If most of us could budget our calories like we budget our money, we would have a much better chance of staying in good shape.
“Many of us eat so much during the holiday season, we probably never consider the cost of all those calories on the waistline until our clothes start getting tight,” said Karen Brewton, M.A., R.D., L.D. with The Methodist Hospital Wellness Services in Houston. “Budgeting calories like money can really help people think about how much they eat.”
For this weight loss plan, pretend that each calorie is equal to one penny. Take your ideal weight and add a zero to it, and you have your calorie “budget” for the day. For example, if you want to weigh 120 pounds, you would have 1,200 calories, or $12 to spend per day, to reach and maintain your ideal weight.
“Many of us will hit the drive-thru at lunch and order a double-meat cheeseburger, large fries and a large regular drink, which is somewhere in the neighborhood of 1,560 calories, or $15.60 on this plan,” said Peggy Vincent, a behaviorist with The Methodist Hospital Wellness Services. “Eating that much for lunch would leave you with no food for the rest of the day. This plan will teach you not only how to eat less, but it will also help you make healthier food choices.” |
