A calorie is the amount of energy given to the body from carbs, fats and proteins. Our bodies need the energy supplied by food for growth, movement and thought. The amount of calories each person needs varies, depending on several factors, including age, height, weight, gender and activity level. Many people think they know the truth about calories and how counting them will help you lose weight. The real truth is, you will gain better results losing weight from knowing where your calories come from, than actually counting them.
Calories that come from good fats have a different impact on your body than calories that come from sugar. If you consume the same amount of calories from a meal including good fats, and a meal containing fructose, the body metabolizes it differently despite the fact that each meal has the same amount of calories. The main reason is because different nutrients cause differing hormonal responses, and those responses determine how much fat you accumulate in your body. When fructose is metabolized it is mostly turned into fat. Fructose turns off your body’s appetite control system, causing you to feel hungry more often. It can lead to high cholesterol and over time insulin resistance, which can cause a whole host of health problems. Eating excessive amounts of fructose and grains will cause your body to create and store fat. Fructose is hidden in many processed foods. It is also contained in fruit and fruit juices. It is considered to be the number one source of calories in the US! Aim to have no more than 25 grams per day in your diet and stay away from sugar.
Good fats- saturated fats- are very important in your diet. Calories metabolize good fats in ways that are helpful to our bodies. The calories created from good fats produce a concentrated energy source and keep you feeling fuller longer, thus reducing the desire for more calories. Calories from good fats don’t raise insulin levels, whereas calories from sugar and fructose do raise insulin levels. Elevated insulin levels cause fat accumulation, whereas lower levels allow the release of hormones that use already stored fats as an energy source. The truth about calories is as simple as getting your calories from the right foods and staying away from the wrong ones.
