I always look forward to a good slice or three of some pie for the holidays—cherry and pecan are my two “favorites!” (Yes, students, I know: “Favorite” means the “one” utmost! I lowered my grade to a “B.”)
I have also always believed the Bible’s admonition towards “moderation in everything” makes good sense for maintaining a healthy weight and caloric intake. But, I also believe in splurging a little one day if I make up for it the next.
PIES are often my downfall, so let’s take a look at the impact of varying varieties! This will compare equal-sized slices, and not as large as my Grandpa always said we grand-kids could have when our parents were not looking! And keep in mind that “homemade” (“homade” as I see it spelled in some locales) is usually healthier than “store-bought.”
Chocolate-Peanut Butter Cream Pie—620 calories per slice, 46 grams of total fat, 22 grams of saturated fat, usually some “no-no” trans fat, 22 grams of total sugars, 2 grams of fiber
Pecan Pie—500 calories per slice, 23 grams of total fat, 7 grams of saturated fat, 36 grams of total sugars, 2 grams of fiber (The nuts are considered healthy.)
Cheese Cake “Pie”—400 calories per slice, 24 grams of total fat, 15 grams of saturated fat, 1 gram of “no-no” trans fat, 29 grams of total sugars, 1 gram of fiber
Blueberry Pie—340 total calories per slice, 14 grams of total fat, 6 grams of saturated fat, 19 grams of total sugars, 1 gram of fiber (Blueberries are considered healthy.)
Lemon Meringue Pie— 310 total calories per slice, 12 grams of total fat, 5 grams of saturated fat, 32 grams of sugars, 1 gram of fiber (low in fat but higher in sugars)
Pumpkin Pie (my wife’s favorite)—310 total calories per slice, 12 grams of total fat, 6 grams of saturated fat, 26 grams of sugars, 2 grams of fiber (about the same as Lemon but a little less sugar) (It does provide a good dose of vitamin A.) Apple Pie (the All-American favorite)—310 total calories per slice, 14 grams of total fat, 7 grams of saturated fat, 3 grams of fiber (Not too much different than the previous two, and the higher dose of soluble pectin fiber helps lower cholesterol.)
Now, the really bad NEWS: Pie add-ons are infamous for their unhealthiness!
Home made whipped cream topping—2 table spoons full (I always add way more than that!) have 52 calories with 5 grams of total fat (of which 3 are saturated), 1 gram of sugars, 4/10 gram of protein
Whipped cream out of a commercial spray container—2 table spoons full (I always use more of this, too!) have 15 calories with 1 gram of total fat (of which .5 is saturated), 1 gram of sugars, no protein
Vanilla Ice Cream (yum, yum, “Blue Bell home made” or a like brand)—1/2 cup has 137 calories with 7 grams of total fat with 5 of those saturated, 14 grams of sugars, 2 grams of protein (Yes, I always add at least a full cup!)
Now, for the deal-breaker: I will admit that I nearly always eat at least three pieces of pie (or more if no one is looking) with the intentions of “fasting” the day after (unless I see some leftover pie going to waste).
You know the old saying: “Waste not, want not!” This has been attributed to John Wesley, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Hardy, and my Grandma Schroeder!
Finally, for what it is worth, I have found recorded that buttermilk pie has 547 calories per slice; chess pie has 366; peach pie has 261; rhubarb pie has 336; strawberry pie has 384; sweet potato pie has 341, and sour cream apple pie has 397. However, I am not sure these final slices are the same sizes as the first samplings!
Maybe I will see you at the work-out center!
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