Why Calories Don’t Count If You Can’t Digest Them

We’ve all heard it a thousand times:

“Weight loss is just calories in vs calories out.”

And sure, that’s technically true — energy balance matters.

But here’s the catch: your body doesn’t run on calories counted on a label.

It runs on what you can digest, absorb, and actually utilize.

Let that sink in.

Calories Don’t Matter If Your Body Can’t Use Them

You can eat 2,000 calories a day, but if your digestion is wrecked, your gut is inflamed, and your nutrient absorption is poor, you're not fueling muscle growth, recovery, or even basic energy needs effectively.

You’re feeding bloat, fatigue, and stagnation.

And then you wonder why you're hungry all the time or why your progress is stuck — even though your macros are perfect on paper.

Digestion Is the Gatekeeper

Digestion isn’t sexy. But it’s the foundation.

What poor digestion actually does to your progress:

You don’t absorb key amino acids → slower recovery, less muscle growth
Carbs ferment instead of fueling → bloating, low energy
Fats don’t emulsify → hormonal issues, brain fog, low libido

And let’s be real: ever try to hit 200g of protein when every meal wrecks your stomach? Consistency goes out the window.

Bioavailability > Macros on Paper

Not all calories are created equal.

30g of protein from ground beef = highly bioavailable, muscle-building fuel
30g of protein from a cheap plant-based powder = low absorption, gut stress

Same goes for carbs:

If white rice digests clean and fuels you, it will always beat some “clean” carb that bloats you and spikes cravings.

Your body’s ability to use what you eat >>> what your macro tracker says.

The Hierarchy of Nutrition

Here’s how to actually structure your nutrition:

Start with foods you digest and absorb well.
No bloating. No crashes. Solid bowel movements. Consistent hunger cues.
Match those foods to your training and recovery needs.
Think high-protein, carb-driven, low-inflammatory.
THEN count calories and macros.
Because now the numbers mean something.

Bottom Line

If you're obsessing over “calories in vs out” but ignoring how your body feels after eating… you're playing the wrong game.

✅ Digest first

✅ Absorb second

✅ Track third

The leanest, strongest, most dialed-in athletes?

They don’t just eat for the math — they eat for function.

Tommy's Take by Tommy Pomatico 6/9