What do you think? Calories are calories right? As long as you are eating the amount of calories that promote weight loss, the actual food does not matter? (Just take some supplements to make up for the lack of nutrients…)
Calories-in-calories-out
The calories-in-calories-out (CICO) theory of weight management is simple: if you eat more food than you need, you’ll get fatter. Eat less than you need, and you’ll get skinnier.
This is, of course, a gross oversimplification of how our bodies work. Everybody needs a different amount of food. Everybody processes that food a little differently – but the basic equation still always applies at a big-picture level.
That being said, many people then wonder: is it possible to lose weight eating only junk food?
The answer is yes – but you’ll likely feel absolutely terrible doing it.
What’s the difference between 1000 calories of healthy food, and 1000 calories of junk food?
Actually, quite alot! When you eat 1000 calories of junk or processed food, your body won’t actually process the energy the same as if you were eating 1000 calories of whole foods. A 200-calorie piece of chocolate cake is absorbed differently compared to 200 calories of nuts. Nuts are a wholegrain packed with fiber, it’s estimated that 10 to 15 percent of those calories won’t be absorbed at all.
All About Muscles
When it comes to being as healthy, having an adequate amount of muscle mass is key. You don’t have to walk around looking like a competitive bodybuilder. The more muscle you can keep on your frame the less likely you are to become injured, sick or frail. For well-being, it’s the quality of the calories you’re eating that matter. Eating more protein, fiber and nutrients, you’re likely to build and retain muscle mass. This burns calories even when you’re resting. A diet high in sugary, processed foods high in unhealthy fats, you’ll lose muscle mass and not look/feel as good.
Summary
If you can sacrifice the instant gratification of processed foods you’ll reap all the rewards of long-term health. Like more muscle mass, improved mood and lower risk of chronic disease – from healthy foods.
Heavy consumption of junk food puts you at risk for obesity, cardiovascular disease, Diabetes, and even some cancers!