When a Calorie Is Not a Calorie
Four foods with one hundred calories. Four very different stories.
What do a handful of almonds, a spoonful of olive oil, a scoop of protein powder, and a cup of soda have in common? Their labels all read: 100 calories. What does this number really tell us… and what does it not?
The nutrition label on your food only scratches the surface. Even for something as seemingly simple as calorie content, there is much more than meets the eye. Your “bottom line” calorie count — the energy that hits your “calories in versus calories out” balance sheet — may be very different from the number on the label.
Understanding this variation can help support your goals, whether that means stretching a tight calorie budget (hello, fasting days!) or making the most of every calorie when feeding your insatiable teenager.
What determines the “bottom line” calorie content?
The two main factors at play are calories absorbed and calories burned (due to the food). These factors, in turn, are shaped by the nutrient content of your food, the way it’s processed, and your unique physiology.
Before we dive into understanding these factors, and how to use them to your advantage, let’s clarify what calories are, and…
