Every woman is different, so the daily calorie needs of a 50-year-old woman depend on her body and lifestyle. The Harris-Benedict Equation will help you estimate your daily caloric intake based on your age, weight, height, gender and activity level.
Basal Metabolic Rate
The first step in the Harris-Benedict Equation is to determine your basal metabolic rate or BMR, which is the rate at which your body uses calories at rest to perform basic functions. Input your age, weight, height and gender using the link in Resources to determine your BMR.
Activity Level
With your BMR you can now figure out your daily caloric intake by determining your weekly activity level and multiplying your BMR by the corresponding factor. If you get little to no exercise, multiply your BMR by 1.2 If you do light exercise one to three days a week, multiply by 1.375. For moderate exercise five days a week, multiply by 1.55. And for strenuous exercise, multiply by 1.725.
Doing the Math
If you are 50 years old, weigh 150 pounds and are 5 feet, 8 inches tall, your BMR is 1,392. If you go walking three times per week, multiply your BMR by 1.375. Your recommended daily calorie intake is 1,914.
Member Comments