The Calorie Myth: Why It’s Not That Simple
Everywhere you look on social media, someone’s shouting that weight management is just “calories in vs calories out.” But the truth is, our bodies are not that simple!
How is a Calorie Measured?
Let’s quickly look at how calories are measured. A “calorie” is determined using a bomb calorimeter. The food is burned, and the heat it gives off raises the temperature of the surrounding water. The bigger the temperature increase, the more calories it contains.
But our bodies are not bomb calorimeters! We are living, breathing, hormonally complex humans! The types of food we eat affect how our bodies respond, how full we feel, and even how many calories we actually absorb and store.
Processed-v-Wholefoods
Imagine eating a bag of Doritos versus a plate of salmon, greens, and brown rice. Even if both plates held the same number of calories, your body would handle them very differently:
The salmon meal triggers satiety hormones that tell your brain you’re full, plus you're supplying your body with a wealth of nutrients it needs to function optimally.
The Doritos leave your brain confused and still hungry, because the brain doesnt recognise ultra-processed foods as real nourishment.
In fact, a fascinating study at the National Institutes of Health compared two groups of people eating diets matched for calories, carbs, protein, fat, sugar, fibre, and sodium. One group ate ultra-processed foods, while the other ate unprocessed, whole foods.
Those eating processed foods consumed an average of 500 extra calories per day simply because they weren’t feeling full.
They also gained weight, while the whole-food group lost weight, even with the same calorie targets.
Artificial Sweeteners and Hunger Signals
It’s not just processed junk food that disrupts our appetite. Artificial sweeteners can confuse the hypothalamus, the brain’s centre for hunger and satiety. Studies show sweeteners can dull the brain’s ability to regulate appetite, making us crave more food later.
So, Should We Count Calories?
Calories do matter in the sense that extreme overeating or undereating will affect your body. But my approach is never to simply cut calories; instead, I help clients swap out “empty” processed foods for whole-food options that send the right signals to the brain and body. Because at the end of the day:
🍈 Calories are NOT created equal
🍰 Counting them precisely is nearly impossible in real life
🍛 Health, weight loss, and wellbeing should always focus on food QUALITY.
Enjoying a treat now and then? Absolutely. But build your everyday meals around whole, minimally processed foods, and your body will thank you.
If you’re tired of the calorie-counting hamster wheel, that’s exactly what we tackle inside The Whole Health Revolution my online program focused on sustainable weight loss, better energy, and feeling amazing in your own skin.
