An online search using the term “daily calories intake” will yield millions of results. This is due to the fact that calories are often associated with weight gain. Considering that obesity has become a very real problem in the western world, it only stands to reason that individuals are curious to learn about the exact role that calories actually play.
The team at Spatz3 has therefore taken the time to break this subject down into a handful of sections. The main intention is to provide you with the information required to make the most appropriate lifestyle choices if you are hoping to shed a few excess kilos.
What Role do Calories Play?
Believe it or not, calories are actually a scientific measurement of heat. When referring to the metabolism, a calorie is defined as the amount of energy your body releases when it digests and absorbs food. In the simplest of terms, calories are one of the primary ways in which your cells obtain the energy required to perform various metabolic functions. Without calories, we would quickly wither away and perish.
The only potential problem here is that calories which are not broken down will be stored as fat. This is one of the primary causes for the obesity epidemic that the world is currently witnessing. So, what is considered a “normal” number of calories and do low calorie diets burn fat?
What is the Average Number of Calories that an Individual Will Consume in a Day?
Similar to many other articles discussing topics such as diet and health, the term “normal” is not always relevant. Each individual will require a different number of calories. This depends on specific variables such as:
- Age.
- Level of physical activity.
- Gender.
- Basal metabolic rate (how fast of a metabolism you possess).
- Body type.
There are nonetheless some general guidelines that have been put forth by the authorities. Men are advised to consume approximately 2,500 calories per day. Women should attempt to obtain 2,000 calories. However, the key takeaway point here is exactly where these calories are derived from.
Low Calorie Diets: A Powerful Strategy to Lose Weight
There are many ways in which your body can obtain healthy calories for weight loss goals. This involves knowing which foods to avoid as well as those that will provide your body with the nutrients that are required. Here are some substances to avoid:
- Fast food.
- Substances high in artificial flavorings, colourings and preservatives.
- Foods high in saturated fat.
- Sugary snacks (often referred to as “empty” calories).
Furthermore, here are some healthy sources of nutrient-rich calories:
- Whole grains.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Lean meats.
- Beans, nuts and legumes.
- High-fiber foods such as avocados, broccoli, bran, and brown rice.
It is wise to speak with a nutritionist to learn more about many of the other tasty options at your disposal.
A Word of Caution
It is now important to address a common concern. Will simply cutting back on calories help you to lose weight? Referring back to the figures mentioned earlier, should men attempt to consume only 1,500 calories a day? Might it be wise for women to reduce their intake to 1,200 calories? These techniques are often generically referred to as intermittent fasting.
While consuming fewer calories will force your body to metabolize fat as a source of energy, this can also come at a cost if taken to an extreme. It is crucial to ensure that you receive the vitamins and minerals that are required to maintain your overall health. As a rule of thumb, it is first wise to determine (with the help of a professional) the base number of calories that your body needs. Subtract 500 from this figure in order to adopt a safe low-calorie diet without placing your health in jeopardy.
Cutting back on the foods that we love can still be a challenge. This is why many individuals have already been fitted with the Spatz3 adjustable gastric balloon. Not only will the Spatz3 reduce the amount of calories that you can consume at any given time, but it often represents the foundation of many other healthy lifestyle changes. In terms of your daily calories intake, appreciating the observations mentioned above will go a long way towards success.
