Food for Thought

The average individual tends to over estimate the amount of calories burned during physical activity, as well as underestimate the amount of calories in a food or beverage. While regular physical activity is important when trying to lose or maintain a healthy weight; most weight loss occurs because of decreased caloric intake.



The two correlate with one another because physical activity reduces the risks of cardiovascular disease and diabetes beyond weight loss itself. It also strengthens muscles and bones, improves mental health and mood, and increases your chances of living longer.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC)
The average American female 20+ years weighs 164.7lbs
The average American male 20+ years weighs 194.7lbs

An average weight American female will burn approximately:
266 Cal/hr of Pilates
263 Cal/hr of Yoga
349 Cal/hr of Dancing

An average weight American male will burn approximately:
314 Cal/hr of Pilates
311 Cal/hr of Yoga
424 Cal/hr of Dancing


Before you make that off-handed decision to grab a quick treat, consider the following:

Minutes it will take for an average weight female to burn off the following:


Note also that certain foods also bear different consequences. Alcohol, for example, affects the body in more ways than simply caloric intake. Taking a black and white approach, however, you can see how the numbers can add up!

(Article courtesy of Courtney Saia, references available upon request)