This post will dwell on what a calorie surplus entails as well as its significance. We will seek to examine how it is achieved and its importance.
What Is A Calorie Surplus?
Unlike a calorie deficit that demands a restriction of calories, a calorie surplus is just the opposite as it requires an increase in the amount of calories beyond that which you need to maintain bodily functions. The excess calories consumed are stored as they are not required for immediate use by your body.
Factors such as age, weight , exercise regimen may influence the outcomes of a calories surplus. As such, a nutritionist’s assistance should be sought out for a more individualized weight gain plan .
How to achieve a calorie surplus
Similar to a calorie deficit, you should take a keen watch on what you’re consuming to achieve weight gain in a healthy and sustainable manner. Thereby, you should integrate a calorie surplus gradually and prioritize healthy food choices.
Introduce approximately 300-500 Kcals per day to gain about a kilogram per week. Opt for nutritious foods over processed alternatives to avoid filling up with empty calories instead of essential nutrients. Consume adequate portions of macro-nutrients including carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Also, accompany your healthy eating plan with some physical activity or exercise while at a calorie surplus to encourage weight gain from muscle mass increase other than from excess body fat gain.
A calorie surplus is especially important for various reasons comprising:
Weight gain– If you intend to add weight, you will need to have a calorie surplus. The unused energy from the extra calories is stored in your body, and eventually over time it will lead to weight gain.
For muscle growth-A combination of a calorie surplus with muscle workout should ensure muscle build-up over time. Individuals who want to build their muscles require to supplement their calorie intake and combine with exercise to encourage muscle gain and not body fat gain.
A calorie surplus provides you with additional calories to allow you to achieve weight gain and muscle growth. However, several factors including weight, age , physical activity etc may affect the outcomes of a calorie surplus. The intake of nutritious foods should be encouraged .