Tiny Bites:  What Difference Could They Make?

Activity Sheet

[ pdf version ]
Test Your Calorie IQ:  How many total calories do you think the 12 tiny bites below contain?  ________ Calories

Tiny Bites
One-fourth cup of orange juice Bite #1:  One-fourth cup of orange juice remains in the carton.  You might as well finish it, right? Calories = ________
Two tablespoons of granola Bite #2:  Two tablespoons of granola are left in the box.  It's hardly worth returning to the cupboard.  You add it to your serving of cereal. Calories = ________
Two teaspoons powdered cream substitute Bite #3:  You add two teaspoons powdered cream substitute in the coffee at work.  Someone made really strong coffee today.  Adding cream is the only way you can stand the taste. Calories = ________
Small "sample" of cake Bite #4:  You take just a small "sample" of cake in the break room.  Well, maybe a second "sliver" would be O.K., too! Calories = ________
Mayo on the hamburger Bite #5:  Oops!  You forgot to ask them not to put mayo on the hamburger this noon. Calories = ________
Two mints and another mint or two Bite #6:  Add two mints.  You also forgot to have them leave off the onion!  Better have another mint or two for your breath, just in case. Calories = ________
Chocolate kiss Bite #7:  You take a chocolate kiss from your secretary's jar.  You have to crank out a big report this afternoon.  This is for medicinal purposes only! Calories = ________
Second chocolate kiss Bite #8:  A second chocolate kiss from your secretary's jar.  You finished the report - what better way to celebrate?  And besides it's just a tiny piece of candy. Calories = ________
Handful of peanuts Bite #9:  There you are with a handful of peanuts.  The gang has gotten together for a quick drink after work to celebrate completing the report.  You order just mineral water, but surely a couple tablespoons of nuts can't have many calories. Calories = ________
Cheese on a cracker Bite #10:  Cheese on a cracker at grocery store.  After all, it's a small sample. Calories = ________
Two tablespoons macaroni and cheese Bite #11:  Two tablespoons macaroni and cheese.  You're trying out a new recipe.  You taste as you cook to get the seasonings just right. Calories = ________
One-fourth cup macaroni and cheese Bite #12:  One-fourth cup macaroni and cheese.  Your new recipe tasted great; however, there's a small amount left over.  It hardly seems worth the effort to refrigerate only a fourth cup.  You don't want to toss it, so you eat it. Calories = ________

The Grand Total "Extra" Tiny Bites for the Day = ________ Calories
If you eat these "extra" calories every day, you could gain as much as one pound a week!  That's because on average, an additional 3,500 calories above your body's needs can lead to a weight gain of a pound.

The Bottom Line:  If you've been adding "mystery" pounds, consider counting the calories in those "tiny" bites!
Small Victories logo Dept of Family & Consumer Science logo

Top
Adapted from a resource developed by Alice Henneman.  For the original resource, go to http://lancaster.unl.edu/food/ftaug97.htm.  Small Victories, a mini-lesson series from WIN Wyoming and Department of Family & Consumer Sciences, University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service. 
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  Glen Whipple, Director, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming 82071.  Persons seeking admission, employment, or access to program of the University of Wyoming Shall be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, political belief, veteran status, sexual orientation, and marital or familial status.  Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication or program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact their local UW CES Office.  To file a complaint, write the UW Employment Practices/Affirmative Action Office, University of Wyoming, P.O. Box 3434, Laramie, Wyoming 82071-3434.  The University of Wyoming and the United States Department of Agriculture cooperate.
Back Home Lesson Plan Top of Page
Updated on 05/08/2007