How many calories should you aim to eat in a day? Variations of this question frequently get sent to us at TOPS Headquarters. Unfortunately, there is no “one-size-fits-all” answer to this question. The primary reason for this is that any caloric count is an estimate. This means that the number of calories specified for an apple or a slice of bread is the best guess scientists have been able to determine based on modern technology and research.
This does not negate the usefulness of this information. However, it is important to understand that the accuracy of how many calories you may (or may not) be consuming—or burning while exercising—is an approximation. Some sources can provide more reliable data than others, like a fitness tracker you’re wearing versus the calorie counter on a treadmill you’re walking on. The same is true in terms of how much energy you are biologically expending throughout the day in general. Surprisingly, many of us are not as active as we think we are. This 2023 study revealed that the average middle-aged adult spent a combined total of 18.1 hours a day sleeping and sitting.
Which is why, when in doubt, it is usually worthwhile to sneak in a little more movement time into the day, however we can. For me, this might look like a second ½- to 1-mile walk with my pup or boyfriend before bed. Another tip I have for better assessing your food intake and metabolism is to ask your primary healthcare provider for a referral to meet with a certified nutritionist or registered dietician. This is the most reliable path to determining such ratios.
Although there is a plethora of amazing healthy lifestyle resources available via the TOPS website, YouTube channel and TOPS News every month, we are unable to create personalized nutritional plans for individual members. That would necessitate having access to your medical records and the ability to communicate with your healthcare team. What we can do is assist in finding the type of wellness support you are currently in need of. So never hesitate to reach out with any questions and topics you want more information about!
On that note, this month, I actually have a question for all of you:
How many of you have heard of this recent drama involving a protein bar company and how it may have misled consumers about how many fat grams and calories it contained? If so, share your opinion as comment below.
Hope you’re having an amazing start to April—and spring—thus far!
~Rachel
It is my understanding that the class action suit against David Bars my have been dropped recently. This whole uproar is just more evidence that steering clear of processed foods is the safer course to follow in my journey to best health.
THANK YOU for the update on this case, Barb!