Video Transcript

Hi Ant & Ali here with our Wellbeing Words of Wisdom. 

Today we want to discuss how the type of food you eat and the amount directly affects your energy levels. 

Understanding how many calories you need to fuel your body is the first step in maintaining your energy balance.  

But what is energy balance? 

Energy balance is the relationship between “energy in” and “energy out”. 

“Energy in” comes from calories in the food and drink we consume. While “energy out” is the calories used by the body for our daily energy requirements. 

Think of the body like a car, in order for the car to work it needs fuel, so we put in petrol, diesel or charge the battery. The car then uses this fuel to run. For our body to run we use calories as fuel.  

We are all different and we all need varying amounts of calories a day, depending on our age, weight, height and activity level. You can use the link above to find out your daily calorie needs.  

To have a perfect energy balance we should consume the same amount of calories as our body requires.  

If you consume too little calories and put yourself into a severe energy deficit, the body will lack the energy it needs to run efficiently, which will result in you feeling tired.  

Little side note here – if you are looking to lose weight, you will need to eat slightly less calories than your body needs. The key is not to drop the calories too low. 

Another thing you need to watch out for is eating too many calories all at once. This will leave you will feel sluggish as the body tries to digest all those calories. Think about it, how many times have eaten a big meal and shortly afterwards felt like you needed a nap. 

Try to eat smaller amounts more regularly to keep the energy levels consistent. 

Ok, that’s calories covered, but the type of food you eat will also affect your energy levels. Let’s take the car as an example again. If you put sludge in the fuel tank, the car won’t run efficiently.  

Unless it’s electric and you don’t have a fuel tank. 

Ok, Ant, you know what I mean. It’s just an example. 

Anyway, the body is just like a car.  If you continuously eat foods with low nutritional content that are highly processed, it’s the same as putting sludge in the car; your body won’t run as efficiently as it could and you will be low in energy. If you eat a lot of refined carbs, such as cakes, chocolate, white bread, certain breakfast cereals and sugary drinks you will suffer from energy spikes and crashes. The body will also be missing out on important macro and micronutrients that it needs.   

So, sticking to your calorie needs while choosing foods that will nourish your body will not only help increase your energy levels and mood but it will also help boost your immunity and improve your overall health.