What Are Calories?

Calories

Our bodies need energy to keep us alive and our organs functioning normally. When we eat and drink, we put energy into our bodies.

Caloric Maintenance

To maintain a stable weight, the energy we put into our bodies must be the same as the energy we use by normal bodily functions and physical activity. An important part of a healthy diet is balancing the energy you put into your bodies with the energy you use.

Caloric Surplus

A calorie surplus is a state in which you consume more calories than you burn leads to weight gain in the form of muscle or body fat. While a calorie surplus is required to gain weight, simply eating more only leads to unsightly body fat.

Caloric Deficit

A caloric deficit is any shortage in the amount of calories consumed relative to the amount of calories required for maintenance of current body weight (energy homeostasis). A deficit can be created by reducing input/calories consumed (lower food intake, aka dieting. A deficit can also be created by increasing output without a corresponding increase in input. Increased output is created by increasing physical activity.