Not All Calories Created Equal?

Sunday, October 17, 2010

I heard a nutrition segment on the radio last night. The host talked about a recent study where they gave two groups of people food containing the same number of calories, but some were sugary-type foods and some were protein-based. One group ate candy, but the other ate peanuts - same number of calories. The group eating the sugar gained more weight (with all other factors being the same- like exercise, etc).

Unfortunately, I came in at the tailend of the program, but am going to read more about this. I thought it was interesting.

Wishing all a great week.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

RODEOGEM 10/20/2010 8:43PM

I can certainly tell the difference in my own body. I can stay within my calorie range, but eat junk and not lose, but healthier foods of the same calorie range and lose. Report Inappropriate Comment

1_AMAZING_WOMAN 10/20/2010 6:07PM

The reason is because simple carbs and sugars create and "insulin reaction", and insulin is the "fat storage" hormone. It you eat the same amount of calories in protein foods and vegetables, or even protein foods along with (complex) carbs, you will not have a strong insulin release, and thus your body will be willing to release it's fat stores instead of holding onto fat or laying down more fat. Amber Report Inappropriate Comment

ALEXSGIRL1 10/18/2010 9:11PM

it is so true that sugar is not good for you Report Inappropriate Comment

NANCY- 10/18/2010 10:01AM

Sometimes you can check out the station's website and find the program. Yes the quality of our consumption makes a difference too. Report Inappropriate Comment

MARIE625 10/18/2010 7:25AM

Although I don't have diabetes, I've been reading a book called Dr. Neal Barnard's Program for Reversing Diabetes. It contains some pretty interesting info on how your body processes, or doesn't process, various foods such as sugar, meats and fats and how your body reacts to those foods. The book goes on to recommend a vegan diet which I can't imagine following, although, my brother in law has read and is following the recommended diet and has had incredible results. For 20+ years, he's been so large he couldn't tie his own shoes, at one point, his BP was so high his doctor told him to go home and lay down and don't get out of bed until he'd lost weight, and then he got diabetes. He took meds for that for a couple of years and then read the book this past January. Since, he's lost over 100 pounds, gotten off all of his medications, is going to the gym, riding a bike daily, and has turned into a very happy and nice looking man. I can't get over the changes in him. If I keep thinking about the changes he's made, I just might get motivated to try the vegan diet. :) Report Inappropriate Comment

JLITT62 10/18/2010 5:28AM

I think the problem with calories from processed food (and of course sugar is actually a processed food) is that your body doesn't really know what to do with it. You could eat 1200 calories worth of twinkies vs 1200 calories worth of freggies . . . I think that would definitely make a difference in your body composition (not to mention your health!). Report Inappropriate Comment

LIBBYFITZ 10/18/2010 1:36AM

It is all about eating healthy calories. Report Inappropriate Comment

DJ4HEALTH 10/18/2010 12:39AM

Just as you need different foods for your body, you will have foods that offer different nutrients for your body. You just have to make sure that you get the ones that your body needs and don't take the ones that have allot of calories or the ones that are not good for your body. Report Inappropriate Comment

CHERIRIDDELL 10/18/2010 12:33AM

How fascinating.I think it would be interesting to further research this. Report Inappropriate Comment

Heading Into That Mega-Tough Caffeine Withdrawal Period ... YIKES!

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Well, weaning slowly has not worked well at all. I have to cut caffeine loose completely and I know from past experience that this is usually a three week (at least) period of migraine-like headaches, various body aches, and adrenals hurting. All this due to only half a small mug of coffee daily, can you believe it? Imagine if I drank more!

Oh how I've tried to get rid of this demon before. The longest I went without was for two years. Hooray for me. I started drinking coffee as an adult, and never really liked/loved it. I hate the way it makes me feel, yet I crave it when it's not there. And when I'm totally off it, I feel much better in some ways, but have absolutely no energy. So there's quite a bit of dependence (physical and psychological) going on, for sure.

This time, when I'm totally finished with this withdrawal period, I have to stick to my guns and not start again. Because each time it gets harder to kick the habit/addiction.

As far as the ensuing headaches, a sparkfriend recently told me that when she was in the hospital with a morphine drip for another matter, the headaches that were caused by the lack of caffeine were not even mitigated by the morphine! So, that gives you an idea of what is in-store for me. Yippeeee! (smiling)

Wishing all a fun weekend.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SIMPLELIFE4REAL 10/18/2010 9:35PM

I know you can do this. You sound very determined!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

JOYATLAST 10/17/2010 7:50PM

You are armed and dangerous! Carry on! Report Inappropriate Comment

ALEXSGIRL1 10/17/2010 6:47PM

i am proud of your strength Report Inappropriate Comment

JLITT62 10/17/2010 5:42AM

I think I'd just keep drinking it. Thankfully, it's a habit I never started. Don't even like the smell of it. Other than chocolate & tea, I just don't do caffeine (and most of my tea is herbal or decaf -- but I do drink 1-2 cups of green tea a day). Good luck! Report Inappropriate Comment

CHERIRIDDELL 10/17/2010 12:14AM

You can do it ,you are a brave soul!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

Lessons On the Human Spirit from the Chilean Rescued Miners

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

I'm watching the live feed on the internet andhave tears of joy as each miner is brought up with the cage opening to release them into daylight. Can't watch them all, but am totally blown away by their indomitable spirits.

