Great...Ribs -- How much can I eat?

Do you love ribs? How much do you think you can eat and still keep your waistline? This article may open your eyes to the lip-smacking reality of one of our Memphis favorite foods.
Memphis in May, Ribs, food, and fun! How to keep the calorie monster at bay!

Memphis in May attractions include the most incredible rib cooking Memphis has to offer. Folks from around the globe and the Memphis area sharpen their skills to compete with each other to produce top honors as the best, lip-smacking, ribs slingers in the world. It seems the prize for top pick is more than sixty-one thousand dollars this year. Most of us are in "hog heaven" for the Memphis in May events. Of course our personal trainers, and your's truly, look forward to the event yearly.

With all of the above mentioned out of the way – How can we enjoy our Memphis in May activities and still keep our waistlines under control? Well, let’s explore the options. First, a few questions to ponder:

Q: Does a pound of ribs taste any better than four, six, or eight ounces?

A: NO. I love our Memphis in May ribs however, that perfect blend of rub or sauce over slow cooked, fall-apart, ribs can be enjoyed for what it is…a treat! Remember, we are treating ourselves to some of our favorite foods – not engorging ourselves!

Q: How do we know how much we are supposed to eat?

A: Typically, we are safe if we follow the recommendations set by the FDA related to portion sizes for different foods and combinations. Our meal planning software can outline suggestions based on the foods you typically eat – by brand name or restaurant menu – on a daily basis.

Q: Will restricting carbohydrates allow us to eat more meats or other protein foods?

A: NO. Restricting any one of the macronutrients – proteins, fats, and carbohydrates – has proven counterproductive in producing long-term manageable results. Most folks jumping on the high protein low carbohydrate bandwagon report low adherence and unusual mood swings as well as a general sense of deprivation.

Q: Great…I understand the balance/ portion/ health benefits of eating moderately and with variety…but, I still want to splurge at the Memphis in May events! How do I go about managing my Memphis in May food choices?

A: Go for it! BUT…there’s always a BUT…remember this "investment vs. reward" theory: If the return is not worth the investment is it worth the transaction? The estimated calorie count for ½ slab of ribs (1/2 pound with rub and marinade) is about 820 calories, 37 grams of fat, 75 grams of carbohydrates, and 49 grams of protein! I know…I know…I usually eat a full rack myself – that’s roughly 1640 calories, 74 g fat…etc.

I think you get the idea. Remember we must burn roughly 3500 calories to rid only one pound of fat – that means the average person, burning 300 calories per one hour workout, would have to exercise for about SIX hours to burn the amount of calories in a slab of ribs. WOW -- certainly a perspective builder for me!

Simply put…a six ounce portion of our May, Memphis own, ribs is about 615 calories, (28g fat, 56g carbohydrates, 37g protein) and will taste every bit as good as any more. Most of us might even want to stick with a four ounce portion (410 calories, 19g fat, 38g carbohydrates, 25g protein) Go here for a great ribs recipe!

So, with all that said…have a great time at one of our proudest events at the Memphis in May festivities…but, remember the return on your eating investment; you could be ending up with a "net gain" of which you won’t be happy. May in Memphis is a great time…June is swim wear weather! Knowledge is great, applied knowledge is power…power to determine your success, happiness, and health!

Need to get moving?

It is our mission to introduce healthier living through Client First Servicing; offering effective, safe, and simple solutions to your fitness and weight loss needs. Thank you for taking the time to read our website; please feel free to present any suggestions, questions or comments.

We are a Christian fitness company offering safe and responsible personal training. Our personal trainers specialize in weight loss, general fitness, injury prevention, core, flexibility, functional, and customized meal planning programs to personal and corporate fitness clients. We offer personal fitness training in the Memphis area. We can train you in our facilities or in your home or office. We also offer special training for senior citizens and people with special needs.

We look forward to exploring your personal fitness needs, please visit our contact us page.

By Derek Curtice
Published: 5/2/2006
 
Do you eat more than an eight ounce serving of ribs?
8 ounces is just a starter for me
Who cares how many calories are in the ribs I love
Use the feedback form below to submit your comments.
Your Comments:
Your Name:
Use the form below to email this article to your friends.
Recipient Email Address:
 Separate multiple email addresses by ;
Your Name:
Your Email Address:
A little fun with ribs, calories, and a recipe.
About ribs and the calories they keep!