Category: Energy intake

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australians derived a significant portion of their energy, over 31% in 2023, from discretionary foods high in fats and sugars. Understanding where the rest of that energy comes from requires looking beyond those habits to see what do Australians use for calories—or more accurately, kilojoules—in their daily diet.

The Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) provide two distinct types of recommendations for energy intake to help individuals maintain energy balance and reduce chronic disease risk. These guidelines, developed by the National Academies, offer a comprehensive approach to dietary energy, focusing on both total caloric needs and the distribution of macronutrients. Understanding these two pillars is fundamental for anyone looking to follow evidence-based nutritional advice.