Why is it necessary to calculate the energy value of food products?

Due to the popularization of a healthy lifestyle, which media and social media bloggers actively promote, more and more people are deciding to reconsider their life goals. We all want to be healthy, look good, and feel much younger than our passport age, right? Healthy living starts not with increased physical activity or even psychological work on oneself, but with proper nutrition, since this is 80% of success. To maintain your current shape, gain muscle mass, or lose weight, you will need to perform calculation of the energy value of food products. In simple terms, count the kilocalories contained in food. A properly structured diet with balanced caloric content will help evenly distribute energy throughout the day, avoiding feelings of hunger between meals. Important: do not confuse food value and energy value of products. The first one accounts for the amount of macronutrients (proteins, fats, carbohydrates), while the second only calculates kilocalories.

Is it necessary to calculate energy value if you don't train?

Definitely, yes. Due to the complex situation worldwide that arose from the coronavirus pandemic, most people are forced to follow self-isolation. Gyms are closed, it's not possible to go for a run, meaning your daily physical activity is greatly approaching zero. In such a situation, it is especially important to calculate the energy value of dishes to avoid gaining excess weight during quarantine. The necessary amount of kilocalories is calculated based on gender, weight, and lifestyle of each individual. However, there are approximate figures that are roughly applicable to everyone:

• men leading a sedentary lifestyle should consume no less than 2000 kcal;
• athletes and lovers of active recreation — about 4000 kcal;
• women staying at home should consume no less than 1600 kcal;
• female athletes — about 2500 kcal.

What about nutritional value?

It is not entirely correct to talk about the importance of energy value of products without considering nutritional value. A simple example: if you eat sugar-filled buns within your caloric limit, your body quality is unlikely to please you. Such nutrition cannot be called correct from the standpoint of healthy living. Try to focus on the following products, counting kcal:

• seafood;
• eggs;
• lean meat (chicken, veal);
• dairy products;
• cereals;
• nuts, dried fruits;
• whole grain bread.