There is a lot of misinformation on the internet regarding calories. For people looking to minimize the burden on the muscles and structures of their spine, maintaining caloric balance is essential. This means that your diet and exercise habits must be balanced so that calories consumed = calories burned. 

Calorie facts: 

A calorie is a unit that measures the energy in food. The components of food that contain calories include fat, carbohydrates and protein. 

Calorie and weight gain: 

Calories that are consumed and not burned are then stored as potential energy, to be called upon in times of need. These calories are usually stored in the form of body fat. As we grow larger, the amount of calories we consume goes up because our larger bodies need more energy for basic functions. 

Not all calories are created equal: 

We must ask ourselves about our motives when selecting and consuming food. Are we really hungry? Are we eating for health’s sake or convenience. The 100 calories you take aboard from vegetables is not the same 100 calories you take from a piece of cake. The former is chalk full of bonus vitamins, minerals and compounds that we need for all biological functions while the latter’s nutritional value beyond calories is null.

Keep in mind that this is only one half of the equation. Exercise is crucial in maintaining caloric balance, but we must understand each side to find out how to make positive changes in order to lose weight and increase wellness. At Scorca Chiropractic Center, we are committed to your health. If you think it may be time to manage your weight more effectively, give our office in Fremont a call at (510) 656-9077.

Dr. Francis Scorca, D.C.