Are you tired of counting calories and not seeing results?
Have you ever wondered why counting calories alone doesn’t seem to result in long-term health and wellness? It’s time to shift our focus from the numbers on the scale to the quality of the food we consume.
Our health is not just about weight loss or gain, but about creating a sustainable lifestyle that promotes energy, vitality, and overall well-being. By becoming more mindful of how we feel, both physically and mentally, we can learn to make better food choices that lead to a healthier, happier life.
When a calorie isn’t a calorie
You’ve probably heard the saying “a calorie is a calorie”, but it’s not just about eating fewer calories. It’s about eating the right kind of calories too.
Studies show that it’s not just about how much we eat, but what we eat that plays a big role in maintaining a healthy weight. Instead of just looking at the calorie count, why not focus on choosing wholesome, nutrient-dense foods and cutting back on overly processed and refined foods? Your body will thank you for it.
Good quality
Want to eat for optimal health? Stick to whole, unprocessed foods like fruits and veggies, whole grains, healthy fats, and protein sources recommended by Purposefully Nourished. These high-quality options will give your body the nutrients it needs to thrive.
Poor quality
On the other hand, foods to limit in your diet include highly processed snacks, sugary drinks, white bread and sugar, fried foods, and foods high in saturated and trans fats, such as potatoes. These lower-quality options can negatively impact your health.
How does the quality of food play a role in weight management?
A study from the Department of Nutrition at Harvard School of Public Health set out to answer this question by analyzing the dietary habits of over 120,000 people over 20 years.
The results showed that certain foods were linked to weight gain, such as potato chips, potatoes, sugary drinks, and processed and unprocessed meats.
On the other hand, foods linked to weight loss included veggies, whole grains, fruits, nuts, and yogurt. The conclusion? While calories still matter, the quality of food we eat has a big impact on our weight.
So, instead of just counting calories, try choosing healthier, high-quality options and cutting back on junk food.
Let’s examine some examples of quality vs quantity
A slice of cake may have 250+ calories
½ cup of humus and 1 cup of carrot sticks have say 230 calories
So if we were to only look at the caloric value you could quite easily choose between the two, but when we start to look at the nutrient value and the effect those calories will have on your energy levels, mood and overall health – even though the cake may be delicious you just can’t compare the two.
Nourishing our bodies with the right food choices can have a profound impact on our overall health and wellness.
By making mindful food choices, focusing on high-quality options and cutting back on processed foods, we can achieve and maintain a healthy weight, increase our energy levels, and improve our overall well-being. If you’re ready to make a change, reach out for help.
There are many resources available to assist you in planning a healthy, nutrient-rich lifestyle. Don’t wait any longer, take control of your health today.
Let’s move away from counting calories and focus on nourishment.
I currently have a 30 day programme to help you get and stay on the right track – message me if you would like to find out more.
#nourishmentmatters #healthyliving #stopcaloriecounting