Counting Calories to Drop Pounds

With the holiday season gearing up, it means parties and celebrations full of food and good times.  It may also mean adding a few extra pounds to your frame.

As we all know, losing that excess weight after the holidays can be a struggle.  Experts speculate that a wide variety of issues affect how people gain and lose weight, yet gauging how to tip your energy balance is a great way to move the scale in your favor.

The first step in losing unwanted pounds is to determine how many calories you must consume each day to maintain your current weight. To do so, multiply your current weight by 15 (roughly the number of calories per pound per body weight needed to maintain your weight, if you are moderately active). Being moderately active means engaging in 30 minutes of physical exercise daily, such as a brisk walk, using an elliptical machine or climbing stairs.

Counting Calories

Counting calories to hit your target consumption goal does not need to be difficult. Here are some helpful tips:

  • Add up the number of calories per serving of all foods that you consume and then plan your meals around your target calorie total. To do so, read food and drink labels and pay close attention to serving sizes. Also ask for nutrition information when eating out.
  • Eat meals that are low in calories at regular intervals. Plan your meals and snacks for specific times of day and stick with this game plan.
  • Cook with lean cuts of meat.
  • Avoid high-fat or processed packaged foods and snacks.weight
  • Choose foods that are filling, yet low in calories, such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
  • Avoid eating fried foods—instead cook in pans lightly coated with cooking spray or braise foods with wine or broth. Baking, broiling and roasting are other methods for cooking that add no fat to the meal.
  • Eat low-fat or fat-free dairy products, to get protein and calcium without the fat.
  • Avoid fast foods that are high in calories and are portioned larger than what an average adult needs to consume for one meal.
  • Avoid drinking soda, fruit juices and alcohol that are all high in calories. Opt for water, skim milk or diet soda instead.
  • Avoid prepared “low calorie” meals (often frozen) that are high in sodium—focus on eating fresh foods.
  • Eat fewer carbohydrates. Calories from carbs add up quickly—consuming fewer carbs will speed up your weight loss.

This blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. For further information, please consult a medical professional.

WellnessChristine Scheetzcounting calories, holidays, weight gain