Final answer:
Calorie requirements vary based on age, gender, and activity level, not being the same for everyone. Quality is also important since calories from different foods have varying nutritional values, which influences overall health.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to Maria's question about calorie requirements is that calorie requirements depend on age, gender, and activity level. This is because the amount of energy (calories) an individual needs each day varies widely and is influenced by several factors. Important considerations include the individual's age, gender, body composition, and especially their activity level. An athlete, for instance, may require significantly more calories than a non-athlete due to the energy expended during training and competition. For example, while a moderately active woman may need about 2,000 calories per day, a highly active male athlete might require over 3,000 calories a day.
Despite all calories providing the same energy content, not all calories have the same nutritional value. Therefore, the quality of the food we consume is crucial. Consuming calories from nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins will support overall health much better than calories from sugar-rich snacks and fast food. This understanding helps to maintain a balanced diet that meets both the energy and nutritional needs of an individual.