By Rajiv - Mumbai
 For years now, calories have been all the rage - people are counting them and cutting them. But have you ever wondered what calories are?
In this article, we will find out what calories are and why we need them and the ways to shed that extra fat in your body.
So, what is a calorie?
The body's most basic need is energy. To get energy it needs food as a fuel and oxygen to burn it. The amount of energy food can produce is measured in units called calories.
Why we need calories?
Human beings need energy to survive - to breathe, to move and they acquire this energy from food. But if we consume more calories than our body requires, the leftover calories are converted to fat and too much fat can lead to health problems.
Here are some rules for those who want to shed that extra fat. The trick is to follow these rules most of the time, knowing that somedays might call for pizzas and ice creams!!
1. Eat a variety of foods
That doesn't include junk foods, if you are wondering!!
You may have a favourite food but the best choice is to eat a variety. When you eat different foods especially fruits and vegetables, you are more likely to get the nutrients that your body needs.
2. Drink lots and lots of water
Although you will get some of the water that you body needs from the foods that you eat but the best source for water is JUST WATER! Tea, rice beverages and milk are also good sources. Fruit juices and soft drinks are Ok every once in a while but you shouldn't drink them often because they usually come up with lots of calories with added sugar.
Drinking water is the best way to stay slim and trim because water flushes all the toxins from your body and keeps you fit and fine. So drink lots and lots of water daily. But don't drink all of the water you need per day all at once. Divide the amount you need and drink several glasses of water throughout the day.
3. Listen to your body
When you are eating, notice how your body feels and when your stomach feels comfortably full. Eating too much can make you feel uncomfortable and over a period of time it can lead to unhealthy weight gain.
4. Limit screen time
Try spending less time watching TV, DVD's and playing computer games. The more time you spend on these sitting down activities, the less time available for active stuff like swimming, basketball, bike riding etc.
5. Exercise
Exercise is vital. It not only reduces fat but provides great stress release. It helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints. It helps control weight and build lean muscle. It prevents or delays the development of high blood pressure and helps reduce blood pressure in some adolescents with hypertension.
|
WELLNESS