Yoga, Calories And Weight

Bob Crowther provides some basic information about calories and weight gain and notes the concerns of Dr. Robert Lustig, author of Fat Chance.

Food labels remind us about calories.

Calories is the term used to denote an energy content derived from the metabolism of the proteins, fats and carbohydrates we consume that enables us to function. 

How many calories an individual should consume daily continues to be a significant question as the incidence of diabetes and obesity have risen throughout the population including our youth. 

Equally important, from what sources should these calories be obtained? 

What forms of fats and carbohydrates should be restricted or avoided?

              Robert H. Lustig, MD, author of Fat Chance

Dr. Robert Lustig expresses his views on this matter in an article cited below.

Past and current government policies relating to food production, processing and marketing have generated considerable public attention and commentary in the form of books and articles about the unhealthy nature of available foods where we shop. 


Several years ago the Department of Agriculture (USDA) replaced the Food Pyramids promoted for decades with MyPlate (www.choosemyplate/gov) that reflects contemporary research data and input from various sources including the public.  

Nutritionists recognize calories are necessary to provide energy to maintain the basal metabolic rate, the thermic effect of food and physical activity. 

Some Biology

The basal metabolic rate refers to the amount of calories required at rest to support the involuntary, autonomic functions of the body (among others: breathing, digestion, brain and heart activities) while the thermic effect accounts for those calories needed to process our food.

Calories consumed associated with actions will vary and be influenced by the nature and duration of physical movements.

Maintaining a healthy and stable weight is moderated, in part, by the complex interactions:

•  of the brain (hypothalmus and pitituary)
•  vagus nerve
•  the thyroid gland
•  various organs and chemical signals (hormones) of our gastrointestinal system.

Food consumed but not metabolized for immediate use are stored by the body: if this is fat, total body weight will increase.  

Read the article (title listed below) by Robert Lustig, MD, arguing a calorie is not a calorie [at www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-lustig-md/sugar-toxic]  

Robert Lustig Article

#Yoga And Nutrition #Calories #Sugar #Robert Lustig