Calorie Counting

Definition

Calorie counting is the practice of tracking the number of calories one consumes in a day to help manage weight gain or loss.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Calorie counting involves measuring the energy intake from all foods and beverages consumed, expressed in calories. This method is based on the principle that maintaining a specific caloric intake that matches one's energy expenditure can help achieve weight maintenance, while a caloric deficit leads to weight loss and a caloric surplus leads to weight gain.

Benefits

• Helps to maintain or lose weight.
• Increases awareness of food consumption.
• Assists in monitoring nutrient intake.
• Encourages mindful eating habits.

Examples

• Using a mobile app to log daily food intake.
• Checking food labels for caloric information.
• Keeping a food journal to track calories.

Additional Information

• Importance: Calorie counting is important for those looking to understand their energy intake, especially when aiming for specific weight goals. It can provide insight into dietary habits and help foster informed eating decisions.

Related Terms

• Portion Control
• Balanced Diet
• Macronutrients
• Nutrition

References

• The Science of Calorie Counting
• Understanding Calories and Weight Loss