In case you didn't already know, food is used by our bodies to provide energy. Our bodies break down food into basic components and attempts to convert those components into sugars. Then we burn those sugars to keep us alive. The energy that is produced in the burning process is measured in calories (actually kilo-calories). We need about 2000 calories per day to maintain weight (there are calculators to help you figure out how many calories you need). However, Americans consume an average of 2,700 calories per day (check out this great article on calorie consumption from the USDOA). When your body takes in unneeded calories it has two choices: excrete those calories, which it prefers not to (waste not, want not); or convert the sugar to fat and attach it to your ass. I think we all know which way the body prefers.
When you're eating, how do you keep track of calories, without going insane? The answer is to learn what calories look like! Fortunately, in this day and age, we have the people of the Internet, who apparently have the time and interest to photograph foods at specific calories levels. Sweet (no pun intended).
Without further ado, enjoy "what calories look like":
- 100 Calories - From one tomato to 9 cups of lettuce.
- 120 Calories - From half a croissant to a pound of strawberries.
- 200 Calories - From a tall glass of whole milk to over 3.1 pounds of celery.
- 300 Calories - From a small plate of french fries to 3.7 pounds of tomatoes.
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