Weight Loss Basics: Counting Calories Weight loss is one of the fastest-growing industries in the marketplace today. Seems like every time you turn around there is another product promising to help you lose that weight and to do so fast. Basically there is no fast track when it comes to keeping the weight off. You may be promised that if you take this or that supplement, if you drink gallons of water, eat a pile of grapefruit, it makes the pounds just melt off. However, when it comes to weight loss staying off for good, it’s a matter of counting those calories. You have to burn more calories than you consume. That’s the bottom line. Reducing extra calories from the foods you eat and the drinks you drink is the only way to make that happen. You can also burn calories off through physical activity.
The energy in the food we eat is calories. Our body needs this energy to function. From typing a blog to running in a cross country race, the energy we get from the food we eat is what enables us to do every action our bodies make. We need calories.
Nutrients from fats, proteins, and carbohydrates contain the main calories needed as fuel. These amounts of calories gained from each one vary from type to type. Regardless of where you get them, it does not matter, a calorie is a calorie. They are converted as fuel when we participate in physical activity. If we do not, they are stored as fat. This fat is what remains on our bodies unless we use it up. When you reduce your calorie intake, your body will use this reserve (fat) as fuel. When you increase your physical activity while reducing calories, it also uses up this stored fat or calories so you burn it off your weight.
Now that that is understood you can go forward with a weight loss plan. The first thing you have to do is to set a goal. Setting a goal (or plan) and writing it down as a visual aid will be the best way to stick to it. This helps you achieve your goal much easier and quicker than doing it all in your head. Marking off days gives you a sense of achievement that will keep you motivated. Planning an achievable goal that is challenging but not overreaching will help also.
You do not have to be all by yourself in this endeavor. Family, friends, and your doctor can be an invaluable support system in place for you. Ask for their help and support so that difficult times can be anticipated and dealt with among a loving encouraging support group surrounding you.
The bottom line is that you yourself must make a weight loss commitment in order to succeed. The more you are committed the more you will stick to the plan you have put in place. Take every day one at a time. If on one day, you slip up, do not give up, get back on track the very next day.
