Calories often get a bum rap but are simply a measurement of energy. Instead of vilifying all calories, think of eating like adding fuel to a car. Much like our bodies, a car doesn't work quite right if we add too much, too little, or the wrong kind of fuel.
Three main factors influence how many calories our body needs:
- Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)-- the calories needed to survive at rest.
- Physical Activity-- the calories burned by moving around.
- Thermic Energy-- the calories burned digesting food (don't get too excited... it's a very small number).
When added together, the total equals the number of calories needed to maintain weight.
To learn more, check out:
- USDA's SuperTracker (interactive calorie tools)
- NHLBI's We Can! Calories Needed Each Day (chart by age, gender, & activity level)
- WebMD's Metabolism Hacks (includes tips, myths, & how to calculate your BMR)
So, how does this apply to weight loss??? Stay tuned to find out!
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thanks for following our blog. Relevant & appropriate comments or questions will be posted after being reviewed.