The human body metabolizes different foods differently. Why is this relevant? It means that getting fit by eating right is not as simple as counting calories.

For example, without any scientific background, you’d probably correctly guess the answer to the following question: is it easier for your body to digest 500 calories of potato chips, or 500 calories of vegetables? Answer: 500 calories of vegetables.

What does this have to do with getting fit by eating right? Ultra-processed and refined food, including potato chips, white bread, and soda, is difficult to digest and extract nutrients from; it is often high in saturated fat, trans fat, and sugar. Studies have demonstrated that a higher consumption of unhealthy ultra-processed food is positively correlated with obesity.(1)

On the other hand, if you only eat healthy foods that your body can digest easily and extract nutrients from, you don’t need to count calories as long as you don’t gorge. Simply eat until you’re satisfied.

This might sound too good to be true, but studies demonstrate that “a calorie is not a calorie”, meaning that the quality of food that you consume plays a significant role in weight gain. For example, consuming unhealthy processed foods like potato chips and sweetened beverages makes long-term weight loss more difficult. On the other hand, natural and less-processed foods like vegetables, fruits, nuts, and poultry contribute to weight loss.(2)

Therefore, it is important to choose an eating plan that allows you to eat healthy food while staying away from unhealthy food in the long run. Too often, people attempt the next big magic diet, juice cleanse, etc. But these solutions often result in failure; they are too intense, so people cave into their desire to eat unhealthy snacks, drinks, and desserts.

It is important to get full on healthy food so that your body doesn’t crave unhealthy food and so that your body gets the nutrients it needs to build muscle. Plus, once your body gets in the rhythm of eating only healthy food, it’s not uncommon for people to feel happier and healthier.(3)

What’s a possible solution? The Ocinator Food Guide; it suggests healthy foods to eat at home and at restaurants so that you won’t need to worry about consistently eating healthily.

The Ocinator Food Guide provides you with an array of practical and delicious options so that you can stay fit without calorie counting, carb cutting, or other painful diet requirements. Members often say they feel fresher, more energetic, and healthier once they adopt the Ocinator Food Guide suggestions. To receive access to the Ocinator Food Guide, join Ocinator today by clicking here!

1. Canella DS, Levy RB, Martins APB, Claro RM, Moubarac J-C, Baraldi LG, et al. (2014) Ultra-Processed Food Products and Obesity in Brazilian Households (2008–2009). PLoS ONE 9(3): e92752. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0092752
2. Mozaffarian D, Hao T, Rimm EB, et al. Changes in diet and lifestyle and long-term weight gain in women and men. N Engl J Med 2011;364:2392–404. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1014296
3. Conner TS, Brookie KL, Richardson AC, Polak MA. On carrots and curiosity: Eating fruit and vegetables is associated with greater flourishing in daily life. British Journal of Health Psychology. 2015;20:413–427. doi:10.1111/bjhp.12113coun