That label is lying to her. And so are her friends who told her that shirt was cute.

Be warned, ladies: Nutrition labels lie.

A new study of meals from ten different popular food chains found that the actual calorie counts of those meals averaged 18 percent higher than what was advertised. I’m not very good at math, but I think that adds up to a LOT of extra cals.

I know what you’re thinking: first, it’s my grande caramel frappucinno, and now I can’t even indulge in a little frozen Chicken Carbonara? The truth hurts, sista.

It doesn’t surprise me that Wendy’s and chains like Ruby Tuesday would cheat a little to impress the occasional health nut who actually checks their calorie counts and market themselves as “healthy.” But with them, what does it really matter? If you’re wolfing down a Classic Triple with cheese or Shrimp Alfredo pasta with white cheddar mashed potatoes on the side, calories are probably not your first concern. What does surprise me is the fact that frozen meal companies, like Lean Cuisine and Weight Watchers, are doing this and getting away with it. Um, isn’t low cals the only reason anyone buys a Smart Ones Salisbury Steak? Lord knows it’s not because it tastes good… or like Salisbury Steak.

I feel cheated. I feel angry. I feel…fat. Who knows how many extra calories I’ve been shoving down my throat? Calories I could have enjoyed a whole lot more if I were eating a delicious cheeseburger instead of some crappy frozen chicken dinner that I thought was a healthier option.

Hopefully a study like this will force restaurants and food companies to be more honest in their labeling. Until then, chew cautiously, ladies. And maybe hit the gym a little harder just to be safe.

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Calorie Counts: Friend or Foe?

But you also like to party. Like really party.

After all, we are in college. And despite what our parents say, the biggest part of college life happens to include a giant pitcher of beer….or Long Island Iced Tea.

Unfortunately, though, staying out and drinking Miller all night doesn’t allow for 9am pre-class workouts the following morning. So, what is a girl like you (or me) supposed to do?

Give up drinking? Hell no.

Give up our super skinny, super cute jeans? I get teary-eyed just thinking about it.

Lucky for you, I spent my first two years of college (and an extra 20 pounds) figuring out the perfect balance to keep you in those hot jeans (until you find someone at the bar to take them off, of course).

1. Avoid sugary mixers: try alternatives like Crystal Light (the raspberry lemonade is deeelish with vodka), Diet Sodas, or the new low calorie Tropicana Orange Juice.

2. Choose the light beers: Amstel light has only 90 calories in a bottle. Coors, Miller and Bud Light have about 120 in a can vs. 180 in a regular beer.

3. Do your research: Before you hit the bar, pop around the internet to learn the calorie counts of your favorite drinks. The more you know the better choices you can make. But brace yourself; some of the numbers (like margaritas! OY!) will shock you.

4. DO NOT EAT: I know, pizza tastes damn good at 3am when you leave the bar. But, do you really want it? Are you really hungry? Late night eating is the worst fat-offender. Stay strong and go home for some low fat snacks instead.

6. Be prepared: Before hitting the bars, leave a glass of water and some Advil next to your bed. Take em when you get home and you will be feeling fine by the morning. No excuse not to work out now.