Interesting Calorie Facts

So here is the low down on calories.  There is this thing called the law of Thermo Dynamics. Basically it states that the only way to lose weight is to expend more calories than what you take in. That's it. The secret to weight loss.  It plays out like this:

Hypothetically, if a person who was maintaining their weight, was to cut 500 calories a day from their diet and not change their activity level, they would lose about 1 pound a week. Without exercise. Now with exercise, they could burn more calories and thus have better results. Counting calories isn't fun for anyone, unless you're weird. It is however good to have an idea of where you should be at. Here is a little formula:

To find you baseline metabolic rate, or your BMR, think back to High School Algebra and try this:

Male 66 + (6.3 (lbs.)) + (12.9)(Height in) – (6.8 (Age yrs)) = BMR

Female 655 + (4.3 (lbs.)) + (4.7 (Height in)) – (4.7 (Age yrs)) = BMR

Your BMR is approx how many calories you will burn if you stay on the couch and watch TV all day. Your BMR is how much fuel you need to survive. Your next step is to figure your Active Metabolic Rate.  You AMR is how many calories you should aim for to maintain your current composition. For whatever activity level you are in, just plug in your BMR.

i.e. AMR = (BMR)(1.55)

Sedentary; BMR (1.2)

Lightly Active; BMR (1.375)

Moderately Active; BMR (1.55)

Very Active; BMR (1.725)

Extra Active; BMR (1.9)

http://nutrition.about.com/od/changeyourdiet/a/calguide.htm