This article will discuss calories and how to estimate how many you need in a day.
Young to Middle-Age Adults
Adult calorie needs can vary just as greatly as children’s.
However, use caution not to decrease calorie intake too much.
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Humans need a basic amount of calories per day to maintain basic body functions.
Many experts do not recommend consuming less than 1,200 calories per day.
The DGA suggests replacing low nutrient density foods with those of higher nutrient density.
Counting Calories: How Do You Do It?
To count calories, you will need to keep track of everything you eat and drink.
Be sure to track not only what you ate but also the quantity.
This will give you the most accurate information on which to base your goals and strategies moving forward.
Pros
Calorie counting can provide insight into your eating habits that you might not have noticed before.
The accountability associated with calorie counting can be a strong motivator for keeping on track with your meal plan.
Cons
Just as there are pros tocalorie counting, there are also cons.
First, calorie counting can be time-consuming, especially at first or if you use the paper method.
Their intake may lack some nutrients just to meet a certain calorie goal.
Eating too few calories may also negatively impact yourmetabolism.
Why Do Humans Need Calories?
Calories are a measurement of energy that the human body requires to function.
Every cell in the human body requires energy to perform its specific tasks and roles.
Calories are required for even the most basic processes, such as breathing and sustaining life.
You may also need to adjust yournutrient intake, such as increasing the amount ofproteinor fiber you are eating.
Changing your eating and/or physical activity patterns can also help get you out of a weight loss slump.
Keep in mind not just your eating habits but healthier habits in general.
For example, getting enough sleep and managing stress levels can affect your overall health.
If you are still struggling to reach your weight goal, consider meeting with a registered dietitian nutritionist.
They can provide an individualized assessment and plan to help you reach your goals.
Summary
Calories are the energy in the food and beverages you consume.
Every cell in the human body requires energy to perform its specific roles.
In general, to lose weight, you must burn or use more calories than you take in.
Healthy, sustainable weight loss is generally 1 to 2 pounds per week.
High-calorie foods tend to be those higher in fat and added sugars.
Low-calorie foods include fruits, vegetables, low-fat or fat-free dairy, and popcorn.
Calorie counting may help improve your eating habits and lead to weight loss.
However, it may also be time-consuming and inaccurate, causing a focus on calories and not food quality.
This can lead to a negative focus on food intake, which is a risk factor for eating disorders.
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