Paying attention to calorie intake can help you to achieve your fitness goals. To maintain your current weight, you must consume the correct number of calories, otherwise you may gain or lose weight. Staying aware of the calories in the foods you eat will keep you on track with weight maintenance.
Calories Required
A calorie is the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of 1L of water 1 degree C. Food and drinks provide calories to the body for basic bodily functions. Every person has a calorie requirement, known as basal metabolic rate, which is the minimum number of calories your body needs daily. Use an online BMR calculator to determine how many calories you need each day.
Calories Consumed
To maintain weight, you must consume calories equal to your BMR. For example, a 32-year-old woman who is 5 feet, 9 inches tall and weighs 125 lbs. will require 1,372 calories daily to maintain her weight, says BMI-Calculator.net. If you consume fewer calories, you'll lose weight, and if you consume more, you'll gain weight.
Calories Burned
To accurately count calories you must include calories burned in the equation. Participating in exercise, sports or household activities will cause you to burn calories in addition to your BMR. For example, is someone requires 2,200 calories and burns 700 calories by playing basketball for two hours, then his net calorie intake is 1,500 calories. He must consume 700 calories to bring his caloric intake back to his BMR recommendation to maintain weight.
BMR Adjustment
Adjust your BMR when your weight changes, if you change your general level of activity and as you age. Check your BMR regularly to stay on track with your caloric needs. Then, change how much you eat to compensate for any change in your BMR.
Food Choices
Counting calories, along with making the right food choices, is an important part of maintaining your weight. Whole foods, such as whole grains, low-fat dairy, fruits, vegetables and source of lean protein will supply your body with nutrients and keep your metabolism working at an optimal speed.
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