Calorie counting can help you get on track with your weight loss goals. By staying mindful of the foods you consume and how many calories are in your meals, you will be able to create a caloric deficit and lose weight. Use a free online calorie counter or create a food journal to get started.
Definition
A calorie is a unit of measurement used for energy. Calories are found in the foods and drinks you consume. The number of calories you eat, drink and use up through daily activities is closely associated with your weight.
Calories Required
Your body needs a certain amount of calories on a daily basis to carry out basic bodily functions, such as hair and nail growth. This required amount of calories is your BMR, or basal metabolic rate, and is different for every person. Your BMR is determined by your age, height, weight and gender. There are many free BMR calculators that can be used to figure out your personal calorie requirement.
Calories Consumed
To maintain your weight, you should consume your recommended daily caloric intake. However, if you want to lose weight, then you need to create a caloric deficit. A deficit can be created by eating fewer calories than your BMR recommends, exercising or performing a combination of the two. For example, if your body requires 2,000 calories and you eat 1,500 calories on a daily basis, then you will create a daily 500-calorie deficit. After repeating this process for a week, you will have burned off 3,500 calories, which is equal to one pound of fat.
Adjusting your BMR
Your BMR will change as your body changes. As you age or lose weight, your caloric requirement will change. As you lose weight, the exercise you perform will become easier and you will burn fewer calories when performing the same exercise, cautions CaloriesPerHour.com. Reevaluate your BMR regularly to stay on track with your daily caloric requirement and continue to see results.
Food Choices
Counting calories will help you reach your weight loss goals but you must also be mindful of your food choices. Include nutrient-rich foods into your diet, such as lean meats, low-fat dairy products, fruits and vegetables, to boost your metabolism and suppress appetite. Avoid processed foods such as refined grains, simple sugars, chemical-based foods like crackers, chips and soda, and other foods with little to no nutrients.
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