How do I create an energy balance?
To
create an energy balance, you must balance the number of
calories you eat against the amount of exercise you are
willing to do on a consistent basis. A registered dietitian
(RD) can help you determine this balance. The new
Shape Up
America! Cyberkitchen
will also help you understand this balance.
• If you
have lost weight, are ready to maintain that loss, and your
daily physical activity is fairly consistent, the amount of
food you eat may need to increase slightly. Visit an RD to
determine how much and which kinds of food to eat.
• If you are interested in putting a stop to a recent
weight gain, the amount of food you eat needs to decrease
slightly, or your physical activity level needs to
increase.
In either case, portion control and healthy eating—
including eating less fat and more grains, fruits, and
vegetables—will help you maintain your weight. When
followed, these healthy eating principles may actually help
you reduce the number of calories you eat without requiring
a decrease in the amount of food you eat. A registered
dietitian (RD) can help you select nutritious foods and eat
the right amount of calories.
You can find educational materials that may help you
achieve this balance in Appendix III.
