Wednesday, March 18, 2009

How Many Calories Are In A Pound?



Have you ever wondered how many calories are in a pound? When I first started trying to lose weight I thought that was a valuable piece of information to know and I think it is worth sharing to those who may not know. The answer is about 3,500 calories in a pound of fat. For those trying to manage their weight, knowing this info may make a big difference in helping you accomplish your goals.

Focusing only on the numbers and no other factors, to lose a pound in a week you would have to consume about 500 fewer calories per day for a week. Oppositely, to gain a pound in a week you would have to consume about 500 extra calories per day for a week.

To give you an idea of a possible small change to consume 500 fewer calories, consider the calories you consume in your beverages. If you drink soda, there may be about 250 calories in a 20 ounce bottle. So, if you drink two or more bottles of soda per day and cut out two bottles for seven days then, you may be able to lose about one pound in a week.

You also have to make sure you read the nutrition labels to see how many calories you are actually consuming and don't forget to pay attention to serving size. Staying with soda as an example, there are usually about 2.5 servings in a 20 ounce bottle. So, if there are 100 calories in an eight ounce serving, make sure you determine how many servings you actually consume.

I hope this info is helpful. Paying attention to what and how much you are consuming is a very important habit to learn. Making small changes in your lifestyle may result in big improvements in your health! For the best results you must have balance! You should have a combination of a balanced diet, physical activity and counting calories.



Additional Info

Dietary Guidelines For Americans

How Stuff Works Article

Daily Reference Intakes

Mayo Clinic

*This was written for informational purposes only. Always consult your physician before beginning an exercise program or modifying your diet.


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