Thermic Effect Of Food

Thermic effect of food refers to the energy required (or the increase in energy required) after ingesting a meal. Also known as TEF. Rule of thumb, it refers to the 8 hours after the meal. This is inclusive of digesting, absorbing, breaking down, and then storing the nutrients. Studies have shown that the TEF can be up to 10% of our daily energy expenditures. The more complex the food, the more complex the TEF.