Energy balance is really important for keeping a healthy weight. It affects how our bodies either store or burn fat.

So, what is energy balance?

It’s all about the calories we take in from food and drinks, and the calories we use up doing different things and just being alive.

Key Parts of Energy Balance:

1. Calories In: This is the energy you get from what you eat and drink. For example, a slice of pizza has about 285 calories, while a medium-sized apple has around 95 calories.

2. Calories Out: This is about two main things:

   • Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR): This is how many calories your body needs when you’re just resting. For instance, a person might burn about 1,500 calories a day just to keep their heart beating and brain working.
   • Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE): This adds your BMR and the calories you burn through activities, like walking, exercising, or even digesting food.

The Energy Balance Rule:

To keep your weight the same, you need to follow this simple rule:

Calories In = Calories Out

If you eat more calories than you burn, you will gain weight. But if you burn more calories than you eat, you will lose weight.

Understanding and managing this balance is very important. If you see a tasty dessert, knowing how many calories it has can help you make better choices. By learning about energy balance, you can reach and keep your ideal weight!