Calories In, Calories Out

I read an interesting post by Jeff Hopeck called The Numbers Behind "SLIM" on his Healthy Habits blog.

Hopeck details the exact number of calories required to add a pound of fat to your body and how easy it is for the pounds to add up (don't we know it).

One pound of fat = 3,500 calories.

If you need to consume 2,500 calories to maintain a healthy weight and you are consistently eating 2,000 or more excess calories per day, you can see how fast the pounds stack up.

Of course you can counter act that with exercise. And we know it takes a hell of a lot of exercise to burn calories. When I do a 30 minute run at a 12 min/mile pace, I typically burn about 260 calories. If I turn around and eat a Big Mac for lunch, I'm consuming 560 calories on that alone (not that I know anyone who would do that!!!). I've just eliminated any benefit I got from the run. Especially when you add 380 calories for medium fries and 210 calories for a medium Coke. (All calorie counts from Dotti's Weight Loss Zone)

OK, I'm being extreme. But you get the point.

In Weight Watchers, they calculate that one point = approximately 50 calories. Right now, for weight loss, I'm supposed to confine my self to 19 points/day. That's 950 calories! If I went to McDonald's for lunch just once during the week, I'd be so far over my daily points just for one meal, I definitely would not be losing any weight.

Just keep in mind, it's easy to consume calories. It's harder to burn them. Watch (and count) what you eat.

Comments

[Matt Shore]

Hi Denise, If only it was as easy as calories in, calories out as certain food combinations can also enhance fat gain.

Classic example of food to be avoided at all costs is a high glycemic index carb food containing high fat content.

The combination of the two is LETHAL when it comes to trying to lose weight.

Best Wishes