What does TDEE mean?

TDEE stands for Total Daily Energy Expenditure

You might be thinking, why do I need to know this Steph and what does it have to do with fat loss?

The truth is, you don’t need to know about this but you might be interested in the break down of how we expend our energy throughout the day.

TDEE is broken down in to different parts…

First is our BMR (basal metabolic rate) this is the amount of energy that you need to just stay alive and is about 70% of your daily expenditure which you’ll be surprised to hear requires you to do absolutely nothing. If you stayed in bed all day you would still be spending this much energy.

The next element is called EAT (exercise activity thermogenesis) this is any planned exercise you do whether it be a class, home workout or a gym session.

Then you have TEF (thermic effect of food) this is the amount of energy it takes for your body to digest, absorb and metabolise your food.

Lastly you have NEAT (non exercise activity thermogenesis) this is simply any movement you create through the day, could be putting on a washing, going for a walk, cooking dinner, cleaning etc. This is just day to day movement that expends this type of energy.

So, BMR, EAT, TEF & NEAT, are the make up of your TDEE and this is what you would calculate to determine what your calorie allowance would be when in a caloric deficit, surplus or if you wish to stay at maintenance.

Steph