Which is correct on calories & how the body uses them.

Question
I have heard this 2 ways concerning storing and burning calories, what is correct?

#1 You have to eat a certain amout of calories to function, if you don't eat enough then the body takes the ones you do eat and stores them and doesn't expend any becasue it doesn't know when its going to get any more.

#2 The body has to burn calories no matter what so of your eating a very low calorie diet & exercising then your body cannot help but burn calories so you will loose weight.

If your exercising and drinking lots of water to keep your metabolism moving your body is going to burn calories correct? As long as your not eating too many calories.

Answer
The first statement is more true.  You body does have to burn some calories but if you don't eat enough and your body goes into a "starvation mode" you will slow down the metabolism to enbable the body to store some calories as fat for later use.  
Yes, if you exercise, drink water AND eat the right types and amounts of foods you body will burn calories.  If you eat too many calories those extra calories get stored as body fat.
Hope that helps,
Kim Tessmer, RD LD
www.Nutrifocus.net

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