The relationship between the energy consumed through food and drink and the energy used by the body.
Why Energy balance matters
Energy balance helps explain changes in body weight over time, although water, glycogen and digestion can hide the short-term trend.
A practical example
Average intake matching average expenditure tends to maintain body weight over time.
Common mistake
Trying to calculate every calorie perfectly instead of using consistent averages and trends.
Keep the context in mind.
Training and nutrition terms describe general principles. The right exercise, intensity or food target still depends on your experience, health, goals and schedule.
Personalised coaching
Apply the principle to your own training.
A definition is useful, but your programme still needs to match your experience, schedule, recovery and goals.
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