Watch Out for Those Killer Sandwiches! : Latest nutritionist scare: Why a Reuben isn’t really such a work of art

The people Julia Child calls “those nasty nutritionists” have done it again.

First it was kung-pao chicken, then it was popcorn and then chili rellenos. Boy, these nutritionists surely know how to be party poopers!

The latest alleged heart-attack-on-a-plate is that lunchtime deli staple--the sandwich. A new study by the Center for Science in the Public Interest said sandwiches are laden with fat in the form of mayonnaise, cheese, avocado and fatty meats.

A Reuben sandwich may be a veritable work of art to some, but it was the worst health offender, followed ominously by the grilled cheese. But even classic tuna and vegetarian sandwiches, reliable staples for those who assiduously avoid fat, were deemed fat offenders: The tuna itself is close to fat-free, but add one-third cup of mayonnaise and a tuna sandwich becomes the fat equivalent of three McDonald’s quarter-pounders. Even in a vegetarian sandwich, the avocado and cheese constitute a fat trap. Corned beef, ham and a turkey club made the center’s hit list too.

What to do? The center’s sandwich advice: Hold the mayo. Use mustard instead and only low-fat turkey and lean roast beef sandwiches.

The moral to this food tale is that in matters of food, drink and most everything else, the key is moderation. Moderation may also be a good thing to keep in mind about all these health-alarm bulletins: Don’t overreact. They are meant only as guidelines, not as absolute commandments. If you’re overweight, your doctor probably will tell you you need to eat less of everything, not just salami.

Pass the mayo, please.