Tip of the Day:

A Healthier Seafood Soup

Chowders seem like the perfect food for both cold, wintry days and summertime escapes to the seashore. If you're staring down a menu that features both lobster bisque and New England clam chowder, you might not quibble over which one is a healthier (or not quite as awful) choice. After all, they're both laden with fat and calories, right? Well, yes, you're right — but one of them is almost 200 calories more per serving.

New England clam chowder: 543 calories
Lobster bisque: 710 calories
Calories saved: 167 calories

Why it's a bargain: While it's not a total bargain (tomato-based Manhattan clam chowder is a better bet), New England clam chowder wins the distinction because it is made with milk or cream, while lobster bisque is made with heavy cream. Bisque, after all, means thick and creamy, so what would you expect?

What to look out for: Lower calories aside, New England clam is still loaded with almost 40 grams of fat for a two-cup serving. If you have to have it, order it in a cup rather than a bowl.