The calorie gets a lot of undeserved flak. We rely on calories for survival and yet they have a less-than-desirable connotation.\u00a0 Why? Maybe we mindlessly devour them by the hundreds (or unfortunately, even thousands!) at fast food restaurants. \u00a0Maybe we ignore their existence on weekends. \u00a0Maybe we resent the way they turn into extra pounds and inches around our waists. Mostly, we think of calories negatively, as the little enemy of our best intentions and healthier diets.<\/p>\n
But a calorie isn\u2019t good or bad, delicious or vicious. \u00a0It\u2019s a unit of energy.\u00a0 And everyone needs energy every day for body cells and organs to function.\u00a0 \u00a0Simply put, the more active you are, the more energy you need.<\/p>\n
So how many calories do YOU<\/em> need in a day? It depends on several factors\u2014gender, height, weight and age, as well as physical activity. Many individuals actually underestimate the amount of calories they need each day and don\u2019t consume enough food as a result. This can begin the unpleasant cycle of dieting and fighting extreme hunger as well as feelings of deprivation, overeating and guilt \u2013 only to start all over again.<\/p>\n The surprising result:<\/strong> You will be able to eat more satisfying portions, more often. Your nutrition will increase, and your calorie intake will better match your energy output.<\/p>\nTrusting your body to help you eat the right amount of calories isn\u2019t as hard as you think:<\/h4>\n
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