A Calorie is Not a Calorie

I agree that processed food can be thought of as a failed experiment. Our body is like a machine that was designed to run on a specific type of fuel. Natural, whole food fuel, as opposed to synthetic, processed fuel. Both types of fuel give our body energy in the form of calories so that our body can run. However, the whole food fuel is packed full of antioxidants, phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals and helpful enzymes that make our body strong and efficient. The processed fuel also provides the calories, but comes along with preservatives, chemicals, dyes, and modified products that junk up the system (creating a scenario similar to an unmaintained machine that has sticky gears or dirty oil in the engine).

A calorie is not a calorie. It all depends on where it comes from. If our goal is to maintain a healthy body, our best bet is to choose whole foods and plenty of water as the main fuel to put in it. This doesn’t mean we need to totally avoid processed foods! A health body runs on whole foods as base fuel, but throwing in a mindful treat once and a while is what balance is all about!

This is a response by Susan (RD) to the trending article, Dr Robert Lustig: ‘Processed food is an experiment that failed. The food industry is getting rich, and it’s killing us…’. What should we respond to next? Send us the articles you’re curious about!

 

By Susan Sommerville – Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist

Revive Wellness is a team of skilled and passionate Registered Dietitians specialized in nutrition and wellness coaching for the Edmonton area.

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