Energy in food has been traditionally measured in calories. More recently the units of energy have been referred to as kilojoules. There are 4.18 kilojoules in 1 calorie, so if you are reading a label and want to know how many calories per serve the product has, divide the kilojoules per serve by 4.

 

This is an easy way to convert back to calories. The recommended daily calorie intake per day varies from person to person. How much energy you require depends on your age, your height, your body composition, your level of daily activity and your lifestyle. 

 

A nutritionist will sit down with you and help you plan exactly how to allocate those calories over the day so that you are managing your energy levels. The NZ Healthy Food Guide is a good publication to get hold of, it’s brimming with easy recipes and meal ideas that are healthy and make up a 2000-calorie diet. If you keep your portions under control and eat plenty of vegetables you will find it easy.

 

It’s the little extras like alcohol and treats on the weekend that bump the calories up over 2000. I still think the best plan of attack is to see a nutritionist and find out exactly how many calories you should be aiming for and how to include all of the 50+ nutrients your body needs daily to function. For starters you can visit our website www.realnutrients.co.nz for some helpful meal ideas.