Today, I saw two commercials that sparked the desire to define, again, what a calorie is and what it is not. First, Pizza Hut is testing a 'Skinny Slice' of pizza; less dough and toppings and under 300 calories. Nothing was mentioned about the preservatives in the dough, the chemical additives in the sauce or the artificial ingredients and sweeteners used when making this 'skinny' pizza; only the calorie count is marketed.
Next was a Dog Chow commercial appealing to owners of the overweight pooch. 'Light and Healthy' Dog Chow is now on the shelves, beside 'Light & Fit' and 'Science Diet Light Adult'. Iams has its version, as do many other varieties. Now, if your dog needs light dog food because he or she is overweight, calorie counting and portion control will not solve the problem. Fido will only go from being overweight and full to overweight and starving, much like the easily convinced patron at the Pizza Hut counter dining on Skinny Pizza.
Pizza, to be clear, is not the problem. Pizza can be a very delicious and healthy piece of the dietary pie. Tomatoes, cheese, herbs and prepared sausages atop a chewy crust is part of our weekly menu, home-made or otherwise. The problem is the focus on the Calorie Count.
The solution to the problem is defined in the definition above. A calorie is the measurement of how much energy it takes to efficiently use what you consume. Instead of feeding Fido 'Light & Fit' and dining on 'Skinny Slices' of pizza, find a way to create and expend energy so you may use the energy you have eaten! Start with real food, wash it in with water, give your vitamins their vitamins and then put your dog on a short leash and take a nice long walk. Your 'calories' will thank you!
Oh, and don't forget to wash your hands~
Anna~
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