When the autumn days get cooler and shorter, I, like most people, turn to warm foods -- soups, stews, fresh breads and the like. One of my favourite sides for just about any dish is warm, fresh corn bread. With just the right balance of sweet, salty and buttery flavours, I can't resist a slice (or two) (or more) of corn bread. You too?

Sure, it's named after a vegetable, but is corn bread otherwise healthy? Let's find out ...

The answer is 188 calories and 6 g of fat according to this website. That's not bad -- if you stick to one slice, that is. If -- like me -- you're inclined to indulge in more than one, you might want to think again, since two slices has the same amount of calories as a small meal. Fancy butter on your bread? Add a tablespoon of it, and you're adding 102 calories and 12 g of fat.

Also, keep in mind that corn bread is a side dish, so if you're having a meal that's already more than 500 calories, you're bumping that number up past 700 calories -- ouch.

Still, it's not the end of the world if you eat corn bread -- just make sure you do so in moderation. Want some inspiration? Check out these recipe ideas from the folks at about.com.