Calories
Without a doubt, calories are the most discussed component of food and our daily diets. Calories are directly linked to weight loss and discussed in terms of calories burned. Calories are contained in carbohydrates, protein, and fat.
A simple formula used by many health experts and the government is "Calories In - Calories Out". The basic concept is that if you want to maintain your weight then your calories in should equal your calories out. Basically burn what you consume. The simple equation is right, but it is difficult to do as many of us don't really know how many calories out we have, or what we burn on a daily basis.
This Web site Can be a Resource to Help You Track Your Calories In and Out.
The Food Journal helps you track what you eat and the Activity Journal helps you track what you burn. For those of us just starting out on our journey, the information can help educate us on the type of exercises we may enjoy that also help us burn those calories.
Most, if not all of the experts who help us with our health goals tell us to track what we eat and track what we do. Keeping a journal not only helps you become accountable to yourself, but it also gives you the simple facts, in black and white. You can also share this information with your family and partners who are helping you. This Web site can help you start your journal.
What is Your Plan?
Every person's body is unique and may have different caloric needs. A healthy lifestyle requires balance, in the foods you eat, in the beverages you consume, in the way you carry out your daily activities, and in the amount of physical activity or exercise you include in your daily routine. While counting calories is not necessary, it may help you in the beginning to gain an awareness of your eating habits as you strive to achieve energy balance.
Four simple things to remember:
- The ultimate test of balance is whether or not you are gaining, maintaining, or losing weight.
- You can also cut calories by eating foods high in fiber, making better drink choices, avoiding portion size pitfalls, and adding more fruits and vegetables to your eating plan.
- Even a modest weight loss, such as 5 to 10 percent of your total body weight, can produce health benefits.
- Physical activity can increase the number of calories your body uses for energy or "burns off." The burning of calories through physical activity, combined with reducing the number of calories you eat, creates a "calorie deficit" that can help with weight loss.
Let's Get Lean Tulsa!
Information on this page has been provided in part by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and our local community resources. Before starting any physical activity program or dietary change, please consult your healthcare professional or physician.