The basics of Kilojoules and calories- Fun Fact Friday

Hi Everybody, tonight's post is going to be short and sweet as I have to study for a Food Chemistry Exam! I thought I would share with you some important basics and numbers surrounding the kilojoule.
Kilojoule (kJ) / calorie is a unit of measure of energy. The body requires energy for growth, repair and all the general day-to-day processes conducted within and between the many cells.

1 Calorie = 4.2 Kilojoules (more accurately 4.184)
Handy to know if a package or food label only displays one of the two units. Divide by 4.2 to find out calories (if only kJ is shown) or multiply number of calories by 4.2 to work out kilojoules.

Energy In = Energy Out
For the most part, energy is a balancing act and it is generally said that your energy in (food eaten) should equal your energy out (exercise etc) in order to maintain weight. Although there are external factors that contribute to weight loss or gain that haven't been factored into this equation, it is a simple guideline that at the very least gets you thinking about whether your own energy intake is greater or less than the amount of exercise you do.

One kg of body fat is equal to around 37,000 kJ, so to lose that one kg of fat you would have to burn off or have a dietary deficit of 37,000kJ or 5,000 kJ a day!!!

Macronutrients (kJ/ gram)

Carbohydrates: 16 kJ/ gram
Protein: 17 kJ/ gram
Alcohol: 29 kJ/ gram
Fat: 37 kJ/ gram

So before you pick up an alcoholic beverage this weekend think of the empty kilojoules that you are putting in your body. Carbohydrate is the body's preferred choice of fuel for muscles and the brain. And with Alcohol and Fat being so energy dense it is important to consume in moderation especially alcohol.

Sources:
Better Health Victoria: Kilojoules
Nutrition Australia: Balancing Energy