Every body needs a different amount of a calories per day but there are basic guidelines that can be followed. Most health experts recommend eating three meals a day and two snacks. Eating frequently is encouraged to keep the metabolism going and prevent over eating. Calories should come from a variety of foods and a variety of proteins, carbohydrates and fats.
Significance
It is significant that the body gets enough nutrients for the day to function properly. It is also important that you do not consume too many calories. The number of calories a person consumes is related to many different things. A combination of age, gender, height, weight and activity level plays a major role in how many calories should be in the diet. Someone who is active requires more calories that someone who lives a sedentary life. Fueling the body with the right amount of calories will give the body energy, help maintain muscle and promote a healthy lifestyle.
Children
Children require a different amount of calories than an adult. It is important for parents to know the caloric requirements for children in order to make sure they are growing healthy. According to the website Keeping Kids Healthy, children one to 3 years old require 1,300 calories, children aged 4 to 6 require 1,800 calories and seven to 10-year olds require 2,000 calories per day. Teens need slightly more calories than children because they tend to be more active. Teen boys 11 to 14 require 2,500 calories and boys 15 to 18 require 3,000 calories. Teen girls between the ages of 11 to 18 require 2,200 calories.
Males
All males require different caloric needs. A man who is sedentary, completes light physical activity, requires the least amount of calories. A moderately active male, meaning he walks daily, plus completes light physical activity requires a slightly higher caloric intake. A very active male, defined as walking more than three miles a day, requires the most amount of calories. According to the American Heart Association, a man between the ages of 19 and 30 with a sedentary lifestyle needs 2,400 calories, a moderately active male requires 2,600 and a very active male requires 2,800. Men between the ages of 31 and 50 with a sedentary lifestyle require 2,200 calories, 2,400 calories when moderately active and 2,600 calories when very active. Men over the age of 51 require 2,000 calories when sedentary, 2,200 when moderately active and 2,400 when very active.
Females
Females require slightly less calories than males because their bodies are generally smaller. According to the American Heart Association, females between the ages of 19 and 30 with a sedentary lifestyle require 2,000 calories per day, a moderately active lifestyle requires 2,200 calories and a very active lifestyle requires 2,400 calories. Women between the ages of 31 and 50 require 1,800 calories when sedentary, 2,000 calories when moderately active and 2,200 calories when very active. Women over 51 require 1,600 calories when sedentary, 1,800 calories when moderately active and 2,000 calories when very active.
Effects
Eating the recommended amount of calories helps create a healthy lifestyle. The equation for weight loss and weight gain is always the same. In order to lose weight the body must burn more calories than it is consuming and weight gain will be brought on by eating too many calories and not moving enough. Using the requirements will help to manage weight and reach weight goals.
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