Between 20 to 50 percent of your daily
caloric needs are determined by physical activity.
The remainder are burned through basic body functions
such as breathing, circulating blood and keeping cells
functioning.
"It's easier to get up the will-power
to turn down a 900 calorie double-burger with cheese
and sauce and opt for a 400 calorie chicken sandwich
or salad when you know your entire daily needs are
about 1600 calories," says Joan Carter, a CNRC registered
dietitian and instructor of pediatrics at Baylor College
of Medicine in Houston.
