Calories In vs Calories Out

The "calories in versus calories out" model is a popular concept that suggests that when the number of calories you take in from food matches the number of calories you burn to sustain your metabolism, digestion, and physical activity, your weight will remain stable.

When you consume more calories than your body uses, you will gain weight. To lose weight, you must create a calorie deficit.

This model has been debated for years, with some arguing it's the be-all and end-all of weight loss.

The basic formula for this model is that your body is constantly burning calories for energy - even when you're sleeping - and everything it does to stay alive burns energy, while movement and activity increases the amount of calories used.

This is FACTUALLY correct.

Think about it like your bank account. Calories as money. You have money come in and you have money coming out. If more goes out than in you will end up with less than you had before, if more comes in that goes you will have extra left over at the end of the month.

However, this model does not take into account other factors such as hormones, illness, medication, genetics, exercise type and exercise history which can also affect weight loss or weight gain.

Therefore, while "calories in versus calories out" is an important factor to consider when trying to lose weight or gain weight it should not be seen as the only factor.

It is also important to consider Quality over Quantity when discussing weight gain or weight loss goals.

Every calorie comes from either Protein, Carbohydrates or Fat. The quality of the calorie will depend on which of these the calories are coming from.

Each brings its own benefits and its own negatives, but neither are bad for you individually and at certain times in your life there will be a need and a focus to increase one and decrease the others.

My next post will discuss the Protein, Carbohydrates & Fats in more detail.