The recommended amount of calories per day is based on achieving a healthy weight. Activity level, gender, age and weight goals are important in determining daily caloric needs.
Physical Activity Level
Knowing your physical activity level is important in understanding how many calories you should eat daily. You are considered sedentary if you are physically inactive and only do normal daily activities. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, normal daily activities could include grocery shopping, casual walking or taking out the trash. According to the Centers for Disease Control, you are considered moderately active if, in addition to normal daily activities, you do a combination of moderately intense activities, such as fast walking, water aerobics or mowing the lawn for at least 2 1/2 hours per week. Your lifestyle is active if, in addition to normal daily activities, you do a combination of vigorous activities, such as running, aerobic dancing or swimming laps for at least 2 1/2 hours per week.
Sedentary Adult
A sedentary adult female should consume between 1,600 and 2,000 calories each day, and a sedentary adult male should consume between 2,000 and 2,400 calories daily, according to the American Heart Association. Age is important in the total needed.
Moderately Active Adult
Moderately active adult females require between 1,800 and 2,200 calories daily, and moderately active adult males need between 2,200 and 2,800 calories daily, according to the American Heart Association.
Active Adult
Active adult females should consume between 2,000 and 2,400 calories each day, and active adult males should consume between 2,400 and 3,000 calories daily, according to the American Heart Association.
Age
As adults age, they require fewer calories. The younger and more active you are, the more calories you need. Adjust your levels throughout life to achieve proper weight and calorie balance.
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