The Obsession with Caloric Intake

Calories, calories, calories, that's all we hear about nowadays, yet the concept is still confusing. They say you should monitor your caloric intake to keep a weight balance or lose weight, but the ultimate question is: exactly, how many calories do we need per day?

The answer to that question is not a simple one; it is determined based on many factors such as: sex, age, activity level, and levels of stress in your life. Many people don't think stress affects their weight, but in fact stress can either cause weight gain through binge eating, or weight loss through lack of appetite. Most people regardless of those factors consume 2000 calories/day, for the sheer fact they incorporate all sorts of junk in their diet, however, should people become obsessed with their caloric intake?

The answer is no, one should focus on the quality of the food he's eating. If you're on a healthy diet, most likely you will stick to this number or even go a bit over it, which shouldn't be a problem really. People that are of concern are those consuming 4000 calories and above per day, since it would eventually cause weight gain and obesity.

The key is to implement a healthy diet rather than start counting calories down to the very last one. You should be concerned with the source of those calories, 200 calories from a fruit salad is definitely different from those from a muffin. Not only is their fat and taste different, but they also have unique benefits for your body, unlike junk food that is nothing but empty calories and can do more harm than good.

Your best shot is to start analyzing your current diet and focusing on vegetables, whole grains, and fruits. You can always check with your doctor if you have any reservations or questions, physicians are more than qualified to tell you how to fix your diet into one that won't damage your health on the long run.

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