Just how many calories do our cells need to function well? The number is different for every person. You may notice on the nutritional labels of the foods you buy that the “percent daily values” are based on a 2,000 calorie diet — 2,000 calories is a rough average of what a person needs to eat in a day, but your body might need more or less than 2,000 calories. Height, weight, gender, age and activity level all affect your caloric needs. There are three main factors involved in calculating how many calories your body needs per day:
* Basal metabolic rate
* Physical activity
* Thermic effect of food
Your basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the amount of energy your body needs to function at rest. This accounts for about 60 to 70 percent of calories burned in a day and includes the energy required to keep the heart beating, the lungs breathing, the kidneys functioning and the body temperature stabilized. In general, men have a higher BMR than women. One of the most accurate methods of estimating your basal metabolic rate is the Harris-Benedict formula:
* Adult male: 66 + (6.3 x body weight in lbs.) + (12.9 x height in inches) - (6.8 x age in years)
* Adult female: 655 + (4.3 x weight in lbs.) + (4.7 x height in inches) - (4.7 x age in years)
(Note: The first number in the equation for females is, in fact, 655. Strange but true.)
Figure out your BMR? Now you need to know how many calories you need, just to keep doing what you’re doing.
Source: Howstuffworks.com
7:28 am
This is very helpful as a guideline, Leanne. Thanks! Like most, I need fewer calories than you’d think. :blush:
8:19 am
This is facinating. I’ve recalculated it 3 times now because it is so much less than I ever thought I’d need. Of course, this is caloric needs at rest though. If you work out, keep in mind you’ll want more than that!
8:24 am
I’ve done mine, and feel like I finally “get it”. I’ve looked up how many calories I burn sitting on my butt doing computer work all day, and how long it will take me to realistically reach my goals.
I just feel like doing this: :duh:
8:45 am
You know, I’ve never bothered to count calories, just points (for WW). Be interesting to see what that is since I apparently only need 1453 - that seems low to me, but maybe that’s why I’m stuck at 150!
8:58 am
I need 1529 calories. Wow, less than I thought. That will give me a good guideline to work with. Thanks Leanne
9:40 am
Okay, I got my BMR=1606.3, but I can’t figure out how to get my needed amount of calories to sustain and/or lose weight. I clicked on the links, but still don’t get it. :duh:
9:55 am
Well that number doesn’t even seem high enough to live–under 1300 for me.
12:43 pm
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