CALORIC CALCULATOR ACTIVITY LEVEL GUIDELINES

[Kate]

I always recommend the TDEE calculator (https://tdeecalculator.net/) for clients who want to understand their caloric ranges for goal setting. There’s just one problem – how do you know what activity level in which you should classify yourself? Check it out.

Sedentary: you work a desk job and don’t exercise

Light Activity: You work a desk job but exercise around 1-2x weekly. OR you don’t exercise but you work at a job that’s pretty active (nurse, teacher, construction, hairstylist, restaurant/hospitality industry, etc) where you’re on your feet most of the day.

Moderate Activity: You work a desk job but also work out at least 3x weekly – this is most of us, fam.

Very Active: You work out 5x+ per week and/or you have a strenuous job like the postal service, heavy construction, bike messenger, moving/delivery, etc.

Highly Active: You are an elite athlete and train HARD AND LONG daily + have high levels of NEAT.

I hope that helps!

P.S. I always err on the conservative side when I input my calculations, i.e. don’t flatter yourself. WINK! 😉

Discussion

[Mary]

I’ve always wondered if desk job + a workout more days than not “qualifies” for moderate activity – good to know!

[Kate]

The categories are so confusing – and most of us overreport our activity so it can set us up for failure off the jump!

[Author]

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