By treating calories like currency and managing your “calorie budget” effectively, you can achieve your weight loss or weight maintenance goals in a sustainable way.
Have you ever thought about how much money comes in and goes out of your bank account each month? It’s a personal question, but it can reveal a lot about your financial health.
But what if I told you that treating calories like currency can also completely change your life?
Let’s break it down. Just like you have bills to pay and savings to accumulate, your body has a daily energy bill called Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE). This is the amount of calories your body needs to function and maintain its current weight. Think of it as the amount of money you need to cover your monthly expenses.
For example, let’s say your TDEE is 1000 calories a day. That’s the amount of calories your body needs to pay its bills, so to speak.
If you consume more than 1000 calories a day, you’re putting a surplus into your “account”, just like saving money. Over time, this surplus will accumulate, leading to weight gain or increased fat stores in your body.
On the other hand, if you consume exactly 1000 calories a day, you’re breaking even, just like when your income matches your expenses. This would result in weight maintenance, where your body stays at its current weight.
But what if you consume fewer than 1000 calories a day, creating a calorie deficit?
Just like when you dip into your savings to cover your expenses, your body will start using its fat stores to provide the extra energy it needs. This can result in weight loss over time.
To effectively manage your “calorie budget”, there are a few things you need to know.
Just like you would monitor your bank account balance and expenses, you need to keep track of your TDEE, which you can calculate using online tools. You also need to know how many calories you’re consuming each day, which you can track using apps like MyFitnessPal. Monitoring your weight, taking progress pictures, and measuring yourself regularly can also help you assess your progress and make adjustments as needed.
By treating calories like currency and managing your “calorie budget” effectively, you can achieve your weight loss or weight maintenance goals in a sustainable way. Just like managing your finances, it requires diligence, awareness, and consistency. So, if you’re looking to make positive changes in your health and fitness journey, start treating calories like currency and watch your life transform.
Stay robust, happy, and healthy!
David
