We evolved by exerting a lot of energy to obtain relatively few calories. Today we exert very little energy to obtain many calories; we don’t even need to get out of our cars when getting meals at restaurants- the food is brought right to our window! It’s no wonder that two out of three Americans are overweight. 

The changes that need to be made to shift these large numbers are not large themselves. One of the first things we can do is understand what a calorie is and how many we really need to maintain a healthful weight. Managing these calories does not mean severe restriction, it means eating a variety of foods that taste good, and in the right portions. 

Much of managing your weight also has to do with the calories you’re consuming when you’re not paying attention, or consuming when you’re not even hungry. If this sounds familiar keeping a journal documenting your food (type and portions), emotions and exercise may be a great start toward eating food for nourishment and energy instead of as a way to fill a void or pass the time.