The Truth You Need To Know About Calories

In our clime today, the word 'calorie/calories' comes up mostly when we start talking about weight management, diabetes management and the likes. However, there are misconceptions about calories, most of which has affected our behavior towards food in one way or the other. In this post, I'd be sharing what you need to know about CALORIES.

Calories are energy units we require and use everyday, which are provided by the food we eat. Three (3) food classes give calories when we eat them, which are Carbohydrates, Protein and Fats & Oils, of which fats/oils gives the most calorie per gram. 

These days, fad diets fly here and there, compelling total elimination of a particular food class and restricts the follower to another particular food class, which results in a progressive damage to the body in the long run.

Meanwhile, the important and ideal is to consume across different food groups (as long as you have no allergies for them) to meet your daily energy (caloric) requirement, not less and of course not more.

Energy expenditure is the key to determining energy requirement. Exceptions are in cases where there's need for improvement in nutritional status, like during convalescence and pregnancy, the energy you require may be set a bit higher above your energy expenditure to cushion the effects of the sickness/meet the requirements of mother and foetus. 

Your physical activity and Basic Metabolic Rate (BMR) make up your energy expenditure, which your energy intake should suffice for and that is the justification for why health professionals recommend physical excersises.

In a nutshell, calories are not your enemy as some school of thoughts have labeled it to be. You need calories to live healthy and be able to do activities. Denying yourself of this fuel (as in shortage) is doing yourself a great harm. On the other hand, you should also avoid excessive intake than your body requires. This is to discourage binge eating and over-indulgence as the aftermath is development of chronic diseases. Eat well-varied healthy diet and engage in physical excersises regularly ( this is a secret to having a smiling nutritional status😃😃😃😃).

Have any questions or comments?. Please drop them below. Have an amazing week ahead.