AAI Q and A: Chia Pets, Agave Nectar, and Tofu Cream Cheese

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Dear AAI: What are the best foods for fighting fat and keeping you fuller longer? 

Dear Reader: There are seven foods that are shown to fight fat the best and are low in calories, they are: eggs (78 calories each), pine nuts (95 calories for .5 ounce), dark chocolate (170 calories for 1 ounce), feta or goat cheese (76 calories for 1 ounce), skim milk (86 calories per 8 ounces), oranges (59 calories each), and potatoes (161 calories each). These are just seven foods, but there are many more options out there!

Dear AAI: I use honey in my tea every morning but have wanted to try Agave Nectar, is there a difference between these two?  

Dear Reader: Agave Nectar is syrup made from a Mexican agave plant, which is used as a sweetener to make mescal. The syrup is 1.5 times sweeter than sugar, without being cloying and works well in drinks (like tea) or baked goods. Agave has a lower glycemic index than sugar, so it does not cause blood sugar levels to spike as sharply. Agave is also a naturally source of inulin, a fiber additive that promotes the growth of stomach-protecting probiotics. Agave is less processed than other sweeteners and has 60 calories per tablespoon.

Dear AAI: I used to have a Chia Pet, and now I’ve heard that the seeds on the Chia Pet are now being eaten as a health food. Are they really eatable?  

Dear Reader: Yes, they actually are! Those seeds are Chia Pets are called Salba seeds, a strain of chia seeds, which have been eaten for centuries in Mexico and Guatemala. Salba seeds are found in the nuts/seed section of supermarkets and are also in energy bars, salsa, and more. They are considered a health food because they contain a very rich form of ALA omega-3 fatty acids and also are high in fiber, gluten-free, non-allergenic, and a good source of protein.

Dear AAI: I love blizzards from Dairy Queen, but hate the huge portion sizes. I’ve heard that they might be downsizing them; is this true?

Dear Reader: You’re in luck! While the Blizzards now are a bit on the extreme size portion wise, in August Dairy Queen has announced they will begin selling Mini Blizzards. The Mini Blizzard will be half the size of a small Blizzard (6 oz.). The Mini has been priced between $1.99-$249. The flavors have not been released yet.

Dear AAI: I love having cream cheese on my bagels, but know it is not a healthy choice. I have seen tofu cream cheese in stores, is it any better for you than regular cream cheese? 

Dear Reader: In regular cream cheese, you usually get 50 calories (per tablespoon), 3 grams of saturated fat, 1 gram of protein, 4% Vitamin A, 2% phosphorous, and 1% of calcium, pantothenic acid, potassium, riboflavin, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin K. in Soy-based cream cheeses, the nutrient profile is almost identical, except instead of saturated fat you are getting polyunsaturated fat. So while both cream cheeses, aren’t the worst choices, when slathering on a bagel you usually use more than one tablespoon, which ups your calories and fat. An even better choice would be to use nut butters, like peanut, almond,  or soy-based butters.