Dietary energy expenditure

Dietary energy expenditure refers to the calories your body uses to digest, absorb, and process the food you eat. When you consume food, your body requires energy to break it down into nutrients, transport these nutrients into your bloodstream, and store or utilize them for various functions. This process, called the thermic effect of food, accounts for roughly 10% of your daily calorie expenditure. In essence, dietary energy expenditure is the energy cost associated with converting the food you consume into usable fuel and building blocks for your body's functions.