This is another in a series of articles intended to expose our readers to pertinent information regarding their fitness efforts. It is produced mainly on the basis of research done by Rodriguez “Rodja” Constantine, owner of REPTS (Registered Exercise Professionals & Therapists).Rodja has over 20 years experience in the field.
Thermic Effect of Foods – burn calories just by eating
Most people think that you need to hit the gym for hours at a time and sweat like crazy doing some form of “cardio” to burn calories. Although you will burn some calories this way it’s not actually as much as you think. In fact you may actually burn the same amount of calories eating a large meal as you do performing an hour of cardio.
Every time you eat you need to consume, digest and process this food. This requires energy in the form of calories (there is no other type). The caloric expenditure associated with food digestion and utilization is known as the Thermic Effect of Food. TEF can account for up to 10% of your daily caloric expenditure – yes that’s right 10%. So if you expend 2,500 calories in a day, 250 of those calories are burned just from eating food. For a 120lbs person this is equivalent to about 30 minutes of high intensity cross-training or 60 minutes of moderate cardiovascular training.
Different types of food require different amounts of energy to breakdown and certain foods can be considered High Thermic Foods. Protein can be hard to process and therefore has a larger thermic effect, hence why high protein low carb diets tend to be effective weight loss approaches. Fat is not as hard to breakdown and has a low thermic effect.
It is even said that certain foods such as celery and cucumbers have a ‘negative caloric balance” meaning the amount of energy it requires to break them down is greater than the amount of calories they provide. It is also possible to slightly increase one’s TEF through exercise, albeit minimally.
So the next time you look at your plate, you don’t just have to think about how many calories you are eating. Now you can also think of how many calories you are burning.
This is a 12 week plan to help you shed unwanted pounds, trim excess body fat, and sculpt a lean body. Each week, the workouts will become progressively challenging to keep you motivated toward your fitness and weight loss goals. Each exercise should be performed in sequence with one day of rest in between and each should eventually be completed within 30 to 45 minutes. This program is FREE and available by email to all readers. Personalized programs are also available for a nominal fee. Please email your request
(FREE Weight Loss Program or personalized program) to [email protected]. You may also contact Rodja via BBM (22BE6214) or visit our facebook page at Repts for more information.
Rodriguez”Rodja” Constantine is a Certified Personal Trainer, Fitness Consultant and owner of REPTS ( Registered Exercise Professionals & Therapists), a Personal Wellness studio located in Rodney Bay opposite to the North bound Rodney Bay bus stop by RJ Clark. Rodja has over 20 years fitness experience and through REPTS offers all inclusive upgradeable wellness packages (Personal and small Group Training, Body Analysis, Nutrition Counseling and Planning, NutriCare, Massage Therapy & Spa Services, etc.) for one affordable monthly fee. Rodja also designs long term fitness plans and short term workout routines for use at home, your current gym, or when traveling. We invite you to visit REPTS for a free consultation and a tailored program that will best help you achieve your fitness goal. You may call at anytime at 758-722-3763 during business hours (4:30am – 10pm) to schedule an appointment.