Everyone knows that a calorie is, well, just a calorie. Right? And every time you eat a calorie, or 50, they make a beeline for our hips, thighs, or stomach, right? Actually, no. Our bodies treat calories differently depending on what food source they come from. A carbohydrate calorie is not the same as a protein calorie is not the same as a fat calorie.
Our bodies utilize these calories in very different ways. Carbohydrate calories for example, cause the release of insulin, which sets us up for the storage of fat. Insulin has powerful effects in our bodies and is the central metabolic control.
After eating refined carbohydrates (a bagel or muffin for example) insulin rushes in and tells the liver, muscle, and fat cells to absorb the carbs as glucose and to stop using fat as an energy source. This means only a little of this sugar will get used for energy but most of it will get stored as fat – you guessed it, on your hips, thighs, or stomach!
Now protein is a completely different story. Calories from protein are essential forms of fuel for energy, which our bodies cannot make on their own. Eating protein sends the message to our bodies that it’s going to get plenty of the essentials, and it doesn’t need to store up fat. Our metabolic dial then turns to burn-fat mode and begins to rid itself of fat stores, enabling you to lose weight and be healthier.
Yes, calories are good. Don’t be afraid of them just be smart about them. Choose calories from proteins and healthy fats like raw dairy, coconut oil, and olive oil. Highly refined carbs are devoid of nutrients while trans (anything hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated) and polyunsaturated fats (soy, canola, safflower etc.) are unstable, rancid creating free radical damage and rapid aging in your body. Stay away from these like the plague.
With all the cleverly disguised junk food out there many women struggle needlessly with health issues. You may not realize that the food you put into your body and its quality has the potential to create the very problems you battle to avoid. Let Women’s Health Advantage help you regain your health so you can feel your best in a safe, nurturing environment.
Women’s Health Advantage is located at 25078 Peachland Avenue in Newhall. For more information, please call Jill Redfern RN, Enzyme and Digestive Health Specialist at 661-310-7373 or email at: womenshealthadvantage@msn.com .