We often say food and fuels "contain" energy. It is more accurate to say that energy is stored in the "fuel-oxygen system" generated during photosynthesis. It is definitely "not" stored in fuels or food (except for the very small amount of energy that can be obtained during anaerobic respiration). Aerobic respiration is the process in which the separated oxygen rejoins the food/fuel, so transferring the energy to the cells of plants and animals. The handheld simplified model developed in this article suggests more accurately how the energy is stored in the fuel-oxygen system and later transferred. Ideas for teaching and understanding climate change are also suggested. Since the ideas suggest a profound change in the way we think about food and energy, the article ends with a discussion that we hope will stimulate others to comment and contribute.