A calorie is a unit of energy that is released when food is broken down. The number of calories is determined by the nutritional value and the chemical composition of the product.
The proteins, fats and carbohydrates that we consume are expressed in calories. It is not difficult to calculate their amount - proteins and carbohydrates contain 4 calories, fat 9 calories. The daily intake is considered to be about 1500 calories for women and about 2000 calories for men, but it can vary depending on the person's metabolism and physical activity.
Calories not consumed in the process of energy consumption will be deposited by the body in the form of subcutaneous fat. Foods with a high water content contain fewer calories and are less likely to provoke obesity - these are fruits, vegetables and cereals. Sausages, pork, butter and vegetable oil, cakes with cream, chocolate, high-fat dairy products, jam, sugar, honey are very high in calories (from 300 to 900 kilocalories per 100 g).
Lean meats, fish, poultry and other protein products have a moderate average calorie content (from 100 to 300 kilocalories per 100 g). Low-calorie (from 20 to 100 kilocalories per 100 g) are vegetables, fruits, mushrooms, low-fat dairy products.
Always look at the label for nutritional information. Catering establishments also indicate the nutritional value of the offered dishes on the last page of the menu.
