Burning Cheetos to determine CaloriesHave you ever wondered how scientists determine the number of calories in a food? It's a very interesting process, and here's a basic explanation.

1) The food to be measured is put into a device called a bomb calorimeter. The calorimeter contains a sealed chamber inside another sealed chamber. The food goes in the interior chamber, then water is put in the exterior chamber surrounding the chamber with food.

2) A device is set up to cause a spark that ignites the food in the interior chamber and then a thermometer is set up to measure the change in the temperature of the water in the exterior chamber. The food is burned and then the change in water temperature is measured. (Sidenote: the ash left after all the food is burnt is where the inorganic minerals in that food are found--minerals like iron, zinc, copper, and selenium cannot be destroyed by heat and they do not provide energy).

3) Mathematical equations are figured to determine the energy released (remember that calories are a measure of energy.) For every 1 gram of water that is raised 1 degree Celcius, you have 1 calorie. For every 1,000 calories you get 1 kCal (or the Calories you are used to reading on food labels).Simulating a calorimeter with a can of water, thermometer, and burning apparatus

I did my first calorimetry experiment in my chemistry class last week. We burned Cheetos to determine how much heat energy they released so we could see how many Calories they contain. According to the food package, Cheetos contain about 5.71 Cals/gram. In my study, I found that Cheetos contain 4.88 Cals/gram. Now, before you start cheering and rush out to buy some cheesy puffs, you have to figure in the amount of heat lost to the environment in my study (which you would not experience with a bomb calorimeter). Also, my study determined that burnt Cheetos do not smell very good. 

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Today is National Running Day. How do you participate? It's easy - just go for a run!

http://www.runningday.org/

Exercise increases the release of chemicals in your brain called endorphins. There is a positive correlation between an increase in endorphins and an increase in our personal sense of well-being, as well as an increase in our tolerance of pain. Run Happy! My morning 3-mile bike, 2-mile jog has put me in a very good mood.

At first, the fast-food restaurant industry mumbled and grumbled about the proposed Menu Labeling Law but recently I've noticed commercials and in-store marketing that promotes nutritional information.

This leads me to believe that marketers and restaurants are starting to catch on: They can use calories to their advantage.

Nutritional information for fast food and chain restaurant meals (those with 20 or more locations nationwide) used to be buried on websites. Sometimes, upon request, a dusty nutritional print-out could be found in the storage room among boxes of cup lids and extra straws. And McDonalds always had that massive, micro-print chart bolted to the wall underneath a piece of plexiglass.

But now these restaurants are placing nutritional info a little more front and center (at least more than they are required to do). What was once highly-guarded information (no one should know that a Premium Grilled Chicken Club contains 570 calories and 21 grams of fat) is now the info that is being used to sell these sandwiches. Check out the placemat on this Burger King tray.

Here are a few questions (feel free to leave responses in the Comments):

Does a meal for under 650 calories sound healthful to you? If you are told that your lunch of a Whopper Jr., a side of onion rings, and a Diet Soda was a healthful lunch choice, how many times would you eat that lunch per week?

Would you ever order one of the combinations listed on this placemat? (take into account the size of the beverages and sandwiches, and notice that all sandwiches do not contain mayo)

How do you feel about this information? Does it influence you? Does it mean anything to you?

Inquiring minds want to know...

We did it! We're still alive. We don't have the official results yet, but my watch said 2:04:39. Going to bed...

UPDATE:

Well, my watch was very reliable. My official time was 2:04:38 (yes, I want credit for that 1 second difference) and Chris' official time was 2:04:37. Our pace was 10:02 throughout, and we are very happy with that!