|
|
A
calorie is defined as a unit of energy that the
body needs to be able to function in every day
life or the heat energy that is applied to raise
the temperature of 1 gram of water to 1 degree
Celsius. Everyone has specific daily caloric needs
based on metabolic needs and energy expenditure.
Overconsumption of calories leads to obesity.
It takes an additional consumption of 3500 calories
above your daily calorie needs to gain one pound
of fat. See below to calculate your daily caloric
needs.
What is my recommended Caloric Intake?
The
United States Department of Agriculture has designed
a food pyramid which provides us with guidelines
for proper calorie consumption. Remember that
for optimal nutrition it is important to eat food
from a variety of food groups. Consuming more
calories than your body needs from any of the
following food groups will will lead to obesity.
There are serious health concerns related to a
diet that is not well balanced as well as high
in nutrients.
| Fats,
Oils and Sweets |
Use
sparingly |
| Meat,
Poultry, Fish, Dry Beans |
2-3
Servings per day |
| Eggs,
Nut, Milk, Yogurt, and Cheese |
2-3
Servings per day |
| Fruit
|
2-4
Servings per day |
| Vegetable |
3-5
Servings per day |
| Bread,
Cereal, Rice and Pasta |
6-11
Servings per day |
|
|
|
How
do I calculate my caloric intake from food?
| Carbohydrates |
1
gram = 4 calories |
| Protein |
1
gram = 4 calories |
| Fat |
1
gram = 9 calories |
| Alcohol |
1
gram = 7 calories |
Click
on www.mypyramid.gov
to view proper nutrition guidelines based on
your age, sex and activity level.
|
|
