How Many Calories on Keto Diet for Females? (Practical Guide)

The keto diet has been gaining popularity among women who want to lose weight and improve their health. This low-carb, high-fat diet is known for its ability to help people shed pounds quickly, but it can be challenging to figure out how many calories you should be consuming each day.

So, the question arises – how many calories on a keto diet female should consume to achieve this deficit? Generally, it’s recommended that women consume between 1200 to 1500 calories per day on the keto diet to ensure they’re in a calorie deficit.

The ketogenic diet is a very low-carb, high-fat eating regimen that induces the metabolic state of ketosis. This means that instead of burning glucose for energy, your body burns fat instead. The ketogenic diet is designed to induce this metabolic state and promote fat burning.

Many women have turned to the keto diet as a way to lose weight and improve their overall health. It has been advertised as an effective way to shed pounds quickly while still enjoying delicious foods like bacon and avocado. However, it’s important to note that not everyone will experience the same results on this plan.

In this guide, you will get all info you need. So, let’s go.

Understanding the Basics of Calorie Counting on a Keto Diet.

Counting calories is an essential part of any weight loss journey, including the keto diet. The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carb diet that aims to put your body into a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. To achieve this state, you need to consume fewer calories than your body needs to maintain its current weight.

Calculating daily calorie needs can be challenging as it depends on several factors, such as age, weight, height, and activity level. However, there are various online calculators available that can help you determine your daily calorie needs accurately.

The Harris-Benedict equation is one such calculator that takes into account your age, gender, weight, height, and activity level to calculate your basal metabolic rate (BMR). BMR is the number of calories your body burns at rest to maintain basic bodily functions like breathing and circulation.

You can determine your daily calorie needs by using the Harris-Benedict equation or another online calculator to determine your basal metabolic rate (BMR) and then adding in your activity level. If you have a sedentary lifestyle with little or no exercise routine, multiply your BMR by 1.2.

For light exercise routines one or two days a week, multiply by 1.375; for moderate exercise routines three to five days a week, multiply by 1.55; for intense exercise routines six or seven days a week, multiply by 1.725; and for very intense exercise routines twice per day multiply by 1.9.

Importance of Tracking Macronutrient Ratios.

Tracking macronutrient ratios (fat, protein, and carbs) is crucial when following the keto diet, as it helps ensure that you are consuming the right amount of each macronutrient required for ketosis.

The recommended macronutrient ratio on a keto diet is typically 70-75% fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% carbs. Consuming fewer carbs forces your body to burn fat for energy, resulting in weight loss.

It is essential to track macronutrient ratios accurately, as consuming too many carbs or proteins can kick you out of ketosis. Tracking also helps ensure that you are not consuming too many calories and are staying within your daily calorie limit.

Recommended Calorie and Macro Ratios for Women on Keto.

The recommended calorie and macro ratios for women on a keto diet depend on several factors, such as age, weight, height, activity level, and body composition goals. However, there are general guidelines that women can follow when starting a keto diet.

For women looking to lose weight on a keto diet, the recommended daily calorie intake is between 1200-1500 calories per day. The recommended macro ratio is typically 70-75% fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% carbs.

Please consult your doctor before beginning the ketogenic diet if you have any preexisting medical conditions or dietary restrictions, such as diabetes or celiac disease.

Counting Calories vs. Counting Carbs.

On a ketogenic diet counting carbohydrates is just as important as counting calories. Consuming too many carbohydrates can kick you out of ketosis even if you are within your daily calorie limit.

When counting carbs on a keto diet, it is essential to differentiate between net carbs and total carbs. Net carbs are the total carbohydrates minus the insignificantly blood sugar-raising fiber and sugar alcohols. Total Carbs refer to all types of carbohydrates present in food, including fiber and sugar alcohols.

To achieve ketosis, it’s important to keep net carb intake below 50 grams per day while keeping total carbohydrate intake below 20 grams per day.

Recommended Reading: No Carbs for a Month: Weight Loss Benefits and Effects

How to Track Calories on a Keto Diet?

Tracking calories on a keto diet can be important to make sure you are eating the right amount of food. Let’s take a look below at how you should do it.

1. Use a Food Scale.

Weighing your food with a food scale is the most accurate way to count. This method allows you to ensure that you are consuming the right amount of macronutrients and staying within your daily calorie limit. By using a food scale, you can measure the exact portions of protein, fat, and carbs in each meal.

Using a food scale may seem daunting at first, but it quickly becomes second nature. You can purchase an affordable digital food scale online or at your local grocery store. Once you have your scale, simply weigh out each ingredient before cooking or eating.

One common mistake people make when tracking their calories is not accounting for hidden ingredients in their meals. For example, many sauces and dressings contain added sugars or other hidden carbs that can quickly add up. By measuring everything with a food scale, you can accurately track your intake and avoid going over your daily calorie limit.

