The Energy Equation (Weight Loss, Maintenance or Gain)
Most challengers will want to get fit and healthy, with many wanting to lose weight (or fat), whilst others want to maintain weight or gain weight (or muscle). Whatever your goal(s) you need to understand the energy equation that you may know as the calorie equation, it is the same thing we just don’t want you worrying about calories which are in fact a measurement of the energy.This is a simple example:
To lose weight you need to:
Use more energy than the amount produced by what you eat.
Or
Eat less than you need for the day or exercise more
You need to create a calorie deficit.
To maintain weight you need to:
Use the same amount of energy as the amount produced by what you eat
Or
Eat exactly what you need for the day to exercise.
To gain weight you need to:
Use less energy than the amount produced by what you eat
Or
Eat more than you need for the day or exercise less
Why We Avoid Calorie Counting (unless necessary)
Some people find calorie counting to be very difficult and time consuming. Added to the challenge is that we are all different, have different metabolisms and physiology, (our body make up and functioning) meaning we all absorb food and use the fuel differently. So rather than making your life difficult, let’s make it easy and use the portion control method as this can still be measured, monitored and changed to effect results.