Calories Burning

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Whether people gain or lose weight depends on the balance between energy consumed in food and the energy used in living. This is measured in 'calories'. A calorie is defined as a unit of work or energy equating to the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one gram of water one degree centigrade. When the body is in calorie balance the energy intake and output are equal and the body weight remains constant. Eat more calories than you use and weight will be gained; use more than you eat and weight will be lost. Being active is not only good for the heart and circulation, it can use up many calories, which results in weight being controlled.

People vary in the amount of energy they use when doing similar activities. The figures on the table on the next page give a general outline as to the amount of energy used daily and may help you calculate a personal daily diet/exercise programme.

 

How to Lose Weight

If you need to lose weight it is best to obtain expert advice from a dietician and, if need be, the guidance of your doctor. The easiest way can be to reduce your intake of high-fat foods, as each gram of fat supplies nine calories, which is twice the amount supplied by one gram of protein or sugar or starch. Low-fat foods that can assist weight reduction are fruit, vegetables (cooked without fat), rice, pasta, wholemeal bread, oat products, poultry, fish, lean meat and low-fat milk.






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