Calories and body size

Carla Asks in Category Nutrition 101:

What is the amount of calories needed to achieve a natural weight range?

The amount of calories needed is directly determined by current body size, goal body size, and current
activity level.

For example, 1200 calories may be too little for a 6 foot male, BUT too much for a 2 ft toddler.

2000 calories may be enough for the average person, BUT inadequate for an athlete.

1500 calories may be all you need IF you were trying to maintain your current weight and size, but too
little if you were trying to GAIN muscle mass.

I use a software program when counselling my clients to determine an approximate caloric intake
based on their current weight, goal weight, expected caloric use through exercise and daily activities.

There is no such thing as a "Natural weight range", but there is an IDEAL weight range as suggested
by various boards, the insurance companies, the ADA etc. Some have fine bone structures, some
have heavy bone structures. Some are naturally muscular, some are ectomorphs (thin no matter what)
- even if they are the identical height to the person next to them.

Yours

Trudy Beerman

Health Coach

www.healthcoachplus.com