by Poetic Enigma

Created on: July 26, 2009

We would all like some magic fix when it comes to weight loss. If only there were some magical pill that one could take that would magically take off the weight and get you into shape with no work whatsoever. However, there is no such thing.

One thing I have found that actually works in combating the excess weight is counting calories. So,let me put that into perspective as to why counting calories is so important.

First of all, one pound is equivalent to 3,500 calories. The average amount of calories people are supposed to consume in a day is 2,000 calories for women and 2,500 calories for men. In order to gain weight, someone would have to take in more calories than the recommended calorie intake number for a long period of time. I say over a long period of time because most people do not eat 3,500 (or more) over the recommended amount. Now, if someone ate 500 calories over the recommended amount for a week, that person would weigh a pound more after a week. Do the same thing for a month, and that is four pounds. In a year if someone ate 500 calories more than what is recommended, they would add on almost 50 pounds. So, I am sure by now you can see just how important it is to count calories.

Now you may be wondering how calorie counting can help in losing weight. To lose weight, we just need to turn the process around and eat less.

Eating 500 calories less everyday will result in a loss of a pound a week. The scale may try to deny that this is true because of many different factors. Now let's say that you have been working out a lot and burn up to 500 calories; so now the deficit is 1,000 calories. If this were to be the case, you would lose two pounds a week. Keep in mind there are still factors that may make it so the scale does not show a loss of two pounds. If you are not losing on the scale, it could be water retention. If you keep a watch on your sodium intake and cut it back, that should help, or drinking a lot more water.

Something to keep in check while counting calories is to never consume less than 1,250. Once you start consuming less than 1,250 calories the body will go into starvation mode, and your metabolism will slow down, hindering future weight loss progress.

Remember this is not a race; it is a lifelong step by step process. There is no better time to start then now!

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