Calories
What Are Calories?

The measurement of energy found in food

All food and drink (except water) contains calories. Some foods have more
calories than others. These calories are how your body gets the energy it
needs to function (work).
Where Do Calories Come From?

Macronutrients!

-Fats: 1 gram of fat = 9 Calories

-Carbohydrates (carbs): 1 gram of carbohydrate = 4 Calories

-Proteins: 1 gram of protein = 4 Calories

Your body consumes these macronutrients when you eat/drink. Your digestive
system breaks them down and calories are created. These calories are used
by your body as energy.
Caloric Balance

Calories in = how many calories you eat/drink in a day

Calories out = metabolism (body using energy + physical activity)
IN
OUT

If you have more calories going in than out, you will gain weight

If you have more calories going out than in, you will lose weight

UNUSED (UNBURNED) CALORIES TURN INTO FAT!
How Many Calories Do I Need?

The Average 12-14 year old needs about 2,000 calories

Average means you are getting 60 minutes of exercise a day, and you do not
sit around all day (sedentary)

If you are less active than the average 12-14 year old (most of you are) than
you need less calories. If you are more active than the average 12-14 year old
(some of you are) than you need more calories