Banana VS Banana Chips
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✖️They might look like fruit but banana chips are actually MORE energy dense than lollies!!
✖️A lot of the nutrients from the fresh banana would be compromised by the processing. You lose nutrients to air when things are cut. You also lose nutrients when foods are heated.
✖️Banana chips are often fried in coconut oil – making them VERY energy dense.
✔️You can eat 6 x the volume of banana (1 large) if you go fresh, and you’ll get more fibre, vitamins and minerals ????
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The Importance of Knowing the Caloric Content of Ingredients in Your Meals
When it comes to maintaining a healthy diet, understanding the caloric content of the ingredients in your meals is crucial. By being aware of the calories in the foods you consume, you can make more informed choices and better control your overall caloric intake.
Understanding Calories
Before we delve into the caloric content of specific ingredients, it’s important to understand what a calorie actually is. A calorie is a unit of energy that measures the amount of energy provided by the foods we eat. When we consume more calories than our body needs, the excess energy is stored as fat, leading to weight gain.
Calories in Common Ingredients
Let’s take a look at the caloric content of some common ingredients:
1. Chicken Breast: A 3-ounce serving of cooked chicken breast contains approximately 165 calories.
2. Brown Rice: One cup of cooked brown rice has around 218 calories.
3. Avocado: A medium-sized avocado contains roughly 234 calories.
4. Broccoli: One cup of chopped broccoli has only about 55 calories.
5. Olive Oil: Just one tablespoon of olive oil packs in about 119 calories.
Making Informed Choices
By understanding the caloric content of the ingredients you use in your meals, you can make more calculated choices. For example, if you are trying to cut down on calories, you might opt for grilled chicken breast over fried chicken, or choose steamed broccoli instead of a side of fries.
Portion Control
In addition to being mindful of the caloric content of individual ingredients, it’s also important to practice portion control. Even low-calorie foods can contribute to weight gain if consumed in large quantities.
Seeking Balance
While it’s important to be aware of the caloric content of your ingredients, it’s equally important to maintain a balanced diet. This means incorporating a variety of nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, while also allowing room for occasional indulgences.
Understanding the caloric content of the ingredients in your meals is a key aspect of maintaining a healthy diet. By being mindful of the calories in the foods you consume, making informed choices, practicing portion control, and seeking balance, you can better manage your overall caloric intake and support your health and wellness goals.
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