The approximate average calorie intake at which body weight remains broadly stable over time.
Why Maintenance calories matters
Maintenance is a range rather than a perfect fixed number because activity, appetite, body mass and tracking vary.
A practical example
Monitoring two to four weeks of intake and average body weight to estimate a practical maintenance range.
Common mistake
Changing the estimate after one unusual weigh-in or assuming a calculator is exact.
Keep the context in mind.
Training and nutrition terms describe general principles. The right exercise, intensity or food target still depends on your experience, health, goals and schedule.
Personalised coaching
Apply the principle to your own training.
A definition is useful, but your programme still needs to match your experience, schedule, recovery and goals.
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