Fuel: The Engine of Change - Mastering Your Diet for Weight Loss
The Calorie Deficit: The Golden Rule of Weight Loss At its core, weight loss boils down to one simple principle: you need to burn more calories than you consume. This is known as creating a calorie deficit. To lose weight, your body needs to tap into its stored energy reserves (fat) to make up for the energy shortfall. This is a fundamental concept, but it's crucial to understand how to apply it effectively and sustainably. How to Calculate Your Calorie Needs The first step is to determine your daily maintenance calorie needs – the number of calories you need to maintain your current weight. Several factors influence this, including your age, sex, weight, height, and activity level. You can use online calorie calculators or consult with a registered dietitian to get a personalized estimate. Remember, these calculators provide an estimate, and individual needs can vary. It's often helpful to track your calorie intake and weight changes over a few weeks to fine-tune your ...