Majority of health buffs and dieters seem to believe that counting calories is the key to weight loss and optimum health.
While calorie-counting may be beneficial in many ways, it is not the most important component in weight and health management, according to nutritionists. It turns out that the phrase "a calorie is a calorie" may not be entirely true.
Simply counting and cutting calories does not automatically lead to weight loss, and this may be the reason why many dieters fail to lose the weight they aim for. Also, cutting calories can leave you feeling hungry, cranky, and malnourished, and nobody wants that.
Experts have compiled a list of facts about calories and how to achieve weight loss minus the unhealthy habit of counting calories.
1. There are different types of calories.
According to nutritionists, all calories are not created equal. Calories represent units of energy in a particular food, and the quality of a calorie in a burger is different from the quality of a calorie in a sweet potato.
2. It's the nutritional value that's important.
This is related to the first statement. Two foods of the same calorie count will still have different effects on the body. More so, eating something that has a higher calorie content but is more nutritious is a better option than eating something that has fewer calories but is nutritionally-bankrupt.
Nutrient-rich foods help stave off hunger and maintain blood sugar levels. They also help minimize cravings, enabling the brain to send a signal to the belly that it is full.
Meanwhile, foods lacking in nutrients will have a totally different effect. They can disrupt hormones, spike insulin, set off cravings, and encourage over eating.
3. Counting calories might actually lead to unhealthy eating.
Obsessing over calorie-counting gives a sense of control, almost to the point of having no regard for other diet factors such as nutritional value. A good example of this are portion-controlled, processed microwaveable meals that are packed with chemicals, allergenic and inflammatory ingredients, GMOs, and many other harmful components.