Calorie counting can be the difference between coming close and reaching your fitness goals. By staying mindful of the calories in your favorite foods, you will be able to steer clear of diet-breaking choices and stay on track toward your goals. Use a free calorie counter online or create a food journal to get started with calorie counting.
What is a Calorie?
A calorie is the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of a liter of water 1 degree, but scientifically, it's a unit of energy, according to Health. Calories are found in food and they provide your body with energy to carry out basic bodily functions. Bodies require different amounts of calories, based on a variety of factors.
Calories Required
Your body has calorie requirements to function every day, even without exercise. The number of calories required is known as the basal metabolic rate, or BMR. You can figure your BMR by using an online calculator that will compute your daily caloric requirement after you enter information such as your height, weight, age and gender. This number represents how many calories a day your body requires, and if you consume the given calorie amount, you will maintain your weight.
Calorie Deficit
To lose weight, you must create a calorie deficit from your BMR, either through diet or exercise. For example, if your body requires 2,000 calories per day and you consume 1,500 calories a day, you will create a 3,500-calorie deficit per week, or about one pound. The other way to create a calorie deficit is through exercise. Combining regular exercise with proper diet is the best way to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Adjusting your BMR
As you age or lose weight, your body requires a different amount of calories. Reevaluate your BMR regularly to stay aware of your calorie needs as your body changes. For example, if you are walking regularly to lose weight and started at 185 pounds, then lost 20 pounds, you will now burn 27 fewer calories each day walking, according to Calories Per Hour.
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