Image: istockphoto.com/Creativeye99

I often try to avoid calories listed on menus in restaurants simply because they don’t directly indicate the quality of the food, which leaves your plate open to just about anything if you see a full meal for only 500 calories. The idea of strictly avoiding ”fatty” foods like eggs, cheese or red meat for lower calorie options will only lead to weight gain if you do not monitor your intake of simple carbohydrates like white rice, bread, potatoes and sugar. Foods with a higher glycemic index (how similar to sugar they are) like these will lead to increased weight gain because they increase insulin and fat storage if they are not burned off quickly. They also tend to be less filling. Next time you’re out to eat, be mindful of the types of food you’re choosing instead of just the little number next to that delicious pasta dish.