Twitter Question: Calorie Intake

@wbessent asked me a question over on Twitter: “@JanikFitness must consume 3500 calories to gain lb. doesn’t matter if it’s 3500 calories of protein carbs fats, etc true? Bro is arguing”

Here’s my answer:

When it comes to maintaining a healthy weight for a lifetime, the bottom line is – calories count! Weight management is all about balance—balancing the number of calories you consume with the number of calories your body uses or “burns off.”

    • A calorie is defined as a unit of energy supplied by food. A calorie is a calorie regardless of its source. Whether you’re eating carbohydrates, fats, sugars, or proteins, all of them contain calories.
    • Caloric balance is like a scale. To remain in balance and maintain your body weight, the calories consumed (from foods) must be balanced by the calories used (in normal body functions, daily activities, and exercise).

 

Caloric balance is like a scale. Calories in = food and beverages. Calories out = body functions and physical activity.
If you are… Your caloric balance status is…
Maintaining your weight “in balance.” You are eating roughly the same number of calories that your body is using. Your weight will remain stable.
Gaining weight “in caloric excess.” You are eating more calories than your body is using. You will store these extra calories as fat and you’llgain weight.
Losing weight “in caloric deficit.” You are eating fewer calories than you are using. Your body is pulling from its fat storage cells for energy, so your weight is decreasing.

 

Hope that nails it!
If you have any questions relating to fitness, nutrition – or anything else you’d like my opinion on!! – please send them my way; either on the comments section below, on facebook, or Twitter. Look forward to giving them my best shot!!

This Post Has 2 Comments

  1. Wyn

    Okay, so Bro is flat out wrong. I know if you consume more calories than you expend =weight gain. Consume less/burn more=weight loss. Muscle mass weighs more than fat, but muscle is more compact, therefore you will, potentially, weight more due to muscle mass but your clothes will fit better/looser due to muscle density vs. fat density.
    So, I can eat nothing but carbs and consume less calories than I burn in one day and still lose weight. Bro thinks if you’re eating carbs or fats you will automatically gain weight. Didn’t want to burst his bubble; did you not ever tell Bro that’s how it works?
    Hope you are having a great time in China.

  2. Wyn

    Okay, and just to make you scratch your head – what’s the safest course of exercise for someone with emphysema?

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