Y’all may remember that a few weeks ago Gulley and I took the kids to Bryan for an Aggie baseball game.
And we had a good time.
The end.
But something else happened on that trip that has changed my life over the last month or so. Gulley’s mama gave her a copy of a book called “Eat This, Not That”.
And because I yearn for knowledge, I picked up the book and read it cover to cover over the next 24 hours.
Which isn’t necessarily a huge accomplishment. It’s not like that time I read “War and Peace” all in one sitting.
By the way, this isn’t a paid endorsement. Although I will totally accept cash money if someone wants to pony up some coin.
The book lists most restaurants and tells you the worst things and the best things on their menus. It also lists the top twenty least healthy restaurant foods and gives a nutritional rundown of things you normally buy at the grocery store.
It is a veritable fount of useful information.
You know what the number one least healthy restaurant menu item is?
Outback Steakhouse Cheese Fries.
Wow. I did not see that coming.
It said that an order of Outback Cheese Fries contains more calories and fat grams than a person should consume in about three days or possibly three years. And if you dip them in ranch dressing you will need a Shop Vac for your arteries.
Back when I was a recent college graduate, with a lucrative job in financial sales that paid $9500 + commission A YEAR, some of my co-workers and I found out about the grand opening of a new Outback Steakhouse. They were serving free appetizers for two hours.
After months of living on cups of Ramen noodles and a pack of Oreos, those cheese fries were the best thing I had ever tasted and, according to the book, I ate enough that evening to provide me with all the calories and fat I will need for the rest of my life.
In my quest for nutritional knowledge, I also discovered that the worst menu item at McDonalds is the Premium Chicken Selects. Which I had almost ordered just the day before because it sounded healthier than the McRib. I don’t know what stopped me but I went with the burger instead.
If I had ordered the Premium Chicken and then read that book, I would have driven to the McDonalds in Bastrop, TX and burned it to the ground. And there isn’t a jury in the world who would have convicted me.
Marketing folks are playing it fast and loose with the words Premium, Select, and Chicken.
Next thing you know I’m going to find out that drinking two McDonald’s chocolate milkshakes in one sitting isn’t healthy. But how else am I supposed to get my calcium and ensure that I won’t go the way of Sally Field on a Boniva commercial?
I’ll tell you.
The biggest piece of life-changing information I read in “Eat This, Not That” was a little section about all the benefits of eating low-fat yogurt. Turns out it not only has calcium, but bacteria that keeps your digestive track humming along like the Little Engine Who Could.
What really sold me, however, is that studies have shown that people who eat three servings of low-fat yogurt a day have an easier time keeping weight off their stomach area.
Because it’s not about how I feel, it’s how I look.
No one is looking at your bone density in a swimsuit.
Wow. She appears to have a really healthy spine.
The only problem is that I have never been a fan of the low-fat yogurt. I think in the past it has always been that whole fruit on the bottom thing that kind of grossed me out.
But upon my return home I canvassed the HEB dairy section for the perfect yogurt.
Cue drumroll.
Strawberry-Banana Yoplait Fat-Free Yogurt.
It is heaven in a little plastic cup and I am addicted to it. There are very few things I’ll make a special trip to the HEB for (Q-tips, Honey Barbecue Fritos, York Peppermint Patties, and toilet paper) but the Yoplait is now on the short list. If I look in the refrigerator and see that I’m down to three or four of them, I start to get the shakes.
Oh Yoplait. How did I live without you so long?
I realize I’m a little late to the yogurt party. I mean yogurt really peaked back in the mid-80’s with the Jane Fonda Workout on VHS and legwarmers, but at that time I still had a metabolism that allowed me to eat a bag of Cool Ranch Doritos washed down with a Coke and four Reeses Peanut Butter Cups for a mid-afternoon snack. I had no need for the yogurt.
And truth be told, I haven’t really seen any difference in the circumference of my stomach area. Which may make sense considering that when you factor in the amount of yogurt I now consume each day I have added 300 calories to my daily caloric intake.
