As a woman, your caloric needs depend on your height, weight, activity level and weight loss or weight management goals. Understanding how many calories you should eat will help you create a diet to reach a healthy weight. Choosing to eat nutrient-dense foods will keep your body fueled and help you get the most out of the calories you consume.
Caloric Intake
Calories are the fuel to help your body function each day. All women have different goals and lifestyles, so everyone needs a different number of calories. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Information Center's website can give you a recommendation on how many calories you should eat, depending on your lifestyle and goals.
Weight Maintenance
The University of Iowa Health Care recommends that women with a sedentary lifestyle should consume 1,600 calories a day to maintain a healthy weight. Active women should consume 2,200 calories to maintain a healthy weight. When you are active you burn more calories and need to consume more energy to fuel your body.
Weight Loss
Weight loss occurs when you burn more calories than you consume. In order to lose a pound, you must burn 3,500 calories. A healthy weight loss is 1 to 2 pounds per week, which can occur when you cut out 500 to 1,000 calories per day. This can be done by both exercising and restricting your caloric intake. The American Heart Association explains that women who are trying to lose weight should never consume fewer than 1,200 calories.
Considerations
Be sure to listen to your body and your own hunger cues. Some days your body requires more energy. Eat nutrient-dense foods like whole grains, lean meats, fruits and vegetables to help you stay full longer with maximum nutrients.
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