kk

i know what is meant by whole foods, and what supplements are, but why are whole foods better 4 u?

also, why, if according to all of the nutrition stickies, a calorie is just a calorie, and as long as your body is receiving enough of all of the (fat, protein, carbs, total calories) does it matter whether u eat 'clean' or 'dirty'?

what difference does eating a choc bar have on your body apart from cravings, which i can easily control???

thanks in advance

Josh

Whole foods are foods in their natural form. They're better than supplements because you're consuming the nutrients in the context they were meant to be consumed. I think it was shown that you don't get the same benefits from a beta carotene supplement as you do from eating a carrot. There's something in the whole carrot that helps you absorb and utilize the beta carotene in it. Whole milk is another example, although most people are afraid of the fat. The natural milk fat actually helps you absorb some of the nutrients in the milk.

Yeah, a calorie is a calorie, but there are good ways and bad ways to go about getting your calories. As I said, whole foods are high in nutrients that our bodies need. You will also see a difference in whole and processed foods in something called Glycemic Index. That's measures how quickly a given food item raises your blood sugar. If your goal is to maintain blood sugar levels or control fat gain, then you want to stay away from extremely high GI foods at times other than right after your workouts. The reason being, high insulin levels promote fat storage. If you're eating a ton of sugary, starchy things throughout the day, your body will be more likely to store fat with your extra calories. If you limit it to after workouts, then you're giving your body the anabolic boost it needs to build muscle immediately following a workout.

Another problem with "dirty" foods is that they lack the nutrients that you need. Often times, they will fortify the junk food with some vitamins to make it meet a nutritional standard. Enriched white flour is an example of this. As I said before, you absorb nutrients better when they're eaten in their natural form.

I don't see much wrong with chocolate as long as it's not packed with extra sugar. A small amount of dark chocolate won't hurt you, and they say that dark chocolate (70% or greater) is full of good antioxidants. But if you're powering down Hershey's bars and that kind of junk, then that's not good.

"Clean" foods are more likely to contain the good kinds of carbs and fat, while "dirty" foods are more likely to contain the bad kinds of carbs and fat. A calorie is just a calorie for gaining or losing weight, but the types of calories matter for general health.

"Dirty" foods are often lacking in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

You are what you eat is a popular saying. This site is for kids but the message on healthy eating is crystal clear.

Yes, what is put in the mouth, can make all the difference. Especially when consuming foods backed with educational foundation.

Let me use myself as an example.

In a few days I am going to post some brand new pics. I KNOW the POWER in manipulating carbs when one is lean (and there is a distinction between being lean and being skinny), and just prior to posting the pics, I am imposing a carb "restriction". Why? Because I know (with the correct approach), I WILL drop water weight (thus water rentention, as carbs carry water), and remove a small layer of water between the skin and the muscle. Protein will be slightly ABOVE what I need to compensate, as will some fat intake.

Absolute POWER in calorie and nutrient manipulation. Learn it. It will serve you very well.


Chillen