Calorie Need Calculator
How Many Calories Do You Really Need?
Deepi Brar
CONSUMER HEALTH INTERACTIVE
If you've ever looked at a table of recommended dietary allowances (RDAs), you've probably seen a ballpark figure that tells you how many calories you should be getting. But since your caloric needs vary with age, height, activity level, and other factors, this number is likely to be too high or low for you. To find out how many calories you should actually be getting, just fill in the fields below and hit "calculate."
Click here to rank your activity level.
How to Rank Your Activity Level
• Very light activity. You spend most of a typical day sitting. You rarely exercise.
• Light activity. You work in an office, but your day includes some walking, bicycling, or stair-climbing. Or you exercise at least 20 to 45 minutes at least once a week.
• Moderate activity. Your daily routine involves walking or standing most of the day or includes some brisk or uphill walking or some lifting. Or you exercise at least 20 to 45 minutes about three times a week.
• Heavy activity. Your daily routine keeps you moving most of the time or includes some running, heavy lifting, or swimming. Or you exercise at least 20 to 45 minutes every day.
• Exceptional activity. You're unstoppable. You're training daily for an athletic event, or you're a professional dancer or athlete with a strenuous schedule.
About 65 percent of Americans fall into one of the first two categories.
Last updated January 12, 2005
Copyright © 2005 Consumer Health Interactive, a CVS Caremark Company
