For decades, common nutritional advice told us, “a calorie is simply a calorie.” We were told that to maintain a healthy weight, we must simply be active enough to burn off the calories we take in. Therefore, it should follow that if we want to lose weight we should just expend more energy than we take in. It seems like common sense when viewed simply – but is it true?
What is a Calorie?
A simple definition for a calorie is a measurement of energy. In fact, a calorie equals 4.2 joules of energy, because a joule is defined as a unit of heat, work or energy. (I promise that’s the end of the science talk right there!)
We’ve heard “a calorie is a calorie” for so long that most people believe it. In fact, many food companies cater to this philosophy and provide foods with fewer calories to satisfy cravings but help those who want to stay within a calorie range. However, recently this truism has been debated and many experts are investigating whether a calorie is truly “just” a calorie.
Real Food versus Calorie Counting
Doing math at mealtime by counting calories is not something people enjoy, but it has become a common practice. It can instill an element of fear surrounding the food we eat. That does no-one any favors, because in the end food is supposed to be there to nourish us and provide us with eating pleasure. Food need not become something we fear!
For singers, focusing on cutting down calories often does not allow a singer to maintain energy needed for the multi-faceted efforts required to maintain a music career. In fact, it can make practicing and performing feel almost impossible when the tank is empty!
Many players in the food industry would have their customers believe that any shiny package labeled across the front in big letters “ONLY 100 CALORIES!” contains something healthy for their bodies, but that is simply not true. These packages usually contain numerous chemicals, artificial food colors, sugar, and yes, even trans-fats. Manufacturers can sneak this unsafe ingredient in (and even label the package as ‘trans-fat free’) as long as it’s kept under 0.5 grams per serving! Trans-fats were actually removed from the FDA’s “Generally Regarded As Safe” food list, but it persists in processed food through these kinds of labeling loopholes.
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It has been repeatedly shown that processed foods, even those containing fewer calories, can cause inflammation in the body. Inflammation is the feeding ground for many chronic diseases and contributes to obesity and weight loss difficulties.
Instead of focusing on the number of calories posted on a food package, we would be better served by putting those packages aside and eat real foods that our bodies recognize and can use for real nourishment and energy. In fact, doing so can lead to better health overall and by extension, improve our abilities as musicians, as well.
Real Food Snacks That Satisfy
Eating nourishing food does not have to mean sacrificing taste. When our bodies are weaned off processed food, our palates are able to adapt and change. Here are some snack options that are high on taste and contain no artificial ingredients. They all are real food options that our bodies can recognize and process healthfully.
1. 1 whole grain rice cake with nut butter
2. 2 cups of buttered popcorn (not microwave version)
3. 1 handful of almonds
4. 14 carrot sticks and hummus
I have found through personal experience that choosing real foods, instead of the ones in a box, is always a safer option. Creating a different relationship with food takes time, but it is definitely worth the effort — especially for those whose bodies are their instruments! http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-lustig-md/sugar-toxic_b_2759564.html
