Why I don’t count calories

I could write about this all day but you need to free yourself from the jail that is calorie counting. From the bottom of my heart I promise you, it’s not about eating less and exercising more. It’s about real food.

Here’s why:

1. Calories are not created equal. Our macronutrients (i.e. carbohydrates, proteins and fats) produce varying hormonal responses and therefore metabolic environments, which either promote or discourage fat storage.

– Example A: Carbohydrates are equivalent to protein in energy, but when eaten in excess can lead to chronically elevated insulin levels. This is the recipe for fat storage. Long term this will create insulin resistance, the precursor to obesity and diabetes.

– Example B: Fats are more than double the energy of carbohydrates and protein, but offer satiety and hormonal control – the keys to long-term fat loss {excluding trans fats of course}. I often get asked for the calorie content of my sugar free sweet treats, but I promise you it doesn’t matter! Not to mention they are so satiating that they are almost impossible to over eat. Our key ingredient coconut oil is literally fat burning – the complete opposite to a chocolate bar from a brand I best not mention.

On that note, low fat food products belong in the bin. They are not whole foods and most of the time, are higher in sugar than the full fat version. See Example A.

– Example C: This image from Massive Health says it all. The best thing you can do is swap your traditional cereal and/or toast for a protein packed breakfast. Try my Spinach Coconut Crepe or Superfood Smoothie and watch your cravings disappear, your energy levels improve and your waistline shrink.

2. The amount of energy required to break down our macronutrients – known as the thermic effect of food – varies significantly. Your body burns far more calories digesting protein and fibrous vegetables compared to simple sugars like pasta, white bread or packaged cereals. Digestion actually requires a large amount of energy (this is a good thing!), which can be accelerated with better food choices. You can truly turn your body into a fat burning machine.

3. If you focus on food quality, the quantity will take care of itself. After all, tell me how many times you’ve overeaten broccoli? Or binged on chicken? Fill your plate with good fats from salmon, avocado, nuts and seeds, predominately non-starchy vegetables and protein, and you will be so satisfied that you won’t go near the bread basket, or even consider that lemon meringue.

Remember, slim is simple. Starvation is not healthy. The answer is to nourish your body with food as nature intended.
TNN x