to think a standard woman does not need 2000 calories a day?

[CardinalRichelieu]

I know it says on packaging etc that 2000 is the standard intake for a woman but it sounds like kind of a lot. I reckon I eat maybe 1600-1700 per day? I am quite small (5 ft 3) and don't do much exercise except walking around and a bit of pilates. I work partly from home and partly out of the home and don't really burn that much off in daily activity. I am in the healthy BMI range (19).

I don't think someone like me needs 2000 calories a day - am I right?

I think they should whether they do ....

I think angsting about calories and height is part of the problem. Why does this happen?

Love your response LLjkk!

SirEdmund, that was kind of my point. I personally don't give a monkey's arse what size anyone is. I'm not into fat or thin bashing. It just depresses me that otherwise intelligent women are wasting their energy obsessing over calories - and before anyone attacks me I'm not saying don't be healthy.

Lljkk - interesting article. I never thought I'd see Susie Orbach quoted in the Torygraph! Thanks for posting.

CardinalRichelieu

I know it says on packaging etc that 2000 is the standard intake for a woman but it sounds like kind of a lot.

I've never read it quite like that. On food packaging etc the word 'guidelines' is usually in there and 'average' rather than standard. I wouldn't interpret the message as all or most women need to eat 2,000 calories a day.

I think apart from stature, a lot of individual difference in calorific requirements is down to incidental movement (that NEAT stuff). Some people seem to move/twitch/expend energy all the time, whilst others can sit at a desk for hours and barely move.

I would be absolutely massive if I ate 2000 calories a day! It's all aboujt what's right for you isn't it? I currently eat about 1200 a day and 200 more if I exercise hard. It's plenty.

I am 5ft tall btw in case I get told that this is not enough. It's enough for me to maintain a good healthy weight and feel energetic.