One guy said he jogged 6 miles a day through the tunnels in order to keep his spirits up.

I shake my head in amazement as I try to grasp all that it took to survive 70 days buried miles underground.

What examples of the human spirit these men are! Here's to them and their loved ones!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

LIBBYFITZ 10/15/2010 11:05PM

Yes it was and still is an amazing story of fortitude and team work. They were on a 2200 cal diet so they would fit in the rescue capsule! Report Inappropriate Comment

CHERIRIDDELL 10/14/2010 12:09AM

It is indeed miraculous but they still have some hurdles to cover ,hopefully the post traumatic stress disorder won't be too bad for them ,or the respiratory ailments .We will continue to keep them in our thoughts for some time yet! Report Inappropriate Comment

AYAMMAYA 10/13/2010 5:58PM

Thank you Jesse for verbalizing the emotions being felt around the world for this great miracle. Report Inappropriate Comment

BOBBIENORTHERN 10/13/2010 2:04PM

I am so thankful that they are out of that bad situation. It is so good that everyone did all that they did to get them saved. Praise God. Report Inappropriate Comment

PEGGY-BEE 10/13/2010 1:24PM

This truely is amazing. I cannot imagine what they and their families are feeling. Just overwhelming! Report Inappropriate Comment

JOYATLAST 10/13/2010 12:51PM

Thank you for writing this! I've been rejoicing and contemplating myself. Report Inappropriate Comment

Same ole demon/s, two years later

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Have to smile at myself. How many times have I attempted this sugar and caffeine detox in the past couple of years? Guess I'll keep trying until I get it right.

Wishing all a good day.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

JLITT62 10/13/2010 8:19AM

Doesn't matter how many times, it just matters that you keep trying! Good job. I will be on my own sugar detox next week. Not sure I can do it, personally! Report Inappropriate Comment

TRACYZABELLE 10/13/2010 2:14AM

Keep on trying-- I need to ditch the carbs! Report Inappropriate Comment

CHERIRIDDELL 10/13/2010 12:06AM

I am fond of my caffeine so I feel your pain LOL! Report Inappropriate Comment

JOYATLAST 10/12/2010 6:28PM

Yea, me too. I quit once before. It seems like for a year. Why did I return? This time around is harder. Report Inappropriate Comment

Columbus Day - My Two-Year Anniversary into Healthier Eating/Living

Monday, October 11, 2010

I embarked on the ship of change on Columbus Day '08 as I felt it symbolic to be my own adventurer into a new world of healthier living. I joined SP a few months later - in January 09. I usually lump both anniversaries together and call it two years aboard the SS Healthier Me.

I began with Nutrisystem for the first three months and that's how I lost most of my weight. I'd never been on a diet in my entire life, so it was about taking their tips and using them as tools to continue w/o special food.

Not a person who likes being told what to eat and when (especially never having had to do it before), I was delighted to find SP and carry on at my own pace.

The discouragement for me has been a plateau that was recently broken -in the wrong direction - during my past three months of grief eating and rebellion. But the tools I've learned from SP have been invaluable in my ability to buck up and fly right again.

I still have a way to go, but am very thankful for SP and sparkfriends. Wishing all a wonderful day.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

2BHLTHY4LIFE 10/13/2010 8:39PM

Happy,healthy Spark Anniversary! on the of healthy lifestyle.You are doing so well and may you find peace and strength to continue this healthy lifestyle,I know We are here for you Diana Report Inappropriate Comment

SIMPLELIFE4REAL 10/12/2010 10:30PM

Happy Anniversary!! You are doing great ....not many people actually stick with it! Report Inappropriate Comment

JOYATLAST 10/12/2010 2:03PM

Congratulations on your personal celebration! Job! Report Inappropriate Comment

CORNPICKER73 10/12/2010 12:15PM

Hey, there. Just checking in to see how you are. I'm trying to get back into everything. Report Inappropriate Comment

AYAMMAYA 10/11/2010 9:54PM

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RAINBOWFALLS 10/11/2010 8:00PM

It is nice to know that we have the right resources to get ourselves going in the right direction again. Be kind to yourself as you continue the healing process. Report Inappropriate Comment

CAROLFAITHWALKR 10/11/2010 4:10PM

Part of the SparkJourney is learning how to maintain and/or lose - for me it's lose - even during the tough parts in life, like grief, holidays, birthdays, etc. So you're on the journey my friend! This is part of making the lifestyle change; it's part of the deal. Not easy, but, we will muddle through until we're able to do it. And learn not to eat or overeat, for emotional reasons. Myself I am not there yet, either; I'm on the journey. Report Inappropriate Comment