How do we measure energy in foods?
Energy in food is measured in calories. That "calorie" thing you heard about is not a bad thing, and it is not a good thing. It is a measurement. It is a way of measuring how much energy different kinds of food provide.

The same size block of fat has twice the amount of calories that the same size block of carbohydrate or protein has. Another way to say it is: Fat has twice the amount of calorie as found in carbohydrates or proteins.

How do we measure the weight of foods?
There are 2 systems used to measure the weight of foods.

The first system is the Metric System. It is used in Europe and most of the world and officially used in reporting numbers in the United States that you will see most commonly used in text books.

1 Kilogram = 1,000 Grams
1 Gram = 1,000 Milligrams
1 Milligram = 1,000 Micrograms

The second system is the English System. It is:
1 Pound = 16 Ounces
(1 Ounce = 30 Grams)

We know it can be confusing, but don't get intimidated. It has been said that a man who has 2 watches is never sure of time. We recommend using the easier Metric System.

So, you know now that we characterize any food by how much it weighs (grams / milligrams) and by how much heat is produces (calories).

If we look at sugar as an example, you will see the difference between these measurements. Notice that the milligram is too small to see with the human eye. The microgram is even smaller.