medium” soda may actually be a large. Most people subconsciously pick the middle option without considering the actual amount, says study author Richard Staelin, Ph.D. Remember, 8 ounces is one serving. That means a “small” Coke at McDonald’s is already 2 servings of carbonated sugar—and a large is 4! Hope you rode your bike to McDonald's!

DRINK WATER BEFORE YOU EAT...Now German researchers have found another reason: Water fuels your body’s fat burners and the increase is partially attributed to the energy your body generates to warm the water during digestion.

Food isn't always a bargain, no matter the "value size". Here’s exactly how expensive it really is when you go for the “bargain”:
•    7-Eleven. Gulp to Double Gulp Coca-Cola Classic: 37 cents extra buys 450 more calories
•    Cinnabon. Minibon to Classic Cinnabon: 48 more cents buys 370 more calories
•    Movie theater. Small to medium unbuttered popcorn: 71 additional cents buys you 500 more calories
•    Convenience store. Regular to “The Big One” Snickers: 33 more cents packs on 230 more calories
•    McDonald’s. Quarter Pounder with Cheese to Medium Quarter Pounder with Cheese Extra Value Meal: An additional $1.41 gets you 660 more calories
•    Subway. The 6- to 12-inch Tuna Sub: $1.53 more buys 420 more calories
•    Wendy’s. Classic Double with Cheese to Classic Double with Cheese Old Fashioned Combo Meal: $1.57 extra buys you 600 more calories
•    Baskin Robbins. Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, Kids’ Scoop, to Double Scoop: For another $1.62, you’ve added 390 calories

The bottom line: For 8 bucks, you’ve bought yourself 3,620 calories.  After all, you’d also save 188,240 calories a year, or 54 pounds of belly fat! DUDE...that is a small child....so start your weight loss small and go for the smaller size...then move towards the bigger staircase of stopping with not only fast food, but junk food in general....

Signing off,
Miss Mad