But I can’t quit now. It’s just so good.
There is nothing more refreshing at the end of a good Jazzercise workout. I like to eat it while I take off my legwarmers and cool down.
r r mama says:
Oh how I love me some Yoplait! You should really try the Yoplait Whips. Strawberry is the best. Yummy! Even my kids them. So we always have a “stock” in the fridge.
May 8th, 2008 at 8:45 am
Melanie says:
“No one is looking at your bone density in a swimsuit.”
LAUGHED OUT LOUD!!
May 8th, 2008 at 8:55 am
Lisa says:
yeah go ahead and flaunt your addiction ot Yoplait Strawberry Bannana yogurt. Whatever…….you did not know that I am having major Yoplait addictions well actually withdrawals right now. But you wait till they pull the rug out from under you and you have to search every store in the country to find the yogurt that you once fell in love with.
And then can’t find it at all. Oh the feelings we will share.
I always hated the whole yogurt taste until I found the strawberry cheesecake yogurt. Oh it was awesome. You almost did not realize that you were eating yogurt. Health without the gross taste. It would be like Doritos without the fat.
Sorry the post is so long. As you can tell my heart is deeply sadened. Of coarse if you find it at Heb and happend to mail me a whole carton I may be able to find the change you have been hinting for.:)
P.S. I was almost going to have to go into rehab for my second addiction this morning when I clicked on my favorites and did not see a new post on you blog…..but thank God one of the two cravings was satisfied.
May 8th, 2008 at 8:59 am
chrissy says:
My husband brought home that book the other day. Very enlightening. I was sad to see that the Chic-Fil-A milkshake is so horrible. Not surprised, but still sad.
The Yoplait Orange Creme yogurt is my favorite. It tastes like a Creamsicle.
May 8th, 2008 at 9:05 am
Jenna says:
You are the funniest woman in America.
May 8th, 2008 at 9:05 am
Staci at Writing and Living says:
I feel your pain. When I was in college I ate about 4000 calories a day and weighed about 110 pounds. Those days are long gone. All my college friends are lovely Christian women, but when I look at my hips and stomach, I can help but wonder if they have curly-headed voodoo dolls upon which they are extracting their revenge for every time I walked in their dorm rooms at 11:30 and said, “Let’s go to Taco Bell!”
May 8th, 2008 at 9:06 am
suburbancorrespondent says:
I’m a fruit-on-the-bottom person myself. But I still have belly fat.
May 8th, 2008 at 9:10 am
Stephanie from MO says:
I discoverd the “new” yogurt with my first child when he was a baby. I have been addicted ever since. I tried yogurt as a kid in the 80’s, but eewww–that nasty zing of a taste. I tried it again in college with the whole fruit-on-the-bottom and it was tolerable. BUt, trying with my baby–wow! I am addicted to the Vanilla Yoplait. We always have a supply. My husband like to add honey to his and I occasionally (well, more than that and more than I should) like to add chocolate syrup to my vanilla yogurt. It’s like a less fat sundae. You should try the Yoplait Whips too–oh…..they are wonderful. The Strawberry is the best, but orange is good too.
May 8th, 2008 at 9:11 am
Tamara says:
I prefer the fruit-on-the-bottom varieties, but won’t let myself buy them, because they have a higher sugar content. Yoplait also has a “Thick and Creamy” variety, both in the lowfat and regular formulas. It’s realllllly good, but HEB never has it (not even Central Market or HEB Plus). I can find it at Walmart sometimes. Still, if you see it, it’s even better than regular Yoplait, so snatch it up and intensify your addiction!
May 8th, 2008 at 9:16 am
Emily says:
If you have a Publix nearby, they have the Best vanilla yogurt…just plain Publix brand, but not the fat-free one, the low-fat one My son (he’s 2) all but drinks it and cries for it regularly. Dip it with some strawberries, and you are in HEAVEN!!
