Calorie Know-How: Get The Equation Right To Get Results!

Calories in and calories out. Maintaining, losing or gaining weight is supposed to be as simple as this balanced equation. In reality, we all know that nutrition can be much more mind-boggling than this. To accomplish your physique goals you must be aware of your caloric goals.

How Many Calories Do I Need Each Day?

Energy requirements are based on multiple factors including training frequency, type, intensity, body composition, size, and goals. The formulas and recommendations are not set in stone. It is important to use a multitude of tools to determine if you're achieving proper energy balance such as appetite, weight, mood, body fat percentage, and overall health.

The human body uses about 60% of calories just to keep up with natural processes at rest. The amount of calories you burn at rest is termed your basal metabolic rate (BMR). The more lean muscle mass you have the higher your BMR. By building a leaner more muscular physique you increase your calorie burning abilities around the clock!

The remainder of the energy pie is divided between activity and digestion. 30% of energy (calories) is used for physical activity while 10% is used in the process of digestion. This is why you can burn more calories by eating smaller meals more often.

To determine your basal metabolic rate (BMR), aka how many calories your body burns at rest, use the following formula:

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Note: The above equations do not account for individual body composition.

But this one does:

Energy Requirements For Athletes

Athletes require the proper nutrition to fuel performance. This varies depending on the sport and the individual.

How Many Calories To Build Muscle Mass And Gain Weight?

Athletes should increase their total caloric intake by 250-500 calories per day to gain weight. Some experts even recommend a 1,000 caloric increase per day. Remember to consider activity level when calculating caloric intake. Athletes should aim to consume the proper ratios of nutrients.

Studies have indicated that the timing of protein intake may be more beneficial for building lean muscle mass rather than quantity since the body can only absorb about 30 grams of protein at a time. Athletes should consume protein and carbohydrates within the first 30-60 minutes post training since the body is in an ideal state to repair and build.

Sufficient nutrient intake from clean food sources at multiple times throughout the day will provide the body with the fuel it needs to build lean hard muscle.

How Many Calories To Lose Weight?

Athletes should decrease their total caloric intake by 500 calories per day to lose 1 pound in 1 week. The caloric deficit can be created from additional exercise, diet, or a combination of both. Remember to consider activity level when calculating caloric intake. Athletes should aim to consume the proper ratios of nutrients.

Just cutting calories alone may reduce the number on the scale, but losing body fat while maintaining hard earned lean muscle mass is a science. When trying to lose body fat and obtain a lean healthy body it's important to maintain training intensity. Caloric intake should not drop so low that training severely suffers, metabolism slows, or the body becomes catabolic.

Losing weight and reducing body fat is a gradual process- for lasting results aim to lose no more than 1-2 pounds per week through training and diet.

Take-Home Message

The provided formulas can help you create the balance you need for a well toned and balanced physique. When it comes to nutrition don't be afraid of the math and science component; after all your ideal physique is a science project in the works!