 Everything you do and all of the functions of your body use energy. Our only source of energy is the food we eat. Most people use between 1500 and 2500 calories (units of energy) per day.
Your body can use protein, carbohydrates or fats from your food for energy. If the food you eat contains more calories than you burn, you store the excess as fat. Any time you eat fewer calories than you need for your daily activities, your body uses your stored fat for energy.
If you find yourself gaining weight every year, you are taking in more calories than you burn. It's hard to get all of the nutrients your body needs with fewer than 1500 calories per day, even if you eliminate all of the "empty calorie" junk foods (refined carbohydrates and bad fats). Usually it's easier -- and much more healthful -- to increase your activity level than to restrict food. Find a sport you love (dancing, cycling, swimming, rowing or any other continuous activity) and make it part of your life. If you're not already exercising, read How to Start an Exercise Program. You'll find lots of exercise tips in the Fitness section of DrMirkin.com
|
||
|
Subscribe
to
Dr. Mirkin’s FREE weekly newsletter on fitness, health and
nutrition |