When it comes to weight management “calories in to calories out” has been the conventional wisdom. What we now understand is that the food-to-energy process is much more complex than that. We know we can’t discount the essential nutrients our bodies require everyday – protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and water? Different types of energy will have a different effect on our bodies. Also, while counting calories can be ideal as part of an initial assessment of your energy intake, it is not generally a sustainable behavior.
Instead, we should read the ingredients. When we do, we should look for fewer ingredients and pay close attention to the order they are listed in. Fewer ingredients offer a greater opportunity to avoid additives, preservatives, and other unfamiliar ingredients. The order of ingredients also tells us a great deal because they are listed in order of amount, from greatest to least.
Below is an example of how 100 calories of two different foods could have a very different effect on your body. We’ll look at 100 Calories of Oreo Thin Crisps vs. 100 Calories of Almonds.
While the cookies have 17 ingredients and the first is sugar, the almonds have only one ingredient and offer a greater nutritional value. With the cookies you’re getting unhealthy fats, a higher number of carbohydrates without any nutrients, less fiber, much more sugar, less protein, and more sodium. With the almonds you’re getting healthy fats, nutrient dense carbohydrates, more fiber, no sugar, more protein, no sodium, and a few minerals. These two options will have a very different effect on your body for the same 100 calories.
I’ll admit that almonds don’t taste like Oreo Then Crisps, but I’m not suggesting substituting. I am suggesting we focus on the information that will help us make better decisions. Reading the ingredients, rather than counting calories, will help you identify the healthier choice every time.
Want to learn more about the food-to-energy process and how it affects your body? Join me for a coaching session on the Foundations of Balanced Nutrition. Reach out at [email protected] or schedule your coaching session here: https://schedulesweatandsun.as.me/