Calories Needed for 48-Year-Old Women

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In diet and nutrition, the term calorie describes the energy content of foods. As with all age groups, the daily calorie needs of 48-year-old women vary with their levels of physical activity.

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Definition

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The Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion defines three activity levels beyond your activities of daily living. Per that definition, sedentary individuals spend less than 30 minutes a day in moderate physical activity, while moderately active individuals engage in 30 minutes to one hour of moderate exercise. Active women exercise for 60 or more minutes a day.

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Calorie Levels

If you're a sedentary 48-year-old woman, your daily calorie needs amount to 1,800. Daily recommendations increase to 2,000 and 2,200 calories for moderately active and active 48-year-old women, respectively.

Sources

Calories have the same worth and effect, regardless of their origin. However, with nine calories per gram, fats are the most calorie-dense food source. Carbohydrates and proteins each deliver four calories per gram.

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Considerations

Calorie recommendations are based on your energy requirements—the amount of energy your body needs in order to maintain a stable weight and support a healthy level of physical activity. However, the vitamins, minerals and fiber that a varied, balanced diet provides are just as important for good health as the amount of caloric intake.

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