CALORIES: WHAT EXACTLY ARE THEY?

Let's talk CALORIES...

Just like a car requires fuel to function, the human body is no different. We also require energy to fuel our bodies. Our energy comes from the food we consume. The energy in the food we consume is measured in calories. As we move and perform general day to day activities, we begin to use up or “burn” these calories (energy/fuel). The amount we use up comes down to the duration and intensity of the movements we perform.

So what?

Well, imagine a seesaw. On one end we have calories consumed, the other end is activity. To keep the seesaw even we need to match the number of calories we consume with the amount of activity we perform. If we over consume calories but remain with the same (or less) activity, then this will lead to weight gain. This is also known as a “calorie surplus”. This is because the body will store this energy that isn’t being used up to prevent starvation. Remember the body’s main priority is survival so naturally it will store energy in the event we are without food for a certain period. If we under eat calories but still maintain the same (if not more) activity then this will mean we are in a “calorie deficit”. This will inevitably lead to weight loss.

In the fitness industry the most popular goal with gym goers is weight loss. Many will try all the popular diets in the media such as Keto, Paleo, Atkins, intermittent fasting, detox diets and many more, but the bottom line is that if you are not in a calorie deficit then you will NOT lose weight, fact!

THREE THINGS

you need to know about calories

Technically, a calorie is a calorie, but when you examine the macronutrient composition of food - the carbohydrates, protein and fats contained in foods - there's a lot to consider...