Are all calories created equal?

Is a calorie just a calorie?

Which contains more calories: a 5 oz serving of roasted chicken breast, or a typical candy bar? 

Answer:  They both contain about 230 calories.

So does it matter which one you eat?  Is a calorie a calorie regardless of its source?  If this were true, then your food choices really shouldn’t matter.  Simply eat fewer calories and you will lose weight.  Holistic physicians, biochemists, and personal trainers Jade Teta and Keoni Teta have years of experience and research that show that all calories are not created equal.  They state, “This simplistic approach to body change ignores the hormonal impact of food. Food is more than just calories, but also provides chemical information for the body. Every time you eat your body releases hormonal signaling molecules that will determine whether you burn fat or store it, feel hungry or full, have cravings for junk food, or feel more or less motivated to exercise”.

So how can you make food choices that will reduce hunger and food cravings, and maximize your fat burn?  Focus on high volume foods that are rich in fiber and protein.  Many legumes, fruits, and vegetables have high fiber content.  Some excellent choices would be split peas, lentils, black beans, artichokes, broccoli, raspberries, pears, and apples.  Eating a diet rich in protein will also help satisfy hunger and reduce food cravings.  Good protein choices include salmon, chicken, pork tenderloin, edamame, eggs, low fat yogurt, and protein shakes.