ENERGY BALANCE
The body needs energy from food and drink to work properly and stay healthy.
Even when you are resting or sleeping, your body uses energy. The more active
you are, the more energy your body will use.
Energy input and output
The amount of energy you get from what you eat is called the energy input.
The amount of energy your body uses up is called the energy output. The more
food you eat, the larger the input. The more active you are, the bigger the
output. The important thing is to keep input and output in balance.
What does balance mean?
Whatever lifestyle you have and however you like to spend your free time, you
need to make sure that your energy intake balances your energy output. If you
eat too little, there will be a negative energy balance that means you have
taken in too little food to provide the energy your body needs. You may lose
weight because the body uses up its fat reserves to provide the extra energy.
It's natural to gain weight as you grow. But if you eat too much, then you
will have a positive energy balance this means that you have eaten more than you
need for the energy your body is using. Because you are not using up all the
food you eat, you may put on weight.
Getting the balance right
Keeping your energy input and output in balance is not always easy. Most
people are not active enough. So the next time your friends want to watch TV,
why not suggest doing something more energetic? You could go for a walk or try
out a new sport or dance class. You never know you may start a new craze!
A healthy balance is also about eating the right sort of food, as well as the
right amounts. If you fancy a snack, why not try swopping something sugary or
fatty (like a chocolate bar or a bag of crisps) for something more healthy (like
a banana, or a smoothie made with fresh fruit and yogurt). You might be
surprised how good the healthy options taste!
Everyone's energy balance is different. It depends how old you are, how
healthy you are and how active you are. The more active you are, the more energy
you use, and so the more food and drink you'll need. Remember to listen to your
body too - it will usually tell you when it's hungry or thirsty!
