The calorie equation was discovered in 1918, and helped us to understand the basic energy requirements for human life. Calorie equations can be useful in some settings, such as where tube feeding is required. However for most of us, they are unhelpful. Here are a few of reasons why: -
1. Our food supply is very different today from what it was in 1918. Food today travels a long way to end up on our plates, and typically undergoes much more processing. Unfortunately, this has likely resulted in less micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) in our food, meaning we need to eat more food to meet our vitamin and mineral requirements.
2. The nutrients from food impact how our body functions. Within our body are billions of biochemical pathways which work in harmony to produce all of our body's functions such as creating hormones, neurotransmitters, muscle contraction, oxygen transport, fat storage, creating muscle mass, breathing, electrical impulses to keep our heart beating, creating and experiencing emotions and so on. These biochemical pathways are dependent on nutrients which come from our food.
To understand this better, I have provided a very simplified explanation below:
Let's say a biochemical pathway converts substance A into substance B, and for this conversion to occur, it requires nutrient X, as shown to the right.
If we don't have enough nutrient X from our food, substance A may accumulate, and we may become deficient in substance B. Alternatively, if we have too much nutrient X, we may end up with
too much substance B, and become
deficient in substance A.
Now, let's say substance A is a hormone that tells our body that we are full. With too much nutrient X, we may become deficient in substance A, so we may not feel full. This might cause us to eat more than our body needs.
Alternatively, imagine if substance B communicates to our body to contract our muscles. If we don't have enough of nutrient X, we won't produce enough substance B, and may find it difficult to engage in adequate physical activity.
3. The calorie equation doesn’t take into consideration where the calories come from. For example: say we calculated the daily energy requirements for someone to equal 2500kcal. To consume this amount of energy from broccoli, they would need to eat 45 cups of broccoli! However, to consume this amount of energy from butter would mean consuming 1.5 cups of butter. Eating 45 cups of broccoli, or 1.5 cups of butter may meet this person's calorie requirements, however both would be extremely unhealthy!
So, what should we do instead?
1. Ditch the calories!
2. Focus on foods that support health.
3. Limit processed foods.
4. Listen to your body's own hunger and satiety signals and use these to guide how much to eat.
If you find yourself still struggling to move away from calorie counting, you may find it useful to read my blog on what your goals should be if they aren't focused on weight. You may also like to read my blog on healthy eating, or self-acceptance.
If you would like to know more, book a free introductory call here.
