No matter your diet or relationship with food, chances are that you think about calories, at least occasionally. From restaurant menus to fitness trackers, we’re constantly being reminded of the significance of the almighty calorie. But have you ever stopped to think—what exactly is a calorie, and how accurate are the numbers we’re continuously being fed?   On this episode of The Model Health Show, I’m taking you behind the scenes of the infamous calorie and how it actually works in real life. We’re diving into the history of how the calorie came to be, and how it became such a pervasive figure in our culture. You’re also going to learn about the numerous factors that influence how your body absorbs and reacts to calories. You’re going to hear the differences that exist in types of food, how they are prepared, and the role your unique metabolism plays in the processing of calories. No matter your history or relationship with calories, this episode will help you gain valuable insights into how your body interacts with the food you eat on a daily basis. Enjoy!  In this episode you’ll discover: One surprising predictor of future weight gain.  The history of the calorie, and how its purpose shifted over time. How food calories are calculated. The difference between calories and kilocalories. Why most calorie counts are inaccurate.  How cooking methods interfere with the calorie content of food. The role digestion plays in the number of calories absorbed. How the different macronutrients are digested by the body.  What the thermic effect of food is.  How digestive strength and enzyme production factors into calorie absorption. The primary function of all living things.  How the advent of fire led to the development of the human brain.  What role the microbiome plays in digestion.  How sleep quality affects the efficacy of the metabolism.  What water-induced hypothermogenesis is.  The main organs that regulate how your body burns calories. How your metabolism changes over time.  Items mentioned in this episode include: Onnit.com/model -- Get your optimal health supplements at 10% off!  Foursigmatic.com/model -- Get an exclusive discount on your daily health elixirs! Eatsmarterbook.com -- Preorder your copy today to claim your bonuses!  * Download Transcript Be sure you are subscribed to this podcast to automatically receive your episodes:  Apple Podcasts Stitcher Spotify Soundcloud Join TMHS Facebook community - Model Nation