Some people teach in the fitness industry that all calories are created equal.
Some people teach in the fitness industry that all calories are created equal.The idea that 100 calories of candy is the exact same thing of 100 calories of vegetables.
This may sound logical, but it is just NOT TRUE!
The type of food that you eat really does matter and will determine how your body metabolizes it.
Let’s talk about why all calories are not created equal…
FOOD QUALITY:
We teach and 100% believe that food quality MATTERS and choosing to eat high quality food that is not processed WILL help your body function better, feel better, and in turn help you to reach your goals MUCH faster and more effectively than just eating whatever food and calories you want.
While calories consumed and expended are a factor in what results you see, it is much more complicated than that and there are so many other factors that come into play. Every person will metabolize foods differently and the types of foods that you consume play a large role in how that is used as fuel in your body.
METABOLIZING FOOD:
Different foods affect our bodies in different ways, and so thinking that all calories are created equal does not make sense.
Higher quality foods, so foods that are real, one-ingredients and that are not processed and not full of added sugars, are going to be better for your body, be more full of nutrients, and give you lasting energy with less insulin spikes. Your body can USE the food as fuel to allow your body to function at its highest ability.
Foods that are high in sugar, such as candy and dessert, will spike your body’s insulin levels. When your insulin is spiked, many things happen in your body.
We also want to break down the main macronutrients so you have a better idea of how your body metabolizes the food you consume:
Proteins: Builds muscle, satisfies hunger, energy, repairs muscles, tissues, hormones enzymes and the immune system.
Healthy Fats: Provides energy, satisfies hunger, balances hormones, forms brain, nervous system, and cell membranes, transports vitamins, provides essential fatty acids.
Carbohydrates: The body’s favorite and most readily available source of energy, satisfies hunger, fuels muscles.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU CONSUME SUGAR & PROCESSED FOODS:
Your appetite will increase. This is because of the increased insulin will block the appetite-control hormone, called leptin. So, you will crave MORE food and MORE sugar. Sugar is also a very addictive, so one can easily spiral into feeling as though they need more and more sugar and over eat.
Sugar, also known as fructose, gets metabolized in one’s liver and turns into fat.
Your body becomes inflammed. Foods that are processed and full of sugar cause inflammation in our bodies–as our bodies are storing more fat. Did you know that inflammation in the body causes a lot of diseases?
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU CONSUME REAL, ONE-INGREDIENT FOODS:
Let’s take vegetables for example:
Veggies are one-ingredient foods and are high in fiber, which will make you feel fuller longer. So, it allows you to be able to trust your hunger cues.
Veggies give your body vitamins and minerals that it needs, which helps our metabolism.
Many people will then turn to artificial sweeteners, as that seems like a better option than consuming straight sugar. But, we want to also address this belief.
ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS:
People think artificial sweeteners are a healthy option to avoid weight gain, as they have zero calories. But, we NEVER recommend artificial sweeteners. This is because they can impact how your body metabolizes and responds to food. Even though they do not have calories (or very few), they can still cause your blood sugar to spike higher than if you were to just eat regular sugar.
In addition, artificial sweeteners trigger receptors on your tongue that tells your body you are eating something sweet which can affect how your body metabolize the food, leading to further cravings for sweets.
So, while they are often sold as a “Health Food”, then can decrease results and actually make you eat more, and in turn gain weight.
That is a lot of information to take in. But, the bottom line we are trying to get across is that NOT ALL CALORIES ARE CREATED EQUAL.
Some calories are addictive, some are healing, some are fattening, and some are metabolically boosting.
So, give your body the best kind! The best thing you can do for your body is to try to consume the best, quality calories, because they are what your body really needs to function well!
We run amazing Challenges where we teach more about all of this and how to best properly fuel your body to feel your best, look your best, and reach your goals! We take our the confusion on what to eat, while you still get to enjoy all the foods you love! No more guilt or shame around food! We also give you 30-days worth of workouts, amazing support, and access to our private Facebook group to connect with other, like-minded people doing the challenge at alongside you!
Are you interested in learning more?
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR CHALLENGE!
References:
-https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/534-macronutrients
-https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/theres-no-sugar-coating-it-all-calories-are-not-created-equal-2016110410602
-https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-reasons-why-a-calorie-is-not-a-calorie