A calorie is a unit used to measure energy, specifically the amount of heat necessary to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water 1 degree Celsius. What concerns dieters, however, is food energy, correctly measured with the Calorie (with a capital C ) or kilocalorie (kcal), meaning 1000 calories.  Gram for gram, fat contains more calories (food energy) than either protein or carbohydrate.

1 g fat = 9 calories
1 protein = 4 calories
1 g carbohydrate = 4 calories
1 g alcohol = 7 calories

How many calories should you consume each day?
It depends on your age, height, weight, whether you're active or sedentary, whether you're trying to gain weight, lose weight or maintain weight.  And certainly, your basal metabolic rate is a factor.

You gain weight when you consume more calories than your body needs, and lose when you burn more calories through activity.

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