You know that counting calories is essential when it comes to losing weight, but do you really understand exactly what calories are? Here are a few things that you should understand about your caloric intake.
- Know the definition. A calorie is a term used to describe how much energy there is in a food. Your body needs a certain amount of calories to function, but excess calories turn into fat.
- Know your limit. Everyone has a different daily calorie limit, and it all depends on your sex, age, height, and weight. You’ll need to visit a doctor or find a chart online to determine your personal recommended daily intake.
- Create a calorie log. Keep track of how many calories you consume by recording your meals in a daily diary.
- Evenly distribute calories. Plan ahead of time so that you can split up your calories between each meal of the day. Be careful not to consume the majority of your calories in the morning, because you won’t have many remaining to "spend" on dinner.
- Beware of beverages. Many people don’t realize it, but the calories in drinks can really take a toll on your daily calorie limit. Be careful to record all of the beverages that you consume in addition to your meals.
Eat the Right Amount of Calories For You [Choose My Plate]
Estimated Calorie Requirements [WebMD]
American Cancer Society Calorie Counter [American Cancer Society]
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