The Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) of an athlete represents the total energy they use in a day. It’s a combination of several factors:
- Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR): This is the energy needed to maintain vital organs at rest. BMR varies based on age, gender, height, and weight.
- Activity Level: This factor considers deliberate exercise and other daily activities. It includes the thermic effect of activity and non-exercise activity thermogenesis.
- Thermic Effect of Food: The energy required to process and use food.
To estimate TDEE, follow these steps:
Calculate BMR using an appropriate formula (e.g., Mifflin St-Jeor, Harris-Benedict, or Katch-McArdle).
Multiply BMR by an activity level factor:
- Sedentary (little/no exercise): 1.2
- Light exercise (1-2 days/week): 1.375
- Moderate exercise (3-5 days/week): 1.55
- Heavy exercise (6-7 days/week): 1.725
- Athlete (2x per day): 2.4
TDEE varies day by day and depends on individual factors. If you’d like to calculate your own TDEE, you can use our online TDEE calculator.
The average daily calorie count for athletes can vary based on individual factors, but generally, they need more calories than the average person. Here are some guidelines:
Normal individuals: Typically need 1,500 to 2,000 calories per day.
Athletes: Their calorie needs can increase by 500 to 1,000 more calories.