Caloric Intake

Definition

Caloric intake refers to the total number of calories consumed through food and drink in a given period, crucial for providing the energy needed for bodily functions and activities.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Caloric intake is the total energy, measured in kilocalories, acquired from foods and beverages consumed. It is essential for maintaining basal metabolic rate, physical activity, and thermogenesis. Accurate measurement of caloric intake is critical for managing body weight and meeting energy expenditure requirements.

Benefits

• Provides necessary energy for daily activities.
• Supports metabolic functions and physiological processes.
• Helps in maintaining healthy body weight as part of energy balance.
• Crucial for athletes to optimize performance and recovery.

Examples

• A balanced diet including fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and fats.
• An athlete consuming meals rich in carbohydrates before a sports event for energy.
• Maintaining a meal plan based on daily caloric needs to support training.

Additional Information

• Importance: Caloric intake is important for athletes to ensure they have sufficient energy for training, competition, recovery, and muscle repair. Over time, improper caloric intake can lead to issues such as underperformance or excessive weight gain.

Related Terms

• Basal Metabolic Rate
• Energy Expenditure
• Macronutrients
• Caloric Surplus
• Caloric Deficit

References

• Dietary Guidelines for Americans
• Energy Balance and Weight Management: Beyond Calories In, Calories Out