It depends where you get the calorie from. Calories from sugar are not the same as calories from protein or fat. They are metabolized differently and can effect gene expression. My advice is to choose low glycemic foods, with an occasional sugary treat on the weekends.
Researchers compared the effects of sugary sodas to unsweetened drinks in obese teens and found that the sugar made teens gain weight, and unsweetened lost weight. Surprise! Researchers believe that regular consumption of sugary beverages is affecting gene expression causing obesity, that is, turning on obesity genes that make you fat. Link to LA Times Article
This is from an NPR story about weight loss and diet composition:
Low-glycemic foods tend to be natural foods like most vegetables and fruits, nuts, beans and whole grains. They actually wend their way slowly through the body’s digestion system, using up more energy and burning more calories in the process. And, best of all, says Ludwig, they actually “increase the metabolic rate and decrease hunger, giving us a biological advantage” in losing and maintaining weight.
If you haven’t already seen Dr. Lustig’s viral YouTube video, then you can watch it and read my commentary here.
See Also
In addition, check out a book by Tim Ferris called 4 Hour Body. It was recommended to me by a patient and it works for me and my husband.
See also my page on Epi-Genetics where you can watch some videos on how environmental factors can affect gene expression in your body and future off spring down the line!
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