Nutrition Basics: Calories 101

Two Minute Read: Just the basics.

The Basics of Calories

In order to understand calories, we first need to understand what they are and how they work. Calories are a measure of energy in food and they are what help our bodies to function properly both physically and mentally. We need a certain number of calories every day in order to maintain our current weight, lose weight or gain weight.

What are calories?

Calories are a measure of energy in food. They help the body to function properly by providing us with the energy we need to move, think and breathe. Calories are what allow us to do all the things that our body requires on a daily basis.

Our body needs calories for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, we need them to provide us with the energy we need to move, think and breathe. Our bodies are constantly working and require a certain number of calories every day in order to function properly. Additionally, calories are necessary for other bodily functions like healing wounds, digesting food and growing new cells.

How many calories do we need?

We need a certain number of calories every day in order to maintain our current weight, lose weight or gain weight. The number of calories we need each day depends on our age, sex, weight and activity level. Generally, women need around 2,000 calories per day and men need around 2,500 calories per day.

What if we eat too many/too few?

When we eat too many calories, our body stores the excess energy as fat. This can lead to weight gain and a number of health problems like heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. When we eat too few calories, our body uses the stored energy for fuel. This can lead to weight loss and health problems like fatigue, weakness and anemia.

So, how do we make sure we're getting the right number of calories? The best way to ensure that we're getting the right number of calories is to track it... yes, like a math equation. More on that next time!

TL;DR

YOU NEED CALORIES. Not too much, not too little. It’s specific to you.

Take a month and see if you can figure out that magic range for yourself or allow me to help. If you need a nutrition coach, click here.

NEXT WEEK: Diving just a little deeper with calories and that magic number.