time to get back on track

This year, though things are going to be different.  Yes, i am still starting my new years day diet BUT this year I am going to do it the right way -

First, I’m not quitting next week (pray for me,) and second I am going to do it the right way.  I’m not restricting myself with food but watching my caloric intake.  If you are trying to lose weight it all begins and ends with calories. 

So what is a calorie?  Calories are the standard unit to measure energy: how much energy food contains and how much the body uses.

Managing calories is a balancing act. If you maintain a balance between calories in and out, you’ll maintain your current weight. If you consume more calories than your body uses, you’ll create a surplus, which is stored as body fat (I’ve got this part down pat.) Now, if you burn more calories (working out etc)  than you take in eating, you’ll create a deficit, resulting in weight loss (this is the part I have to work on.)

Please note, before beginning any exercise or diet program consult your doctor.  Some people have problems that interfere with their ability to burn calories properly. For the rest of us, weight loss (and gain) is simply a matter of balancing our calories.

Some Quick Facts:

> There are 3,500 calories in a pound of body fat. To lose a pound a week, you have to burn 500 more calories a day than you take in (seven days x 500 calories = 3,500 calories). To gain a pound a week, you’ve got to take in a surplus of 500 calories a day.

> On average women need 12 calories per pound (x your weight) to maintain or stay at your current weight.  Men need 14.

>To find out how many calories you need to eat to lose weight, multiply your current weight by 10 (12 for men.)

> Don’t deny yourself treats. If you want an Oreo cookie, or a piece of cake or pizza with the guys factor in how many calories that will be and shuffle your other meals around it. 

Everyone’s eating patterns and activity levels fluctuate from day to day. You are going to overeat at times and there are going to be days when you forget to eat. The key to healthy weight loss is to balance your calories over time. Remember your not alone even if you think no one else is in the same boat as you,  God is.  Just close your eyes and pray, he’s right there beside you and will help you along the way.