TEF (Thermic Effect of Food)

Thermic Effect of Food (TEF) is the energy expended to digest, absorb, and metabolize nutrients.

Why it matters

TEF is a small but real part of daily calorie burn and varies by macronutrient mix.

How it works

Protein has the highest TEF (~20-30%), carbs moderate (~5-10%), fat lowest (~0-3%). Higher protein slightly increases daily burn.

How to calculate / apply

Favor higher-protein meals to raise TEFTEFEnergy your body uses to digest and process food. marginally while supporting satiety and muscle retention.