Do you read the serving size information printed on the packages of food we buy? They have got to be kidding.

Here is an example. Frito Lay makes Tostitos tortilla chips; I really like those chips. Their popular 13 ounce package claims, in bold print on the back of the bag, to contain 13 servings. Each serving is said to be “about 6 chips” which deliver 140 calories. The entire bag contains 1820 calories.

The label goes on to remind us that “2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.”

Because I am careful about what I eat, I limit my personal Tostitos serving size to just less than half a bag – say 700 calories. After all, I have to save some calories for the cheese dip (120 calories) and a beer (180 calories) to wash the chips down.  I must save the remaining 1,000 calories for my three daily meals. There is some good news. The salt on my chips contains no calories (but can be a real problem for those who suffer hypertension).

Sometimes I feel alone with my problems. For example, might I be the only person who has to manage consumption of chips and dips?