What is Energy Balance?

ENERGY BALANCE is when ENERGY IN = ENERGY OUT. (Energy is another word for calories). ENERGY IN is the calories from the foods a person eats and drinks.  ENERGY OUT is the calories a person uses during physical activity. A person is in energy balance the calories they eat and drink equal the calories they use during physical activity.

Our bodies use energy to breathe and digest feed. Our bodies also use calories (ENERGY OUT) for everyday actvities like walking to class, grocery shopping, or cleaning the house. Being physical active, like running, playing soccer or jumping on a trampoline, also requires energy.  Physical activity is an important part of maintaining energy balance. People who are more active use more energy than inactive people, like coach potatoes! 

Our bodies take in energy when we eat food or drink liquids with calories. Eating foods that have a lot of nutrients and fewer calories, like fruits, vegetables and whole grains, helps keep our ENERGY IN low. This also helps people to maintain energy balance.

Energy In > Energy Out -> Weight Gain

Energy In < Energy Out -> Weight Loss

Energy In = Energy Out -> Same Weight

ENERGY IN and OUT don't have to balance every day. It's having a balance over time that will help you stay at a healthy weight for the long term.  Energy balance in children happens when ENERGY IN and ENERGY OUT support natural growth without promoting excess weight gain.