Thinking About Calories Instead of Food Quality!? by Joan Kent, PhD

I don’t think food (or weight) is only about calories in/calories out. I wrote a book chapter on this because it’s an important subject.

 

Some nutritionists and dietitians really think a calorie is a calorie is a calorie. When I was the lead nutritionist in a weight-loss program, for example, a registered dietitian also worked there.

 

One week a participant listed a brownie in her food log, and she typed “HELP!” next to that entry. The dietitian wrote back, “This is only 130 calories, so I’m not worried about it.”

 

Apparently, the dietitian didn’t see that the brownie could have consequences. My field (psychoactive nutrition) keeps me aware that eating a brownie might increase appetite, or trigger cravings, or trigger a binge – any of which could last for days and eventually lead to health or mood problems.

 

The dietitian apparently didn’t realize that the brownie might have been the result of what the participant had eaten earlier that day or the day before.

 

And she didn’t realize “HELP!” revealed the participant’s lack of control at that moment.

 

I have never told a client that all calories are equal. Or that it’s okay to eat sugar if you stay within your calorie limits. Unfortunately, I do know dietitians who say that.

 

When you recognize that sugar’s a psychoactive drug, you know that calories are less important than what the sugar DOES.

 

Focusing on calories alone can lead to eating without mindful attention.

 

Food is not as casual as we sometimes think. As a nutritionist, I wish clients would stop treating it as if it were. The consequences can be quite real and can throw a food plan or weight-loss program off-track completely.

 

Are you ready to say goodbye to mood swings, high blood pressure, cravings, and endless diet failures? I’d love to help. Discover how a few simple changes can make a big difference in how you feel. Sign up for a free intro consult at LastResortNutrition and start your journey toward a better life today.

 

Brought to you by Dr. Joan Kent, best-selling author of Stronger Than Sugar.