Kaloribudget

Kaloribudget is the planned daily intake of calories to meet an individual's energy needs and goals. It is a practical tool in nutrition and weight management, based on energy balance: calories consumed versus calories expended through basal metabolism, the thermic effect of food, and physical activity (total daily energy expenditure, TDEE). To estimate a kaloribudget, one first computes basal metabolic rate (BMR) using formulas such as Mifflin-St Jeor, then multiplies by an activity factor to obtain TDEE. The budget is set relative to goals: maintenance (around TDEE), a deficit for weight loss, or a surplus for weight gain or muscle building.

In daily use, people track food intake with labels or apps to stay within the target, while considering macronutrients and micronutrients. Protein intake and fiber can aid satiety and preserve lean mass during a deficit. The kaloribudget is adjustable and may change with age, body composition, illness, or changes in activity. It should be used alongside overall dietary quality and medical advice when needed. Some critics argue that focusing on numbers can overshadow nutrition quality, but supporters highlight its usefulness as a clear, measurable framework for managing energy balance.