First, it is necessary to define the term „energy balance.“

 

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

In terms of nutrition, energy is obtained through food. Our body digest and absorb nutrients from the food we eat. Those nutrients contain  potential energy , that can ben converted into kinetic energy, which allows us to move and stay alive.

Primary source of energy are macronutrients.

Macronutrients are nutrients that we need in large amount ( macro): carbohydrates, proteins and fats. We need to obtain food from all these categories in order to function properly and be healthy.

If we don’t consume food from one of these product groups, we are missing a vital energy source.

Factors affecting Energy balance

Energy in:

• Types of food we eat
• How these food are cooked
• How our body absorb and digest food
• Sleep, recovery and stress levels
• Mindset and psychology
• Emotions

Energy out:

• Metabolism function
• Producing heat
• Exercise and movement
• Excretion
• Sleep, recovery and stress level
• Hormon status

However, if we exercise hard ( energy out) and we did not recover ( energy in)  from exercise properly ( example: sleep, nutrients…) we have an energy disbalance.

If we experienced stress for instance ( energy out) and we did not work it out with right mindset ( energy in)  we also have an energy disbalance.

Energy has always to be in balance. If not, we, especially women, are facing problems such as:

• Body shuts down production of sex hormones
• Irregular / lost of menstrual cycles
• Hormone disruptions
• Pre-menopause

At the end of the day, it’s always important to consider where you’ve lost energy and how you’ve regained it.