Bigger Portions Weigh Down Healthy Choices

Choosing Subway over McDonalds doesn't help if you eat more when you're there. A new study shows that people underestimate calories when eating relatively healthier food, leading them to eat more and get just as fat. "We have to move away from thinking of food in 'good food/bad food' (terms) and think also about 'how much food," says a researcher.

Participants in the study not only underestimated calories, but also were more likely to buy calorie-heavy sides like soft drinks and cookies when they were choosing comparatively healthy fare. Researchers say this type of thinking sheds light on the so-called "French paradox"—the French may eat fatty foods, but they don't eat too much, so they're not fat. (More calories stories.)