That’s true if you’re a bomb calorimeter (a device used to measure the energy [calories] contained in different foodstuffs). But the human machine is a bit more complex. The fact is that we all have individual metabolisms that affect how we use calories, and the end result is that a certain number of calories for one person can mean for another person quite a different thing in terms of body weight.
Which is good fodder to support the idea of mindful eating (intuitive, eating). Our bodies’ appestats are designed to tell us when we need calories, and that’s one of the major premises of mindful eating. That we listen to signals from within to tell us when to eat and when to stop eating.
So next time you see a chart claiming that if we substitute a lower-calorie choice for something we regularly eat, we’ll lose a certain amount of weight, be skeptical. There’s no way that can be accurately predicted outside a metabolic laboratory. (Even then, there may be limitations.)
A calorie is a calorie and a pound is still a pound. But 2000 empty calories and 2000 balanced calories makes a big difference. I would rather be 170lbs of lean, healthy muscle than 170 lbs of fat.
I like your Blog, BTW. Keep up the good work!
Good point, Chester. There’s definitely a difference in the quality of the calories we choose to eat, regardless how much of them we choose to eat. I’m with you, too, on liking lean, healthy muscle. But I do like a bit of fat,too. It plays an important role in protecting our bodies. And for us women, it gives us those nice curves…..
best,
marsha
Fat also regulates metabolism, keeps our endocrine systems working, helps insulate us against cold, stores cholesterol and vitamins, cushions our brains, and gives us important energy stores that keep us alive if we get sick.
I wouldn’t want to be 170 lbs of muscle any more than I’d want to be 170 lbs of fat, because I’d be dead both ways…
I do agree with Chester that 2000 calories of healthy food is better than 2000 empty calories in terms of keeping us healthy. Too many people out there count calories thinking that it’s healthy to eat less regardless of WHAT it is that is being eaten!
Agree with you all the way, anonymous!