What are Calories?
Calories are a measure of energy that are obtained from food and beverages consumed. They are essential for various bodily functions such as metabolism, growth, and physical activity.
Calorie Definition
Calories are a unit of measurement for energy. They represent the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one gram of water by one degree Celsius.
Types of Calories
- 1. Dietary Calories: These are the calories obtained from the food we eat.
- 2. Empty Calories: These are calories from foods and drinks that provide little to no nutritional value.
- 3. Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR): The amount of calories the body needs to maintain basic physiological functions at rest.
Calorie Intake and Weight Management
Consuming more calories than the body needs can lead to weight gain, while consuming fewer calories can result in weight loss.
Examples of Calorie Content
1. An apple has approximately 95 calories.
2. A slice of pizza can range from 200 to 400 calories.
Calorie Case Study
A study found that individuals who consumed a higher percentage of their daily calories in the morning had greater weight loss compared to those who consumed more in the evening.
Statistics on Calorie Consumption
According to a survey, the average calorie intake for adults in the US is around 2000-2500 calories per day.
