Understanding Net Calories and Energy Availability
Net Calories are calculated as the total calories you consume minus the calories you burn through deliberate physical exercise. Tracking net calories ensures that you do not accidentally drop your energy availability too low, which can trigger hormonal disruptions, chronic fatigue, and muscle wasting.
Safe Energy Floors:
- Keep Net Calories Above BMR: Ensure your net calories do not fall below your Basal Metabolic Rate to protect organ function.
- Energy Availability: Aim for at least 30 calories per kilogram of fat-free mass daily to support normal biological function.
- Avoid Under-Eating: Extreme low net calories can stall weight loss by causing you to move less subconsciously (lower NEAT).