Calorie burning

Question
I have done a great job counting calories, and at age 54 (male), I have returned to the same size I was in school.  My question, though, to help others who ask, is "Let's say to maintain your proper weight of 180 (male), you should eat around 2160 calories per day.  But then I read these charts stating that while standing in line you actually burn 67 calories in 30 minutes.  Doing aerobics on an 8 inch step, however, burns 445 calories in 30 minutes.  I have always said that something like the aerobics would go toward being able to add to your caloric intake for the day, but standing in line?  Sitting at a desk?  Something like that?  My question is actually when you take your ideal caloric intake (2160 in this case), does that assume that you are at least doing minimal moving around every day? Like sitting and standing in line and walking to and fro?  

Thanks
Joe

Answer
HI Joe,

Congratulations on attaining your goal. You did a great job, but be careful with the calorie obsession. 90-95% of those who do succeed at losing weight gain it all and often 25% more in 2 years.

Metabolism changes with stresses, moods, what you eat, muscle mass and more. Muscle mass is a good one, a lot of mass and ya burn a lot of calories breathing. Stress, esp, when frustrated about not losing/gaining weight can actually lower metabolism and make it more difficult. So does going aroung hungry.

Focus on the quality of what you eat and the quantity tends to take care of itself. Keep up regular PLAY (that is exercise that is enjoyable, not a boring chore) get in a total of 30 minutes of breathing hard a day (3 x 10 minutes, 5x6, 6x5, it is all good) and you should thrive.

More on real food vs. flavored packing material at http://www.premiumfuel.com

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