dailycalories-related stories
Know your numbers to keep weight in check
Counting calories is an excellent way to lose or maintain weight. But though you know how many calories you should be eating, do you know how many you're burning? You can look up the average calories burned during most physical activities, but the bulk of your calories are used each day when you aren't even trying. Your resting metabolic rate, or RMR, is the numbers of calories you use when you're at rest. You burn them, simply by existing.
When you add your RMR to any physical activity (not just exercise) you do, you get a general idea of how many calories you use every day. Once you know that, you can plan exactly how many calories you need to maintain your weight, or calories you need to eliminate so that you can lose weight at a healthy pace (1 to 2 pounds per week).
The numbers aren't perfect -- because every person and every metabolism is different -- but they'll give you a good idea of where to start. You can find RMR calculators online or you can do the math yourself. Find formulas for men and women here.
When you add your RMR to any physical activity (not just exercise) you do, you get a general idea of how many calories you use every day. Once you know that, you can plan exactly how many calories you need to maintain your weight, or calories you need to eliminate so that you can lose weight at a healthy pace (1 to 2 pounds per week).
The numbers aren't perfect -- because every person and every metabolism is different -- but they'll give you a good idea of where to start. You can find RMR calculators online or you can do the math yourself. Find formulas for men and women here.
