Caloric Intake refers to how many calories you consume

Calculating your caloric intake can greatly assist you in determining your daily caloric needs based on whether you want to gain, lose, or maintain weight

There are 3 common methods for calculating your caloric intake. Before we get to these methods, you need to understand a few things.

• You need to clearly decide on what your goals are. Losing, gaining, or maintaining weight each have an impact on your Caloric Intake.
• Once you have established your goal, and understand the meaning of Daily Caloric Intake, you can use one of the following methods.

1. Estimated Energy Requirement (EER)
2. Caloric Intake Charts
3. Caloric Intake Calculator

Estimated Energy Requirement (EER) is the daily requirement for energy. Recommended by the DRI (Dietary Reference Intake)Accounts for age, gender, height, physical activity, and weight.

• Disadvantage - More math involved

 There are many charts that list the total amount of calories a person should have.

• Advantage - the calorie totals are already figured out
• Disadvantage - Charts can be a bit misleading because they are typically based on the average of an average person

There are many online calculators that can give you an estimate on your daily caloric intake.

• Advantage - the calculator does all the work for you.
• Disadvantage - Calculators can be based on old data or inaccurate formulas.

Caloric Intake is applicable to anyone who's on a weight loss program, a diet, or training for a specific event.

You can't manage your weight without an understanding of how many calories you are consuming. You wont know how many calories to consume unless you determine your goals or have an established medical condition.