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Calculating Daily Caloric Requirement

TDEE Equation:

\[ TDEE = BMR \times \text{activity factor} \]

kcal/day

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1. What is TDEE?

TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure) represents the total number of calories you burn in a day, accounting for your basal metabolic rate (BMR) and physical activity level. It's crucial for weight management, whether your goal is to lose, maintain, or gain weight.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the TDEE equation:

\[ TDEE = BMR \times \text{activity factor} \]

Where:

Explanation: The equation accounts for your body's baseline calorie needs (BMR) and scales it based on your activity level.

3. Importance of TDEE Calculation

Details: Knowing your TDEE helps create personalized nutrition plans. To lose weight, consume fewer calories than your TDEE; to gain weight, consume more; to maintain, match your intake to your TDEE.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your BMR (from a BMR calculator) and select your activity level based on your typical weekly exercise routine.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is TDEE calculation?
A: It provides a good estimate but individual variations exist. Track your results and adjust as needed.

Q2: Should I use TDEE or BMR for weight loss?
A: Always use TDEE as it accounts for all daily calorie expenditure, not just resting metabolism.

Q3: How often should I recalculate my TDEE?
A: Recalculate whenever your weight changes significantly (5+ lbs) or your activity level changes.

Q4: What's the best way to determine my activity factor?
A: Be honest about your exercise habits. Overestimating activity leads to inaccurate results.

Q5: Can TDEE change throughout the week?
A: Yes, if your activity varies significantly day-to-day, you might want to calculate separate TDEEs for different days.

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