I saw a Dr. Oz special on Discovery Health because I like a little torture. On this particular show, he debuted at study which concluded that people who have a low-fat/high calcium diet lose twice the fat as those who do not have a low-fat/high calcium diet. TRUST ME…YOU DO NOT WANT TO KNOW HOW THEY CAME TO THIS CONCLUSION, but trust the results.
Great addition to a healthy diet. Good job!
May 8th, 2008 at 9:16 am
Jessica says:
I also adore Yoplait’s Strawberry Banana yogurt. It is my fav! I guess our test buds are twins. First, BBQ Fritos, now Strawberry Banana yogurt…what’s next? Qdoba’s 3 cheese chicken nachos? Oh Qdoba, I might have to see you for lunch today.
May 8th, 2008 at 9:18 am
Emily says:
The funniest woman in America? I contest that comment. I give you the Western Hemisphere at least!
May 8th, 2008 at 9:18 am
Jessica says:
I just realized I wrote “test” buds. Yeah, I totally should have said “taste” buds.
May 8th, 2008 at 9:19 am
Happy Mommy says:
Girl friend, Yoplait also has low fat in flavors like boston cream pie, apple pie, key lime and many many more! It’s like healthy dessert! Eat more yogurt, its good for you!
May 8th, 2008 at 9:25 am
Emily says:
I forgot to add…I cried several years ago when I read that Schlotsky’s original sandwiches are like a deep-fried heart attack and stroke on bread. Those sandwiches are (oh my word) so delicious. I haven’t had one since.
May 8th, 2008 at 9:26 am
Superchikk says:
I loves me some yogurt. Imagine my heartbreak when I discovered that while nursing my infant son, it made him tremendously gassy.
Which meant less sleep for me.
So I took a holiday from the yogurt for a while. But he’s older and I am back on the Yogurt train and loving it!
And while I love all the great flavors, my all-time favorite is plain-jane Vanilla.
There are so many things you can mix-in…not all of them healthy. What does Eat This, Not That say about that?
May 8th, 2008 at 9:27 am
Mel says:
I heard somewhere that when one craves chocolate, one’s body is craving calcium.
Hear, hear on the Yoplait yogurt. The Thick and Creamy ones are the best. Our Target and Walmart sell them and Sam’s Club carries large packs of the common varieties.
That book sounds interesting, but I would be afraid to read it.
May 8th, 2008 at 9:34 am
Becky says:
Thank you Lord for Big Mama…
You are hilarious…I so needed to laugh out loud…..”She appears to have a really healthy spine”………Can you come to our church?……..Charlotte, NC…..Please……..
May 8th, 2008 at 9:37 am
Jennifer says:
I love the whole yogurt thing- especially the fruit on the bottom, although it is a bit too sweet sometimes.
Don’t mistake the low-fat vs. fat free-
One must have a little of the ‘good fat’, (the low fat yogurt and skim milk vs. fat free milk and fat free yogurt). Our bodies will counteract the fat-free diets by storing extra fat b/c it’s not getting any normal ‘good’ fat. So- those studies w/ losing pounds with the low fat yogurt is true- but don’t replace it with fat free- your body will react differently.
Thanks or your blog- it is so very entertaining!!!
May 8th, 2008 at 9:43 am
Vicki Courtney says:
Well, thank the Lord you didn’t mention the cheese fries from Johnny Rockets since we have planned (or have tried to plan) a lunch date around this veritable delicacy of cheesy artery-clogging goodness. I am sure they are completely different than Outbacks–a sort of healthy version, if you will.
And no, I will not meet you at Whole Foods cafe should you choose to go fullout health food conscious on me. If it can’t be fried or covered in white gravy (or liquid cheese), it’s just not worth eating. Although, I will confess that the yogurt is good. But if you start blogging about grass shots, that’s it. We’re staging an intervention and taking you to Outback. Got it?
May 8th, 2008 at 9:54 am
Amanda- VintageDutchGirl says:
Three words:
Thick and Creamy.
