50 TOP TIPS FOR FAT LOSS – TIP 24

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Avoid empty calories AT ALL COST

Yesterday I said we were going to discuss avoiding fructose based foods before a workout.  However, this topic seemed to go hand in hand with what I talked about yesterday so I’ve changed the order a little.

Yesterday I talked about eating negative calorie balanced foods, you know, the ones that take more calories to digest than there are in them as a great way to lose body fat.  Remember how those same foods were jam packed full of other things besides calories like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, water and fibre, which was another reason why eating them was such a great way to not only lose body fat, but get healthy at the same time.

Well on the flipside of those foods are ones which we in the fitness industry call, “Empty Calories”.  A food that contains empty calories is the exact opposite of a negative balanced calorie food.  They are foods and drinks that contain a truck load of calories, but provide virtually no nutrition whatsoever.  They are devoid of many vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and have no fibre content.

So why would anyone want to consume food and drink that has lots and lots of calories and virtually no nutritional value?  It’s because they are seeking the quick fix energy hit that those exact same foods and drinks contain and interestingly enough you ask any overweight or obese person what do they lack most of the day and their answer will pretty much be the same – energy.  Overweight and obese people often lack energy, feel sluggish and tired all day, which is why they are constantly reaching for their quick fix, because they need it to function.

So, what’s an example of a calorie dense, nutritionally devoid food or drink?

Here’s one, Coca cola.

1 x 330 ml can has 139 calories and if you read the ingredient list you’ll find it contains carbonated water, sugar, colour (caramel E150d), phosphoric acid, natural flavourings and caffeine.   So with all that energy comes virtually no other nutritional value whatsoever, no fibre, no vitamins and minimal minerals (only what was contained in the water).  That’s what we call an empty calorie.  There are plenty of other examples as well.  Virtually all energy drinks fall into this category, most processed lollies, sweets & chocolates.  In fact, if you take a look around your typical supermarket checkout, you’llk find a ton of examples of foods that fall into this “empty calorie” category.

So, if fat loss is your goal, avoid empty calories at all cost!

That’s it for today.  Tomorrow we’ll pick up where we left off and discuss the reason why you should avoid fructose based foods and drinks just prior to your workout.  Till then, have a great day!