Are ALL Calories 'Equal'??
Ah yes... the ole calorie debate.
Yes, we could go REAL in depth with this topic, bringing in studies to support all different sides to this debate. I LOVE using research and science to synthesize ideas and approaches to.. well.. everything in life. But sometimes, we just need to step back and just use some rational thinking.
The problem with a lot of studies is that many are biased in some way or another. Research and science are not suppose to be biased, but it's an inevitable circumstance that restricts a thorough, comprehensive understanding of most things health related. Especially when considering how astronomically complex the body is and how nutrition/movement/toxins/thoughts/stress/genetics can all affect this system. Not to mention, the influence from big agriculture, big pharma, government, our medical system, or any outside interest in doing studies, can have on many different levels. We'll save that for a different time though ;)
I don't know about you, but I grew up thinking "a calorie, is a calorie, is a calorie." It did NOT matter where those calories came from... it just mattered how much you were taking in. After all, food is just energy, right? It all ends up just breaking down in your gut, and your body uses it as energy, and then it comes out the other end. If you want to gain weight, eat more. If you want to lose weight, exercise more and eat less. Simple as that.
annnnnnd this is the TRAP our mindset's get into.
This is the trap I was obsessed with for years. Uber conscious of all the calories I was taking in. Feeling bad when I thought I went 'over' my limit for the day. Ultimately creating a negative, and borderline neurotic relationship with food.
This is an over oversimplified way of understanding and approaching our nutrition and health; misleading us to think our bodies are just a math equation. When we're not getting the results we want or health is wavering, we start to internalize the toxic thought that we're broken. We're not good enough. Not motivated enough. We'll never be able to lose weight/feel good/get back to... etc etc.
The bad news? You've been LIED to, when it comes to this topic.
The good news? You've been lied to.... so stop taking that advice and start living by the health principles that will actually make sense to YOU, and govern our overall health and well-being.
To put things straight: it's an absolute MYTH that you can consume all the toxic garbage you want, and be healthy, just as long as you don't consume too many calories. Pizza, donuts, beer, candy, fast food... whatever. Shove it down and you're good, as long as you're counting those calories.
You're like... duh. That's probably not the best way to go.
And you'd be right.
We all KNOW better, because it makes sense when we put it into simple terms. In many cases, your instincts are going to be far more beneficial than trusting the mainstream news.
ALL CALORIES ARE NOT CREATED EQUAL
First consider what your body REQUIRES for optimal functioning and health:
Macronutrients: Carbs, proteins, Fats.
Micronutrients: Vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, antioxidants, and other active physiological components. These are essential compounds that are commonly overlooked or completely ignored when it comes to teaching people what true nutrition is all about. They're bountiful in living foods, and are lacking/absent in processed, dead foods.
What is a 'CALORIE' anyway?
The energy needed to heat 1g of water by 1 degree celsius.
This was the first way that 'nutrition' was able to be measured with the invention of the calorimeter, and subsequent use of the calorimeter for food-starting in the 1850's. It wasn't until the 1920's we could finally measure and understand something else about nutrition; hormones. With the discovery of insulin. The impact of hormones was not fully realized/appreciated/addressed until recent times. Not to mention the impact of the gut biome, as well as other metabolic factors.
Consider this:
2 'Fun' sized Snickers: 180 calories. VS. 2 Large Whole Eggs: ~180 calories
>What will nourish your body?
>Even if you had 3 eggs... you'll take in more calories.. but what's going to be healthier for you?
>Would you be better off having Snickers everyday, or eggs?
Sorry I even asked... Of course most of you know the answer. But the same logic applies to other foods as well.
QUALITY MATTERS MORE
Nutrients in pasture-raised eggs:
High in: omega-3 fatty acids, all essential amino acids, Vitamins A, D, E, B2-5-9-12. Choline. Antioxidants. Iron. Phosphorus. Iodine. Selenium. Etc.
Eggs are a nutrient powerhouse. Packed with things every system of your body can utilize to function and heal optimally. The same goes for other real, whole, nature-derived foods. Packed with nutrients that synergistically work together to deliver those nutrients to the cells of your body.
Fo