Glossary
Twelve terms that show up constantly in nutrition labels, guidelines and forum arguments, defined the way the reference sources define them.
- Calorie
- A unit of energy. The food calorie on labels is one kilocalorie, the energy from about 1 gram of carbohydrate or protein or 9 grams of fat.
- BMR
- Basal metabolic rate. The calories your body burns at complete rest to keep vital functions running, the largest part of your daily energy use.
- TDEE
- Total daily energy expenditure. Your BMR plus the calories you use for movement, digestion, and exercise; the number that roughly maintains your weight.
- Macronutrient
- A nutrient your body needs in large amounts for energy and structure: carbohydrate, fat, and protein. Each has a fixed calorie count per gram.
- Micronutrient
- A vitamin or mineral your body needs in small amounts, such as vitamin D, iron, or magnesium, most of which come from food.
- Protein
- The macronutrient made of amino acids that builds and repairs tissue. The U.S. minimum is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight per day.
- Dietary fiber
- The indigestible part of plant foods. The target is about 28 grams a day for women and 38 grams for men on a 2,000-calorie diet.
- Added sugars
- Sugars or sweeteners a manufacturer puts into a product, separate from the natural sugars in whole fruit and milk. The guideline limit is under 10% of daily calories.
- Daily Value (DV)
- A reference number on U.S. food labels, shown as a percentage, for a 2,000-calorie day. 5% is considered low and 20% is considered high.
- BMI
- Body mass index. Weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared, a population screening number that does not measure body fat directly.
- Standard drink
- A serving containing about 14 grams of alcohol, such as 12 oz beer, 5 oz wine, or 1.5 oz of spirits at 80 proof.
- Sodium
- A mineral that helps balance fluids but raises blood pressure in excess. The general U.S. target is under 2,300 mg a day, 1,500 mg for many at higher risk.