Reconstructions of what medieval people ate indicate they were often downing over 4500 calories a day. And their food was probably a lot more nutrient dense than ours in terms of minerals and vitamins.
I think with typical modern foods it is somewhat difficult to get adequate micronutrient intake on a sub 3000 calorie diet. This is where the calorie in/out idea falls down. If you undereat you are going to tank your metabolism and also have some deficiency problems.
Not only are we made to be walking around getting exercise for much of the day, it is critically important to realize we are made to be doing it outside. Sun light exposure is a huge deal for health. People who spend time outside live longer. Just light exposure on its own boosts metabolism.
Yes, but we probably aren't half as active as those medieval people...
I agree with you about the activity though.
It's like you go to rural China, and you see the farmers eating tonnes of rice and vegetables. And I'm sure the low-carbohydrate crowd is going "OH NO! You'll get fat!!".
Well, no, they're farmers, and they work damn hard outside all day.
Or the fact that professional swimmers down 20,000 calories a day - well, yes, if you're in the pool 6 hours a day and doing weights out of it. You're still going to look like Thor...
I think with typical modern foods it is somewhat difficult to get adequate micronutrient intake on a sub 3000 calorie diet. This is where the calorie in/out idea falls down. If you undereat you are going to tank your metabolism and also have some deficiency problems.
Not only are we made to be walking around getting exercise for much of the day, it is critically important to realize we are made to be doing it outside. Sun light exposure is a huge deal for health. People who spend time outside live longer. Just light exposure on its own boosts metabolism.