It will change your life
May 8th, 2008 at 9:59 am
Jenn @ Casa de Castro says:
My dear husband fell madly in love with yogurt about a year ago. He tried every brand and flavor. He finally settled on his nirvana, and I was surprised at his choice! He prefers Brown Cow brand vanilla lowfat with added fresh berries of some variety. REALLY helped with his digestive and reflux problems, BUT his glucose went through the roof and bought him the label of “pre-diabetic.” Now’s he searching again for a new nirvana, but one that has less sugar.
Oh, the woes of yogurtheads.
May 8th, 2008 at 10:09 am
Trina says:
Big Mama, you have GOT to try Yoplait’s new Yogurt, YoPlus. It is the best yogurt I have ever had and I have been eating yogurt for YEARS! Seriously you have to try this stuff. It’s so creamy and flavorful, even the vanilla, which tends to be bland in most other brands.
It was so good I even emailed Yoplait to brag on it, now that’s some good yogurt!
May 8th, 2008 at 10:13 am
Quirky says:
Hmmm. I see that I will have to try the whole yogurt thing again. Every few years, I try a bunch of different flavors, trying to find one I like because yogurt is just so good for you! No avail. The first time I tried it (10 years ago?) it tasted like bad milk. The last time I tried it (5 years ago), it tasted like fruit flavored bad milk. Perhaps it is time to try again. I’d so like a tasty snack that I can feel good about eating.
May 8th, 2008 at 10:14 am
Amy Beth @ Ministry So Fabulous! says:
I can’t believe I’m about to admit this, but I’ve actually been to a Jazzercise class. When I was a senior in college, I took three friends home with me for the weekend (mistake number one). Once we had arrived and settled in, my mom announced that we HAD to go to Jazzercise with her as “payment” for staying in her house. I only wish I was kidding.
It was tragic. Seriously.
May 8th, 2008 at 10:17 am
Fresh Girl says:
We picked up that book at the library just yesterday, and yes, it has been quite revealing. I knew that about low-fat yogurt, and I always have the best of intentions…I buy it, planning to eat it, but then I’m never in the mood for it, so it languishes in the refrigerator for days and weeks and even months, until it could be used to grow some life-saving drug. At that point I throw it and my money away. *sigh*
May 8th, 2008 at 10:25 am
e-dub says:
“Marketing folks are playing it fast and loose with the words Premium, Select, and Chicken.” L-O-stinkin-L.
I think blogging is your spiritual gift. I needed this piece of funny today! Thanks (:
May 8th, 2008 at 10:28 am
Mississippi Mama says:
Mmm, Yoplait. Their cherry, blueberry, banana creme pie, orange and lemon flavors are my favorites.
May 8th, 2008 at 10:37 am
ginny says:
Dannon Mousse yogurt is the best! Sadly I cannot find it where I have to shop. I hope they still make it, I esp. love the vanilla.
May 8th, 2008 at 10:41 am
Wendy Darling says:
I really like the Yoplait “Strawberry Cheesecake” and “Apple Turnover” low-fat yogurts. Give those a try.
May 8th, 2008 at 11:03 am
Renna says:
I love it when someone else reads the good stuff and passes it along in a condensed version so I can glean from their time spent reading.
Seriously, I think that book purchase is in my future, and I KNOW low-fat yogurt now is. Thanks!
May 8th, 2008 at 11:16 am
Veronica Mitchell says:
I think I’ll try it as soon as they invent a yogurt that does not taste like yogurt.
May 8th, 2008 at 11:44 am
Christy says:
I LOVE the Yoplait Pina Colada yogurt (I like the coconut cream better, but it is harder to find). I sometimes eat it for dessert when I am trying to be good (which isn’t that often if I am telling the truth).
May 8th, 2008 at 11:48 am
JP's Mom says:
If you like the stawberry banana yoplait try the boston creme pie and the banana creme pie. They are both definitely contenders with the strawberry banana.
And let me tell you I am picky about my yogurt.
May 8th, 2008 at 11:57 am
JanMary, N Ireland says:
Big low fat yoghurt fans here - including Yoplait.
Have you tried freezing those little pots of yummy goodness? Just stick a lolly pop stick in and freeze - almost like icecream, without the guilt.
