Reading "Nutrition Facts" 101-Part 2

What is a Calorie?

In its most basic definition, a Calorie is the fuel, or energy that is used to preform your daily activities. Energy is required to do everything from physical activity, digestion and even thinking.

If you are anything like I was before learning to read labels, I just went for food that seemed low in Calories. You hear fitness professionals saying that you need to restrict Calories in your diet. If Calories give you energy, why would you want less?

3500 Calories = 1lb of body fat

Over time, if you eat 3500 Calories more than your body burns, you will gain weight. Your body stores this fat as an energy supply.

If you eat 3500 Calories less you will lose weight. Your body uses this fat as energy.

So keeping track of your daily intake and cutting or adding Calories to your diet based on your goals is the way to achieve the results you want.