Counting Calories

It takes me 30 minutes on a stationary bike or 35 minutes on an elliptical to burn 200 calories. Tracking my calories burned during my exercise routine has helped me make better decisions when it comes choosing what I eat. If I have to burn the calories then I’m more selective about what I’m eating.

Putting the caloric intake into perspective with an exercise routine helps one make better decisions when it comes to choosing foods we eat.

For example if I eat:
Starbuck muffin – 420 calories (56 biking minutes for me)
Sbarro stuffed pizza – 976 calories (130 biking minutes for me)
P.F. Chang’s orange chicken – 1150 calories (153 biking minutes for me)

From these three meals the total daily caloric intake is 2,546 calories.

What to eat instead:
1 egg + 2 egg whites, 2 slices light bread, 1 veggie sausage patty (300 calories)
3 oz deli style turkey, 2 slices light bread, 1 cup tomato soup (350 calories)
4 oz grilled chicken, 1/2 cup brown rice, 1.5 cups veggies, 1/4 cup Thai sauce (450 calories)

From these three meals the total daily caloric intake is 1,100 calories. That’s a difference of 1,446 calories in a day!

Wow! What a difference it makes to know what you’re putting into your body! How often do you pop something into your mouth not even realizing how many calories are in it?

Being aware of what I eat and what I’m burning during exercise helps me manage the weight management process better. If you’re interested in managing your weight, begin tracking everything you’re eating so you can see what your caloric intake is, then you’ll be able to adjust your food selections so you’re managing your calories.