2. Use a Calorie Tracking App.

If weighing every single ingredient seems too tedious for you, there are many calorie-tracking apps available that can help simplify the process. You can use these apps to track what you eat and see how many calories you’ve consumed in a day.

Some popular calorie-tracking apps include MyFitnessPal, Lose It!, and Cronometer. These apps also allow you to set goals based on your weight loss or fitness journey and provide recommendations for how many calories you should consume each day.

The benefit of using an app is that it saves time compared to manually counting every calorie yourself. Additionally, these apps often have large databases of foods already entered into them, so that all you need to do is search for what you ate.

3. Read Food Labels.

When grocery shopping for keto-friendly foods, make sure to read the nutrition labels on the items carefully. This can help you keep track of your dietary intake by providing an estimate of the calorie and macronutrient content of various serving sizes.

Keep in mind that not all foods are made equal and that some may have carbohydrates or sugars that aren’t obvious at first glance. For example, many processed foods marketed as “low-carb” may still contain a significant amount of net carbs per serving. By reading the labels carefully, you can ensure that you are staying within your daily carb limit and avoiding any hidden ingredients.

4. Plan Your Meals Ahead of Time.

Making a meal plan in advance will help you avoid straying from your calorie intake targets. This way, you can ensure that each meal is balanced and contains the right amount of macronutrients. It also helps to prevent impulsive snacking or overeating.

One effective method for meal planning is batch cooking. This involves preparing large batches of food at once and portioning them out into individual servings for later consumption. Not only does this save time during the week, but it also ensures that you are eating healthy meals without having to cook every day.

Meal planning is helpful since it enables you to eat more foods from a wider range while still sticking to your calorie goal. By planning out different recipes and incorporating a range of proteins, fats, and vegetables, you can avoid getting bored with your meals while still hitting your macros.

How Many Calories Should Women Eat on a Keto Diet?

Calorie intake on a keto diet is an important factor that determines the success of the diet. However, it varies based on individual factors such as age, weight, height, and activity level. Women who are more active and have higher muscle mass may require more calories than those who are less active. Therefore, it’s essential to determine how many calories you need to consume each day for optimal results.

To lose weight on a keto diet, women should aim for a calorie deficit of 500-1000 calories per day. This can be achieved by reducing calorie intake and increasing physical activity. The body will then start burning stored fat for energy instead of glucose from carbohydrates.

It’s important to track your calorie intake and macronutrient ratios (fat, protein, and carbs) on a keto diet to ensure that the body is in a state of ketosis. This can be done using apps or online calculators that help you keep track of your daily food intake.

One study found that women who followed a low-carb diet for six months lost an average of 12% of their body weight while also improving their blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity. Another study showed that women who consumed fewer than 20 grams of carbohydrates per day lost more weight than those on a low-fat diet.

However, it’s crucial to note that calorie needs may differ during pregnancy or breastfeeding periods. Changing your diet at this time without first talking to your doctor is not recommended.

Additionally, women with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or thyroid issues, may require personalized recommendations for calorie intake on a keto diet. These conditions can affect metabolism and hormone levels in the body, making it challenging to determine how many calories one should consume each day.

Calculating Your Daily Calorie Intake on Keto.

If you’re following a keto diet, it’s important to know how many calories you need to consume each day. This is because the number of calories you eat will determine whether you lose or gain weight.

In this section, we’ll discuss how to calculate your daily calorie intake on keto.

1. Determining Your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR).

The first step in calculating your daily calorie intake on keto is determining your basal metabolic rate (BMR). Your BMR is the number of calories your body burns at rest. It’s the amount of energy needed to keep your body functioning while you’re not doing any physical activity.

To determine your BMR, you can use an online calculator that takes into account your age, sex, height, and weight. Once you know your BMR, you can modify it to fit your current activity level and desired body weight.

2. Adjusting for Activity Levels and Weight Goals.

Your calorie needs on keto will depend on your macronutrient ratio, which typically consists of high fat, moderate protein, and low carbohydrate intake. To achieve weight loss, you need to create a calorie deficit by consuming fewer calories than your energy expenditure.

However, consuming too few calories can lead to weight gain due to the body’s adaptive response to conserve energy. Therefore, it’s important to find the right balance and not consume too many or too few calories.

To adjust for activity levels and weight goals, multiply your BMR by an activity factor that reflects how active you are during the day. For example:

Sedentary (little or no exercise): BMR x 1.2
Lightly active (light exercise/sports 1-3 days/week): BMR x 1.375
Moderately active (moderate exercise/sports 3-5 days/week): BMR x 1.55
Very active (hard exercise/sports 6-7 days/week): BMR x 1.725
Super active (very hard exercise/sports, physical job, or training twice a day): BMR x 1.9

You can further modify your daily calorie demands based on your weight goals after you have calculated them based on your exercise level. Calorie deficit, or eating fewer calories than you burn, is the key to weight loss. You need to ingest more calories than you burn off in order to put on weight.

