Nutrition
As of 2026-04-24
How Food-to-Exercise Converter works
Methodology for the Food-to-Exercise Converter: formulas, coefficients, data sources, assumptions, and known limitations.
Scope
Shows how long you need to exercise to burn off a given food, personalized by bodyweight and MET intensity.
Formula
minutes = food_kcal / (MET * weight_kg * 1/60).
Coefficients
| Parameter | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| MET range | 2–15 MET (walking to fast running) |
Data sources
- Ainsworth BE, Haskell WL, Herrmann SD, et al. 2011 Compendium of Physical Activities. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2011;43(8):1575-1581. — PMID 21681120. Source of the MET table.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Guidance for Industry: Nutrition Labeling Manual — A Guide for Developing and Using Data Bases. — Source of the ~10-20% FDA label-tolerance figure referenced in the Assumptions section.
Assumptions
- Food calorie label is accurate to the ~10% allowed by FDA tolerance.
Approximation range
MET tables carry +/- 10–15% individual variance.
Limitations
- Framing exercise as 'paying for' food is not evidence-based nutrition advice and can reinforce disordered eating patterns.
- The tool exists for curiosity, not as a weight-loss strategy.
Reproducibility
500 kcal donut, 70 kg, running 8 MET: 500 / (8 * 70 / 60) = ~54 min run.
Change log
- 2026-04-24: methodology page first published.
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