A blog about calories in goji berries

calories in goji berriesWhat Are Calories and Why Do We Care?

Calories are simply units of measure. They aren't actually things in and of themselves; they are labels for other things, just like how an inch really isn't anything, but it measures the distance between two points.

So what do calories measure?

Easy: they measure energy.

Yes, the evil calorie - the bane of the dieter's existence - is really just a 3-syllable label for energy.

And it's important to highlight this, because the body itself, despite its vast intelligence (much of which medical science cannot yet understand, only appreciate in awe) does not really do a very intelligent job of distinguishing good energy from bad.

Actually, to be blunt, the body doesn't care about where the energy comes from. Let's explore this a little more, because it's very important to the overall understanding of how to boost your metabolism, particularly when we look at food choices.

In our choice-laden grocery stores, with dozens of varieties of foods - hundreds, perhaps - there seems to be a fairly clear awareness of what's good food, and what's bad or junk food.

For example, we don't need a book to remind us that, all else being equal, a plum is a good food, whereas a tub of thick and creamy double-fudge ice cream is a bad food.

Not bad tasting, of course; but, really, you won't find many fit people eating a vat of ice cream a day, for obvious reasons. So what does this have to do with calories and energy?

It's this: while you and I can evaluate our food choices and say that something (like a plum) is a healthy source of energy, and something else (like a tub of ice cream) is an unhealthy source of energy, the body doesn't evaluate. Really.

It sounds strange and amazing, but the body really doesn't care. To the body, energy is energy. It takes whatever it gets, and doesn't really know that some foods are healthier than others. It's kind of like a garbage disposal: it takes what you put down it, whether it should go down or not.

So let's apply this to the body, and to weight gain. When the body receives a calorie - which, as we know, is merely a label for energy - it must do something with that energy.

In other words, putting all other nutrients and minerals aside, if a plum delivers 100 calories to the body, it has to accept those 100 calories. The same goes for 500 calories from a (small) tub of ice cream: those 500 calories have to be dealt with.

Now, the body does two things to that energy: it either metabolizes it via anabolism, or it metabolizes it via catabolism. That is, it will either convert the energy (calories) into cells/tissue, or it will use that energy (calories) to break down cells.

Now the link between calories/energy, metabolism, and weight loss becomes rather clear and direct.

When there is an excess of energy, and the body can't use this energy to deal with any needs at the time, it will be forced to create cells with that extra energy. It has to.

It doesn't necessarily want to, but after figuring out that the energy can't be used to do anything (such as help you exercise or digest some food), it has to turn it into cells through anabolism.

And those extra cells? Yes, you guessed it: added weight!

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Best Beers By Month for 2008 - Part 2

Month: July

Beer: Spotted Cow

Brewery: New Glarus Brewing Company

Cask conditioned ale has been the popular choice among brews since long before prohibition. New Glarus continues this pioneer spirit with their Wisconsin farmhouse ale. Brewed with flaked barley and the finest Wisconsin malts. Expect this ale to be fun, fruity and satisfying.

Month: August

Beer: Trappist Westvleteren Abt 12

Brewery: Westvleteren Abdij St. Sixtus

This beer sells for close to $600 a case ($25 a bottle) so if you can find it, and afford it, you will be in store for a real treat. Westy 12 is the least outputted style by this brewery and it is shipped in small batches all around the world. The flavor is of deep malt combined with bitter chocolate and hops which runs velvety across the palate.

Month: September

Beer: Dogfish Head Ninety Minute IPA

Brewery: Dogfish Head Craft Brewery

A big beer with a great malt backbone that stands up to the extreme hopping rate. A four pk will set you back around $11, a more reasonable choice for the pocketbook than the Westy 12. This beer is a perfect choice to begin prepping your palate for the fall and winter brews.

Month: October

Beer: Leinenkugel's Oktoberfest

Brewery: The Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company

Leinie's Okoberfest probably isn't the best Oktoberfest beer on the planet but I love it. And during a time of year when I drink a lot of beer, it's easy on my wallet. Leinie's has been producing their version of Oktoberfest since 2001. It is brewed with Munich, Caramel, and Pale malts along with Hallertan, Tettnang, Perle, and Cluster hops. This beer is an inexpensive treat.

Month: November

Beer: Expedition Stout

Brewery: Bell's Brewery Inc.

A dark heavy beer with a taste of toasted malt, licorice, and chocolate, Expedition Stout is a perfect beverage to keep you cozy when the winter turns colder

Month: December

Beer: La Fin Du Monde

Brewery: Unibroue Microbrewery

French for "The End Of The World," this triple fermented beer is a perfect way to end your year. It is 9% APV, it's heavy, and it's delicious. Tart ales like this one have been produced by European monks for centuries. However, La Fin Du Monde is produced in Chambly, Quebec which means that American and Canadian consumers benefit since the beer they buy on store shelves is fresh unlike many direct European imports.

This is part two to a two part article on the best beers, by month, of 2008.

By Nate Pachl

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