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Still Believe 'A Calorie Is a Calorie'?

(...) A calorie is a measurement of energy (a matter of physics), not a value judgment on where that energy goes (a matter of biochemistry). As my book Fat Chanceexplains, you get sick from inappropriate energy storage (in your liver and muscle), not defective energy balance (bigger love handles). Nonetheless, "a calorie is a calorie" continues to be promulgated by the food industry as their defense against their culpability for the current epidemic of obesity and chronic metabolic disease. But it is as dishonest as a three-dollar bill. Here are just four examples that refute this dogma:

Fiber. You eat 160 calories in almonds, but you absorb only 130. The fiber in the almonds delays absorption of calories into the bloodstream, delivering those calories to the bacteria in your intestine, which chew them up. Because a calorie is not a calorie.

Protein. When it comes to food, you have to put energy in to get energy out. You have to put twice as much energy in to metabolize protein as you do carbohydrate; this is called the thermic effect of food. So protein wastes more energy in its processing. Plus protein reduces hunger better than carbohydrate. Because a calorie is not a calorie.

Fat. All fats release nine calories per gram when burned. But omega-3 fats are heart-healthy and will save your life, while trans fats clog your arteries, leading to a heart attack. Because a calorie is not a calorie.

Sugar. This is the "big kahuna" of the "big lie." Sugar is not one chemical. It's two. Glucose is the energy of life. Every cell in every organism on the planet can burn glucose for energy. Glucose is mildly sweet, but not very interesting (think molasses). Fructose is an entirely different animal. Fructose is very sweet, the molecule we seek. Both burn at four calories per gram. If fructose were just like glucose, then sugar or high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) would be just like starch. But fructose is not glucose. Because a calorie is not a calorie.

Up until now, scientists have shown that sugar is "associated" or "correlated" with various chronic metabolic diseases. For instance, the increase in sugar consumption over the past 30 years paralleled the increase in obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Areas that drink more soda (e.g., the American Southeast) experience higher prevalences of these diseases. But correlation is not causation.(....)

Hala. RNY 5/14/2008; Happy At Goal =HAG

"I can eat or do anything I want to - as long as I am willing to deal with the consequences"

"Failure is not falling down, It is not getting up once you fell... So pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again...."

Mary Gee
on 4/27/15 10:23 am - AZ

VSG on 05/14/14

Topic: New Here - Struggling With The Carb Monster

Hi Everyone. Signed up here because I made the mistake of tickling the Carb Monster -- and it's having the last laugh.

Had surgery 5/14/14 and was doing great - until I got over-confident. During the holidays I started using low carb pita bread. Seemed innocent enough - in the beginning I kept my total carbs under 40. But then the number started climbing, and soon enough it was out of control. Now, I can't seem to slay the beast. I haven't gained weight....but I'm not losing. And I've got about 80 pounds to go before I reach my goal.

I've tried and tried, will make it through a day or two, and then BAM! -- too many carbs again.

I'm working on pre-planning my menu -- but I let others influence me with "Just a bite....."

Post-op I felt like I could tackle anything.........now doubts are creeping in. So, I'll be checking in here daily and continue my efforts to get Back On Track Together.

Thanks folks.

HW: 380 SW: 324 GW: 175

italianspice
on 4/27/15 4:20 am - Eastlake, OH

RNY on 07/29/10

Topic: RE: Hi everyone

Thanks Brandi Girl.

I am here for you! It is so nice to talk with some one who gets it.

Brandi Girl
on 4/26/15 11:30 pm

WLS on 10/18/11

Topic: RE: Weekends or days off

How true! Days off are a great time to experiment with new recipes we may not have time to try after getting home from work. I do try to keep as busy as possible and when the weather is nicer, try to be outside as much as I can My husband also has been eating low carb like I have been which makes it easier to cook meals. We do find eating out more difficult I have to admit. Which is hard because that has always been something we enjoyed doing together on our days off together. It just takes some planning and asking for things to be cooked a certain way. Thanks for the waffles/pancakes recipe!! I am always looking for new and different things to eat!!!

Amie_Lynn
on 4/26/15 11:03 pm

Topic: RE: Weekends or days off

Hi H.a.l.a. B.,

Wish we had a like button. Great post

"Learn from yesterday,live for today,hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not stop questioning."-Albert Einstein

H.A.L.A B.
on 4/26/15 10:10 pm, edited 4/27/15 1:15 am

RNY on 05/14/08

Topic: RE: Weekends or days off

Weekends are easy for me because i have more time for me. I can spend time cooking the perfect meal for me, including pancakes, waffles, or just overall great meals. I keep good for me snack food at home - like porkrinds, salsa, avocado...

I have the time to take a bath....and read a book. Be outside....

Finding recipes for food that i can cook on weekends makes me look forward to the weekend.

I still cook for my partner some normal food...like pizza, or some rice. But most of the time he eats like me, low carbs.

Easy, waffles (that can also be used as pancakes)

http://justenjoyfood.com/2014/01/fluffy-coconut-flour-waffle s/

I add some stevia to mine, and some orange flavor. I also use coconut oil instead of butter, plus I use just normal unsweetened almond or coconut milk. So good. This recipe yields a lot. I make it all, then keep the rest for a quick reheating during the week. It is not a low calories, but had a lot of fiber, and it is a very low carb.

Hala. RNY 5/14/2008; Happy At Goal =HAG

"I can eat or do anything I want to - as long as I am willing to deal with the consequences"

"Failure is not falling down, It is not getting up once you fell... So pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again...."