What are the three main ways energy is expended daily?

The three main ways energy is expended daily are best captured by Basal Metabolic Rate, Thermic Effect of Feeding, and Physical Activity.

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) refers to the amount of energy expended while at rest, specifically for maintaining basic physiological functions such as breathing, circulation, and cell production. This represents the largest component of daily energy expenditure for most people.

The Thermic Effect of Feeding (TEF) accounts for the energy used in the digestion, absorption, and metabolism of food. This process requires energy, albeit generally a smaller portion than the BMR and physical activity. Understanding TEF is essential for comprehending how different macronutrients impact total calorie expenditure.

Physical Activity encompasses all movements that require energy, from structured exercise to daily activities like walking or gardening. This component can greatly vary between individuals depending on their lifestyle and activity level.

In contrast, the other options focus on elements that do not adequately cover the systematic ways energy is expended. For example, the focus on "Eating, Sleeping, Running" simplifies complex physiological processes and does not accurately categorize energy expenditure into the recognized components. Similarly, "Breathing, Sleeping, Physical Activity" does not distinguish between resting metabolic processes and the actual energy