The Cows Got It Right...Well Part of It....

There are a few things in this world I get tired of seeing. Well to be completely honest, there are a lot of things that I get tired of seeing but that's a completely different blog. But there is one thing that puts a smile on my face every time I see it - Eat Mor Chikin.

The infamous Chic-fil-A cows definitely got a portion of it correct. Our bodies need at least .8 grams of protein per pound of body weight. However, current nutritional patterns indicate most Americans get a host of carbohydrates and fats. Lacking sufficient nutrients the body basically freaks out and goes into fat storage mode especially since many people are not exercising properly or exercising at all.

Understanding nutrients is very important throughout this process. There are 4 calories for each gram of carbohydrates and protein. However, there's 9 calories for each gram of fat we enter in our bodies. Now factor in a burger and fries and you're looking at roughly 740 calories total - 349 coming directly from fat. You should also know that there are about 3,500 calories in 1 pound of fat. This means 10 cheeseburgers a month easily adds 1 pound of body fat per month.

Most people need 1,500-2,000 calories per day (nutritious calories) to support a healthy body weight. But it has been noted that many people average 3,300 calories per day. This excess in caloric intake is automatic fat gain and this overweight and obesity prevails.

Understanding your body's basal metabolic rate (BMR - number of calories your body burns at rest) is vital to understanding the caloric intake your body needs. It doesn't stop there. Next you have to factor in your daily activity levels since this will affect your caloric needs. For example, if your BMR is 1750 calories and your are active at your job and you exercise 3 times a week, your body would burn approximately 2175 calories (this is an example only). From there if you want to lose 1 pound per week, you should intake roughly 500 less per day.

Please remember that consuming calories must be balanced and sufficient protein is very important. Cheeseburgers, tacos, burritos, fried chicken, cakes, cookies, and ice cream, coffee, soda, and sweetened tea won't suffice. Green veggies, complex carbohydrates, and lean protein is the key to your success.