A quick way to estimate your daily calorie needs for weight maintenance, assuming a moderately active lifestyle, is to multiply your current weight in pounds by 15.
Simple Calculation for Maintenance Calories
This method provides a rough estimate based on your body weight and activity level.
- The Rule: Multiply your current weight (in pounds) by 15.
- Why this works: This calculation provides a general estimate of the calories needed to maintain your current weight, assuming moderate activity.
Example
Let's say you weigh 150 pounds.
150 (pounds) x 15 = 2,250 calories
This suggests you need approximately 2,250 calories per day to maintain your current weight if you are moderately active.
Important Considerations
- This is just an estimate. Individual calorie needs vary based on factors such as age, gender, metabolism, and activity level.
- To lose weight, you'll typically need to consume fewer calories than this estimate or increase your activity level.
- For more accurate results, consider consulting a registered dietitian or using a more comprehensive calorie calculator.