May 8th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Miscellaneous From Missy says:
Oh my! Emily (several comments up) just reminded me of Schlotzky’s! I haven’t eaten there in years…not because I heard how fattening their food was, but because I moved to a state that has never heard of them. Sigh.
And now, I’m headed to my freezer to start making Yogurt Pops.
Your commenters are awesome!
May 8th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
Minnesotamom says:
Here I come to rain on the yogurt parade…even though I like yogurt.
Yogurt is yummy, but keep in mind that the Dairy Association is one of the largest lobbying groups in the U.S.
Remember all those “drink milk, you’ll lose weight” ads in magazines? They were forced to pull them because they had no science to back up their claims. Yogurt is on much the same train. While it does contain calcium, it is overall a food that becomes acidic once ingested, meaning it leaches calcium from the bones. Best bets for calcium that will stay? Dark,leafy greens and legumes.
May 8th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Mrs. Dub says:
Are you kidding me - yogurt hasn’t peaked. Yogurt is the little black dress of the dairy section; It’s always in style, mostly for convenience reasons.
Personally, I’m digging the “thick & creamy” Yoplait yogurts. It’s like custard, but not as fattening, but you’ll have to tell me what the book says about that.
May 8th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Sister says:
Yoplait.
It’s-shoe-shopping-good.
May 8th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Kara Messner says:
That book sounds great. I’ll have to check it out. Another great yogurt that tastes good, has lots of great bacteria, only 1 single point on Weight Watchers for those who care, and keeps you as regular as Dr. Phil at 3:00 every afternoon is Dannon Activia Light Yogurt. I am partial to the vanilla flavor, but that’s me. It is awesome, and my little digestive tract has never felt better.
Now onto the thighs. Sigh.
May 8th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Melissa says:
I want to like yogurt but I can not get into it!
May 8th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Krista says:
Um, except you might not want to go with the Fat Free yogurt as it has Aspartame in it. Nasty stuff that. The Low Fat version is still 99% fat free and probably a lot better for you since it has normal sugar in it rather than artificially created stuff! So go for the red top rather than the blue! Just sayin’!
May 8th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Joni says:
My hubby is a physician who concurs with the thought that yogurt helps eliminate bacteria from the GI system.
However, I maintain, even though I do not wear a white lab coat, that this same bacteria surely can be expired with a bag of expired oreas washed down with day old chocolate milk.
May 8th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
Mrs. Who says:
I love the Boston Cream Pie Yoplait. Tastes exactly like a…well…Boston Cream Pie. I sometimes add a handful of chocolate chips. I never add another handful. OK, I’m lying.
May 8th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
courtney says:
Melanie! thanks 4 posting a review of this book ~ I’m adding it to my amazon list asap. I’ve seen a lot of references to the book on yahoo lately, I think someone from Men’s Health wrote it (or has something to do w/it). Anyway, I’m sure it’s very eye opening! when I was doing weightwatchers last year I was amazed at how many pts many of the restaurant meals had - my whole point allotment for the day!! it really made me stop & think before I ate out & when I did, I would plan what I was going to eat ahead of time to avoid temptations.
Another couple of good weight loss tools - green tea & apple cider vinegar. Read up on them … the ACV literally will keep the doctor away. It’s amazing & it works!!
May 8th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
Honest to YaYa says:
I picked up that book the other day at Walmart. It was an eye opener!
I don’t think I’ll read it before I go to the Olive Garden for Mother’s Day/Birthday celebration…that would spoil it, don’t ya think??
May 8th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
that girl says:
I like yogurt. It makes a good base for my facial, while I eat ice cream out of the carton.
May 8th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Tara says:
I cannot get yogurt past my lips let alone into my digestive tract. Can. not. eat. the. stuff. I wish I could. I really do!
May 8th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Jen Fitz says:
Love yogurt! so glad you have added it to your life!
I make shakes with yogurt too! Just one carton of yogurt, fruit(a few strawberries or one banana or both!) and a little milk and voila…you’ve got a quick breakfast you can drink in the car on your way to work or school!
