Energy goals explained

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This article explains how to customise how your client's daily energy goals are calculated in Foodworks.online Professional workspaces.

Understanding Energy Goals

Energy goals represent the estimated amount of energy (kilojoules or calories) your client needs to maintain a healthy weight. Foodworks.online offers several methods for calculating this value, each with its own benefits.

To change the energy goal calculation method: 

  1. In the navigation pane, select your client. 
  2. Select the Nutrient targets tab. 
  3. Select the Energy sub-tab. 
  4. The table displays available calculation methods. Use the Enabled toggle to activate your preferred option.
  5. Optional: If you desire a specific daily energy target, select Custom and enter the value in the designated cell.
  6. Your selection is saved automatically. 

Where Energy Goals are Used

Client Dashboard

The client's energy goal is displayed in the Energy requirements section and the client summary.

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Graphs

Foodworks.online utilises the energy goal throughout various client graphs. These graphs automatically update when you change the calculation method. Relevant graphs include:

  • Energy intake compared to goal over time
  • Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI)
  • Estimated Average Requirement (EAR)

Resources

The chosen energy goal is also incorporated into client-specific resources. The Nutrient Reference Value analyses will reflect changes made to the calculation method.

Available Energy Goal Options:

Estimated Energy Requirements (EER) (Default):

  • This is the standard calculation method used by Foodworks.online. EER considers your client's age, sex, weight, height, and activity level. Additionally, pregnancy and lactation status (females) are factored into the calculation.
    • Ages 4 and above: Uses the Schofield equation.
    • Ages 0-3: Uses the Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine paediatric EER equation.

Custom:

  • This option allows you to set a specific daily calorie goal for your client.

Estimated Energy Requirements for Maintenance (EERM):

  • This method calculates the energy needed to maintain current body weight. In Foodworks.online, this value will likely be the same as the EER. 
    • Ages 4 and above: Uses the Schofield equation.
    • Ages 0-3: Uses the Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine paediatric EER equation.

Desirable Estimated Energy Requirements (DEER):

  • DEER accounts for an Adjusted Body Weight (where applicable) when calculating energy needs.
    • Ages 4 and above: Uses the Schofield equation.
    • Ages 0-3: Uses the Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine paediatric EER equation.

Choosing the Right Method

The ideal calculation method depends on your client's specific goals and health status. EER is a good starting point for most clients. If you have specific goals for the client like weight loss or weight gain, custom or DEER might be more suitable.

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