Diet and Calories

Alternative names:

calories and diet

Definition:

A "diet" includes everything that is consumed. A well-balanced diet is based on scientific principles to provide sound nutrition, adequate intake of nutrients, and promote optimal health.

Functions:

All foods and liquids that are consumed contribute to the diet. They contribute energy and nutrients. The energy in food is measured in Calories. One (small) calorie is the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water 1 degree Centigrade (from 14.5 to 15.5). Nutrition is measured in terms of (large) Calories; one Calorie (or kcal) is 1000 calories; this is the amount of energy required to raise one kilogram of water (about 2.2 pounds) one degree Centigrade.
A persons Caloric need is determined using a variety of mathematical equations. One's age, height, current weight, desired weight and height are taken into account.