How to be a healthy weight – balancing energy in and energy out
Achieving or maintaining a healthy weight is all about balancing the energy we take in with the energy we burn (energy out).
Tips for watching the energy you take in:
- enjoy a variety of foods from each of the five food groups in the amounts recommended
- watch your portion sizes – particularly foods and drinks that are high in kilojoules
- limit your intake of energy-dense or high-kilojoule foods and drinks (check the kilojoules on the menu when eating out)
- if you do have an energy-dense meal, choose food or drinks that have fewer kilojoules at other meals in the day.
Tips for watching the energy you burn:
- be active in as many ways as you can throughout the day – take the stairs instead of the lift, get off the bus a stop early and walk, break up sitting time at work
- exercise regularly – at least 30 minutes of moderately intense activity on most days
- do more activity when you eat more kilojoules.
Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is good for your overall vitality and well-being and helps prevent many diseases.