OFF TOPIC: SLIMFAST = FATFAST!

I had to take a break from the topic of creative writing to share some dietary news I found shocking. I’d been drinking Slimfast as a breakfast replacement for several weeks, and I actually GAINED weight! “How could this be?” I thought. “It’s a high protein, low calorie drink, right?”

Then I finally read the fine print on the label. Slimfast contains 40 grams of carbs and 35 grams of sugar!

Calories in Slim Fast Shake Strawberries ‘n Cream
Serving Size: 1 serving

Calories 220.0
Total Fat 2.5 g
Saturated Fat 0.5 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5 g
Monounsaturated Fat 1.5 g
Cholesterol 5.0 mg
Sodium 220.0 mg
Potassium 0.0 mg
Total Carbohydrate 40.0 g
Dietary Fiber 5.0 g
Sugars 35.0 g
Protein 10.0 g

Compare that to 1/2 cup of vanilla ice cream:

Ice Creams, Vanilla nutrition data at Calorie Count

Ice Creams, Vanilla

C Grade
145 Calories
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1/2 cup (72 g)
Per Serving % Daily Value*

Calories 145

Calories from Fat 71

Total Fat 7.9g 12%

Carbohydrates 17g 6%

Dietary Fiber 0.5g 2%

Sugars 15.3g

Protein 2.5g

Conclusion? I’d be better off eating a cup of vanilla ice cream for breakfast every day than drinking “Slim” fast!

Lesson learned: Read the fine print.

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