The Weight of a Scale

The food we eat is a source of many things that feed our blood and body. Just like a machine, our body is made of organic parts, chemistry and physics, to get it working. What we call macronutrients, will give us the basic elements to “build” the organic part of our body. They are Carbohydrates, Proteins and Fats. Carbohydrates are for immediate energy consumption. Whatever is not used immediately becomes energy stored as fat. Proteins are for muscle buildup and other smaller “constructions” in our body. And fats are for energy storage. Then, what we call micronutrients, will give us the basic elements to function our body. Vitamins and minerals are part of this group, therefore, responsible to make our body work with the chemical and physical part of it.

When we are in active movement, the first macronutrient to be used - with the help of micronutrient - is carbohydrates. It gives us prompt energy, necessary for activity. Once that immediate energy ends, the second source of energy is fat. So, our body uses the stored fat to turn it into 2 things: back to “sugar” form or into fatty acids. When it turns into fatty acids, our body either enters the famous state of ketosis – creating ketones in our liver - or goes into beta-oxidation. Both states, through other processes, will move towards the same goal of turning fat into energy. But ketosis makes an extra stop by the liver before it continues the process to become energy. Also subjects our body to a lower blood PH, creating the state of ketoacidosis. But only if the ketones are not used to produce energy and instead, stays circulating in our bloodstream. Ketones are used by the need of energy. So, if you are not planning on staying active while putting your body through ketosis, you might be better off not doing it so. Some symptoms from ketoacidosis includes headaches, confusion, weakness, nausea, shortness of breath and increased heart rate. In critic states it can cause arrhythmia, seizures and finally coma. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious complication from type 1 diabetes; it occurs when the body produces high levels of ketones but not enough insulin to break them down into energ. On those cases, it is potentially fatal. But, if fat doesn’t do the job to supply the lack of energy, proteins come into place. If you are active, they will be used for muscle buildup. If you are not active, they’ll be broken down and used as energy, so you’ll be losing muscle mass. That process can be observed in patients with a confined member. On those cases it’s easy to observe the loss of muscle mass. When someone breaks their arm and have to wear a cast for a couple of months and they finally take it off to have a skinny arm, it’s an example of that.

But, I’m not here to scare you. I’m here to inform you. As great as it sound to find an easy way to lose weight, truth is, there’s no easy way. Not without putting your health at risk with it. More than losing weight, comes health. With a healthy balanced life, our food intake is what our body needs to function. With the correct amount and kind of food, plus an active lifestyle, all made specifically for your body type, that’s what will help you reach not only weight loss but ultimate health. Not magic, not a special pill, not a troubled diet, but time and balance. Health comes with effort, but it provides a lot more than just weight loss. Not only what a scale shows you. Otherwise, the worry of the weight the scale will show you next will become a burden. Then a stress. Then anxiety. Ultimate health is, after all, wellness of being physically, mentally, socially and spiritually. Not just one or the other. But the best part? It lasts!

We all already know anyways: easy comes, easy goes.