The Case for More Calories: Are You Eating Enough?
By Genevieve Cunningham
Sometimes losing weight feels like such a complicated process. While most of us think it should be easy … eat less, move more, right? … it’s often not that simple. Imagine that you’ve cut your calories, you’re exercising every day, and yet zero pounds are falling off of your body. What gives? For some people, the answer may be that you’re simply not eating enough. Take a look at why more calories are sometimes the answer for losing weight and getting healthy.
The Idea Behind Starvation Mode
Some people claim that when you cut your calories too far back, your body enters starvation mode. What does this mean? It means that your body believes that food and energy are scarce, and so it hangs onto everything that you put into your mouth. While you may drop pounds at first, with too few calories this weight loss will taper off until it’s completely stagnant. This can be further complicated if you also increase your calories out (with exercise!) while reducing your calories in (by dieting!).
Is This an Excuse to Eat More and Move Less?
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could do and eat whatever we wanted and still lose weight? Unfortunately that is not the case. The key is not to stop what you’re doing, but rather to adjust your caloric intake. Try using an online calorie calculator such as this, and figure out the perfect amount of calories for your current lifestyle. Chances are good that you’ll still be taking in less than your original amount, but it may be more than your initial cut back.
Are All Calories Created Equal?
If your caloric intake needs to be adjusted, try to keep in mind that not all calories are equal at all. Eating 100 calories of sugar is not the same as 100 calories of vegetables. If you really want to lose weight, you’ll need to opt for the veggies instead of the sugar. Finding the perfect caloric intake, an adequate caloric output, and eating the right foods are all key to slimming down and building a fit and healthy body.
If you’re new to the fitness world, it can be difficult to find the perfect combination for yourself in the beginning. Just stick with it! With time and patience and a little guidance, you’ll eventually find what works for your body and be able to build the body of your dreams.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.