I've often read on this site by various posters and in many of the threads that you should eat 10-12 X bodyweight. I don't remember any of this coming from Eades or Atkins. Does anyone know the original source of this guideline? I'd like to read up on it!

Thanks so very much,
fleadogs

I am sure Nat can give more details and specifics however it comes from the bare minimum of supporting your BMR or Basal Metobolic Rate. (you know, how many calories you burn a day just breathing and processing food and drinks, heart pumping etc)

The guideline comes from human biology, flea. As Agony pointed out your body must perform certain necessary biological functions every day - this takes energy. BMR (basic metabolic rate) is the term that refers to these functions. Roughly 60-70% of your caloric intake goes go satisfy this every day; and it works out to be 10 - 12 times your CURRENT body weight. The 10-12 rule is therefore the minimum you need to keep things running smoothly - you can actually eat more (and should; as 10-12 only satisfies 60-70% of what you need energy wise)

That being said, everyone will be different. Some of us are more metabolically resistant and will require somewhat less - say 7-9 times our body weight a day. Many can get away with more, much more. 10 - 12 is a good baseline to start with; tweak from there.

The next time you're out surfing try doing a search for "BMR" or "Metabolism"; it is a very interesting subject.

Nat