A Calorie is NOT a Calorie
A Calorie is NOT a Calorie
By Patrick Wardell
We’ve been told our whole lives that getting lean depends on one simple equation:
(Calories in) – (Calories out)
But if it’s really THAT simple, then why do so many of us struggle with our weight?
Do we lack the willpower to balance the equation in our daily lives? Or is this fundamental equation built on a more than 100-year-old lie?
It’s time to learn the truth about calories.
Not all calories are equal.
You can already feel that 500 calories of chicken breast does not equal 500 calories of donuts. Here's why...
What is a Calorie?
The concept of the caloric content of foods was developed by Wilbur Atwater in the late 1800s. He created this concept by placing different foods in a device called a bomb calorimeter and burning them to see how much heat they gave off.
This process gave us the calorie values for each macronutrient that we STILL use to this day. Protein and carbohydrates have 4 calories per gram, while fat has 9 calories per gram.
And this system is PERFECT if you’re a bomb calorimeter. There’s just one problem:
You are a Human Being.
Our current calorie system does not accurately reflect how different foods affect you. This is because it fails to take into account 2 important factors:
- Metabolic cost: the output required to turn food into energy; and
- Satiety: how full a food makes you feel
With these 2 factors in mind, let’s take a look at how carbs, protein, and fat ACTUALLY impact your body.
Carbohydrates
Low Metabolic Cost: Your body can easily break down carbs to make energy.
Poor Satiety: Not only do carbs NOT make you feel full, they can actually INCREASE hunger by causing the release of the hormone insulin.
Protein
High Metabolic Cost: Your body expends significant energy to convert protein to available energy. In fact, current data suggest that no more than 60% of the protein you eat can be converted into energy.
Good Satiety: Eating protein has a positive effect on satiety, especially compared to carbs.
Fats
Low Metabolic Cost: Your body can easily break down fats to make energy.
Great Satiety: Fats can curb hunger and make you feel full.
A Calorie is NOT a Calorie
With all this in mind, it’s clear why we at Legendary Foods are so focused on making delicious, low carb nuts and nut butters.
Nuts like almonds and peanuts are naturally high in fat, moderate in protein, and very low carb. This makes them the PERFECT starting point to craft next-level delicious flavors that satisfy hunger and support your nutrition.
Don’t believe us?
Try it for yourself - and let us know. Does limiting carbohydrates help you keep your calories lower?
Email us today and let us know :)
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