Counting Calories and BMR

If you're not already counting calories, you need to start NOW. If you're already counting calories, use an app. And, if you're already using an app, use it every single day. NO EXCUSES!

We've all know the formula:

Calories in < Calories out = Weight Loss

Calories in > Calories Out = Weight Gain

If you do not know how many calories you're consuming every single day how do you expect to reach your fitness goals? If you're taking in too many calories you're gaining weight. If  you are not taking in enough calories, you're not giving your body the energy it needs to be your fittest self.

There are so many different gadgets and apps that will make this once tedious task so easy, so you have no excuse not to do it.

Now that you're prepared to count calories, you need to calculate your Basal Metabolic Rate aka BMR. Your BMR will tell you how many calories you burn in a typical day.

You can calculate yours here:

http://www.webmd.com/diet/healthtool-metabolism-calculator

It is important that you are honest about your level of activity. I exercise nearly every day but still choose inactive since I have a desk job and spend more of my time on my behind.

Let's say that your BMR is 1500 calories and you do not exercise. In order to maintain your weight you cannot take in anymore or any less than 1500 calories per day. If you take in less you will lose, more and you will gain. Simple, right?

Now, let's say you run for 30 minutes and you burn 300 calories (a good calorie counting app will also calculate calories burned during your workouts). In order to maintain your weight you cannot take in anymore than 1800 calories or any less. In order to lose, you need to take in less, if you take in more you will gain.

This is why it is so important to understand BMR, Calorie Intake and Calories burned during exercise. Over time, every calorie will count, trust me.