Most of you are aware that physical activity and body metabolism burns calories. Â Daily physical activity burns about 20 to 30% of the total calories (depending upon the quantity and type of physical activity). Â Body metabolism burns about 60 to 70% of the total calories.
10% of the calories are burnt after we eat food. Â This information might come as a surprise to many people - the process of digestion, absorption, transportation & storage of nutrients requires energy and some calories are burnt during these processes. Â This is one of the reasons, why your dietitians insist on eating regularly and not skipping meals.
The amount of energy used during digestion of the calorie-giving nutrients also varies according to the type of food. Â The amount of energy needed to digest protein is more than the energy required to digest carbs or fat. Â But this doesn't mean that we need to eat only protein, or more protein than the other 2 nutrients.
The key is to strike a balance between calorie intake and calorie output, and at the same time meet the requirements of all essential nutrients for the body. Â Confused? Â Don't worry, just ask your dietitian and she will guide you.
