Hi love2lose,
A calory is a unit of energy, so 10 calories of roasted chicken delivers the same amount of energy as 10 calories of broccoli or even 10 calories of sugar. Foods differ in the amount of calories they contain per gram. But of course, it’s not as simple as that. Foods also differ in the amount of fibers, and of course vitamins and other important nutrients. That’s why you’ll come across terms like “empty calories”. Foods that contain nothing but energy, like sugar. The more empty or “poor” calories you eat, the less calories you have left to make sure you give your body what it needs in terms of nutrients. So especially on fast days it’s important to use those 500 Cals wisely.
And then there are the carbs to watch. The carbs in food with lots of fibers (like fullwheat bread) are processed slowly and keep you satisfied longer. The carbs in white bread or sugar or grapes are processed very quickly. They can give you an energy boost, but not long after that a down to the same extend (or worse). Fast carbs heighten you blood sugar level and a heightened blood sugar level makes it easier for the body to store leftover energy….. as body fat. You can find tables with “glycemic loads” of foods, telling you whether the carbs are “fast” or “slow”.
So far my lecture 🙂 I hope it helps you!