Corn and Dieting Don't Mix

by Lisa P | More from this Blogger

22 Jun 2008 07:13 PM

"I love corn but it doesn't seem to be allowed on any diet. Why is that?"

Corn is a favorite vegetable of many of us. Unfortunately, what few people understand is that corn, though it is a vegetable, is loaded with starch.

5 ounces of sweet yellow corn contains the following:

115 calories

1g Fat

1.5mg Sodium

27.4g Carbohydrates

3.4g Fiber

4.3g Sugar

3.6g Protein

It is also high in Vitamins A and C.

These numbers say a lot to anyone trying to lose weight. The calories in corn are significantly higher than the calories in most other vegetables. The number of carbohydrates in a serving of corn is actually higher than the number of carbohydrates in the same size serving of oatmeal! While there are a few grams of fiber, the grams of sugar in corn far outweigh fiber and protein content. If you weigh the pros and cons of corn, the answer is pretty obvious.

Let's consider a few other foods that we know are very bad for diets:

Corn tortillas

Corn syrup

Corn Chips

Popcorn

Grits

All of these are derived from corn and are very bad for anyone on a diet. Some simple math should tell all of us that corn is not allowed on most weight loss diets for very good reason. Although corn is a vegetable and has plenty of fiber, is has an inordinate amount of starch compared to other vegetables.

My advice to those who do love corn and want to include it in their diet is to consider it a starch when planning your menu. Instead of having a slice of whole grain bread, a serving of rice or other grains, replace it with a serving of corn. This will help you to keep balance in your diet while still having a food that you love.

Learn more about Lisa P

Lisa used to be a freelance writer and Community Manager for Families.com, but she has finally made the jump to novelist.

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inthespirit (36) 17 Nov 2008 08:54 AM

Lisa P is one of the most honest or most informed bloggers - not sure which yet. Long ago I read Dear Abby say that pigs get fat on corn, so what did you think it did to humans?

However, note this: on snack suggestions: eat air popped popcorn to stave off hunger as a low calorie snack, wraps are corn tortillas with whatever inside and are sold as low calorie snacks or, also a low caloria meal, pics of food - ear of corn on plate. Yet last nite I decided to read the label on a can of corn and to my amazement the stuff is FATTENING. One thrid of a cup is a LOT OF CALORIES then add the tad of butter to give it taste and you've eaten your meal's allotment and no way can you live for the next 12 hrs. on the 1/3rd cup of corn. I love it, but it's as fattening as eating desert.

Thank you for opening everyone's eyes to the vegetable called CORN Lisa P.

Lisa P (24013) 18 Nov 2008 11:40 AM

You're welcome! Thanks for reading :-)