Wut's the best way to determine maintenance caloric intake?

[TiGeR AK]

is there an accurate method of determining it?

[Ironman8]

Heh, the only way I could think of is reading the nutritional label.

[AJ_11]

15-16*Bodyweight is uaually maintence

[Vido]

The best way is to start tracking what you are eating on a daily basis. Start with one of those generic formulas like 15xBW and adjust accordingly until you are neither gaining or losing weight.

[Ironman8]

Oops, I'm stupid :bash: I thought you meant you want to track how many calories you eat a day. Anyways, 15xBW is a good method.

[bradley]

Originally posted by Vido
The best way is to start tracking what you are eating on a daily basis. Start with one of those generic formulas like 15xBW and adjust accordingly until you are neither gaining or losing weight.

I agree with Vido. Just use those formulas as a rough estimate because they are far from ideal IMO. Here are some of the common formulas used to determine calorie intake

12xbw-cutting
15*bw-maintenance
18*bw bulking

[Ironman8]

Are you sure about that Bradley? Because I'm currently bulking, and I multiplied 18x150(BW) and the result was 2700?! Not even enough to gain a pound. Am I multiplying wrong or something?

[Vido]

That may or may not be enough calories to bulk Ironman, it depends on a slew of factors, most notably your metabolism and level of activity. At 150lbs you probably have a fast metabolism and could afford to increase the calories, but you have to remember that you probably don't need as many cals as someone who weighs substantially more.

[bradley]

Originally posted by Ironman8
Are you sure about that Bradley? Because I'm currently bulking, and I multiplied 18x150(BW) and the result was 2700?! Not even enough to gain a pound. Am I multiplying wrong or something?

That is the main problem with formulas of this nature. They are a rough estimate and should be used as a guideline.