Calorie counting is not a task reserved for dieters. Every food item is assigned a caloric value that pertains to the recommended serving size of that item. The number of calories you should consume varies according your age, gender and activity level. As your age increases or your activity level fluctuates, you must adjust your caloric intake. Organizations such as the American Heart Association and the Mayo Clinic provide guidelines on daily recommended caloric limits for men.
Dietary Guidelines
The U.S. Department of Agriculture states that a balanced diet is composed of fruits, vegetables, lean protein and healthy carbohydrates. Fats and sugars should be consumed in moderation. While the serving sizes of these foods vary, it is important to eat a healthy combination each day.
Male Adults, Ages 19-30
The AHA recommends three ranges of healthy caloric intake for men, based on their activity level. If you are a man between the ages of 19 and 30 and you are primarily sedentary, you should not consume more than 2,400 calories on a daily basis. Being sedentary means that you do not exercise and only experience light physical activity based on your daily routine. People who are sedentary often work in jobs that require them to sit throughout the day, such as in an office setting. If you are between 19 and 30 and have a moderately active life, you can consume between 2,400 and 2,600 calories a day. The more active you are, the more calories your body requires to provide it with energy. If you are moderately active, you may exercise a few times per week or your commute may involve walking (i.e. to and from a train or bus). If you are an active 19 to 30 year-old man, you should consume approximately 3,000 calories daily. If you are active, your daily routine involves significant physical activity in addition to a consistent exercise regimen.
Male Adults, Ages 31-50
As you age, your body requires less calories. Eating higher amounts of calories as you get older will lead to weight gain and can cause other health problems. Sedentary men between ages 31 and 50 should consume 2,200 daily. Moderately active men in this age range can consume between 2,400 and 2,600 calories and active men can eat between 2,800 and 3,000 calories each day.
Male Adults, Ages 50 and Older
Men ages 50 and above should consume the least amount of calories. If you are a man that is age 50 or more and your lifestyle is fairly sedentary, you should limit your caloric intake to 2,000 calories per day. If you are a moderately active man age 50 or older, you can increase your caloric intake to 2,200 and 2,400 calories each day. An active man in this age range can consume between 2,400 and 2,800 calories each day.
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