Calories are the key player when you talk about losing weight. You see them everywhere: on food packaging, and in America even on menus. But what exactly are calories? What do they do to your body and how much of them do you need? In this article, we dive deeper into the concept of calories and their impact on our bodies.
What are calories?
Calories, the small units of energy, form the basis of our diet. They represent the energy that foods deliver to our bodies when we consume them. When counting calories, you are actually counting the amount of energy contained in a product. Or in other words, how much energy this product gives you when you eat it. This amount is usually put on the back of the product's package, and then in most cases how many calories are in 100 grams.
Calories and kilocalories
It is common to talk about kilocalories when talking about nutrition. One kilocalorie is equivalent to 1,000 calories. Although the terms "calorie" and "kilocalorie" are sometimes used interchangeably, they refer to the same unit of energy. When studying nutrition information, it is wise to focus on the amount of kilocalories (Kcal) to get a more accurate picture of your energy intake.The role of calories in our bodies
Calories are the fuel for our body, necessary for functions such as breathing, heart rate, blood circulation and digestion. Even at rest, our body consumes a significant amount of calories to support these vital processes. In addition, calories are also used during physical activities such as walking, cycling and sports, where extra energy is needed to enable our movements. When you take in more calories than you burn or consume, the excess calories are stored as body fat, which can lead to weight gain and a higher risk of health problems such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, if you take in fewer calories than you burn, your body will begin burning stored fat to provide it with energy, which can lead to weight loss. A negative energy balance, where you take in fewer calories than you burn, is generally necessary to lose weight. In doing so, it is important that you lose weight in fat mass and not in your muscle mass. By consciously managing your calorie intake and consumption, we strive for a healthy energy balance that promotes your well-being. Understanding how many calories your body needs is key to achieving your health goals and embracing an active, balanced lifestyle. Understanding calories and their role in our bodies is crucial to a healthy lifestyle. By consciously managing our calorie intake and consumption, we can strive for a balanced diet and an active lifestyle that promotes our well-being.How many calories do I need?
How many calories do you actually need per day? The answer depends on several factors, including gender, exercise, age, physique and height. In general, men and women have different calorie needs because of biological and physiological differences. On average, it is believed that men have enough of 2,500 calories per day, while women have enough of about 2,000 calories.
Calorie requirements for men and women
There is a difference in calorie needs between men and women because of differences in body composition, metabolism, hormonal levels and activity levels. Men generally have more muscle mass and a higher basal metabolism, which means they burn more calories, even at rest. Men also tend to have higher testosterone levels, which can increase fat burning. In addition, men tend to engage in more muscle-strengthening and intense activities, which further increases their calorie needs. Although individual variations within men and women can be significant, it is important to consider these factors when determining proper caloric intake. Remember that individual needs can vary, so it is important to consider your specific situation. To determine your personal calorie needs, we look at your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), which indicates how much energy your body burns at complete rest. Factors such as weight, height and age play a role in this. Based on these calculations, we create a customized nutrition plan for you. This nutrition plan takes into account your BMR and your level of physical activity. Changes in weight or activity may mean that you need to adjust your nutrition plan. At NewFysic, the focus is on sustainability, gezond afvallen.
