You’ve tried all the supplements. You’ve tried all the most popular diets. You may see some difference at first, but as soon as you stop, all the weight comes right back.
This article isn’t going to try to sell you yet another supplement or weight loss program. This article is meant to tell you the ultimate secret to losing weight.
It’s not just about carbs.
It’s not just about exercise.
It’s not just about avoiding sugar.
So, what is it about?
It’s about energy in, and energy out.
When we talk about energy in foods, most of us talk about it as “calories”. Calories aren’t anything to fear or to avoid. Calories are essential for life. Every cell in our body needs energy in order to carry out all its functions. We measure this energy in units called kilocalories (kCal), commonly known as calories.
Different characteristics and conditions will change our energy needs or caloric needs. Some of these, in general terms, include:
- Height and weight: Taller and heavier people need more calories to maintain their weight than people who are shorter and lighter.
- Sex: Men usually require more calories than women.
- Age: As we get older, our caloric needs usually reduce because we are no longer growing.
- Health: When we are ill, our body usually demands more calories to maintain itself.
- Pregnancy: Pregnant women are making humans! Of course they’ll need more energy.
- Metabolic rate: Some people simply have a faster metabolism at rest than others, meaning they naturally need more energy than others.
- Exercise: When you perform physical activity, your body demands more calories.
- Hormones: Hormonal levels can change over months or years. These have an influence on your caloric needs.
Note that these factors all interact, and it is possible that a small, petite woman requires more calories than a tall man, and that an active woman gains weight faster than a sedentary man of the same age.
Why Do We Gain Weight and How Can We Lose It?
When we consume more energy than we are using, we store that energy as fat. This is perceived as “gaining weight.”
What is the secret? Use more calories than you are consuming. If you don’t want to make significant changes in your diet, make sure you increase the exercise significantly if you want to notice changes. Note that a healthy balance of foods is important to support overall health, however.
You can find how what your exact caloric needs are by visiting a nutritionist, or you can get an idea of your caloric needs by using an online BMI calculator. Remember that maintaining a healthy weight by way of good eating and exercise habits is essential to the quality of life and longevity.
