We’re all too familiar with the laser focused insistence on energy balance & ‘how much’ you eat.
The general party line in fact as I’m sure you’ve seen looks a little like this;
- Energy Intake = Energy Expenditure = Weight Maintenance
- Energy Intake > than Energy Expenditure = Weight Gain (+ve imbalance)
- Energy Intake < than Energy Expenditure = Weight Loss (-ve imbalance)
YES,
The calories we consume (energy in) provide the fuel (energy out) the body needs to perform vital functions, daily work, rest and sleep. Any excess of caloric intake above or below what the body needs results in an energy imbalance, either +tve or -tve.
The fact is, this really is only half the story…. these energy imbalances refer to the numbers only and in turn relate to changes in your body weight.
What you may not be aware of is that this Simple, General Theory represents one of the biggest pet peeves among trainers today!
For years, we’ve been trying to convince our clients that counting calories is a major contributor to failed healthy lifestyle and/or fat loss goals and is largely a waste of time.
WHY?
Firstly, given the marketing hype, the numerous calorie counting apps, coupled with the fact they’re the driving factor in many diets, I think it’s fair to say, “Calories” for many have become incredibly confusing.
But here’s the kicker… forget for a moment that it’s time consuming leading many to give up before ever getting started; what you’ve probably NEVER been told is, calorie counting is problematic and significantly imprecise.
Yet, even today, with all the science we have laser focused on the nutrition industry, there are very well-known weight loss chains promoting this approach.
Maybe it’s job security … their clients will ALWAYS have to return – because it doesn’t work long term! Whatever the reason, the truth is, it detracts from what really matters;
- The source of the calories
- ‘Clean’ ‘real’ or ‘whole food’ choices (whatever you want to call it)
- Practicing healthy habits
- Daily exercise
- Positive self-development.
Let’s discuss this a little further;
You & your best friend both enjoy a 2000 calorie diet
Your food sources are derived largely from Lean Protein, Vegetables and a small amount of Healthy Fats.
Your friend chooses breads, pasta, rice, crackers & sugar etc. let’s say, the typical “Western Diet”
SAME caloric intake…
SAME activity levels…
Calories In, Calories Out, Right?
Not exactly;
What do you think the result will be in 6 months?
You guessed it. You will be a LOT leaner than your friend.
Counting Calories is NOT the “holy grail” of the Health & Weight Loss Industry, There is a Simpler PROVEN Way
The truth is while many would have you believe “Only Total Calories Matter”, our bodies treat protein, fat and carbohydrate calories VASTLY differently. The food (calories) we eat and the exercise you do ultimately affects your bodies vital functions including; fuel utilization, organ function such as our cognitive, digestive, reproductive, metabolic & recovery systems etc. When these vital functions are disrupted it creates a gateway for disease & can lead to the inability of your body to perform optimally.
So, with respect to optimal health, disease, nutrition & movement, a calorie is never just a calorie, “Quality Matters”!
So what’s the difference?
It’s Simple, Nutrient Density vs. Calorie (energy) Density!
This 1 easy choice will unlock a world of secrets finally steering you in the right direction.
The Nutrient Density of any food refers to the ratio of nutrients (macro/micro nutrients & fibre) to calories. High Nutrient Dense foods (GOOD) contain more nutrients/100 calories.
On the flip side, Calorie Density refers to the ratio of calories to the weight of that food source. High Calorie Dense foods (BAD) contain more calories/100g.
Let’s consider this in practice:
Pop Tart (calorie dense) vs. Fruit & Nuts (nutrient dense)
The sugar in the pop tart along with the processed carbohydrates will spike your glucose levels resulting in an initial energy boost followed by an energy crash leaving you hungry not long after.
Fruit & nuts on the other hand provide a sweet option from the fruits natural sugars but you also benefit from the fibre which slows the release of glucose & fructose leaving you satisfied longer. Additionally, the nuts provide healthy fats and high protein for your body to utilise for vital functions.
The best combination of calories is High Nutrient & Low Calorie Dense foods, because they encourage; a higher ratio of essential nutrients per 100g of food; easier control of caloric intake; and greater satiety (fullness) post meals reducing the occurrence of overeating.
We’ve been so conditioned to “Count Calories” the health industry has failed in teaching us the value of quality nutrients!
In fact, I’m constantly amazed at what clients consider a ‘healthy diet’ when I ask them to write it all out or simply describe their typical week of meals.
So, what does all this mean?
What you should take away from today is;
- Nutrient rich foods are more easily and efficiently metabolised and utilised by the body meaning more energy is used (calories out) and therefore less energy is stored as fat.
- As the nutritional value of the food you consume increases the burden of “counting calories” is reduced….
By choosing nutrient rich foods you can focus your attention toward portion size rather than ‘total calories’, reducing the headache that is calorie counting and yet still achieve your personal health goals.
Where To Now, How Can You Put This Knowledge Into Action?
Navigating this can be a nightmare, I see it every day! This is where I can help… What if I could lead you step by step thru the minefield?
Join My Calories Demystified Educational Series and Finally Take Back Control of Your Health & Weight!
Sign Up Forms Will Be Live Very Soon
Sign Up Forms Will Be Live Very Soon
What You’ll Discover Inside;
- The cost of getting lean – I give you the facts… you choose the body you want!
- Easy guide to portion control – the simple PROVEN alternative to counting calories.
- How Calories affect your bodies optimal health energy & efficiency.
- How to Maximise your bodies calorie burning potential?
- Maximum flavour : Minimal effort meal preparation tips & tricks.
What You Get;
- Downloadable; printable; infographics/guides – use them as step-by-step cheat sheets & checklists.
- A Proven step-by-step system built 1 habit at a time; culminating in an easy fuss free healthy lifestyle.
Take Action Today, Join Me Now & Discover You at Your Best! Cheers, Jill. P.S. You Must Be Logged In To Access Member Content &/or Comment
