If you are on a ‘be healthy, stay healthy’ mission then you need to keep a calorie count. It is often tough to control the amount of calories that a person eats each day, so it may become difficult for you to guess your exact needs and how much of it has already been consumed during a day.

You need to consume the right amount of food to fuel your body and keep it active to maximize your weight loss program. When deciding on your calorie needs remember that every person is different. Factors like gender, age, weight, height and activity level all decide the calorie you may actually need. Here’s how you can balance some:

1. Women aged between 19 and 30 need about 2000 calories if leading a sedentary life. Those who are active or moderately active may need anywhere between 2,200 to 2,400 calories.

2. Men aged between 19 and 30 need 2,400 calories if sedentary, but can need up to 3000 calories when leading an active lifestyle.

3. If you are overweight, then you will need to create a calorie deficit to reach your ideal weight. Even eating 200 calories lesser can help you.

4. Instead of eating large meals, have six small meals. Three can be moderate and three small snacks with fruits, and handful of nuts and raisins.

5. Keep your metabolism high through exercise, diet and other activities so that your calorie intake remains balanced.