Some people count them. Some cut or increase them. Others try to balance them. For a basic unit of energy, calories sure do inspire plenty of thought and discussion. Learn how to reach the top of the hill and achieve perfect balance in your diet.
Although the word “calories” can apply to anything with energy, most people associate it with food. The nutrition label of any type of food tells us exactly how many calories are in it. For those who have wondered how calorie counting is done, it's pretty simple. All foods are made up of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. One gram of carbohydrates and proteins has four calories each, while one gram of fats contains nine calories. Knowing the amount of each of those components in certain foods tells us how much energy—or calories—the food has.
Weight is a direct result of the delicate balance between calorie input and calorie output. Think of calories as money. If you earn it (take it in) and don't spend any, you'll have a surplus. If you spend more than you earn, you'll have a deficit. The trick in weight loss, then, is in balancing the input and the output in order to achieve the desired result.
Many calorie-reducing weight loss programs advocate eating “negative calorie foods”, or foods that need more energy to digest than they provide nutritionally. When using one of these programs, it's important to remember that nutrition matters. Adequate supplies of carbohydrates, proteins and fats are crucial for a body’s metabolism to function properly. In the absence of proper nutrients, the body’s ability to burn food is reduced, thus resulting in weight gain. Nutrients are also vital to body processes other than energy burning, such as digestion; a significant lack of nutrients can interfere with these processes.
When it comes to weight loss, learning your required calorie intake is half the battle. The required intake can vary with height, weight, age, gender, activity level, body type and lifestyle. Generally, women need about 10 calories per pound of weight daily, while men need 13 calories per pound.
The other half of the battle is fought and won through calorie reduction (input decrease) and/or burning of energy (output increase). Knowing your body's required calorie intake allows you to adjust both of those for a desired effect. Avoiding foods that are high-calorie but limited in nutrients (i.e. candy, energy drinks), as well as foods that have a high-calorie count (i.e. mayonnaise, butter) is one way to reduce calories.
Regular exercise is the most effective way to increase energy output. Do three to four cardiovascular workouts each week. This is how you'll burn the majority of your daily calories. Cardio increases your metabolic rate, so that you'll burn more calories throughout the day, even while resting.
Choose cardio machines that get more of your body moving. the more you move your body, the more calories you burn. The Stairmaster, biking, and running on the treadmill are all good examples of intense cardio that will move more of your body.
Basiclly you can save yourself thousands of calories a week if you find healthy balance between your calorie input and calorie output. So, no matter how you decide to cut calories, just get out there and do it!
Weight Loss Choice ( http://www.weight-loss-choice.com/Food_Calories_List.html ) has all the weapons you need in this fight for weight loss. We understand that weight loss is often an uphill battle. Our online calorie counter, exercise guides and nutrition label tips can help you reach the top of the hill and achieve that perfect balance in your diet.
