FoodTalk Newsletter

December, 1997

University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension in Lancaster County

Life's Little Luxuries for 100 Calories or Less

"PLEASURE REVENGE: Consumers, tired of all the rules and regulations, want to cut loose and have secret bacchanals with a bevy of forbidden fruits.

SMALL INDULGENCES: Stressed-out from ever-increasing expenses, consumers are finding ways to reward themselves with affordable luxuries."

	Source: Faith Popcorn and Lys Marigold, CLICKING -- 
        16 Trends to Future Fit Your Life, Your Work and Your 
        Business (HarperCollins, 1996)

Diet soft drinks AND fried foods. Plain pasta AND extra virgin olive oil. Faith Popcorn, chairman of BrainReserve, and internationally known writer and speaker on future trends, might define these eating patterns as "pleasure revenge" and "small indulgences."

Looking at the Food Guide Pyramid, many of the foods that fit these trends probably are at the tip in the "Fats, Oils & Sweets" category. Does the "Use sparingly" recommendation that accompanies this category warn of danger if one climbs too high on the Pyramid?

THE "STAR" ON THE TREE?

Or, might we adopt the viewpoint of the person who described the "Fats, Oils & Sweets" grouping as "the star on the top of the holiday tree."

Let's think about the star on the holiday tree. It's selected with care. It complements the other decorations. It's often the most costly ornament and the quantity is limited.

View your foods from the tip of the Pyramid like that star. Select them wisely and fit them into your overall dietary plan. Then enjoy them as you enjoy the twinkle of the star from the top of your tree.

LITTLE LUXURIES

Here are nine sample pleasure-filled indulgences found in a recent tour of local stores -- all at 100 calories or less. Have fun coming up with your own list of little luxuries!

Tangerine-flavored olive oil, 3/4 tablespoon

90 calories, 10.5 grams fat

Blackberry salad dressing, 2 tablespoons

100 calories, 7 grams fat

Spiced cranberry raspberry gourmet preserves, 1 tablespoon

50 calories, 0 grams fat

Hazelnut spread, 1 tablespoon

80 calories, 4.5 grams fat

Amaretto truffle Swiss milk chocolate bar, 2 blocks

100 calories, 7.6 grams fat

Premium hot chocolate mix, 3 tablespoons

90 calories, 1.5 grams fat

Apple cinnamon gourmet syrup, 2 tablespoons

90 calories, 0 grams fat

Smokey mozzarella bread spread, 1 tablespoon

100 calories, 11 grams fat

Double chocolate crisps cookies, 1 cookie

90 calories, 5 grams fat

PICKING YOUR PLEASURES

When planning a dietary indulgence, check to see if the food is available in a smaller package or a single serving packet. For example, many jams and jellies are sold in smaller jars. Hot chocolate mixes and chocolate candies can be purchased in single serving portions.
Trade quality for quantity. Savor the anticipation of enjoying a really exquisite and more expensive food less frequently than a "so-so" indulgence on a regular basis. The total cost may be the same, but the pleasure might be much higher!
Remember the star is planned as a part of the total ornamentation on the tree. Overall balance is important. LIMIT THE PORTION SIZE OF YOUR INDULGENCES SO THEY DON'T TIP THE TREE!

For Those Teaching the Food Guide Pyramid

Our office has developed a game, "Pyramid Power: the Food Guide Game", for use with adults and youth age 9 and over. "Pyramid Power" has received awards from the American Dietetic Association and the National Association of Extension Home Economists. All materials may be reproduced on a standard copier for unlimited use. The format allows you to add your own questions to adapt this game to various settings. (Cost: $12.95 + $2.00 for shipping and handling.)

If you feel this activity might help you teach nutrition and would like more information:

e-mail me (AHENNEMAN1@UNL.EDU) or
check my web site (http://lancaster.unl.edu/food/pyramid.htm)

ABOUT FOOD REFLECTIONS (new name for FoodTalk after 1999)
FOOD REFLECTIONS is a FREE monthly e-mail newsletter and is also archived on the Internet http://lancaster.unl.edu/food/archives.htm. FOOD REFLECTIONS provides a "how-to" message on food, nutrition, or food safety for health professionals, educators, and consumers.

Author: FOOD REFLECTIONS is written by Alice Henneman, MS, RD, LMNT, Extension Educator and is archived on the Internet by Donna Weber, Extension Assistant.

Permission To Copy: You may reproduce FOOD REFLECTIONS for educational purposes but not for sales purposes. Please credit as follows: FOOD REFLECTIONS Newsletter, University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension in Lancaster County (lancaster.unl.edu/food)

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Endorsement Policy: Use of commercial and trade names does not imply approval or constitute endorsement by the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension in Lancaster County. Nor is criticism implied of products not mentioned.

Contacting Us: Your comments and suggestions are welcome. Send to: foodtalk@unl.edu

For More Information: For personalized answers to your food, nutrition, and food safety questions, contact your nearest Cooperative Extension office. Extension offices are located throughout the United States. For the nearest Nebraska office, click here: http://extension.unl.edu/countyoffices.html

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