May 8th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Dana says:
The apple turnover rocks. But I must confess a REAL love affair with REAL apple turnovers. “Rear end brought to you by Pepperidge Farms.”
May 8th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
life with the wisners says:
“…keeps your digestive track humming along like the Little Engine Who Could.”
oh big mama. most days you’re just what i need. i’m off to the grocery to get me some. and i’ll report back with my ultra flat stomach progress.
May 8th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
Holly Smith says:
And if you’re gonna be wearing a swimsuit every single day there this summer in Texas, you might as well eat yoplait. But hey…I have seen your pic. There is not an ounce of visible fat on you, my sister! And that makes me glad for you. Now I must run and go find some yoplait!
You make me laugh!
May 8th, 2008 at 10:07 pm
Jenny says:
Your description of the mid afternoon snack cracked me up! Why, oh why does metabolism have to nose dive after 25??
May 8th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Nicole @ Life in Progress says:
I used to be a good yogurt-eater. Used to love it even. Then I got pregnant. And then I got nauseous.
One morning I was feeling queasy & knew it was because I needed to eat. So, trying to be healthy, I tried a Yoplait Whips yogurt.
It wasn’t a good choice for me in that moment.
And now, in the stage of my life where my diet could do with a little yogurt, I can no longer even consider it.
Too bad pregnancy couldn’t have ruined ice cream and all frosted confections for me. My hips would have been very grateful.
May 9th, 2008 at 12:49 am
Jen says:
Okay, I am now wanting to buy this book, but afraid if I do, all my guilty pleasures will indeed come crashing down around me… I almost imploded trying not to laugh out loud here at 2:30 a.m. and wake my family up when I read, “She appears to have a really healthy spine.” PAH HA HA HA HA
May 9th, 2008 at 1:29 am
Fran says:
“No one is looking at your bone density in a swimsuit.”
That was great! Thanks for the info…who knew chicken selects were so bad for you? I mean hello??? PREMIUM.
May 9th, 2008 at 6:54 am
Shalee says:
I like Yoplaits Custard style yogurt. I have a feeling that it doesn’t really fit the whole “low-fat” scheme though. But man! those things are good!
May 9th, 2008 at 7:49 am
Jan says:
As a teacher, I have hall duty, meaning I stand in the hall and watch the kids go by, and if someone tries to kill someone else, I call for backup. but I digress. What I am trying to say is that in the past four days I have seen 8 girls wearing leg warmers. LEG WARMERS. In Texas. In May. Can Farrah hair be far behind??
May 9th, 2008 at 7:56 am
JennaG says:
I know this may sound strange, but yogurt will also help with acne. When I eat it regularly–read once a day–I have the clearest complexion. My favorite yoplait is key lime pie and pina colado–heavenly!
May 9th, 2008 at 8:11 am
Brickhouse says:
Alright, alright. I will try the Yoplait yogurt. I have to say that I have also never been a yogurt fan unless it came from TCBY. It is just too tart. And why can’t it be chocolate?!?!?!?!
May 9th, 2008 at 10:19 am
Veronica Hutcherson says:
I have that same picture!!
My recommendation is MOISTURIZE ladies!
The Jergens stuff like the glow lotion is wonderful…so is Arbonne…it does wonders on my combo skin!
Take care of your skin!
Have a great weekend!
Vern
May 9th, 2008 at 11:00 am
Kmama says:
Yoplait Yogurt is by far the best. And try to get the low-fat version, it has half the sugar which will pack on that belly fat anyway. I like Cherry the best. And blueberry. And peach. And and and
May 9th, 2008 at 11:02 am
Carol says:
Ok. I agree that yogurt is very good for you, and I try to eat it when I am being “good”. (which i will be doing as soon as I get home from vacation - as I just saw a photo of myself in a bathing suit) Along with yogurt, I will be going back to my Jazzercise class 2-3 times a week. It’s a workout and it is SO FUN!! Don’t knock it! : )
May 9th, 2008 at 1:53 pm