How do we measure energy?

Energy is measured in Joules or Kilojoules but normally when we talk about energy from food or how much we need on a daily basis, most people are more familiar with the term ‘calorie’. This is denoted as kCal.Calories are simply a measure of how much energy we need and how much energy is available to us from different food sources. We break down the food we eat into the simplest components of the nutrients within the food and use it to fuel reactions within our body. So in essence, energy from food is FUEL.

How much energy do you need?

We all have a minimum requirement of energy to sustain life, called ourBasal Metabolic Rate (BMR)orResting Metabolic Rate (RMR). This number is dependent on age, gender, height and weight. Once we know your BMR, we factor in your activity level. This is dependent on whether you’re sedentary or move around a normal amount during the day, or whether you take regular exercise every week or every day or even two times a day.