Energy – Understanding Your Body’s Fuel Needs

What Will You Learn?

• Energy Production & Metabolism: Understand how food is converted into energy through processes like the Krebs cycle and ATP synthesis.
• Measuring Energy Needs: Learn how to calculate energy requirements using the Harris-Benedict equation, direct calorimetry, and other tools.
• Macronutrient Balance: Discover how the proportions of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins affect your energy levels and overall performance.
• Individual Variation: Explore how factors like age, sex, physical activity, and health status influence daily energy requirements.
• Meal Structure & Portioning: Use practical strategies such as hand-based portioning and the “healthy plate” method to plan balanced meals.
• Tracking vs. Tuning In: Examine the benefits and downsides of measuring food intake versus intuitive and mindful eating.
• Set Weight Theory: Understand the body’s natural tendency to maintain a certain weight and how this affects weight loss and maintenance.
• Signs of Imbalance: Recognize physical and mental signs of inadequate or excessive macronutrient intake.
• Behavioral Factors: Investigate how emotional states and eating environments impact your energy intake and dietary choices.
• Meal Regularity: Learn how consistent eating patterns support metabolic health, energy balance, and emotional well-being.