Which has fewer calories, a doughnut or a bagel? Lots of people get that question wrong. Chris Olsen has the surprising food facts that can sabotage your weight-loss plans.
Most people characterize their diet over the past year as pretty healthy, according to a Consumer Reports poll. But delve deeper into the survey's findings, and it seems we may be fooling ourselves.
"We asked people what steps they're taking to eat well and control their weight. It turns out that only 15 per cent are counting calories, which is actually a key strategy for losing weight," the magazine's Nancy Metcalf said.
In fact, the poll found most people don't have an accurate take on calorie counting.
"We asked people which had more calories, a Dunkin' Donuts glazed doughnut or a Dunkin' Donuts plain bagel. Seventy-five per cent got it wrong," said Metcalf.
The doughnut actually has 260 calories, while the bagel has 320.
And are there more calories in 20 M&M's or an ounce of pretzel sticks?
Most would guess the M&M's but actually the M&M's have 68 calories. That ounce of pretzel sticks weighs in at 100 calories.
"Even people who described themselves in our poll as watching what they eat didn't necessarily make good choices," she said.
About 30 per cent who say they carefully limit sugar down a sugar-sweetened drink most days.
And 10 per cent who say they strictly limit their fat had bacon or another fatty meat for breakfast.
But the good news: nearly 60 per cent of those polled said they eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day. And they're choosing whole grains instead of white bread and white rice.
Consumer Reports' survey also found that most of us eat breakfast. That's another important finding because eating breakfast has been shown to help keep your weight under control. You don't lose weight by skipping the most important meal of the day
Also, instead of drinking fruit juice, eat the whole fruit. And if you find snack food too tempting -- just don't buy it. Buy something more healthy instead
And while you are watching the news -- watch it standing up. It doesn't sound like much, but if you stand an extra six or seven hours a week, it makes a difference. You burn twice the calories just standing as you do sitting on the couch.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Chris Olsen
