A question we often get asked is what is the number of calories you should be eating each day. This is an important factor in maintaining a healthy weigh and depends on your age, sex, activity level and desired weight. There are additional factors to consider such as general health of an individual and stress.
What are calories?
Calories are a unit of measurement of energy. That energy comes from:
Protein – per 1g = 4 calories
Fats per 1g = 9 calories
Carbohydrates per 1g = 4 calories
What are the dangers of overeating?
There are many dangers when it comes to overeating. When you eat more calories than your body needs, you put yourself at risk for weight gain and the health problems associated. These commonly start with high blood pressure, increased fatigue and a higher risk of diabetes.
What are the dangers of undereating?
Not eating enough nutrients can have serious consequences for your health. When you are undereating, your body isn’t able to get the nutrients it needs to function properly. This can lead to fatigue, irritability, and a whole host of other health problems.
Undereating can also lead to nutrient deficiencies from not consuming enough macro and micro nutrients. You may not be getting enough of the vitamins and minerals your body needs to function normally. It will also mean heading into your workouts you’ll most likely feel fatigued and lack energy. Food is fuel.
How to track your calorie intake
There are many apps out there where you can track your calories. The most popular being MyFitnessPal. It is an easy tool to monitor how much you are eating and what sources your food comes from. This can be a helpful way to see where you are getting most of your calories and make changes if necessary. Making sure you are eating a variety of foods is important. Eating a well-balanced diet will help ensure that you are getting all the nutrients your body needs. Finally, make sure you are getting enough exercise. Exercise has numerous health benefits and can help improve your mood, increase your energy levels, and reduce your risk for chronic diseases.
When it comes to managing your calorie intake, the most important thing is to find a plan that works for you. Remember, make sure to focus on your overall health, not just your weight. Losing weight is only one part of a healthy lifestyle.
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