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A calorie is a unit of measure used to
indicate the energy value of a particular food or beverage. Counting
calories is a time-honored method of weight control. It is a simple
formula. When the energy you consume equals the energy you expend, your
weight remains the same. If you take in more calories than you use up
through your metabolism, daily activities, and exercise, you will gain
weight. If you take a fewer calories than your body needs, you will lose
weight.
Of course, it is not all that simple
to lose or gain weight, as the number of weight loss books and programs
available attests. It appears that the calories from certain foods,
especially fats and oils, are handled differently by the body. An
individual's metabolism has a big part to play as well. If your metabolism
has slowed because of repeated sessions of dieting, or if it has been
boosted by a program of physical activity, your ability to gain or lose
weight is similarly confounded or enhanced.
We need to maintain a concern about
the amount of calories we put on a plate, since over-consumption of
calories, in combination with a lack of exercise, is the major cause of
overweight - one of a leading health problems. This health
hazard can become manifest in a number of secondary diseases. High blood
pressure, eating disorders, heart disease, stroke, certain types of
cancer, and diabetes have all been linked to overweight and obesity.
Arthritis is aggravated by carrying around extra pounds. Sleeping
problems, back problems, food problems, and a variety of emotional
disorders have all been shown to have a direct correlation to overweight
and obesity.
Empty Calories
All nutrients provide calories.
Carbohydrates and proteins contain 4 calories in each gram. Fats contain
more than double the number of calories with 9 per gram. Alcohol has 7
calories per gram. Foods that have been significantly refined sometimes
offer nothing beyond calories. Processing and refining often strips away
those elements from the food that your body needs, including vitamins,
minerals, and fiber. Alcohol also offers no nutritive elements for your
body. These calories from highly refined foods and alcohol are know as
empty calories.
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