Final answer:
To determine maintenance calories, use your current activity level to reflect daily energy use. Chart activities and calories over two days, then average them out. Adjust your calorie intake if there is a significant change in activity.
Step-by-step explanation:
When figuring out your maintenance calories, you should consider your current activity level. This is because the number of calories needed to maintain your weight should reflect your daily energy expenditure, which is based on how active you currently are. However, if you plan a significant change in your activity level, you may need to adjust your caloric intake accordingly.
To calculate your average daily caloric use, start by charting your activities and the calories used in two 24-hour periods, including one weekday and one weekend day. Then, divide the total energy used in these days by two to get your average. Remember that discretionary calories can be adjusted based on your physical activity level and age. For sustainable results and health management, consuming nutrient-dense foods while considering your discretionary calorie allowance is advised. Additionally, consider that if you are planning to change your activity level, you should revisit your maintenance calories calculation to ensure it reflects your new daily energy use. It's a dynamic number that changes with your lifestyle.