The Tortilla Dilemma

We all know carbs are something to avoid if you’re trying to lose weight. Things like white bread, tortillas, and potato chips understandably get a bad reputation. But if you’re trying to make long-term changes for the better of your body, it’s important to eat meals you actually enjoy eating. With that being said –
This past weekend I found myself at HEB, looking at fresh tortillas to bring home. I had two options – ‘butter tortillas’ which were white tortillas, or ‘whole wheat tortillas’ which were darker in color. I had never had whole wheat tortillas, so I wasn’t sure if I would like the texture or not. Naturally, you would assume that the whole wheat tortillas would be a significantly healthier option. But being a picky eater and being on the fence about trying a new food, I decided to look at the nutritional information before I made my decision. One white tortilla contained 110 calories, while one whole wheat tortilla contained 105 calories, a measly 5 calories less. Yes, 5 calories. The number of calories in the stick of gum you’re chewing.
If there were something like a 25 calorie deficit, I would feel a little more inclined to opt for the obviously healthier whole wheat tortillas. But since we’re talking about a difference of 5 teeny tiny calories, I went for the ‘butter tortillas’ which I already knew I enjoyed eating.
I’ve noticed subtle differences like this in several products. Tortillas, pretzals, and cheeses are all good examples of products where the “healthier” options don’t offer a significant nutritional difference. In cases like these, it’s best to just go with what you know. Every morsel that goes into your mouth is sacred. What’s 10 more calories? I’d take a delicious product with 10 more calories, over a nasty grainy product of 10 fewer calories, any day of the week.