In last week’s post , we explained how eating too little can stall your weight loss efforts. This week, we’re continuing on with the “calorie” theme to dispel a weight loss myth. The myth about calories is that all calories are created equal and you just have to cut a bunch of them out to lose weight.
Well, we already established that cutting calories too low over a sustained period of time is problematic. But while managing your calories intake and outtake is important, keep in mind that a calorie is NOT just a calorie.
Example
Now let’s break this down. For about 170 calories, you could eat one Twinkie or 28 almonds.
Same number of calories.
But what did you provide for your body with the Twinkie? A boat load of sugar and preservatives. No protein. Absolutely no vitamins. Zero minerals. NO NUTRITION at all for that 170 calories.
AGAIN, no nutrition whatsoever…
But, with the nuts, you get some healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, a little bit of protein and minerals. You get some decent nutrition as well as a better blood sugar profile AND a better feeling of fullness than you got with the Twinkie.
The moral of today’s story: The quality of the calorie is just as important as how much you eat. The myth about calories = all calories are the same and you can lose weight by cutting calories.
⬆️⬆️⬆️ DON’T DO THIS ⬆️⬆️⬆️
⬆️⬆️⬆️ DO THIS ⬆️⬆️⬆️
The Science
Different foods act very differently once they are digested and absorbed by your body.
Foods rich in fiber, healthy fats, and a vast array of vitamins and minerals take longer to digest.
Because of this, they have a positive impact on your blood sugar (much slower increase) and your feelings of fullness. Plus, these same foods impact your body’s ability to release hormones that boost meal satisfaction, therefore preventing overeating at other meals.
Other certain foods, like protein, may positively impact your metabolism (by speeding it up), therefore boosting weight and body fat loss.
The Takeaway
To conclude, making better choices with your calories will lead to improvements in your level of body fat and the overall status of your health.
NEED HELP FIGURING THIS ALL OUT?
If you’re feeling stuck or frustrated and want help figuring out how to reach your health and fitness goals, the coaches at lifeSport Fitness are here to help!
We invite you to schedule a complimentary 30-minute consultation via phone, Zoom or in-person at our clean, bright personal training studio in San Jose. We’ll answer your questions and help you figure out a nutrition game plan so you can look and feel your best!
Fill out the form below to request your complimentary consultation!