Energy in Food

• Ever wonder why you don’t have enough energy ?

• Energy is defined as

the ability to do work!

Energy…

• The Sun is the original source of all energy

• Energy is stored in plants

• We get energy from eating plants or animals that ate plants

Energy…

• Food Energy is measured as heat.

• Heat energy is transferred from high to low temperatures

Energy = Calories

• Energy measured as calories or kilocalories

• 1 calorie = amount of energy needed to raise 1.0 g of water 1.0oC

• 1 kilocalorie = 1000 calories

Calories…

• Normally use term Calorie on food labels

• Its actually a kilocalorie!

• So…a serving of ravioli is 200 Cal = 200 000 calories

Energy Balance

• Energy input = Energy output• Calories eaten = Calories used in daily activities

(maintaining of body weight)

Balance…

• Energy not used is stored as body fat

Fat…

• Every 3500 Calorie of extra food eaten over time is stored as 500 g (~ 1pound) of body fat

• To lose it, you need to eat 3500 Calories less

Lose it or gain it..

• Decrease calorie consumption• Increase physical activity• Gradual weight loss