Counting Calories

Decades of faulty studies and research have led us to believe that counting calories is the main way to either lose fat or gain muscle. Then within the early 2000’s we began to research that carbohydrates were the “end all be all” of the value or non-value when it comes to nutrition. Every so often you would see research about saturated fats and how they were the common evil of the American diet. So, my question is, which study do we believe?

Which diet?

Between these studies and a new fad such as “keto” or ‘intermittent fasting” coming out every six months it is tough to decide what is right or what is wrong. Which diet or nutrition fad best suits our bodies and our lifestyles? Which program could get us to our goals, and which one could leave detrimental effects to our bodies? The influx of research and different “styles” of dieting and nutrition advice seem to be endless.

Quality Food for the Win

One thing is for certain, when it comes to nutrition, quality will always triumph over quantity. Let’s take my friend Jill for example. Jill is a 34-year-old working mother who has put on some extra pounds. She wonders why because she stays in the 2,000-calorie range everyday besides the occasional pizza night her family has every week. When I ask Jill what she consumes. She explains that she consumes a honey bun and a coffee in the mornings, a sandwich with a small snack pack of Doritos (or whatever chips the vending machine provides) at lunch, and usually a heavy dinner such as pasta or meatloaf with a dinner roll at night. She has an app that tracks her calories, and she is rarely over the 2,000-calorie mark so why does Jill seem to carry extra fat and seem to have low energy and drive throughout her day?

The answer is the quality of her calories. Yes, 2,000 calories is the amount Jill should stay in if she is lives a relatively lifestyle but the quality seems to take a backseat. What she needs to focus on is the type of calories she is receiving within that 2,000-calorie range. Is Jill receiving enough fiber, vitamin A, what about enough protein? Could this be the cause of her extra adipose tissue and reason behind her feeling lethargic?

Fuel your Body

The answer is YES! To be successful in feeding your body the calorie counting should take a backseat. Instead of counting the things we consume we should look at the things we consume. Are we eating a lot of processed foods? Are we eating the right number of vegetables, or complex carbohydrates for our bodies to have enough energy throughout the day. We should really focus on getting some protein in so we can kickstart that metabolism and have that “full feeling”. Instead of grabbing that zero-calorie soda, we should grab a sparkling water to avoid those damaging chemicals. Next time we are reading the number of calories on our food labels lets start checking the nutritional density as well so that not only are we getting enough but we are getting enough of the right stuff.

Looking for some guidance on nutrition and fitness? Contact us at Fight Gravity Fitness, located near Downtown Denver.