In the most technical of terms, calories are units of heat that are required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water 1 degree Celsius. Calories are found in food and a certain number of them are needed on a daily basis in order to be burned by a human body for energy. Healthy eating will guarantee that the human body gets enough calories while still keeping them under the level that would cause weight gain.
How many calories do I need daily?
Recommended daily calorie intake varies from person to person, but there are guidelines for calorie requirements you can use as a starting point. On the average, to maintain desirable weight, men need about 2,700 calories per day and women need about 2,000 calories per day. These figures apply to adults with low activity levels. Factors that effect your personal daily calorie requirements include your age, height and weight, your basic level of daily activity and your body composition. To calculate an estimate of the amount of calories you need every day, use the Daily Calorie Intake Calculator.
How can counting calories help me lose weight?
Counting calories helps many people lose weight. You become more aware of caloric value of foods that you are eating and keeping the amount of calories you consume at a level lower than the amount of calories burned during the day. If you have an unhealthy diet and are left with an access of calories that are not being burned off than this access energy is converted into fat. The more calories, the more fat.
How many less calories do I have to eat to lose weight?
As a general rule, if you eat 500 calories less than you need each day, you will lose weight at the rate of 1 pound per week. How many calories are needed each day can vary greatly depending on lifestyle and other factors. Factors that affect your personal daily calorie include your age, height and weight, your basic level of daily activity, and your body composition.