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How many Calories do we need?
Calories (also know as kilocalories) refer to the kind of energy
that we get from food. All foods contain calories, except for water
which contains no calories.
Our bodies need calories (that is energy) in order to function
properly. Even when we sleep our bodies use calories for growth and
repair. However, on a daily basis our bodies only use a limited
amount of calories and so it is important not to exceed in (or fall
short of) the amount of calories that we ingest.
The number of calories that we need each day differs between
individuals -some people need more than others-. For example, men
need in general more calories than women because their bodies are
bigger. An average man needs about 2800 calories a day; an average
woman needs about 2100. However, other factors are important, such
as the type of lifestyle conducted (e.g. sedentary or active) and
age. An approximate indication of the number of calories needed by
our bodies by age and lifestyle is given below.
Men
|
Age |
Lifestyle |
Daily Calorie requirement |
|
|
Sedentary |
2500 |
|
18-34 |
Moderately active |
2900 |
|
|
Active |
3350 |
|
|
Sedentary |
2400 |
|
35-64 |
Moderately active |
2750 |
|
|
Active |
3350 |
|
Women
|
Age |
Lifestyle |
Daily Calorie requirement |
|
|
Sedentary |
2000 |
|
18-34 |
Moderately
active |
2100 |
|
|
Active |
2500 |
|
|
Sedentary |
2000 |
|
35-64 |
Moderately
active |
2100 |
|
|
Active |
2500 |
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What happens when your intake of calories is too high?
The body only uses the amount of calories that it needs to function
properly. Any surplus calories in the form of excess fats,
proteins and carbohydrates will be stored as fat in the body.
Therefore, if you eat more calories than your body requires, you
will put on weight. Conversely, if you eat less calories than your
body requires, you will lose weight.
How many calories do you burn everyday (click
here) ?
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