The Energy EquationUnderstanding the energy equation and learning how to balance it is the secret to weight loss success. When it comes to reviewing weight loss programs if they don’t take into consideration this basic formula they won’t work. You’d be surprised how many diets there are out there that don’t even get the basics right. So let us first look at the equation and then see where many diets fall short. The energy equation is a simple formula that is found in just about every nutrition and exercise physiology text book that has ever been written. So it’s not a new concept and it is endorsed by all major governing health bodies across the world, surely they can’t all be wrong! If you’re already familiar with how balancing this energy formula can help you to achieve your weight loss goals, take your time to learn a fresh perspective. Please don’t fall into the trap of skipping through the pages without reading them first as you could easily miss an important concept. The body’s energy equation is simply a balancing act of
Energy In
vs Energy Out and is stated as follows:
There are a couple of different methods of measuring energy, some refer to kilojoules and others calories, regardless of what unit of energy you use, as long as you’re consistent it won’t matter. Now don’t be scared at this point and think that we’re going to have you counting calories - we won’t, in fact at the end of this chapter we’ll have taught you enough so that you don’t have to. If for education purposes you do want to know the difference between the two, follow the link which compares kilojules to calories. For the benefit of our readers throughout this website we’ll use both side by side so that you don’t have make the conversion. It is important to understand that body fat is simply a form of stored energy. Naturally if you consume more energy in your diet than what you burn throughout the day, the excess calories have to go somewhere and subsequently they are stored as body fat. Given that body fat is just a form of stored energy we can rewrite the equation to meet the needs of our readers.
One of the easiest ways to explain the energy equation is the set of scales analogy featured below.
Energy EquationIf the amount of energy consumed in our diet is the same as the amount of energy that we burn (ie input = output) then our weight will generally stay the same. The problem arises when the energy equation is positively balanced, for example if we were to eat more energy than we burn, then there is a net gain in stored energy and therefore a gain in body fat. The good news is the opposite is also true, if you burn more energy than you consume, the equation is negatively balance which means that your body has to get the extra energy from somewhere and so naturally you tap into your reserves (body fat) and the end result is fat loss. To achieve your weight loss goal you must simply balance this proven energy formula in your favour. This is not a new concept to most people who have tried to lose weight before, but from here on in, it is important to consider that the way in which you alter the equation can have a significant impact on the long term results. Firstly, let’s turn our attention towards the diet side of the equation and learn a little bit about energy input. Energy Input – how to influence the diet side of the equation. What factors should we consider if we are trying to lose weight? Using the energy content of food to balance the energy equation Losing weight - The successful way (start of weight loss chapter)
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