How do I know how many calories I should be eating a day? I am 29, 5'2 and 104 pounds. I eat smaller meals throughout the day, but when I added them up I think i am only getting about 1000 clories a day. My doctor thinks I am not eating enough because my blood pressure has been really low... Any good nutritional advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
2007-09-04 12:32:47 · 4 answers · asked by Mleigh23 2 in Health ➔ Diet & Fitness
Ok let me add some details here, all I eat is fruits veges and chicken and beans. I ust dont eat huge meals.. I want to know how many calories someone my age should be eating!
2007-09-04 12:41:22 · update #1
its not about age but rather height and weight.
find "daily calorie intake calculator" on the net, enter your stats and you will see exactly how many you need.
2007-09-04 15:39:07 · answer #1 · answered by Natalie 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
While age is somewhat of a factor, it is not the only factor to consider, body weight is and body composition is much more important in your case. I cannot tell you exactly how many calories you should be eating but I can give you some basic math to give you a starting point. The average woman burns 11 calories per pound of body weight, the average male burns 12, sorry yes I know it is not fair, but muscle mass plays an important role in this. In any event, at a body weight of 104 pounds, given that your body if functioning normally, i.e. nothing seriously wrong, and or your body hasn’t gone into starvation mode. Meaning you metabolism has dropped way down and your body is holding on to every calorie and ounce of fat it can, you should be eating 104 * 11 = 1144 calories per day and that is if you have no other activity, that is merely to maintain itself. Any type of activity obviously burns more calories, but just with the basics, your already 144 calories short per day.
As I indicated this is an average, and given your weight and height, and how clean your diet is, I do not imagine you carry a lot of body fat. I also imagine you probably get some physical activity on a regular basis, so you are probably closer to 12-14 calories per pound of body weight putting you in the 1200 – 1500 calorie range.
A quick way to add some quality calories to your daily dose is in shake or nutritional drink. Something like Ensure is a great way to add calories, it actually tastes good to, if you can find a flavor you like. There are many other brands, I just happen to be familiar with this one. One last thought, how you feel is a strong indicator of if you’re getting enough calories, if you tired and fatigued all the time, then you need more, if your energetic and always full of energy, your probably good. Feel free to email me if your concerned of have questions on what is here.
Good Luck
2007-09-04 19:55:41 · answer #2 · answered by Topher 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Low blood pressure is never a good thing. It is tough on your heart. You should be eating at leat 1300 calories a day. My doctor put me on that many while I was trying to lose weight and she saif NOT to go below that.
2007-09-04 19:40:38 · answer #3 · answered by Marilyn M 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, common sense.... add fruits and veggies... and eat more.
2007-09-04 19:39:23 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