The proper, aware nutrition which is a main part of the life and also which leads to healthy, balanced lifestyle is not about focus on the calories in food. Here, I want to give you the arguments which will show you why, I hope… Enjoy!
So, we ask – counting calories? If someone was to tell you that a portion of spinach and piece of cake were the same amount of calories, which would you choose? The key is – not all calories are created equal. When counting calories does have some value when it comes to health and weight loss, what really matters is the quality of your food. But there are other crucial pieces of the puzzle to put together for the case against calorie counting… Here you can find a few of them:
Nutrient-dense (and often high-calorie) foods giving satiety for longer
Calories from nutrient-rich foods have a completely different effect for the organism to those that are from processed or refined carbohydrates. If foods filled with nutrients are at the high end of the calorie scale, your body will be getting the right mix of carbs, nutrients and vitamins needed to keep hunger at bay.
High-quality calories that allow for a slower energy release come from the products such as:
- avocado
- nuts, especially pecan, macadamia, almonds
- entire eggs
- leafy greens, f.e. kale, spinach, letucce, rucola
- broccoli, turnip, beetroot, pumpkin, sweet potato
- lean meat, f.e. turkey
- shrimps
- lean fish, f.e. cod
Fat-free, low-calorie foods can lead to overconsuming
On the opposite side of the scale, nutrient-poor foods can keep you hungry, mentally „foggy” and deprived of the nourishment your body needs. Portion-controlled microwave meals are a good example of this. Many are loaded with chemicals and inflammatory ingredients that set the stage for a whole host of health problems! Often loaded with white sugar, these low-calorie quick fixes can spike your blood sugar levels and cause a surge in insulin – storing more fat than high-calorie, nutritious foods. Easy to understand? I think yes.
Counting calories can be mentally unhealthy
Counting calories isn’t easy when you’re at a party, leasure time with close ones, wedding, dinner, or any kind of social events. While you should be enjoying the occasion – and your food – you may get caught up in how many calories are in your friend’s pizza. Remember, that the state of mind plays a huge role in how our bodies use the food we intake. If you’re stressed from constantly figuring out calories in your food, your digestion is compromised from cortisol-production and your body will store fat as a result. Because i san effect of stress work.
It can sometimes push you to eat more junk food
If a chocolate cake is within your calorie limit, you may be inclined to eat fewer vegetables, fruits, nuts and meat to squeeze in the treat instead. Calorie counting shouldn’t be a license to fill up on indulgent foods when you’re under your number-crunching intake, right? Instead, try swapping ingredients in certain foods to something healthier – such as using avocado in your puddings (a perfect substitute for butter or make the dessert smooth) or wholegrain cereal instead of sugar-coated cereal for example. Many studies in the field of dietetics have shown that getting your highest calorie intake at the start of the day can also help trim your waistline, aiding metabolic activity and keep high level of…satisfaction. The bottom line when it comes to calorie counting is, simply don’t do it. As long as you give your body the high-quality food it demands, with plenty of nutrient-dense proteins and whole food fats, you don’t need a number to tell you they’re good for you.