The 1 Week Diet Download FREE Brian Flatt [PDF] | Page 33

These two processes do not occur simultaneously but are balanced by the body based on
several factors. Catabolism, in particular — though some attribute this to overall metabolism —
has three components:
1. Basal metabolism: Also called resting metabolism, responsible for keeping you alive by
ensuring normal body functions. Basal metabolism is the metabolism’s main component, as 60
to 70% of the calories from the food you eat are used for this. People who want to lose weight
usually aim for a higher basal metabolic rate (BMR).
2. Physical movement: This can range from a simple moving of your fingers to strenuous exercise.
Adding physical movement to our lives increases the amount of calories our bodies need. When
we reduce the amount of food we need, these calories must come from our stored body fat.
3. Thermic effect of food: This indicates the digestion and processing of the food you take
in. Depending on the type of nutrients you consume, approximately 10% of the calories of the
foods you eat are burned through thermic effect. Protein takes a lot of calories to digest while
carbohydrates take far less. So, it’s true that the digestion of certain foods require much more
calorie expenditure than others.
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