Metabolism is super important for how our bodies manage energy. It’s all about what we eat and how we use that food. Let’s break it down:

1. What is Metabolism?

   • Metabolism is how our body changes food into energy. You can think of it like a car that uses gas to move.

2. Caloric Intake vs. Expenditure

   • When you eat, you take in calories. This is called caloric intake. Your body uses those calories to do things every day, which is called caloric expenditure.

3. The Role of Metabolism

   • Everyone’s metabolism is different. Some people burn calories fast, while others do it slowly. So, two people who eat the same food might feel different amounts of energy because of how their metabolism works.

4. Energy Balance

   • To stay the same weight, the number of calories you eat should be equal to the number of calories you burn. If you eat more calories than you burn (intake > expenditure), you’ll gain weight. If you eat fewer calories than you burn (intake < expenditure), you’ll lose weight.

By understanding how metabolism affects your energy balance, you can make better choices about what you eat!