 By definition a calorie is the energy it takes to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water1 degree Celsius  Calories is basically energy that fuels our bodies  Without sufficient calories are heart would not beat, our lungs would not function, and our brains would not work

 It is hard to exactly say how many calories a teenager needs without having the following information: - Physical Size - Expenditure of energy (amount and type of activity)  But if doctors had to give a number they would say a girl between the ages of 11 – 14 will need about 1800 calories a day.  11 to 14 year old boy will need about 2,220 calories a day.

 The calories we don’t work off will convert to fat.  Too much fat can lead to health problems

 Some people mistakenly think that they have to burn off ALL the calories they eat or they will gain weight  That is not true.  There are times when you burn off calories and you don’t even realize it. Ex.) walking your dog or making your bed

 Should be at least active for 1 hour a day  Being active everyday keeps your body strong and can help you maintain a health weight  Watching TV and playing video games does not burn off a lot of calories. Limit playing time to 1 to 2 hours a day  A person only burns about 1 calorie per minute watching TV, about the same as sleeping.