Why is calories important

As boys enter puberty, they may need as many as 2, to 3, calories per day, especially if they are very active. But whether they are girls or boys, kids who are active and move around a lot need more calories than kids who don't. If you eat more calories than you need, the body changes extra calories to fat. Too much fat can lead to being overweight and other health problems. Only your doctor can say if you are overweight, so check with him or her if you're concerned. And never go on a diet without talking to your doctor!.

High-calorie foods — such as sugary sodas, candy, and fast food — quickly add up to too many calories. Instead, eat a healthy, balanced diet. Exercising and playing are really important, too, because physical activity burns calories.

Your body needs calories just to operate — to keep your heart beating and your lungs breathing. As a kid, your body also needs calories and nutrients from a variety of foods to grow and develop. And you burn off some calories without even thinking about it — by walking your dog or making your bed.

Calories also play a role in weight control, because eating more calories than your body needs can lead to weight gain. Metabolism refers to the process by which your body converts calories from food into energy it can use. Your body needs energy -- even while you are at rest -- for breathing, circulating blood, repairing cells and all other bodily functions.

Making sure you eat enough food can help ensure that your body has enough energy to develop and work properly. Your metabolism and how many calories your body needs each day is influenced by your age, gender and physical activity habits. Keeping the amount of calories you consume balanced with the amount of calories you burn through regular metabolism and physical activity will keep your weight stable. When you take in more calories than your body burns, your body stores these extra calories as fat and you gain weight.

Losing weight requires creating a calorie deficit so that your body burns more calories than you take in. Create this calorie deficit by eating to 1, fewer calories than your body needs each day and participating in 30 minutes or more of physical activity that helps burn calories. For example, just sitting for one hour burns 81 calories for a pound person, while strolling at a modest rate burns calories and jogging burns calories per hour.

Nutritional information is often available on pre-packaged foods and drink, to help understanding of the nutrient and calorie count. There is often useful information such as the amount of fats, saturates, sugars and salt. You might be surprised to know that, apart from fibre, sugar has no more calories than any other ingredient. How does the body use calories? Recommended calorie intake The amount of energy we require the average dietary energy requirement can vary depending on gender, age and different levels of physical activity, among other things.

Tracking calories Food labels and packaging can be a good source to identify calorific value. All the ingredients that have been used to make the product will be shown in order of weight.