Calorie
Also known as: Kcal
What it actually is
Food calories (kcal) measure how much energy a food provides when burned by the body. 1g of protein or carb = 4 kcal; 1g of fat = 9 kcal; 1g of alcohol = 7 kcal. Adult women need ~1,800–2,200 kcal/day for maintenance; men need ~2,200–2,800. For weight loss, a deficit of 300–500 kcal/day is sustainable.
Why it matters for Pakistanis
You don't need to count calories forever — but knowing your daily target for 2 weeks teaches you what 'enough food' looks like. Most Pakistanis underestimate by 30–40%.
Related terms
TDEE
TDEE is the total calories you burn in a day, including basal metabolism, activity, and digestion.
BMR
BMR is the calories your body burns at complete rest just to keep your organs functioning.
Macronutrient
Macronutrients are the three nutrients your body needs in large amounts: protein, carbohydrate, and fat.
Reviewed by Ghizayat's registered dietitian team. Not a substitute for medical advice.