Calories are more than numbers. It is important to know how many calories you consume because there are limits to how many calories you eat. However, in addition to eating a total amount of calories beneath your caloric limits, you must also know the minimum amount of calories you should eat to provide your body with energy and the fuel it needs to perform certain functions. Caloric ranges vary according to age, activity level and gender.
Caloric Intakes for Men vs. Women
In general, men can consume more calories than women. This is based on the fact that the male body generally has more muscle than female bodies, which means that they can burn a higher number of calories than women. However, women and men both need to monitor their activity level and compare this level with their age to determine the minimum amount of calories they should consume each day. Caloric ranges for men and women are estimated according to three activity levels: sedentary, moderately active and active. Sedentary means that you are generally seated for most of the day and don't engage in much physical activity outside your regular daily movements. If you are moderately active, you may exercise two to three times per week and are somewhat mobile throughout the day. If you are active, you exercise on most days, including playing a sport or walking as a primary part of your daily routine.
Men Ages 19 to 30
If you are a man between the ages of 19 and 30 who is sedentary, you should not eat more or less than 2,400 calories to support your health. If you are moderately active, you should eat 2,600 calories at minimum. If you lead an active lifestyle, you need at least 3,000 calories each day.
Men Ages 31 to 50
According to the American Heart Association, as you age, you should systematically reduce the minimum number of calories you eat. For example, if you are a sedentary man between the ages of 31 and 50, reduce your minimum daily caloric intake to 2,200 calories. If you are a moderately active man within this age range, eat a minimum of 2,400 calories, but if you are active, you should eat a minimum of 2,800 calories.
Men Ages 51 and Older
When you reach the age of 50, your minimum caloric intake should decrease further. If you are age 51 or older and you are sedentary on most days, decrease your minimum intake to 2,000 calories per day. If you are in this age range and are still moderately active, consume a minimum of 2,200 calories. If you are consistently active and you are in this age range, decrease your minimum caloric intake to 2,400 calories each day.
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