What are Calories?

We hear the word used often, but what exactly are calories? A calorie is the amount of energy produced when foods are broken down by the body to release its potential energy in the form of heat. It is usually measured in kilocalories — more commonly known as Calories and abbreviated as kcal — and expresses the amount of energy your body gets from consuming a specific kind of food.

Calories and Weight Loss

Calories are a key factor in maintaining proper weight. When it comes to weight loss, calories are king. When someone is trying to lose weight, the goal is to take in fewer calories than you burn. When you eat fewer calories than you burn off, you create a calorie deficit, which causes you to lose weight. Conversely, when you eat more calories than you use up in a day, the body will store the excess energy and result in weight gain.

Calculating Caloric Intake

The amount of calories needed by each person is based on a variety of factors, such as age, gender, activity level, and body size. The amount of calories required to achieve weight loss also depends on your current weight, activity level and how much weight you want to lose. Generally, reducing your daily caloric intake by 500 – 1,000 kcal per day should lead to a healthy weight loss of approximately 1 – 2 lbs per week.

The best way to understand how many calories you need is to use a calorie calculator to help estimate the right amount of calories for you. This calculator can help you determine how many calories you need in order to maintain your current weight, as well as how many you need to consume in order to lose or gain weight.

A Healthy Diet

When you create a calorie deficit, it is important to make sure that you are getting the essential nutrients you need from the foods you are eating. Healthy eating should focus on getting the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients that your body needs. A healthy eating plan should include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

Regardless of your fitness goals, burning more calories than you take in is essential for you to stay healthy. Being mindful of your caloric intake is the most important factor in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. By understanding what a calorie is and how to incorporate it into your diet, you’ll be taking an important step towards a healthier you.