The Calorie-In versus Calorie-Out model treats your body like a simple calculator, but our bodies are much more complex mechanisms, and seldom respond positively to such a simplistic formula.
Also, isn’t it exhausting – constantly trying to count calories for each and every meal and for each and every item we consume? Remember, calories are just a measurement of energy that our bodies get from eating and drinking.
When you eat ‘smart’, you stop obsessing over energy units and start managing your internal signalling. For example, take insulin, your primary storage hormone. Just 100 calories of cookies, spikes insulin levels, signalling your body to lock away fat and stay hungry. But instead, 100 calories of nuts provides healthy fats that prevent insulin levels from spiking. Plus, nuts are good fats as they provide energy and are satiating. So, by prioritising the right foods and quality, you can correctly engage the hormones Ghrelin and Leptin, which signal our bodies when we are full.
Smarter eating means food rich in protein, fibre and good fats to keep the body in balance and improve your health.
Eating smarter is not just about digestion, it also means improving your mood, immunity, brain health, heart health, skin and hair health – in other words, your entire metabolic health.
Eating smart also supports the trillions of microbes living in your gut. A diet high in diverse plant foods will feed the beneficial gut bacteria. Good bacteria in our gut also produce neurotransmitters like serotonin which help to contribute to feelings of well being and happiness. Serotonin controls our mood, sleep, as well as our appetite. Low levels of serotonin can cause mood swings and depression.
When your Gut is happy, ‘brain fog’ clears and cravings diminish. Instead of restriction, focus on eating the right foods. Always aim for a rainbow plate. When your plate is full of colourful vegetables, healthy fats, good quality carbohydrates and fermented foods, you then feel satiated for a longer time. So be sure to refuel your body with the right kinds of food, in the right amounts, at the right times – Do not starve yourself.
The objective is that you can improve your health, weight management, and energy levels by focusing on the right diet and nutrition. We need to fuel our bodies to feel better, train better and recover better. When people eat less, or worst, starve themselves, they often end up low on protein, fibre, macronutrients and overall energy.
Eating smart means structuring meals so that your body gets what it needs. Don’t punish yourself with fewer calories but instead have foods that help you feel energised and function at your best.
When you eat smart, you can stay consistent because your meals are satisfying and nutritionally complete. You’re not choosing less-you’re choosing better.
‘Eat smart, not less’ defines a sustainable approach to health management. The path to a healthier you isn’t by short term gains, but by a long term regimen of self-care and discipline. When you trade the frustration of ‘quick fixes’ for the steady progress with consistent meal structure, balanced diet, sleep hygiene, stress management; you create a complete holistic way of living.
Build a practical lifestyle you don’t need a break from. Wishing you all good health and happiness!
Perrin
The Holistic Coach
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