Q: Is a calorie really "just a calorie?" I thought fat had more calories than carbohydrates or protein.
A: Technically, yes, all calories are equal. Gram for gram, however, fat has more calories than carbohydrate or protein. Each gram of fat has nine calories, while carbohydrate and protein have only four calories per gram. (Alcohol has seven calories per gram.) So, in essence, you're right: a certain number of grams of fat will supply more calories than the same number of grams of carbohydrate or protein. That is why fat is considered an energy, or calorie-dense nutrient, and why eating a low-fat diet may help to decrease your calorie intake. Remember, though, any excess calories will be stored in your body as fat. It doesn't matter which source of nutrient your calories come from; if you eat more calories than you burn, you may gain weight.
Q: I've heard that cold water can "shock the system" - harm your stomach or kidneys - but that it burns more calories than room temperature water. Is it really harmful to drink cold water - and does it burn calories?
A: Cold water doesn't "shock" your system, nor does it harm your stomach or kidneys. In fact, on a warm day or after a very hot workout, cold water can actually cool you down faster. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends drinking water cooler than room temperature; cooler water leaves the stomach faster, which allows for faster re-hydration. And, in terms of colder water burning more calories, unfortunately, it's just not the magic weight loss potion we all wish it could be. Our bodies don't expend any more energy absorbing cold water than they do absorbing lukewarm water. We simply don't burn calories, or increase our metabolism, absorbing cold water. So, whether warm or iced, drink up!
Q: I just don't have time to make my own dinner. I always grab food on-the-go or eat out, but I'm trying to be more health conscious. What are the best "fast food" restaurants?
A: Lucky for all of us who enjoy a fast, cheap and healthy meal, many fast food restaurants, and several local eateries, are starting to catch on. Now you can venture beyond McDonald's and Wendy's and enjoy something tastier than an iceberg salad topped with five carrot strings and fat free dressing. (If you are looking at McDonald's though, try the new Fruit and Walnut salad or a Fruit 'n Yogurt Parfait.) A handful of Mexican restaurants offer a "burrito bowl" - burrito in a bowl minus the tortilla - and many items can be made-to-order. Order your burrito (whether in a bowl or a tortilla) with fiber-rich black beans or pinto beans, lean meat (like chicken), grilled vegetables, and salsa; also go easy on the cheese and guacamole, and skip the chips. Try Anna's Taqueria on Elm Street in Davis Square (also in the Porter Exchange Mall), Qdoba or Tacos Lupita in Porter Square. For quick, "natural" eats, try Blue Shirt Cafe or Diesel Cafe both in Davis Square), or O'Naturals (on Elm Street between Davis and Porter Squares). All offer a variety of organic and/or vegetarian-friendly sandwiches, salads, and soups; try O'Naturals' pizza on homemade flatbread for something different!
