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It is known that human beings need a certain number of calories per day in order to maintain their weight and health, but what are empty calories, and how do they harm us?

Calories are units of measure for energy. They are primarily used to measure the amount of energy found in foods, and the representation of a calorie (actually, kilocalorie, or C) is the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of water by 1C. While this is one way to explain a calorie, it isn't really that important in terms of everyday usage of the word. It is more important to understand a calorie in relation to how many calories per day we need to consume.

The average, healthy adult female should consume about 2000 C per day. This assumes that she is active, does not need to lose or gain weight, and is not suffering from any illnesses that might affect her metabolism. The average, healthy adult male should consume slightly more calories, around 2200 C. This is due to the fact that men are usually more active than women, their metabolisms tend to be higher and they also tend to be larger in weight and height. The amount of calories that we need to consume each day is actually quite small, especially if you think of it in terms of food for instance, one yogurt is about 180 calories.

So, what are empty calories? Empty calories are one of the biggest ways that people can go over their recommended daily amount of calories because empty calories often come into our bodies in covert ways. Empty calories are calories (foods) that we eat or drink that do not have a lot of nutrition within them. One of the biggest offenders is soda and other soft drinks. One eight ounce glass of soda has about 110 calories in it and no nutritional value. Considering most people will drink at least 16 ounces of soda at a time, that is 220 empty calories per glass.

There are other foods that are not so great for us so what are empty calories in these foods? Fats are often considered empty calories, especially oils that are used to fry fast foods and other snacks. They add relatively little to your nutritional value, but add many calories to the end product. Other snacks that are empty calories include candies, cookies and all of those snacks that are mostly sugar, with no whole grains, fruits, vegetables or nuts.

It is important not to consume too many empty calories, because they can add up making it so that foods you need to eat will bump your calories for the day up too high. Stick to foods that are low in calories and high in nutrition.

Walter Taguchi writes about weight loss for WeightLossLodge.com

The following article is one of a series of articles which focus on Self Improvement, Motivation and Empowerment. It is based on research done over twenty years as a personal and business coach. This self improvement article was written in response to questions which have been asked on exercising, keeping fit, losing weight and long term weight loss as well as address common challenges that people have with this subject. I sincerely hope that you find the following information of value.

The total number of overweight American adults is approximately 58 million. (overweight defined as a BMI value of 273 percent or more for women and 27.8 percent or more for men).

Nearly 70 percent of the diagnosed cases of cardiovascular disease are related to obesity. Obesity more than doubles one's chances of developing high blood pressure, which affects approximately 26 percent of obese American men and women.

Every year, 300,000 people in the U.S.A. die from being overweight.

now imagine the statistics for the whole western world!

If you visit the articles following this one, You will continue to see the above stats.

I don't apologize for that - these are frightening statistics. However, in this day and age, thankfully, there are options for those wishing to either lose weight, get fit, or lead a far healthier lifestyle.

Weight loss Questions You Asked About Weight loss

If you are concerned about your body weight, your well being or considering starting a weight loss program, here are a few of the more common questions I am asked regarding weight loss

Do I Need To Consult My Doctor?

If you are the type of person who normally leads a healthy and active lifestyle and wish to lose a few pound only, then perhaps not.

On the other hand, if your current diet is generally unhealthy and/or you are significantly overweight, I would strongly recommend that you consult your doctor, discuss your weight loss goals, and develop a natural weight loss plan that is right for you and your current physical condition.

Whats The best Diet For Losing Weight?

Again, this very much depends on the individual, their current weight, their current lifestyle and weight loss goals.

There are, however, common factors which apply to all of us.

First and foremost, make sure your body gets all the nutrition it requires to stay healthy. Also, the natural weight loss diet you follow should result in the intake of fewer calories than your body normally burns on a regular basis.

A word of caution dont be misled into thinking that if you cut right down on your calorie intake youll be on a winner. Overdo it and you will have an adverse effect on your metabolic rate, adversely effect your general well being and be totally disappointed.

Balance in everything.

Im On A diet, Why Should I Have To Exercise?

You dont. However

I promise you that you will find it a lot more difficult to reach your weight loss goals. Apart from that, do you not want a lean and fitter body? Dont you want to look GOOD?

Try and aim for an half hour of exercise each day. Leave the car, take your bike or use your legs and walk. Be creative any activity that burns calories will definitely help you reach your weight loss goals.

Can I Lose Weight Without Changing My Lifestyle Or My Diet?

In a word NO.

If you generally follow a healthy diet and you are getting the right levels of nutrition, it may be you just want to lose a few pounds or tone up. Great, simply increase your levels of exercise and physical activity (remember balance) and burn more calories than usual.

If you know your diet is poor and your lifestyle is distinctly unhealthy, you need to be prepared to tackle both of these issues head on. This is all about long term weight loss, improved physical and mental well being. As mentioned earlier, if you are seriously overweight, consult your doctor.

When I Lose Weight, How Do I Keep It Off?

Your strategy is to lose weight gradually and re-educate both yourself and your body about nutrition, good food and bad food, then you'll have a good start. The secret to keeping weight off is to balance your energy needs with your food intake. Eat enough calories to supply your body's needs. Too many and your body stores the excess as fat.

Choose exercises / activities you enjoy and are happy to do on a regular basis.

You will be the leaner, fitter person you want to be. You deserve to be.

take those first steps today to a leaner, fitter you and a more active lifestyle. learn the facts about nutrition, diet plans, and how following a natural weight loss strategy will work for you.

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