Calories Do Count - but Don't Count Calories

For years, those in the know have endorsed what is called the energy balance equation. This theory dictates that weight stays the same when calories in equals calories out. On the other hand, if you create an energy deficit by reducing ones calories in, a persons weight will decrease.

The problem with this is that the human body is not quite so straightforward. Sure most of us are greedy and could probably stand to reduce our portions a little. However, as research indicates much of the weight-loss from a calorie-reduced diet comes from muscle as opposed to the fat, which in turn lowers a person’s metabolic rate, the very engine on which the human requires for burning fat and maintaining a healthy weight.

Again, we come back to the same arguments again regarding bad science - Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts. Men in white coats (chemists) will claim that by quantifying the calorie we have an energy value for food.

However, what they fail to take into account is the complicated nature of the human body. There are various aspects of the human metabolism from enzymes, hormones, neurotransmitter and other compounds that affect change on the nature of food from its entry to exit. To assume this pathway is exactly the same has been the shortfall of many a dieter over the years.

You may think that from what I have suggested that calories have nothing important to enlighten us with regards to weightloss. However, this cannot be further from the truth. They are simply one factor to consider when trying losing weight.

All over Britain you will find people who could rattle off the caloric value of absolutely any food. As the old adage says this is like knowing the price of everything and the value of nothing. By understanding the composition of your calories you will start to recognise the shortfalls of this old fashioned approach to nutrition.

The smart people today will look at what happens to the foods once they are consumed. Don’t be consumed by the energy balance equation. It is not as straightforward as it seems!!!