Eating on a Budget:
We must treat our diet just like any other
part of our life, practicing limitations. Some people can afford to
spend a lot of money, some can't. Some people can afford to eat a lot
and some can't. We need to learn how to eat on a budget. If we want to
spend more money, we normally have to make more money. If we want to eat
more food, we have to burn more calories. We simply can't eat more
calories than we burn without "going over budget" and gaining weight.
In addition, just because we pay our debt
down doesn't mean all the sudden we can start buying everything we want.
It is the same with our diet. Even if we lose all our weight, like
finances, we can splurge with moderations but we must stay on your
dietary budget to maintain your weight.
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your calories, protein, carbs, fats and alcohol online!!
Learn more about counting
calories from journaling your food daily.
Dieting is all
about checks and balances -
Bonnie Pfiester
Have
you ever looked at your checking account and been surprised to see the
balance was lower than you expected it to be. I think we’ve all been there
before. At first you think “there’s no way I spent that much money”. Then as
you look further you begin to uncover all the small stuff that created the
big problem.
It’s funny how the little
stuff adds up quick and the same applies to our diet. It’s all the extras
that can get us in trouble. Condiments, salad dressings, snacks, cream and
sugar – they add a lot of extra calories to our diet. Unfortunately most
people have no idea how many calories they are taking in.
Dieting is all about checks
and balances. The only difference is, most of us don’t ‘balance’ our diet
account to see where we stand. That habit would never fly when it comes to
our money. Most of us can’t afford to just keep writing checks without
reconciling our account. The truth is we really can’t afford to ignore how
much we eat either. Eventually it will catch up with you.
We can fool our self into
thinking we don’t have to count calories, but just because we don’t count
them doesn’t mean that they aren’t there. The only difference is no one is
there to cut you off once you’ve gone ‘over the limit’ like the bank does
when you are in the red.
Managing calories is like
writing a budget. It takes a little time in the beginning, but as you begin
to journal your food you quickly learn what you can and cannot afford to
eat. The good news is, unlike managing your bank account, you don’t have to
do it forever. Part of the initial discipline is just a learning process.
You may be a good steward
of you money, but are you a good steward over your body? Your body is the
most valuable asset you have. Maybe it’s time to do some checks and balances
with your health this year.
Does
it matter where I get my calories?
The
answer is YES!! It totally matters!!!
CLICK HERE to
learn more about getting the balance of protein, carbs
and fat to get the best results while losing weight,
gaining weight or sculpting your body.
The Benefits of Counting
Calories - Bonnie Pfiester
When
someone begins an exercise program, there comes a point where people begin
to realize they may need to go on some kind of diet. Since most people have
no idea how many calories to take in or what foods are the best choices,
people often turn to brand name diets.
You see, people don’t want
to think. They want simple answers. This is why the weight loss industry is
raking in billions of dollars. People are attracted to the magic pill or the
“3-step plan” but quick fixes are not the answer.
If every major diet on the
market is based on 1200-1500 calories, then maybe we should take notice.
Nearly every major weight loss company has nutritionists and dieticians on
staff dedicated to designing diet plans that work. Interestingly enough, no
matter the combination of fats, proteins and carbohydrates, they all have
similar caloric restrictions.
If calorie counting is the
common link, then all you need is a calorie book and a calculator. Once you
take the plunge, your eyes will be opened to a whole new world. Counting
calories is a lesson that will last you a lifetime.
First, counting calories
makes you realize how many calories are in some of your favorite foods. When
you begin searching for answers, you quickly realize why you are struggling
with your weight. You begin to recognize your weaknesses and strengths when
it comes to eating.
Secondly, you discover
proper portions. When you are measuring foods and counting calories you
quickly learn how too much of a good thing becomes a bad thing in a hurry.
Suddenly, you learn to avoid foods you can’t control yourself around.
The next thing you’ll
notice is all the extra unnecessary ingredients. Low-calorie meals become
high-calorie disasters with each added ingredient you decide to use. As you
tally up each ingredient you are faced with the decision to part with the
unnecessary extras. Fewer ingredients means fewer calories – plain and
simple.
Another discovery you’ll
make is how certain foods make you feel. As you journal daily, you recognize
certain patterns. This discovery helps drive you to make better decisions
because you start relating bad foods to feeling bad and vice versa.
Lastly, calorie counting
helps you make better decisions. When you are allotted only a certain amount
of calories a day, you begin to be a little choosier on how you “spend” your
calories. The same way you budget money, you begin to learn how to save
calories for the foods you love while still working towards your weight loss
goals. You also will learn some foods are just not worth the extra calories.
Of course you don’t have to
count calories for the rest of your life, but the lesson learned through the
journey can last a lifetime.
Low-Carb,
Low-Fat or Low-Calorie?
Many people get confused with all the fads. Do I eat a
low carb diet or a low fat diet? Well, it
all boils down to calories. Low fat items are normally lower in calories
because one gram of fat has 9 calories verses only 4 calories that come
from a gram of protein and carbohydrates. Items that are low in
carbohydrates are also normally lower in calories because we like to
pile a lot of carbohydrates on our plate. So it doesn't matter if you
eat low-carb or low-fat food if you are still consuming more calories
than you burn, the you won't lose weight. In the end - it all depends on
total calories consumed.
Learn More!
Get a FREE account at Fit Day! Learn how to budget
your calories, protein, carbs, fats and alcohol online!!
Learn more about counting
calories from journaling your food daily.
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Photo credits A
Misty Moment Photography.
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2008
