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Do Calories Really Count

When it comes to losing weight, researchers have found the laws of science -- particularly thermodynamics -- are an important part of the total equation.

Specifically, solid evidence has emerged that shows people can eat more than they do now and weigh less, if they eat the right kinds of foods, one scientist says. In fact, the amount of fat one eats doesn't affect weight loss very much. Moreover, those who think they can eat whatever they want and lose pounds are probably consuming less than before.

But what's the alternative for those who don't want to give up carbohydrate-rich diets? The key element, according to one scientist, is the quantity of food one needs each meal to feel sated and stop eating. (This researcher also believes protein is the one nutrient that satisfies the human body better than the rest.)

The aspects of food that affect satiety include:

  • The taste and texture in one's mouth
  • The look
  • How it feels to chew
  • Nutrient value
  • How packed the calories are
  • Amount of food eaten

Where the caloric content of food and one's satiety can go awry: When people eat "energy dense" foods. Simply put, the more "dense" a given food is, the more calories are compacted into a smaller amount of food. And, because people tend to eat the same weight of food consistently, they'll likely eat more just to be satisfied.

Moreover, water is the hidden variable on the amount of food people eat. Why?

Foods with lower moisture content weigh less. So, if people tend to eat the same weight of food, raisins and grapes may have the same caloric content, but because grapes contain more water volume, one becomes sated that much faster by eating them than raisins.

New York Times October 5, 2004



Dr. Mercola''s Comments Dr. Mercola's Comments:

A little more than a year ago, I wrote about studies that showed how lowering the caloric intake in animals, fish and other lifeforms might slow down aging, reduce age-related chronic diseases and extend lifespan. Although it's uncertain whether long-term calorie restriction has the same effect in humans, preliminary evidence suggests it does. What this researcher has right: Controlled energy restriction, not counting calories, is the only regimen that has been shown in the laboratory to increase lifespan.

It's true calorie-counting does lower one's metabolic rate and oxidative stress, improves insulin sensitivity and alters neuroendocrine and sympathetic nervous system function in animals. However, where calorie-counting/restriction comes into play is in relation to its effect on insulin. Because insulin affects so many bodily systems, it can also accelerate aging in a major way.

And, counting your calories won't work if you aren't getting enough vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that are necessary to keep your body functioning properly. So if you do decide to control your calories, make sure that every calorie you eat comes from a nutrient-rich food source.

Being so time-challenged -- merely by running a practice and maintaining this Web site -- provides constant challenges for me. Being so time-challenged, I understand it's not always easy to find high quality food in our "convenience food -oriented" culture. So if you are in a rush and need something that will supply a full meal with an absolute minimal insulin response, consider trying Living Fuel. My favorite, and one that many of my patients prefer is the berry flavor.

The best way to get started on the road to better health, a longer life and less weight is to learn more about the right way to eat based on your personal metabolic type. In my practice, I've met many people who eat very high-quality nutritious foods but are still quite sick. In fact, they haven't touched sugar or junk food in ages, yet still suffer with many health problems.

There are a number of reasons people suffer from these problems, but one of the most important is that they are not eating appropriate foods for their nutritional type. I invite you to take our free online nutritional typing test. Without this information, you've already sabotaged your road to better health.

For a more comprehensive view of nutritional typing, and to learn more about the common-sense tools you can use every day to improve the health of you and your family, consider my latest book, Total Health Program an essential guide to get you going.

Related Articles:

Arctic Natives Prove nutritional typing

10 Profound Ways nutritional typing Will Help Your Health

"I am Eating Healthy Organic Foods, So Why am I Still Feeling Miserable?" Finally, A Solid Answer!

Cut Calories, Add Fish Oil To Really Lengthen Life Span

To Succeed at Any Diet, You Must Know Your nutritional type





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