11 January 2012

Condiments

Everyone has a favorite condiment from mayonnaise to thousand island dressing.  They are delicious, but can also be a sneaky source for adding extra calories to your diet.

When I was in college I went on my first diet with my friends.  When I began to count calories I realized just how many additional calories I was getting from tiny squirts of condiments.  Ever since then I have been a label checker, and do my best to order the sauce on the side so I can control how much I consume.

Mustard is my condiment of choice.  A teaspoon of yellow mustard has only about  3 calories, and packs in a lot of flavor.  You can even splurge for some honey mustard for 10 calories per teaspoon.  Be wary of the source of your honey mustard because if it is a salad dressing you are looking at a lot more calories - about 120 per 2 tablespoons.  When it comes to mustard I either read the package, or if I am out and about chose yellow or spicy.

I try and avoid ketchup at 30 calories per 2 tablespoons because the portion can really add up when french fries are involved, and it is sugar based without much nutritional value.  Mayonnaise also packs a calorie punch at 180 calories for a 2 tablespoon serving. 

Salad dressings are one of the top offenders so I always read the label or order these on the side.  Just 2 tablespoons of ranch dressing can run you 148 calories, and let's face it most people squirt on a larger portion then that.  If you go fat free you can cut it down to 48 calories for the same serving size, but just remember to measure out your serving because looks can be deceiving.  Vinaigrette style dressings are often one of the lighter choices if you are eating out and can't compare labels.  I don't go without on my salad, but I do like to measure out my portion so I know how much I am consuming. 

When it comes to calories in condiments knowledge is power.

14 comments:

  1. Thanks for stopping by April! I already follow all but the last blog on your list so that's where I will head over to say hello :)

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  2. Your photography is beautiful Brooke! I'm following you on FB! XO, Aimee

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  3. Thank you for following The Bewitchin' Kitchen! I am following you back on Google +!

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  4. Thanks for stopping by Randa! I will make sure to get you in my circle as well.

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  5. Unfortunately, I LOVE ketchup with my french fries! Luckily, I don't eat them too often. I also like mustard, especially Dijon. I prefer to order dressing on the side too so I can control the amount. Thanks for stopping by my blog...following you back!

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  6. I am a big offender on the condiments - although I do try to be conscientious about how much I add to things.

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  7. I don't use condiments tons so I usually try to ignore the calories and enjoy it, otherwise I can't enjoy my food (which is usually equally as unhealthy) bc I know how bad they are.

    I'm a new fb follower from the mommyt.o. hop. You can find me on fb at My Baby Sleep Guide

    Thanks,
    Rachel

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  8. Mustard is my favorite and I use a lot of it!!

    Btw, thanks for following Random Endeavors ~ returning the favor!

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  9. @Dawn I feel the same way about ketchup - random splurges are okay in my book! I only order fries at places I know they are really really good.

    @Rachel I love your blog! I just visited and followed you back. I will be commenting soon.

    @Tonya thanks for stopping by! Your avatar is adorable :)

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  10. this always surprises me how many many people don't count this as calories!!

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  11. And people don't realize how many servings they consume either!

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  12. Love your blog and WOW! love your photography. Wish I could take photos like that. Thanks for stopping by and following me. New follower on Google+.

    Sandy
    Cherished Handmade Treasures

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  13. Thanks for stopping by Sandy! It has taken me years to get to this point with my photography, and I always appreciate a compliment.

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