3. Calculating Your Calorie Needs on Keto.

To calculate your calorie needs on keto, you need to take into account your macronutrient ratio.

The standard macronutrient ratio for keto is:

High fat: 70-80% of total calories
Moderate protein: 20-25% of total calories
Low carbohydrate intake: less than 50 grams/day or less than 10% of total calories

To calculate the number of calories from each macronutrient, use the following formula:

Fat: grams of fat x 9 = total calories from fat
Protein: grams of protein x 4 = total calories from protein
Carbohydrates: grams of carbohydrates x 4 = total calories from carbohydrates

For example, if you’re following a keto diet and consuming 2,000 calories per day with a macronutrient ratio of:

Fat: 150 grams (75%)
Protein: 100 grams (20%)
Carbohydrates: 25 grams (5%)

Your daily calorie intake would be:

(150g fat x 9) + (100g protein x4) + (25g carbs x4) = 1350 +400 +100=1850 kcal

4. Creating a Calorie Deficit for Weight Loss.

If your goal is to lose weight on keto, you need to create a calorie deficit by consuming fewer calories than your energy expenditure. However, it’s important not to consume too few calories as this can lead to weight gain due to the body’s adaptive response to conserve energy.

To create a calorie deficit, aim for a 500-750 calorie reduction from your daily calorie needs. This will result in a weight loss of 1-2 pounds per week.

However, keep in mind that everyone’s body is different, and there are many factors that can affect weight loss on keto. These include age, sex, genetics, activity level, and body fat percentage.

Can You Eat Too Few Calories on a Keto Diet?

While the keto diet is known for its ability to help people lose weight, it’s important to remember that consuming too few calories can have negative consequences. One of the biggest risks of consuming too few calories on a keto diet is nutrient deficiencies. When you’re not eating enough food, your body may not be getting all the vitamins and minerals it needs to function properly.

Another risk of consuming too few calories on a keto diet is metabolic slowdown. When you eat too few calories, your body goes into “starvation mode” and slows down your metabolism in an effort to conserve energy. This can make it harder for you to lose weight in the long run.

Finally, consuming too few calories on a keto diet can also lead to muscle loss. When your body doesn’t have enough energy from food, it may start breaking down muscle tissue for fuel instead. This can cause you to lose muscle mass and strength over time.

Signs That You May Not Be Eating Enough Calories on Keto.

If you’re following a keto diet and trying to lose weight, it’s important to make sure that you’re still eating enough calories each day. Some signs that you may not be eating enough include feeling tired or sluggish throughout the day, having trouble concentrating or focusing, experiencing frequent headaches or dizziness, or feeling constantly hungry.

Tips for Avoiding Undereating While Still Achieving Weight Loss Goals.

If you’re worried about undereating while following a keto diet, there are several things you can do to ensure that you’re still getting enough calories each day. First and foremost, make sure that you’re tracking your food intake using an app or journal so that you know exactly how many calories you’re consuming each day.

Secondly, focus on incorporating plenty of nutrient-dense foods into your meals, such as leafy greens, non-starchy vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, and healthy fats like avocado and olive oil. These foods will help you feel full and satisfied while still providing your body with the nutrients it needs.

Finally, consider speaking with a registered dietitian or nutritionist who can help you create a personalized meal plan that meets your calorie and nutrient needs while still allowing you to achieve your weight loss goals.

Sample Meal Plan: Keto Diet for Women.

A standard keto diet involves consuming high amounts of healthy fats, moderate protein, and very low carbohydrates. This dietary approach has been shown to help individuals achieve weight loss goals while improving overall health markers such as blood sugar control and cholesterol levels.

However, a well-planned meal plan is crucial for a successful keto diet, especially for women who have different dietary needs than men.

A sample meal plan for women on a keto diet should include a variety of healthy fats such as avocado, nuts, and olive oil, along with protein sources like eggs, fish, and poultry. It is important to follow dietary guidelines and consume enough calories to maintain a healthy weight while on a keto diet. Consulting with a registered dietitian can help ensure that the meal plan is tailored to individual needs and goals for healthy weight loss.

When creating a meal plan for women on a keto diet, it is important to consider their unique nutritional needs. Women require more iron than men due to menstruation and pregnancy-related blood loss. Incorporating iron-rich foods such as red meat or leafy greens into the meal plan can help meet this need.

In addition to iron, women also require more calcium than men for bone health. While dairy products are often high in calcium, they are not typically included in large quantities on a keto diet due to their carbohydrate content. Instead, incorporating non-dairy sources of calcium, such as leafy greens or fortified nut milk, can help meet this need.

