Find answers to the most common questions about our calorie and macro calculator.
Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) represents the total number of calories your body burns in a day, accounting for basal metabolic rate (BMR), physical activity, and the thermic effect of food. It's calculated by multiplying your BMR by an activity factor that corresponds to your lifestyle.
Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the number of calories your body needs at rest to maintain vital functions. It can be estimated using formulas like the Harris-Benedict equation, which considers factors such as age, gender, weight, and height.
TDEE calculators provide estimates based on general formulas and personal input. While they offer a good starting point, individual variations like muscle mass, metabolism, and specific activity levels can affect accuracy.
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure that uses height and weight to estimate body fatness. It's calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters.
BMI has limitations as it doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or fat distribution. Therefore, it may misclassify muscular individuals as overweight or obese.
Body fat percentage can be estimated using various methods, including skinfold measurements, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and formulas like the U.S. Navy method, which uses measurements of the neck, waist, and hips.
Body fat percentage provides insight into body composition, distinguishing between fat mass and lean mass. It's a more specific health indicator than weight alone, helping assess fitness levels and health risks.
Caloric needs vary based on factors like age, gender, weight, height, and activity level. To lose weight, it's generally recommended to consume fewer calories than your TDEE, creating a caloric deficit.
While it's most definitely possible to lose weight through dietary changes alone by maintaining a calorie deficit, incorporating physical activity can enhance weight loss, improve body composition, and offer additional health benefits.
The timing of meals can influence energy levels and recovery. Consuming high-carbohydrate snacks 2-3 hours before intense workouts can enhance performance, while protein-rich meals post-exercise aid in muscle repair. However, overall diet quality and consistency are more crucial than specific meal timing.
When it comes to purely gaining or losing weight, yes. But not all calories are equal in terms of their effects on satiety, digestion, and health. Calories from whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins tend to be more filling and nutritious compared to calories from processed foods high in sugars and fats.
Yes, focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods, controlling portion sizes, and listening to hunger cues can lead to weight loss without strict calorie counting. Emphasizing healthy eating patterns and lifestyle changes is often more sustainable, but it's always recommended to count your calories each day.