Energy: Quality vs. Quantity
In our last post, we addressed the topic of energy and asked you to reflect on things related to your energy.
As a nutrition professional, I often look at energy from a calorie perspective – the energy we burn as humans, the energy we consume from food, and the energy we utilize to function (heart to beat, respiration, and other essential body functions).
We can have low energy if we deprive ourselves of enough energy or calories.
If we exercise at a higher intensity or for a length of time, it can deplete our energy.
We can have a bowl of oatmeal with some protein (like nuts or an egg) that comes in at about 200 calories or a Pop-Tart at 200 calories. Factually, those two things have the same energy – or calories.
However, let’s be honest.
One is a quality energy source, and the other is less.
Each provides us with the same measure of energy, but one will only give us short-term energy and a sense that we need to consume more energy.
While our last post mentioned the energy vampires – the things that take our energy or drain our energy faster, consider that our food choices can have a similar effect.
When we make healthier choices – energy is more sustainable. It is quality. Sometimes there will also be more quantity.
Consider this:
No, an orange isn’t all sugar. It is fiber, water, vitamins, minerals, and fuel.
You could eat five pieces of fruit and get about 400-450 calories. For example, if you ate a medium apple, medium orange, a medium banana, AND 8 strawberries, that is 400-450 calories.
On the other hand, you could have a 3.27-ounce package of peanut M&Ms (the “normal” size by current standards) and get 480 calories.
Quality is the fruit and a higher quantity.
So, what if you end up eating MORE? In this case, what is the issue? More fiber, vitamins, minerals, water, and quality nutrients.
And, with the M&Ms? Some fiber (if it has peanuts), but we are stretching here, and a smidge of iron. And, you know what else.
So, quality energy, high-nutrient foods, or fleeting energy.
Now there is no shame in eating M&Ms. I recommend that one have their fruit servings FIRST (at least two servings), plus their vegetable servings. And THEN enjoy the M&Ms.
Quality, quantity, and just plain (or peanut) fun?
As you go through this coming week, consider whether you are choosing foods that are energy vampires and low-quality energy sources. Or are you choosing quality energy sources more often?
You don’t need to be perfect.
You don’t need to beat yourself up over it.
Just observe what you have and how you feel later.
Let’s address energy in its many forms - check out our upcoming workshops, including the one related to ENERGY. We talk about much more than food. Or, reach out, and we can discuss working with you individually.
