| It's energy density that's the enemy, not carbohydrates, | | | | that people rush to stuff their refrigerators with low fat |
| or protein or any other nutritious food group. Many | | | | food, thinking they can eat as much of it as they want. |
| don't realize this, that's why they ask in frustration | | | | They ultimately end up eating more food, therefore |
| "Why haven't I lost any weight yet?" It can really be | | | | consuming a higher energy density. |
| frustrating if you've been pouring out money on low-fat | | | | Aerobic exercise is best for keeping off any fat |
| and organic food. Paying an arm and a leg to the new | | | | you've lost, as it mostly burns fat rather than |
| gym that supposedly has the "state of the art" | | | | carbohydrate. Aerobic means "in the presence of |
| equipment. Well, the only state it's left you in, is with | | | | oxygen." This is where you should be relieved you |
| jiggly bits that you don't want. | | | | took chemistry classes, if you took any. Good old |
| Since it's the energy density of your diet that | | | | combustion comes in to play here. For any thing to |
| determines weight loss, it might be nice to know what | | | | burn properly, oxygen is needed. Oxygen also allows |
| it is and how it can be controlled. The total amount of | | | | fat to be released from fat cells (adipocytes). This |
| energy found in a particular food is energy density. It | | | | means that while you're exercising you should be able |
| depends on the amount of carbohydrate, protein and | | | | to hold a conversation and not be out of breath. You |
| fats. The higher the level of these food groups | | | | should be able to take in as much oxygen as possible. |
| present, the higher the energy density. For example, | | | | So this now leaves you with a brand new question to |
| 100grams of cheese contains 32.4 grams of fat, and | | | | ask, "how much energy should I eat each day, and |
| 20.4grams of carbohydrate and protein, with a total | | | | how do I know how much is in each particular food?" |
| energy density of 1570 kilojoules. But 100grams of | | | | You could very well use a calorie counter. But most |
| chocolate has a higher energy density with 32.4 grams | | | | people aren't big fans, they don't have the time nor the |
| of fat, 61.6 grams of protein and carbohydrate, resulting | | | | patience to whip out a calculator all day long. By simply: |
| in a 2200 energy density. It also happens, that the | | | | -Understanding that you need moderation when you're |
| foods with high water content and high fiber have a | | | | eating. |
| lower energy density. | | | | -Understanding the relationship between food and |
| Ok, most of you are probably thinking, "If I eat low fat | | | | energy, therefore weight gain or fat loss. |
| foods, which God knows I've been doing, surely the | | | | -Limiting your portion sizes to about a handful of each |
| total energy density I consume should be less, and I | | | | type of food |
| should be as trim as a top model." Well, you're right and | | | | -Adding more water to your dietyou will eat the right |
| you're wrong. You're right because yes, the total | | | | amount of energy without having to do any |
| energy density should be lower, but that depends on | | | | mathematics. |
| how much food you eat. See, the biggest problem is | | | | |