Incorporating nutrient-dense vegetables like leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables can provide essential vitamins and minerals while keeping carbohydrate intake low. These vegetables are also high in fiber, which can help promote feelings of fullness and aid in digestion.

A Sample Meal Plan for Women on a Keto Diet.

Breakfast: Scrambled eggs cooked in coconut oil with spinach and mushrooms.
Snack: Celery sticks with almond butter.
Lunch: Grilled chicken salad with mixed greens, avocado, and olive oil dressing.
Snack: Hard-boiled egg with a handful of almonds.
Dinner: Baked salmon with roasted broccoli and cauliflower.

This meal plan provides a variety of healthy fats from sources such as coconut oil, olive oil, and almonds. Protein is included at each meal to help maintain muscle mass while on a calorie-restricted diet. Nutrient-dense vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and broccoli provide essential vitamins and minerals while keeping carbohydrate intake low.

It is important to note that this sample meal plan may not be appropriate for all women on a keto diet. Consulting with a registered dietitian can help ensure that the meal plan is tailored to individual needs and goals for healthy weight loss.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions).

Is calorie counting necessary on a keto diet?

One of the most frequently asked questions about the keto diet is whether or not calorie counting is necessary. The answer to this question is both yes and no. While it’s true that you don’t necessarily have to count calories on a keto diet, it’s important to remember that weight loss ultimately comes down to creating a caloric deficit. This means that if you’re consuming more calories than your body needs, you’re unlikely to lose weight.

That being said, many people find that they naturally consume fewer calories on a keto diet due to the high-fat content of the foods they’re eating. Fat is incredibly satiating, which means that it helps keep you feeling full for longer periods of time. As a result, many people find themselves naturally eating less without having to actively restrict their caloric intake.

How do I calculate my macros for a keto diet?

If you’re interested in trying out the keto diet for yourself, one of the first things you’ll need to do is calculate your macros. Macros refer to macronutrients – protein, fat, and carbohydrates – and determining how much of each you should be consuming can help ensure that your body stays in ketosis.

There are several different online calculators available that can help you determine your ideal macro breakdown based on factors like your age, height, weight, and activity level. Once you’ve determined your ideal macro breakdown, it’s important to track what you’re eating using an app or food diary so that you can make adjustments as needed.

Do women need to eat fewer calories than men on a keto diet?

While there are some physiological differences between men and women, there’s no hard-and-fast rule stating that women need to eat fewer calories than men on a keto diet.

Ultimately, everyone’s ideal caloric intake will depend on a variety of factors, including age, height, weight, and activity level. It’s important to remember that the key to successful weight loss is creating a caloric deficit – regardless of your gender.

Can I eat as many calories as I want on a keto diet if I stay under my carb limit?

While it’s true that staying under your carb limit is crucial for staying in ketosis, eating as many calories as you want is not necessarily advisable. As mentioned earlier, weight loss ultimately comes down to creating a caloric deficit – so if you’re consuming more calories than your body needs (even if those calories are coming from healthy fats), you’re unlikely to see significant progress.

That being said, one of the benefits of the keto diet is that it can help naturally regulate your appetite and keep you feeling full for longer periods of time. This means that you may be able to consume fewer calories without feeling deprived or hungry.

What are some keto-friendly snacks with low calories?

If you’re looking for some tasty snack options that won’t derail your progress on the keto diet, there are plenty of options available! Here are just a few:

Hard-boiled eggs
Nuts (like almonds or macadamia nuts)
Celery sticks with cream cheese or almond butter
Beef jerky
Cheese cubes or string cheese

Can I still lose weight on a keto diet if I don’t count calories?

While counting calories can be helpful, it’s not strictly necessary. Many people find success on the keto diet simply by focusing on eating whole foods and avoiding processed junk foods.

That being said, if you find yourself struggling to lose weight despite following the guidelines of the keto diet (like staying under your carb limit), it may be worth tracking what you’re eating for a few days to get a better sense of your caloric intake. From there, you can make adjustments as needed to ensure that you’re creating a deficit and seeing progress.

Conclusion.

Understanding how many calories on a keto diet female is crucial for achieving weight loss goals. Tracking calorie intake and calculating daily calorie needs can help women achieve their desired body composition while maintaining muscle mass. It is important to keep in mind that consuming too few calories on a keto diet can have negative effects on the body, such as decreased energy levels and metabolism.

To ensure success on a keto diet, it is recommended to consume a moderate amount of protein, prioritizes fiber-rich vegetables, and engage in regular physical activity. By following these guidelines and tracking calorie intake, women can achieve their weight loss efforts while maintaining optimal health.

Remember that every woman’s body is unique and may require different ratios of macronutrients to achieve their goals. Consulting with a healthcare professional or registered dietician can provide personalized recommendations for caloric intake and macronutrient ratios.