Food gives you energy for physical activity. To have energy, you need:

• Protein. It maintains and rebuilds tissues, such as muscles.
• Carbohydrate. This is the body's preferred source of energy.
• Fat, which also provides energy.
• Water, to replace water lost through activity.

Having eating habits that are balanced, varied, and moderate can give you all the nutrients your body needs.

• Balance means eating the recommended amount from each food group most days.
• Variety within each food group, such as fruits or vegetables, ensures that you will get all the nutrients you need. No one food provides every nutrient.
• Moderation means eating a little of everything but not too much of any one thing.

Your activity level will influence how much you need to eat. People who are very active need more calories than people who are less active.