TurkeyVulture

Do Birds of Prey Count Calories?

One of the things about bird of prey that surprised me was how light birds such as eagles and vultures really are; that’s a turkey vulture above. While the weight can vary depending on the origin of the eagles, they weigh 6–10 pounds. With a wingspan of 6–7 feet, they seem imposing, but in reality they’re mostly feathers and feathers really don’t weigh all that much.

The birds are weighed regularly, and their diet is adjusted to prevent weight gain. The staff portions how much they eat by the number of calories the food contains. In other words, the staff counts calories for the birds. Let me repeat that: they control the birds’ weight by counting calories.

Calorie counting works for birds of prey and it works for humans as well. In The Weight Loss Cycle CD of the Optimal Performance Program, I cover all the research that proves why that’s true. I know what you read and hear elsewhere, but I’m here to tell you that counting calories keeps these magnificent creatures at their target weight. It will work for you, too.

One more lesson from the birds of prey, and I think it will surprise you. That’s coming on Saturday.

What are you prepared to do today?

        Dr. Chet