We\’ve all heard the saying that knowledge is power. In the fitness field, not only is knowledge power, it can be the difference between reaching your weight loss goals in record time or never making any progress. Here, I will discuss some basic truths regarding weight and fat loss and how bioenergetics comes in to play in the weight loss equation. Understanding some basic truths about food and energy will give you a better direction of what it takes to lose weight without any expensive, and usually dangerous, diet pills and supplements.

Energy: Weight loss and Bioenergetics

When you are serious about losing weight and keeping it off for good, here is some information for you to understand. The law of thermodynamics states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, it can only be transferred from one form to another. As humans we can manipulate protein and carbohydrates to form fat, or protein to form carbs. In other words, you can get fat even if you do not eat much fat in your daily diet. If your caloric expenditure is less than your intake, your body will convert that left over energy into body fat. You need to understand this principle, accept it, and stay focused on what has been scientifically proven for weight loss.

Let\’s start by going over you some basic knowledge to help you determine how many calories you consume on any given day. Remember, to achieve weight loss you should at least estimate how many calories you intake in a 24 hour period, AND be sure you expend a bit more than that so you can gradually lose weight. This will take some time. Start by keeping food logs or pre packaging meals to track the calories. Use the following information to simplify the process of adding your daily caloric intake.

Energy transferred from food is called a calorie. 1 calorie is = to a heat quantity needed to raise 1 gram of water, 1 degree Celsius. The United States uses the Kilocalorie, which is the heat quantity needed to raise 1kg (1Lt) of water, 1 degree Celsius. Calories are actually Kilo calories.

Energy Food Value: The amount of Kilo calories of energy available to burn per gram of content. Technically speaking the actual food values of different sources are as follows:

Fat (animal) – 9.5 Kcal

Fat (plant) – 9.3 Kcal

Carbs (simple) – 3.74 Kcal

Carbs (complex) – 4.2 Kcal

Protein – 5.65 Kcal

Use the following energy values to estimate the total number of calories you are consuming by counting the number of grams of each energy source by the energy value. Use these numbers when calculating your daily caloric intake.

Protein/Carbohydrates – 4kcal/gram

Fats – 9kcal/gram

Example: Let\’s say that in one day you consume 500 grams of carbs, 100 grams of protein, and 50 grams of fat. You calculate your total caloric intake like this:

500 grams of carbs x 4kcal = 2,000 calories

100 grams of protein x 4kcal/gram = 400 calories

50 grams of fat x 9kcal/gram= 450 calories

TOTAL =2,850 calories

Remember, the food we eat, is digested, then is either stored as energy – potential energy (a.k.a. fat), or it is used for fuel as kinetic energy. Use sound, scientifically proven methods for long-term weight loss. Understanding some basic truths about food values will give you the knowledge of what it takes to lose weight without any expensive, and usually dangerous, diet pills or supplements.

Author Bio: I have spent the better part of the past 20 years either as a Natural Bodybuilder, or a Fitness trainer and know these principles are so fundamental that you really can\’t break them. If you try you will only break yourself. If you want to get lean fast, take a look at this site, http://www.fastleanabs.com

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: weight loss,weight-loss,weightloss, lose weight,get lean, fat loss,lose fat,caloric intake,calories,