ALL
CALORIES ARE NOT
CREATED EQUAL
By Carin Decker
Lean At Last
If you've heard that all calories are created equal, you've heard wrong. First of all, there are only three types of calories in the world. There are carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Within each type there are sub-types, but within the three major categories are several common properties.
CALORIC DENSITY
All carbohydrates on the planet have four calories per gram. From simple carbohydrates like table sugar to complex carbohydrates like oat bran, every gram of carbohydrates has four calories per gram.
Proteins also have four calories per gram. From pinto beans to T-bone steaks, every gram of protein has four calories.
Fats. Every single gram of fat, from lard to canola oil, has nine calories per gram. Yes, NINE. You don't need a calculator to see that you can eat twice the volume of carbohydrates and proteins than you eat of fats, and you'll still consume fewer calories. A tablespoon of polyunsaturated margarine has more fat and calories than ten slices of toast. Which will satisfy your hunger longer? All calories are not created equal.
PURPOSE
The main purpose of carbohydrates is to provide an energy source. Complex
carbohydrates provide time-released energy, while simple carbohydrates
produce energy spikes. Fruits and vegetables are in the carbohydrate family.
They are rich in vitamins and fiber which are also necessary for good
health.
It's protein's job to handle body repair and maintenance. Fat is a simple
energy source that is too easily stored. Young children can consume many
more fat calories because they burn energy so fast. (If you don't believe
me, follow a 4-year old around for a day.) All calories are not created
equal.
USEABILITY
Carbohydrates and proteins are difficult to digest. As a matter of fact, the body uses about 25% of these calories just to metabolize them. Example: When you eat a 100-calorie piece of bread, your body uses 25 calories in the digestion process. That leaves you with 75 to burn or store. The digestion process is slow, so you have a while to burn these 75 calories. The same is true with protein calories.
Fats are a different story. The body is 98% efficient in processing fat. When you eat a 100-calorie tablespoon of any fat, your body uses two (yes, 2) calories in the digestion process. That leaves you 98 calories to burn or store. Fat, by nature, is ready to be burned or stored, and the digestion process is fast. Unless you are pedaling the exercise bike when you eat high-fat foods, you are going to store some. All calories are not created equal.
When making your food choices, choose high-volume, low fat foods. Why? Because I think I mentioned that all calories are not created equal.
Published in
The Daily Sun