We must remember that in the past 50 years there has been a considerable reduction in energy expenditure, because of a more mechanized way of life. People today don’t have to go out to the barn and hitch up a horse or team when they are ready to go somewhere. They merely step into their car, which is as close to the front door as they can manage it, and then drive to their destination, again parking as near the entrance as possible.
The introduction of countless labor-saving devices in our home, factories, and offices has also robbed us of most of the physical exertion our grandparents knew. In fact, when it comes to conserving energy, we seem to have approached about as near as we can get to a vegetable existence.
It was formerly believed that the average adult who engaged in moderate physical activity required from 2500 to 3500 calories a day. Figures published by the American Heart Association today place the figures much lower.
One of the reasons overweight is a problem with so many persons is that it has a way of sneaking up on you. You may gain only two or three pounds a year and not notice it. But in 10 years, this means an excess of 20 or 30 pounds. For example, a pound of body weight equals about 3500 calories. Just one extra pat of butter each day (85 to 100 calories) will add eight to ten pounds a year to your weight! Similarly, a piece of pie (250 calories) eaten just once a week, will add over three pounds of body weight in a year’s time.
