ENERGY CONSUMPTION

Energy lights our cities, powers our vehicles and runs machinery in our factories. It warms  and cools our homes, cooks our food, plays our music and gives us pictures on television.

Our bodies use energy for everything we do - growth, development, cell repair and for movement activities like walking, running, swimming, working and even sleeping.

We measure energy in kilojoules, the same as we measure distance in kilometres and weight in kilograms.

Kilojoules (food energy) are important for providing energy for your daily activities and body function. Aim to balance the energy you consume through foods with the energy you expend during the day. The more active you are, the more kilojoules of food energy you need. If you are less active, your body needs fewer kilojoules of food energy to get you through the day.

Our bodies use energy from food and drinks to fuel basic bodily functions like breathing, pumping blood, digestion, maintaining body temperature and producing hormones and enzymes.

What are your kilojoule requirements?

It is recommended that the average adult diet consists of 8700 kilojoules per day although many people will require different amounts of food energy at various stages of their lives and as their activity level varies.

A very active teenager for example will require more food energy than a less active older person.