The Leading Diet Question - How Many Calories Should You Eat?

Anyone who first takes any interest in their diet will be aware of the word "calories". In fact, in some countries you will her calories mentioned in some of the food advertising. Then, if you read the fine print on food packaging, if it is responsible, you should see reference to the number of calories in the food item you have bought. But how does that really help you, if you do not know how many calories you should eat anyway?

Like many things, the answer is that everone is different. First of all, there is the important factor of your height, and then your existing weight. After that, the all important level of exercise that you normally do. So, there is no simple, single answer to answer to the question: how many calories should I have?

There is a quick rule of thumb calculation that some people use, but it is very crude in its results. If you multiply your weight by 10 that is the amount of calories you should consume per day. For example, if you are 160 lbs, then your daily calorie intake should be 1600 calories to maintain that weight.

Once you have that central figure of 1600 calories, then if you want to lose weight you reduce your calories. That, of coruse, does not take into account the crucial factor of how many calories you are burning. Someone with a highly active job needs more calories than someone sitting at a desk all day.

A far better calculation is the The Harris-Benedict Equation, as it takes into account your activity level, plus your height (in inches), weight (in pounds), age (in years) and sex (male or female), which are the bases for calculating your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) and then your calorie requirement. (Please see our BMR page.)

Always remember that to lose weight you must consume fewer calories and/or burn more calories through activity. if you cannot disclipline yourself to count the calories, and very few of us can, by consciously reducing your high calorie food and drink intake, checking your weight weekly, you will be able to monitor yopur weight loss progress. Then you adjust accordingly to increase or decrease the pace of loss. A small amount per week is fine, say 1lb. Your main aim is to alter your bad eating habits.

For personal advice about your calorie intake, you should consult your doctor or dietician.