I'm Dieting So Why Am I Gaining Weight?

This article really makes you think - and smile (as you recognise yourself in it!). We think it's a good reason to keep a food diary - that way ALL those extra little nibbles must all be accounted for and written down.

Small Bites

Do you ever hear (or perhaps say!) these comments, which are often followed by: "But, why am I still gaining weight?" To answer that question we often have to zoom in closer and check those tiny bites of food we might overlook throughout our day. For example:

Bite 2: Two tablespoons of granola are left in the box. It's hardly worth returning to the cupboard. You add it to your serving of cereal.
Calories: 64

Bite 3: You add two teaspoons powdered cream substitute in the coffee at work. Someone made really strong coffee today. Adding creamer is the only way you can stand the taste.
Calories: 20

Bite 4: You take just a small "sample" of the cake in the break room. Well, maybe a second "sliver" would be O.K. too!
Calories: 73

Bite 5: Oops! You forgot to ask them to leave the mayo off the hamburger at lunch.
Calories: 100

Bite 6: Add two mints. You also forgot to have them leave off the onion! Better have a mint or two for your breath, just in case.
Calories: 20

Bite 7: You take a chocolate kiss from a co-worker's candy jar. You have to crank out a big report this afternoon. This is for medicinal purposes only!
Calories: 25

Bite 8: A second chocolate kiss from a co-worker's candy jar. You finished the report -- what better way to celebrate? And besides, it's just a tiny piece of candy.
Calories: 25

Bite 9: There you are with a handful of peanuts. The gang has gotten together for a quick drink after work to celebrate completing the report. You just order mineral water; but surely a couple tablespoons of nuts can't have many calories.
Calories: 105

Bite 10: Cheese on cracker at grocery store. After all, it's a small sample.
Calories: 55

Bite 11: Two tablespoons macaroni and cheese. You're trying out a new recipe. You taste as you cook to get the seasonings just right.
Calories: 54

Bite 12: One-fourth cup macaroni and cheese. Your new recipe tasted great; however, there's a small amount left over. It hardly seems worth the effort to refrigerate only a fourth cup. You don't want to toss it, so you eat it.
Calories: 108

The Grand Total "Extra" Calories For The Day - 675

If these extra calories are eaten daily, it might be possible to gain as much as a pound a week!
On average, an additional 3,500 calories above your body's needs can lead to a weight gain of a pound.
If you've been adding "mystery" pounds, consider counting the calories in those "tiny" bites.

This site was featured in Woman's Own Diet Special™ Magazine as one of the Top Ten Diet Sites!